Atmosphere & Seating Options

Before you even enter Henry’s Coastal Cuisine, you get a sense you’re in for an elevated experience. The sleek exterior, along with the eye-catching wine wall, offers a glimpse of the level of detail that this beachside restaurant places on its food.

Henry’s offers both inside and outside dining. The dining room is done in relaxing neutral tones with wood finishes. There are lots of cozy booths and little tucked-away corner seating if you’re looking for a more intimate dining experience or you’re celebrating a special occasion.

You can’t beat patio dining in Southern California, and the patio set-up at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine is superb. There are comfortable couches and warm fire pits if you want to sip craft cocktails and order a few appetizers. Or, you can sit at one of the many outdoor dining tables. There’s no need to worry about the temperature dipping when the sunsets; Henry’s has heat lamps positioned throughout the area to ensure no one gets chilly.

The patio also has live music, charming bulb lighting draped overhead, and a to-die-for view of the Pacific Ocean, complete with California palm trees.

The Bar at Henry’s in the Waterfront Hotel

If you’re the type of diner who is always on the hunt for upscale restaurants and bars where you can enjoy outstanding food, and watch the game, then you’ll want to give Henry’s a look. The bar has two televisions, one at either end, and you can enjoy the same great restaurant dining experience right here.

The vibe here is laidback and a little funky, in a good way. The bar stools are electric blue, and the tile flooring has a modern, Spanish feel.

The Menu

Hotel menus can be a little hit or miss when it comes to the quality of the food. Some of the trendier spots seem to rely on their Instagrammable decor or their unobstructed ocean views to lure diners in rather than crafting memorable dishes. This is why when we sat down at Henry’s and our dishes began arriving, we were pleasantly surprised by how well-plated, and how flavorful everything was.

The menu at Henry’s Coastal Cuisine leans into the seafood dishes, as you might have guessed, but they also have some good meat options. While we didn’t order it, the Roasted Rack of Lamb with Lamb Confit, Eggplant Puree, and Sauteed Artichoke looked excellent, as did the Grilled Filet of Beef, served surf-and-turf style with Maine Lobster tail.

The Food

As you can see, the menu has some great offerings. We enjoyed the Grilled Octopus with Sauteed Spinach, Confit Yukon Potato, Blistered Sweet Cherry Tomatoes, and Greek Goddess Dressing. Now, grilled octopus and potatoes are a classic pairing, but this coastal menu staple gets a huge upgrade when Chef Lewis Butler confits the potatoes in duck fat. The blistered cherry tomatoes add a nice acidity to the dish, while the tangy and herbaceous yogurt in the green goddess dressing adds some creaminess to the charred octopus. While the octopus was a touch overcooked, it was still a really nice rendition.

The House-Smoked Salmon with Caper Horseradish Cream, Purple Mustard Greens, and Watercress Coulis is a beautifully plated dish. The salmon is thinly sliced and has a lovely smokiness. And the purple mustard greens and watercress almost resemble a bird’s nest on the plate. Very impressive. Tangy capers bring extra life to the zing of traditional horseradish.

Likewise, the Strawberry Tomato Gazpacho with Guacamole “Ice Cream” was really interesting. Believe it or not, strawberries and tomatoes go really well together. When you serve this dish chilled, it almost comes across as a savory sorbet. The combination of flavors and textures on the plate is excellent.

Last but certainly not least, dessert. How can you say ‘no’ to Chocolate Lava Cake with Cinnamon Ice Cream and Vanilla Chocolate Sauce? Picture warm lava cake sitting on top of the vanilla chocolate sauce and the cinnamon ice cream nestled on top of a small cookie. It’s a mini tower of chocolaty goodness and a homerun.

We paired our meal with a bottle of 2019 Domaine Du Pere Caboche, which is a nice GSM blend from the Loire Valley. Lots of focused red and black fruits, a little white pepper spice, and hints of minerality on the palate.

Final Thoughts

The service at Henry’s restaurant in the Waterfront Hotel was outstanding. The food was well executed, and the atmosphere was upscale but relaxed. If you’re in the Huntington Beach area, this spot is well worth seeking out.