Z Pizza Pacific Coast Store in Newport Beach has a spacious outdoor patio where you can actually bring your dog along while you eat. It’s right on the Pacific Coast Highway, so you get that convenient coastal location without feeling like you’re in some touristy trap.

The menu covers the basics well — gourmet pizzas with actual interesting toppings, fresh salads, and sandwiches. If you’re tired of chain pizza, there’s enough variety here that you can build something that feels less generic. The outdoor seating means you’re eating in open air, which is nice on a good Newport Beach day, and your dog can just hang out at your feet without being stuck in a cramped indoor space where they’d be underfoot.

What makes this spot work for a dog outing is the location itself. You’re near enough to the beach that after lunch you can take a proper walk rather than just heading straight back to the car. If the beach feels too crowded or you want something different, there are local parks nearby where your dog can actually run around. It’s the kind of place where you’re not eating quickly to get somewhere else — you can settle in, enjoy your food, and then have time to explore the area with your dog afterward.

Bring water for your dog, obviously, and maybe some treats to keep them occupied if they get restless. The patio atmosphere is casual enough that having a dog there doesn’t feel like you’re pushing some boundary or asking for special treatment. It’s just a normal part of the scene. On a weekday afternoon when the patio isn’t slammed, it’s honestly one of the better ways to spend a few hours in Newport Beach if you’ve got your dog with you and don’t want to leave them behind.