A clear coastal favorite
Clearwater Restaurant welcomes Chef Johnny Nunn to the Newport bayfront
There's an electric energy in the kitchen at Newport’s Clearwater Restaurant these days. New Executive Chef Johnny Nunn has infused the beloved bayfront restaurant with fresh inspiration and creative momentum — energizing both the staff and menu.
"At Clearwater, we're all about creating unforgettable experiences, one meal at a time," said Yesinia Hua, general manager of Coast Restaurant Group, who began her journey with Clearwater at its opening eight years ago and now oversees operations for all four locations including Clearwater, The Barge Inn Tavern, and both Rise restaurants. "Johnny's incredible expertise and fresh ideas bring so much to the table. Our team is always striving to be better, and I know they're eager to learn from Johnny and bring new, incredible dishes to our community. This is an exciting new chapter for us."
"Johnny stepped into our kitchen and it just clicked," said Clearwater Owner Hans Goplen. "His creativity in the kitchen and genuine love for great food matches exactly what Clearwater is all about. He brings this amazing energy that's already inspiring our whole team."
A Culinary Gem Along the Oregon Coast
If you've dined at Clearwater, you know it’s a place where culinary possibilities are endless. From fresh-caught Dungeness crab (Newport is the Dungeness capital of the world, after all) to Crispy Tuna Rice Cakes and Tuna Hamachi, the menu highlights the best of Pacific Northwest seafood while offering creative twists like Wild Burgers and Asian-inspired dishes. This spirit of adventure is what drew Chef Johnny to the coast after earning acclaim in Portland as chef-owner of Verdigris and Corzetti, two celebrated restaurants known for their innovative menus. His impressive background also includes earlier experience at Eleven Madison Park in New York and Town Hall in San Francisco.
Beyond his role at Clearwater, Chef Johnny will be lending his creative vision to catering menus across Coast Restaurant Group's other concepts. He is particularly excited about incorporating fresh herbs and produce from the group's tower gardens, an innovative hydroponic growing system that provides fresh, sustainable ingredients year-round to all their restaurants.
The enthusiasm for Chef Johnny spans throughout the entire Clearwater team.
"I'm excited to welcome Johnny to the Clearwater team," said Madilyn. "His passion for hand-crafted, flavorful dishes is already elevating our menu in exciting new ways. In just his first week, he surprised our guests with specially crafted fresh pasta dishes, and his unique takes on classics like the crab and basil grilled cheese show how he's bringing delicious new perspectives to our menu while honoring our coastal flavors."
In the kitchen, where the real magic happens, the team has warmly embraced their new chef. "Johnny is professional and respectful to the team, and we welcome him," said Adolfo, a member of the kitchen team, reflecting the collaborative spirit that makes Clearwater special.
Chef Johnny Nunn: A Journey of Culinary Excellence
"The moment I walked into Clearwater, I knew this was where I wanted to be," said Chef Johnny. "There's something special about this place — it's a well-oiled machine with a team that works incredibly hard, the volume to make a real impact, and happy guests enjoying this stunning coastal location. Newport has such a wonderful sense of community, and I've been touched by the warm welcome my family and I have received. My wife and our two boys are excited to make Newport our home, and I'm looking forward to meeting more of our local guests and becoming part of this vibrant coastal community. The possibilities here are endless."
These first few weeks are just a glimpse of the culinary excitement Chef Johnny brings to Clearwater. His early specials, featuring house-made pastas and creative seafood preparations, hint at the innovative dishes yet to come. While winter settles in along the coast, Clearwater's dining room remains a warm, inviting escape where both comfort and creativity shine. The restaurant's raw bar continues to draw seafood lovers, while new additions to the menu give both locals and visitors fresh reasons to return. Fan favorites aren't going anywhere — they are just getting some exciting new companions on the menu.
Located at 325 SW Bay Blvd. in Newport, Clearwater Restaurant offers a unique coastal dining experience with waterfront views of Yaquina Bay. Reservations can be made at www.clearwaterrestaurant.com.