8 Delicious Restaurants in Newport Beach
Newport Beach is one of the most coveted spots along the Southern California coast. Close enough to the nightlife in Huntington Beach but set far enough apart for a little peace and quiet, you’ll get the best of both worlds — to say nothing of the incredible food this area has to offer!
Check out our picks for the best restaurants in Newport Beach below.
1. Joey
453 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
This small chain of restaurants is beloved thanks to its welcoming dining rooms and mouth-watering cuisine. The chefs in Joey are more than happy to travel and cook all over the world only to come back and share everything they learned. Known for switching up its menu with twists like Sake Glazed Chilean Seabass and Truffle Udon Carbonara, it’s easy to go a little off-script if you’re looking to have some fun with your food.
See how cuisines, like Italian, Japanese, and Chinese, fuse together to create a dish that’s truly out of this world.
2. The Beachcomber
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Located in Crystal Cove, right between Newport and Laguna, The Beachcomber is an award-winning restaurant that’s happy to host you for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also swing by the Bootlegger bar for a drink and even rent a beach chair to enjoy this peaceful slice of the water.
The menu includes fresh California cuisine, like ceviche de camaron and ahi tacos, as well as heartier options, like buffalo chicken rolls, short ribs, and coq au vin.
3. Pelican Grill
22800 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Fine food, delicious wine, and swanky dining rooms are all on offer at Pelican Grill. Steaks, seafood, and cocktails all pair perfectly with the ocean views. Or, if you’re in the mood to watch a little action, sit by the open kitchen and watch the chefs go to town.
Sit by the Italian limestone fireplace if you’re feeling a little chill from the ocean air and try a substantial dish, like rack of lamb, wood-fired pizza, or sausage cavatelli. They even have a mini-dessert flight, so you don’t have to pick just one!
4. Fable and Spirit
3441 Via Lido, Suite A, Newport Beach, Ca. 92663
Fable and Spirit is an upscale spot with colorful decor and twists on Irish classics, making it one of the more unique eateries in Newport Beach. Dishes like rabbit fricasse, grilled bone marrow, and 12-hour kurobuta porchetta will tempt you into straying from your old favorites.
Fable and Spirit is also known for its welcoming service, inventive cocktails, and tasty wines (either by the bottle or by the glass). Or stop by for their brunch menu, which includes house corned beef hash, Portuguese sausage scramble, and crispy edge sour dough pancakes. After you’re done, head across the road and check out the shops and bars along the water.
5. The Winery
3131 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar overlooks the marina and serves up gourmet fare high-end steaks, like rib-eyes, filets, and New York strips. They also have seafood selections, like cioppino and seabass, plus chicken, duck, and lamb dishes.
Or try their Cakebread Cellars prix fixe, where you can enjoy hand-crafted fare against different wine pairings. Not only do they have a fabulous selection of wines, but they can tell you exactly which flavors complement one another.
6. Wilma’s Patio
203 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92662
Wilma’s Patio brings home-style cooking to diners who come for the relaxed atmosphere and inviting patio. Located on Balboa Island, this spot does require some planning to get to. You’ll either need to take the ferry or drive the bridge, both of which can get crowded during peak tourism times.
However, the rewards, which include an extensive menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, are well worth it. Swing by this island cottage for scramblers, burgers, or even a burrito.
7. The Bayside
900 Bayside Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
The Bayside is a popular destination thanks to its excellent menu options and distinct property. The main dining room offers elegant meals, like seafood platters, paella, and beef bolognese, plus beautiful decor, and plenty of space to enjoy your dinner.
The Tower Room is a private dining room, where you’re seated amongst tasteful wall art and a wine bar tower. Or check out the wrap-around patio for either dinner or brunch and enjoy your food by the water. Finally check out the Bar and Lounge if you’re in the mood for a piano lounge and splitting a casual bottle of wine with pals.
8. Javier’s
7832 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Javier’s in Newport Beach is a Mexican restaurant known for its outdoor patios, cozy dining rooms, and immaculate bar area. Come for the authentic flavors of Mexico, whether it’s queso fundido, mole poblano, chile verde, or enchiladas.
Every staff member is committed to bringing you the best of the country, which means that not only are you eating the freshest ingredients in the area, you’re also eating honoring the real flavors of the nearby country.
No matter what time of year you visit, finding a good Newport Beach restaurant won't be difficult. Even in the dead of winter, you'll find plenty of places to sample the best of the coast. As you find your favorites, don't be afraid to go off the beaten path with a dish you've never considered before (or perhaps hadn't even heard of before).
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