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7 ABSOLUTE Best Restaurants In Newport Beach, CA

7 ABSOLUTE Best Restaurants In Newport Beach, CA Featured Image

Photo by Naim Benjelloun

If you’re looking for the ultimate foodie guide to the best restaurants in Newport Beach, California, then you’ve come to the right place. There are many excellent restaurants in the area, so we’ve divided this list into different categories.

Whether you’re looking for the best family-style restaurant with great kids menus or the perfect boozy brunch spot, we’ve got you covered.

Best Date Night Restaurant

Marché Moderne

TARTE FRAMBOISE – RASPBERRY TART

Photo by Nikita Krasnov

Location: 7862 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Menu: Marché Moderne Menu
Contact Info: +1 714-434-7900

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Cuisine: French

Pronounced this way, Marché Moderne is an upscale French restaurant boasting a Michelin star. It’s among the best restaurants in Newport Beach, despite the steep competition.

  • BROWN BUTTER SAUTEED DIVER SCALLOPS – Pork Belly & Padron Pepper Jam, Brentwood Corn Espuma, Italian Ricotta Gnudi ($48)
  • CRISPY DUCK CONFIT – Duck And Blackcurrant Jus, Cassis Gel, Dehydrated Muscat, Fresh Muscat Grape, Caramelized Fennel Pommes Lyonnaises ($42)
  • TARTE FRAMBOISE – RASPBERRY TART – Bordier Butter & Pistachio Gâteau Breton Crust, Rose Jam Confited Raspberries, Mousseline Vanille, Fresh Raspberry And Raspberry Gel, Chambord Gelée Pistachio Praline, Rose Scented Crème Fraiche, Chambord Gelato ($17)
“This restaurant was impressive. I've eaten at a Michelin starred restaurant in Paris, and I think this restaurant embodies much of what I loved so much while visiting. The food is familiar yet interpreted so beautifully. The cocktails are spot-on. The bread, as many have reviewed before me, was simple but delicious. I had the Five Course Menu and was delighted. My husband built his own five courses and was very pleased. I think it's safe to assume most everything will be a good choice. The wait staff was attentive and friendly.”
Lissa N

Best Family Restaurant

Wilma’s Patio

EGGS BENEDICT SIX WAYS

Photo by The Castlebar

Location: 203 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Menu: Wilma’s Patio Menu
Contact Info: +1 949-675-5542

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Cuisine: American

In a town full of very adult restaurants, it can be hard to find a kid’s menu. But Wilma’s Patio wins the Best Family Restaurant award for restaurants in Newport Beach, CA. Plus, they serve breakfast at night, so that’s a nice perk.

  • BALBOA’S BELLY BOMBERS – Hollowed out Sourdough bread bowls filled with scrambled proteins, cheeses, and vegetables. Served with hashbrowns or fresh fruit.
  • EGGS BENEDICT SIX WAYS – There are six different spins on the classic eggs benedict for you to enjoy.
“Found this little gem while we were visiting Balboa Island over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The place is able to hold more diners than you think, they also had outside heaters for diners who preferred to be outside. The food was great, well portioned and not really expensive. I had French Onion soup with yummy melty cheese on top while my husband had the smaller serving of meatloaf, mashed potatoes n gravy. He also had the pumpkin pie which he said was the best he's had in a long time. Thank you for making our night of exploration of the area a great night. It's a charming little island and was beautifully decorated for the holidays.”
June Still-Flores

Best Restaurant for Foodies

Fable and Spirit

AMERICAN WAGYU HANGER STEAK

Photo by Nadin Sh

Location: 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Menu: Fable and Spirit Menu
Contact Info: Reservation

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Cuisine: American

A Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant, Fable and Spirit wows its visitors again and again. They offer brunch in addition to a spectacular dinner menu.

  • 12 HOUR KUROBUTA PORCHETTA – Polenta, romanesco, Calabrian chili, chimichurri, smoked braising jus ($36)
  • AMERICAN WAGYU HANGER STEAK – Yukon gold potato emulsion, grilled asparagus, sauce vierge ($60)
  • CALLEBAUT CHOCOLATE BUDINO – Vanilla bean cremoux, bruleed banana, hazelnut streusel ($14)
“This place is a true delight. The cocktails were perfection, especially for those who enjoy the more booze forward cocktail. Amazing wine selection. The crispy chicken sandwich and truffle fries are the best I’ve had in Newport. Can not wait to go again to try more 🙌🏼. The waiter (Brian I think was his name) is a good soul and very attentive! Lastly, the ambiance and decor is so cozy and chic. Pretty amazing spot.”
Elizabeth O

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians & Vegans

Flower Child

Flower Child

Photo by Geraud pfeiffer

Location: 1302 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Menu: Flower Child Menu
Contact Info: Order Online

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Cuisine: Healthy American

A chain restaurant on the slightly more upscale side with a wonderful menu for vegetarians, vegans, and other special diets. Meat proteins are also served here. It’s a very healthy Newport Beach restaurant.

  • MOTHER EARTH BOWL – Ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, hemp seed ($12)
  • GINGER MISO CRUNCH SALAD – Carrot zoodles, zucchini, red pepper, asian cabbage, mint, cashew, sesame seeds ($11)
  • GLUTEN-FREE MAC & CHEESE – Aged white cheddar and parmesan
“Perfect. The salmon, the cauliflower risotto, the quinoa and corn: fabulous! The Mother Earth bowl with multiple layers of flavors: delicious! The gluten free pumpkin muffin: scrumptious! The chocolate chip cookie: unforgettable! We first found this restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. When I saw it was here in California, I was excited to try it again. Soo glad we did. Clean, fresh decor. Happy, helpful employees. Terrific menu with healthy options. Beautifully prepared and tasty food. What's not to love? My only regret is that they don't have a restaurant in my town.”
A’Lissa O

Best Waterfront Views

Oceanfront 21 - The Sunset Room

BASEBALL CUT SWORDFISH

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi

Location: 2100 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Menu: Oceanfront 21 – The Sunset Room Menu
Contact Info: 949-673-2100

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Cuisine: Seafood & Steak

Oceanfront 21 offers a classic fine dining seafood experience in several dining rooms. The Sunset Room provides uninterrupted views of the ocean and pier through several large windows. The decor throughout Oceanfront 21 tends to be dark, masculine, and luxurious.

They are known for their steaks, all of which are impeccable choices. However, here are some other great menu options.

  • BASEBALL CUT SWORDFISH – Grilled or Blackened, Lemon Garlic Caper Sauce ($52)
  • ABALONE “ALLEY WEST” – Lightly breaded, Saffron Asparagus Risotto ($85)
  • TRUFFLE ROASTED PURPLE POTATOES ($14)
“If you are looking for a place that will transport you back to a time of elegance and sophisticated service, this is the place. I would liken 21 oceanfront to the feeling of a trans Atlantic luxury liner from they hey day or first class travel on a white star passenger ship. Sunset views on the Pacific Ocean from the dining room are a great feature of this restaurant. Great for date nights and special occasions.”
Randy M

Best Brunch

Lighthouse Cafe

LOBSTER ROLL

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Location: 1600 W Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Menu: Lighthouse Cafe Menu
Contact Info: Order Online

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Cuisine: American

Amazing views and a great brunch menu, especially for those looking for a boozy brunch, make the Lighthouse Cafe among the very best brunch options for restaurants in Newport Beach, CA.

  • CINNAMON SUGAR BEIGNETS – Cream Cheese Icing ($7.99)
  • LIGHTHOUSE BENEDICT* – Prosciutto, Arugula, Balsamic Reduction, Hollandaise, Potatoes ($17.99)
  • LOBSTER ROLL – Rich Lobster Salad made with Tarragon Aioli, Wasabi Caviar, Parmesan Fries ($24.99)
“Best breakfast with a view for miles! We were seated outside and the food was excellent and it arrived quickly. The views are beautiful, and service was good. We enjoyed the mimosas and the French toast as well as the breakfast plates.”
Lorena S

Best Seafood Restaurant

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Chilean Sea Bass

Photo by Patrick Browne on Unsplash

Location: 1370 Bison Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Menu: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood Menu
Contact Info: +949-720-9925

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Cuisine: Seafood & Steak

There are MANY excellent seafood restaurants in Newport Beach, CA. It’s not really fair to say any single restaurant could be the unanimous choice for best seafood. That said, Eddie V’s may provide the most consistently well-reviewed seafood menu in town.

  • Chilean Sea Bass
  • Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
  • Bananas Foster Butter Cake
“Our food was delicious and tasted very fresh and not heavy on the stomach. We had the Scallops and the Mediterranean Branzino, along with the Scallop Fried rice, which was amazing. I ordered the full portion instead of half. We showed up without a reservation and were seated promptly. Our server, Amber, took exceptional care of us and made us feel extra special on our anniversary- even got us a delicious dessert with a candle!!”
Al Jamm