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
Photo by Nikita Krasnov
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French
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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)
Best Family Restaurant
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American
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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.
Best Restaurant for Foodies
Fable and Spirit
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American
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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)
Best Restaurant for Vegetarians & Vegans
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Healthy American
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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
Best Waterfront Views
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Seafood & Steak
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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)
Best Brunch
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American
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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 Seafood Restaurant
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Seafood & Steak
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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