Restaurants in Newport Beach
Best Restaurants
French • $$$$
Italian • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Simply fantastic. Well done @mommaDa”
Seafood • $$$
“This is our favorite place for dinner, cocktails and brunch! We love a date night there but it’s also great for kids too. The food, the cocktails, the atmosphere, the service, etc… I can’t say enough about how wonderful it is!”
American • $$$
“We had high hopes coming to Olea, but alas we were disappointed. Location/Ambiance: Westcliff Plaza and small with a large bar at the front, the layout leaves little space for tables. We sat in a snug booth alongside the windows with a view of Susie Cakes next door. The decor is warm and modern. Food: Subpar! Burnt bread but delicious whipped butter. Butter lettuce and Goat cheese salad was bland with a basic dressing. Mac and cheese skillet was good but nothing amazing. Filet was dry with overdone gluey mashed potatoes, and underdone broccolini. Halibut was pan seared to a dry mess with an inedible coating, bland steamed seasonal vegetables of cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli as a side. Service: Friendly and Fake, if you enjoy watching servers walk away from your table talking about how "picky and difficult you are" this is a perfect spot. My Mother has dietary restrictions and we are specific to ensure a safe dining experience, it's sad when that's met with disdain. Overall: We won't be back!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
American • $$$
“Great restaurant, A1 service, friendly staff, great ambiance, food and drinks”
French • $$
“Un bout de France à Newport. Merci encore pour votre passion et dedication!”
Restaurants with Delivery
Seafood • $$$
“This is our favorite place for dinner, cocktails and brunch! We love a date night there but it’s also great for kids too. The food, the cocktails, the atmosphere, the service, etc… I can’t say enough about how wonderful it is!”
Ramen • $
“Fire chicken avacado sandwich (and ramen). Workers are very nice and double checked cashews were fine with my peanut allergy which was out of the way intentional”
Italian • $$
“The food was amazing!!! Simply fantastic. Well done @mommaDa”
French • $$
“Un bout de France à Newport. Merci encore pour votre passion et dedication!”
Coffee Shops • $
“A community gem filled with joy and energy, bringing together a multitude of happy people to share weekly anecdotes and laughter.Along the way, you'll feel the rich warmth and aroma of coffee and warm greetings from our expertly skilled staff.Order a cup of Neapolitan coffee and make new friends, even if it's just for casual conversation.That's the beauty of small-town American communities.”
Chicken Shop • $
“Best Tacos in Town! Love this place for tacos and burritos!”
New American • $$
“Peter is amazing! He is such an attentive waiter and made sure we had an excellent dinner. Highlight of our trip! ☀️”
American • $
“This place is quite nice. It can accommodate more diners than one might initially think. In addition, they have outdoor heaters for those who like to dine outdoors. The food here is very tasty, the portions are ample, and it's not too expensive.”
New American • $$
“Peter is amazing! He is such an attentive waiter and made sure we had an excellent dinner. Highlight of our trip! ☀️”
Outdoor Dining
Sandwich Shop • $$
“Absolutely incredible. My new favorite place. You never taste a smash burger like this. Real Grilled Mexican Jalapeños. I still have my lips sleeped :) next Pastrami sandwich. Congrats to the team. The kitchen is still fast with many customers orders! 👊”
American • $$$
“We had high hopes coming to Olea, but alas we were disappointed. Location/Ambiance: Westcliff Plaza and small with a large bar at the front, the layout leaves little space for tables. We sat in a snug booth alongside the windows with a view of Susie Cakes next door. The decor is warm and modern. Food: Subpar! Burnt bread but delicious whipped butter. Butter lettuce and Goat cheese salad was bland with a basic dressing. Mac and cheese skillet was good but nothing amazing. Filet was dry with overdone gluey mashed potatoes, and underdone broccolini. Halibut was pan seared to a dry mess with an inedible coating, bland steamed seasonal vegetables of cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli as a side. Service: Friendly and Fake, if you enjoy watching servers walk away from your table talking about how "picky and difficult you are" this is a perfect spot. My Mother has dietary restrictions and we are specific to ensure a safe dining experience, it's sad when that's met with disdain. Overall: We won't be back!”
Coffee Shops • $
“The cookie with toffee and chocolate was soooo good & well priced too, around 3.50 I believe. I also got a matcha latte (5.50) which wasn’t good, it had no matcha flavour, was basically just green milk. I’ve heard from friends that their coffee is amazing so I would stick to that!”
American • $$$
“Great restaurant, A1 service, friendly staff, great ambiance, food and drinks”
Health Food • $
“Their ultimate burrito is hands down the best breakfast burrito I’ve had in OC! Has avocado, venison meat, pasture raised eggs, raw cheddar, black beans, and crispy potatoes. The perfect burrito!”
Indian • $
“What a lovely surprise! We had been eyeing Himalayan Delights since it opened and finally ordered take out a few months ago. It’s been on repeat ever since! We have tried the butter chicken, chicken korma, chicken tikka masala, tandoori, naan, and our absolute favorite is the chicken momo!! Omg it’s amazing. Wonderful service, delicious and authentic food….it’s our go-to for Indian/Nepalese. Must try!”
Italian • $$
“Wonderful family owned place! The most authentic Italian restaurant outside of Italy. At Il Farro food is prepared with attention and real LOVE. Everything from the appetizers to dessert were perfect. Every dish is made with true italian fresh and natural ingredients and is made by traditional recipes. The talented chef M. makes pastas and pizzas daily and they taste amazing. Also the house wine is a good selection. I suggest you to have their own valuable wine. Il Farro has a great management and staff too. We loved interacting with customers and guys who work in, they became like family for us. The qualified employees are friendly helpful and the restaurant is always clean. They do have enough seats and limited outdoor seating, but get a reservation in advance to make sure you have a place.Hands off, this is the best place to gather with friends or family! It has our ❤️s. We loved it.”
Vietnamese • $
“Great place to stop by and enjoy boba milk tea! Casey was very nice and helpful with our complicated order and this place looks very clean. Next time, we will try their pho.”
Chinese • $$
“I love this restaurant, the wait staff and the manager Sabrina. The food is always fresh from the kitchen & delicious. I strongly recommend it as an ideal location for a great meal, special occasion or office gathering.”
Italian • $$
“Wonderful family owned place! The most authentic Italian restaurant outside of Italy. At Il Farro food is prepared with attention and real LOVE. Everything from the appetizers to dessert were perfect. Every dish is made with true italian fresh and natural ingredients and is made by traditional recipes. The talented chef M. makes pastas and pizzas daily and they taste amazing. Also the house wine is a good selection. I suggest you to have their own valuable wine. Il Farro has a great management and staff too. We loved interacting with customers and guys who work in, they became like family for us. The qualified employees are friendly helpful and the restaurant is always clean. They do have enough seats and limited outdoor seating, but get a reservation in advance to make sure you have a place.Hands off, this is the best place to gather with friends or family! It has our ❤️s. We loved it.”
Chinese • $$
“I love this restaurant, the wait staff and the manager Sabrina. The food is always fresh from the kitchen & delicious. I strongly recommend it as an ideal location for a great meal, special occasion or office gathering.”
Sandwich Shop • $$
“Absolutely incredible. My new favorite place. You never taste a smash burger like this. Real Grilled Mexican Jalapeños. I still have my lips sleeped :) next Pastrami sandwich. Congrats to the team. The kitchen is still fast with many customers orders! 👊”
Online Reservation Available
American • $
“Omg the food. 1st time in and I’ll definitely be back. Loved the outdoor seating option.”
Seafood • $$
“Outstanding food and service. On list of top place to return to. Bar service impressive - great old fashioned and gin and chartreuse martini. Scallop dish super memorable and came with fantastic wine rec. Our server was amazing - attentive, engaging, and made everything memorable.”
American • $$
“We had a fabulous time. I asked ou waiter if anyone had ever said he "looked like Denzel Washington?" and he said "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO but you just made my day!" He was thought, timely, appreciative and very attentive, without being overbearing. And Jullie, the concerige was delightgful! Interested and interesting! Two great qualities.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Hosted an event here for ~150 attendees on a Monday night (11/3).
Planning and communication was excellent with Rina Mitchell and they were generous and accommodating to our requests.
We requested the venue stay decorated for Halloween, which they were able to do, and there was plenty of seating and space both indoors and outdoors for our guests. The heat lamps were also great on the patio!
We ordered food through their restaurant service and everything was delicious. Pizza, fries, sliders, skewers, and vegan egg rolls were great.
Service by the staff on the night of the event was excellent thanks to the bartenders, Kyle and Evan, and our servers, Rina and Danielle.”
American • $$$
“From the greeting at the front desk to the waiter, Dean, to the numerous courteous and helpful busboys; the service was top notch. Crab cakes as appetizers, main courses of house chicken and flank steak. It was a wonderful experience.”
Barbecue • $
“Amazing BBQ in Orange County. Fall off the bone ribs, tender brisket, moist BBQ chicken, pulled pork, juicy sausages. A real hidden gem. Highly recommended!”
Bar • $$
“They have great food and a fantastic venue to listen to quality musicians! I was there last night with my husband. We got to hear Kenny Metcalf perform Elton John’s Deep Cuts. It was SO good! Kenny Metcalf performed songs I have only heard on Elton John’s albums. I’m so delighted I got to see this particular show!! WOW! It was off the charts musically and Kenny is such a talented singer and musician. When I closed my eyes I thought Elton was singing. The band was amazing too. That guitar player that I don’t remember his name, played a few solo guitar riffs that had everyone in the room clapping. The sold out venue was electric with the sound of Elton John’s deep cuts that I would never have heard live. So amazingly well done!!!! I left with a big smile on my face. I’m going to tell all my friends about Campus Jax….”
Takeout Restaurants
Bakery • $
“Love our first time here this morning. Better croissants than we had in France and we thought they were good! Outstanding quality and you can tell everything is made with 100% pride, care, compassion and love. Will definitely go back more than once! Goodbye diet!😆❤️❤️👌🏼🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”
Ice Cream Shop • $$
“Dining at Kulfime was more than a meal, it felt like a warm hug. The cozy atmosphere and kind, welcoming made me feel right at home. Every dish was crafted with care, bursting with authentic flavors that instantly comforted my soul. The portions were generous, the prices fair, and the experience unforgettable. Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian food or new to it, this is the kind of place that leaves you smiling long after you’ve left. I can’t wait to return and relive the magic!!”
Seafood • $
“The food here is the only reason we keep coming back. The food. The fish is super fresh and diverse. The side dishes (beans, rice, veggies, etc.) are amazingly seasoned. The service, however, can be hit or miss. This establishment, due to how amazing the FOOD is, can get crazy busy. Which is so annoying, because you tend to wait in line for at least 30 minutes or run into trouble finding a place to sit. That is why I tend to order it to-go (a little hack) to enjoy this amazing food! You cannot go wrong with a fish plate, the sushi, the guacamole & chips, or the burritos. 10/10”
Ice Cream Shop • $$
“It was very easy to order on the app. The delivery was fast. The driver arrived with a smile and my ice cream in a cooler bag. I ordered Sea Sal with Carmel Ribbons and Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, both are delicious. Best ice cream in town.”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Awesome spot with amazing and super affordable sandwiches. The owners are extremely friendly and are always smiling, and the service is fast. Overall a really great lunch spot!”
Breakfast • $
“Been a while but drove 20 miles up PCH to have a meal here after 7 years.”
Mexican • $
“There is a God!! I have been away for years working in North Dakota praying for a shrimp burrito. I was in Balboa over weekend and got my Shrimp fix. So darn good! The best shrimp soze and taste anywhere. They have not changed anything during this bad inflation. Miss the salsa bar but they gave us plenty. Most great places come and eventually go but GM is still.#1. Thank you Peter and staff!!.”
New American • $
“So yum. They had classic Persian dishes which were so delicious. Lovely family run restaurant and excellent service in a cute little village street. The place was set up really nice.”
Pizza • $
“Wow wow and wow !! If u want to feel loved all you have to do is order a pizza from here !! I have never been so impressed by a pizza place ! It’s not just pizza their menu is out of control amazing !! The owners did a great job with the staff and kept true to their beliefs .. LOVE!! We all share one thing in common we just want to be loved .. I give so many kudos to this place and I really hope during this really bad time that we share love and pizza .. I had a friend send me a pizza gram and I can’t express how it made me feel Thanks SGT for thinking of such a creative way to make us all feel great ! I challenge u all to send a pizza to someone who is hurting ..someone you love .... someone you miss ... someone’s who is hungry .. or just to your own neighbor .. this made my day ! Can’t wait to send someone a love pizza tomorrow”
Hamburger • $
“I love a lot of burger places, but TK burger is by far my favorite. I LOVE IT and the vibe inside SOOO MUCH!! When I was in town for a week, I literally got it everyday. It is just a perfect cheeseburgers burger, love the fries and onion rings as well. I'm sad I do not have one by me. The price is right as well, good deal for a combo meal!! If you do not go to TK burger while in the beach towns, you've missed out!! Service is fast and friendly, chill interior and THE BEST BURGER !!!!”
Pizza • $
“Best “hidden in plain sight” pizza spot in Newport.
This little to go joint looks totally out of place on the strip, in the best way. It’s got that big city order at the counter type of vibe except the staff is actually friendly, and the service is quick. The pizza? Hands down the best I’ve ever had. Perfect crispy crust, loads of cheese, and just the right amount of good greasy. Nothing fancy…just damn good pizza. We grabbed ours and ate it down the street, and somehow the whole experience just hit different. A true gem.”
American • $$
“We had a fabulous time. I asked ou waiter if anyone had ever said he "looked like Denzel Washington?" and he said "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO but you just made my day!" He was thought, timely, appreciative and very attentive, without being overbearing. And Jullie, the concerige was delightgful! Interested and interesting! Two great qualities.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $
“Delicious variety of cookies and so many milks to choose from. pure heaven”
Seafood • $$
“I messed up and ordered the wrong entree. Once said wrong entree came out, I let Christina (Kristina?), our server, know, and she insisted that I get what I originally wanted. So thank you👌”
Mexican • $
“Service was fast, surroundings are fine although the parking lot is a bit cramped and don’t give off the best vibes.
With that said, the fire-grilled combo for $6.99 with chicken burrito, chips, and drink is nearly unbeatable. The burrito has pinto beans and cheese and was perfectly cooked. Chips were thick and crisp. Soda machine injected the perfect amount of sugar.
As a point of reference, McDonalds’s Big Mac combo is $12.39.”
Ice Cream Shop • $$
“It was delicious. The vanilla Rosa 🌹 was great 👍🏽”
Seafood • $$$
“Comfortable temperature and beautiful environment, I like it very much.”
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt • $
“Love this iconic spot! A must when visiting Balboa Island!”
Italian • $$
“The entire team at Buona Forchetta is amazing, especially Massimo! Always blown away by their extremely attentive service, and of course the absolutely delicious food. We loved everything, but wow, the broccolini was something else. Flawlessly cooked and so flavorful. Always a delight at Buona Forchetta!”
Fast Food • $
“Tiny burrito joint with taco in the name, lol. Literally one of my top two burrito joints in the universe. If you are nearby, you are foolish if you don’t stop by and get a tasty meal.”
New American • $$
“What a wonderful little place! There are plenty of items on the menu to choose from, as well as gluten-free alternatives. We had shrimp and mashed potatoes; both were excellent! Service was very good while dining al fresco.”
Fine Dining
Seafood • $$$$
“I recently celebrated my anniversary here, and we absolutely loved our experience at Ocean 48. The staff was all very friendly. Our server provided such excellent service, and was able to tell us about the menu in detail. Everything was simply amazing from the food, ambiance, service, and wine selection. We loved it, and definitely look forward to going back.”
Seafood • $$$$
“Everything about the dinner was great. Service excellent. We were in the dinner seating in the bar area, there was live music, which added to the experience. Only negative was the noise level, it was extremely loud, and not from the music. I had the tuna, which was very good and my wife had the crab legs and she said they were the best she had had in years!! The portions for the sides are large and we should have ordered one, not two. Only negative on the crab legs is that I thought the pricing was extremely high, and I know it is market price. I definitely would go back.”
Sushi • $$$$
“Came here on a whim when another restaurant nearby was at capacity, and it ended up being a solid find. From the start, the service was really friendly and welcoming. We sat outside with heaters, and it was surprisingly comfortable even on a chilly December night.
We ordered:
• Soft shell crab roll
• Blue crab California roll
• Yellowtail avocado
• Jumbo shrimp & vegetable tempura
• Salmon skin salad
Standouts for me were the yellowtail avocado roll — simple, fresh, and also one of the lower-priced rolls on the menu — and the salmon skin salad, which came in generous portions and was very shareable. The tempura was light and crispy; I’d recommend ordering two portions if you want something more filling.
Overall, the food was solid across the board. Pricing skews slightly higher, likely due to the location, but portions were fair. We spent about $38 per person and left comfortably full.
A great backup plan that didn’t disappoint — I’d definitely return when in the area.”
Fine Dining • $$$$
“Food was fantastic! Had the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and it was amazing. The lobster bisque was very good too!! Service was also great.”
Bar • $$$$
“⭐⭐⭐☆☆
I've been almost every weekend and really enjoy the drinks and fun vibe at Bar Pendy. It's a great spot to hang out and have a good time. However, the experience with the staff leaves a lot to be desired. The bartenders can be rude, slow, and often don’t take your orders promptly, which can be frustrating. The security staff also tends to be unfriendly and sometimes rude, and they hold you in line even when the bar isn't crowded. Overall, I like the place, but the service and security need some improvement for a better experience.”
Steak House • $$$$
“On the expensive side, but everything was delicious!”
Fine Dining • $$$$
“I bet you really enjoyed your meal. I know you enjoyed your friends you were with and the company of your beautiful Honey. She is so special to have at your side. I Love you my Brother and miss you every day. Someday we will spend a great time again. Much love. Big Bob Peterson. There is only one.”
Japanese • $$$$
“The fish was marinated in miso and was very flavourful. Grilled to a crisp and charred for a great meal.”
American • $$$
“From the greeting at the front desk to the waiter, Dean, to the numerous courteous and helpful busboys; the service was top notch. Crab cakes as appetizers, main courses of house chicken and flank steak. It was a wonderful experience.”
Bar • $$
“They have great food and a fantastic venue to listen to quality musicians! I was there last night with my husband. We got to hear Kenny Metcalf perform Elton John’s Deep Cuts. It was SO good! Kenny Metcalf performed songs I have only heard on Elton John’s albums. I’m so delighted I got to see this particular show!! WOW! It was off the charts musically and Kenny is such a talented singer and musician. When I closed my eyes I thought Elton was singing. The band was amazing too. That guitar player that I don’t remember his name, played a few solo guitar riffs that had everyone in the room clapping. The sold out venue was electric with the sound of Elton John’s deep cuts that I would never have heard live. So amazingly well done!!!! I left with a big smile on my face. I’m going to tell all my friends about Campus Jax….”
Cheap Eats
Bar & Grill • $
“Love it for the great live music on Saturday nights. So Underrated for a great place to hear live bands!! Nice, friendly people”
Pizza • $
“Woohoo! This was an AWESOME meal! Service was helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and attentive! Our entire table only ate pizza or chicken pot pie! Everyone finished their plates!!! Yum! we did manage to squeeze in dessert and it was worth it!!! 10/10 will be back again. Shout-out to our amazing server Kaitlyn!!! 🤓♥️🥊🔥👊🏼🎉🐐🎄🎁I”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Love this place! The bread is amazing! Such a gem❤️🇮🇹”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Great ice cream. With lots of great flavors.”
Bakery • $
“I recently visited a bakery and tried their croissants and brownies. Both were incredibly moist and flavorful. The croissants had a perfect flaky texture, and the brownies were rich and decadent. Highly recommend this place”
Coffee Shops • $
“Delicious! Options for everyone. Doughnuts, pastries, omelets, bagels, croissants, coffee, etc. Great food, the staff are all so welcoming and kind. Would definitely recommend. Vegetarian options available 🌱”
Mediterranean • $
“Excellent Little Restaurant in Newport Beach. I had the Ground Beef and Ground Chicken Kabob. Was Awesome. Their Garlic Sauce they served with my meal was really good. The folks in here were super friendly. Thank you for a great experience and meal.”
Bar • $
“Cool Newport Beach bar sitting on the beach side. Has been There that I remember from the ’60’s”
Bar & Grill • $
“Five years, my husband and 6 of his dedicated friends have done this yacht show pilgrimage, and every single time they hit Newport Beach we ask: where would you eat. Not the polished nonsense, just real food. They all get this look–like they’re letting us in on classified intel–and say skip Lido, skip Fashion Island, go to Cassidy’s. We laughed; the joint looks like the garage next to where I get my tires rotated. Wood walls, sticky floors, beer signs flickering. But Brian puts down a burger on that open flame and suddenly everyone’s quiet. It’s not hype: it’s seared geometry, it’s salt and beef speaking French without trying, it’s the kind of center that flirts with you. Our friends–the ones whose belts sit under their nipples–suddenly slumped into chairs like humans again. He didn’t just feed us, he defused tension with a spatula. Michelin stars could orbit this thing. We’ll be back. Brian, thank you.”
Sushi • $
“I got the chicken bento box with green salad, potstickers, and salmon roll, and for 16$ it was amazing. Overall everything in the bento box tasted fresh, especially the sushi rolls! The bento box can definitely be enough food for 2 meal. Will be returning back, staff/owners are very nice.”
Italian • $$
“Everything was amazing!🤩 The food, the attention and the desserts. I would come again, and again and again, 100000/10. Also, try the limoncello sorbet flute, it's amazing”
Seafood • $$
“I messed up and ordered the wrong entree. Once said wrong entree came out, I let Christina (Kristina?), our server, know, and she insisted that I get what I originally wanted. So thank you👌”
Seafood • $$
“Had not been since the remodel. Just had lunch there. Very expensive. Crab was $79.95. The appetizer crab, 1 leg, and very delicious was $57.95. Tasty, great service, paper and plastic, $$$$$.”
Seafood • $$$
“Comfortable temperature and beautiful environment, I like it very much.”
Italian • $$
“The entire team at Buona Forchetta is amazing, especially Massimo! Always blown away by their extremely attentive service, and of course the absolutely delicious food. We loved everything, but wow, the broccolini was something else. Flawlessly cooked and so flavorful. Always a delight at Buona Forchetta!”
Mediterranean • $$
“Very nice outdoor seating, great food, music. Nice place and close your o the surrounding neighborhoods!”
Seafood • $$$
“Visited Monday night, knowing it would be fairly quiet. Bartender Sandy greeted us and was attentive to us all evening. We had the best calamari ever and enjoyed everything we ordered. Please come visit us CIYC.”
Recommended
Pubs • $$
“I haven’t visited Mutt Lynch’s since the mid 90’s. I spent many days / nights shooting pool , listening to the Jukebox and drinking cold beers. It was so great to visit this month and meet great people and relive great memories. Thanks to Ross & Sara (h)and Victor for your kindness and helping me to feel at home. I would recommend to anyone who wants to make memories and have a Great Time. I’ll be Back.”
Cafe • $$
“What a fantastic spot! The food was delicious, portions were generous, and everything came out perfectly cooked. The staff made us feel right at home and were happy to help with recommendations. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.”
American • $$$
“Always, I love to be there, everything is perfect, the food, the employees…..💜”
Seafood • $$$$
“I recently celebrated my anniversary here, and we absolutely loved our experience at Ocean 48. The staff was all very friendly. Our server provided such excellent service, and was able to tell us about the menu in detail. Everything was simply amazing from the food, ambiance, service, and wine selection. We loved it, and definitely look forward to going back.”
Seafood • $$
“If you're looking for awesome seafood with a killer view, Bluewater Grill Newport Beach is where it's at. The scene: 🌅 Imagine enjoying your meal while gazing at fancy yachts and the Newport dock. Pretty sweet, right? The grub: 🦀🐟 • Crab cakes: So good, it's mostly jumbo lump crab meat, no fillers • Mahi Mahi: Cooked to perfection, moist and flaky on the inside, crispy on the outside • Scallops: Melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a perfect sear Everything came out hot and tasting amazing. No sad, cold fish here! Drinks: 🍹 The red sangria hit the spot. Perfect for sipping and yacht-watching. Vibes: 😊 Everyone working there seemed genuinely happy. Like, actual smiles, not the fake "I hate my job" kind. Made us feel right at home. Bottom line: Great food, awesome views, cool staff. We're definitely coming back for round two! #NomNom #ViewsForDays #HappyBelly”
Mexican • $$
“They have the absolutely best enchilada sauce around. They used this aged Wisconsin cheese that has such a unique flavor and it melts perfectly. Don't forget the house margarita 😋 I have been eating at El Cholo for over 35 years and have never been disappointed”
American • $$$
“Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach is a gem, especially for its live music every night. The atmosphere is so captivating that I often find myself singing along or even getting up to dance. The food and service are just as exceptional: my go-to dishes are the scallops, the lamb, and all the steaks. The seafood is so fresh and the steaks are far superior in flavor to any high-end restaurant. For appetizers, the ahi tuna tartare is a must-try (THE BEST I’ve had anywhere), and the calamari with its Thai-style twist of chilies, green onion, and cilantro over an amazing salad is a standout. Desserts? Absolutely heavenly. The cheesecake and panna cotta are favorites, but the Grand Marnier souffle is simply to die for. The service is also impeccable…from the moment you arrive with the complimentary valet service, to the hostesses, the bartenders, servers, and bussers. Everyone is so friendly and attentive! Bayside is an experience I cherish every time. Can’t wait for my next visit!”
Seafood • $$$$
“Everything about the dinner was great. Service excellent. We were in the dinner seating in the bar area, there was live music, which added to the experience. Only negative was the noise level, it was extremely loud, and not from the music. I had the tuna, which was very good and my wife had the crab legs and she said they were the best she had had in years!! The portions for the sides are large and we should have ordered one, not two. Only negative on the crab legs is that I thought the pricing was extremely high, and I know it is market price. I definitely would go back.”
American • $$
“How have we not noticed this place before now. We took an evening stroll and then stopped by this restaurant. They have 2 window seats which is nice to get some fresh air and people watch.
We were told that the food was great so we decided to sit down. They have a wide variety of food items and I'm sure the drinks are good but we don't drink.
I opted for the ahi sandwich and I could get it protein style which I appreciate with a side salad. It was really tasty. The ahi wasn't fishy. The thicker section did get a little chewy but that was the next day since I couldn't finish it all. I wish I had more sauce though since it was tasty. My friend got the burger with fries and thought it was good as well.
It can get loud when the middle table has guests, something w/the acoustics. But a fun vibe. There was a waitlist when we left.”
Asian Fusion • $$
“We had another wonderful dining experience at Starfish Newport! The interior has a beautiful welcoming feeling and we were seated right away. Our server Matt was friendly, professional and very attentive. We tried the signature cocktails and several apps from the extensive menu....everything was delicious! We felt very well cared for throughout the evening. Thanks Starfish Newport!”
Sushi • $$$$
“Came here on a whim when another restaurant nearby was at capacity, and it ended up being a solid find. From the start, the service was really friendly and welcoming. We sat outside with heaters, and it was surprisingly comfortable even on a chilly December night.
We ordered:
• Soft shell crab roll
• Blue crab California roll
• Yellowtail avocado
• Jumbo shrimp & vegetable tempura
• Salmon skin salad
Standouts for me were the yellowtail avocado roll — simple, fresh, and also one of the lower-priced rolls on the menu — and the salmon skin salad, which came in generous portions and was very shareable. The tempura was light and crispy; I’d recommend ordering two portions if you want something more filling.
Overall, the food was solid across the board. Pricing skews slightly higher, likely due to the location, but portions were fair. We spent about $38 per person and left comfortably full.
A great backup plan that didn’t disappoint — I’d definitely return when in the area.”
Gastropubs • $$$
“Amazing experience. Prime rib was tender. Sides were great. Drinks were delicious and refreshing. 5 stars. Will definitely be adding to my favorites.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“I won't get tired of thanking Financial Analyst-Benjah Raphael for what he did for me, you take people's problem as your problem, thank you for making much money for me. If others would learn from you then this world would be a better place. Please if you want a genuine account manager who can genuinely trade for you and make lots of money for you then contact Financial Analyst-Benjah Raphael”
Seafood • $$
“Outstanding food and service. On list of top place to return to. Bar service impressive - great old fashioned and gin and chartreuse martini. Scallop dish super memorable and came with fantastic wine rec. Our server was amazing - attentive, engaging, and made everything memorable.”
Japanese • $$
“My husband and I came here 9 years ago and just hadddd to return (we live in Northern California). We were greeted with warm smiles and treated like family from beginning to end. This place is so clean, has delicious food (try the mussels, trust me) and omg the staff is so sweet and friendly! ❤️”
Mexican • $$
“I have never left a review on a restaurant before but I just had to share the love! Best Mexican food in Orange County!! Amazing service, authentic food and a great atmosphere that feels like home! No complaints! Tell your friends!”
Mexican • $$
“Visiting from Az and looked somewhere to eat before going back and let me say!!! Hands down the place the staff and the food is amazing !!!
The huevos rancheros… not everyone makes them good but this place… understood the assignment!! Thank you for your attentiveness and great service and most of all.. thank you for great food”
Italian • $$
“It's hard to impress me with pasta being that it is one of my favorite foods to eat and Italian foods are my top pick. This place blew me away! The wine, the food, the service was all outstanding!! I will be back.”
Sushi • $$$$
“One of the best real EDOMAE sushi in area. I was used to be sushi chef.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Hosted an event here for ~150 attendees on a Monday night (11/3).
Planning and communication was excellent with Rina Mitchell and they were generous and accommodating to our requests.
We requested the venue stay decorated for Halloween, which they were able to do, and there was plenty of seating and space both indoors and outdoors for our guests. The heat lamps were also great on the patio!
We ordered food through their restaurant service and everything was delicious. Pizza, fries, sliders, skewers, and vegan egg rolls were great.
Service by the staff on the night of the event was excellent thanks to the bartenders, Kyle and Evan, and our servers, Rina and Danielle.”
Seafood • $$
“Enjoyed the food. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed him so much. Thank you Ryan for being so kind”
Fine Dining • $$$$
“Food was fantastic! Had the Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and it was amazing. The lobster bisque was very good too!! Service was also great.”
Italian • $$
“Very good food! Particularly liked the prosciutto wrapped scallops on a bed of arugula drizzled with balsamic reduction! 😃”
Mexican • $$
“We had them cater my 70th Birthday party over Labor Day weekend. 25 were in attendance and everyone was raving about how fantastic everything tasted! Christian took my order and did an excellent job. He even suggested the little burritos, which were a great hit. Thanks again for helping my Day a great success.”
Lounges • $$
“We love this hotel. Great bar, good food and attentive staff. Super location close to south coast plaza!”
Sushi Bar • $$
“Tiny place with delicious sushi. Staff is obviously busy during peak hours, but does their absolute best to serve guests. 5/5 will visit again next time I'm in Newport Beach”
Juice • $$
“I really like this location. The juices are consistently fresh and there’s something kind of ritualistic about walking out with a perfectly chilled green bottle, especially when the day feels chaotic. The Freeze is great too. It somehow convinces you that you’re eating dessert and making a responsible life choice at the same time.
Staff are usually nice. But Fashion Island has that polished, performance energy. It feels like everyone’s trying to look like they casually summer in Capri. If you’re not dressed for brunch or pilates, you might feel a little out of place. No one’s rude, but you definitely get the fashion police once-over just in case your shoes aren’t on trend.
Still, the product is good. It feels clean, quick, and satisfying. Just know what you’re walking into. Health culture with a side of silent judgment and sunglasses that cost more than your car insurance.”
French • $$
“Great ambiance! Very friendly staff that was very accommodating to my kids. Best part was the delicious food! We will definitely be back. 😊”
Sushi • $$
“I love this place! We have been coming here for over 4 years! It’s the best sushi in town! We love the chefs and especially Grace !”
American • $$
“We are outside on a nice evening. We split a burrata/tomato salad with bruschetta and the penne Bolognese with meatballs. It was a light dinner, but so delicious and a great value.”
Italian • $$
“I rarely make it to Balboa Island but the last time we were here we had the best Italian meal I’ve ever had. We returned yesterday and I had the veal piccata and it was another 10 out of 10. I’ll be back.”
Seafood • $$
“great food and wonderful service the fish and chips are great.”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“Topside is such a fun rooftop bar in Newport. I missed the sunset when I went last weekend but the view from up there is still beautiful. They have a DJ playing mellow tunes, low-key and relaxing, though requests are not allowed and the volume stays moderate. The crowd is a nice mix of old and young, giving it a lively yet chill vibe.
We were seated right under the heat lamp so it was surprisingly warm and cozy. The Photo Booth added an extra element of fun to the night. Drinks and snacks were great too, perfect for a casual evening with friends. Definitely recommend checking it out.”
Mexican • $$$
“Every time I come to Cali for vacation I must visit the JUICE BAR at Whole Foods for my morning fix of greens. I love this location. I never come to Orange County without visiting this particular location for my morning fix of greens. This is one of my favorite Whole Foods for their JUICE BAR. Awesome!!!”
Pubs • $$
“We love the Alley Restaurant, my husband and I walk there quite frequently because we are in the neighborhood. The food and service is always superb. The only thing we have a problem with is the noise level. We don't like to take visitors there because we cannot hear each other talk, but we love going there by ourselves and enjoy our conversations. I had the prime rib special and it was wonderful, cooked just toperfection.”
Sports Bar • $$
“only there for 2 beers. service at bar was great. Not sure why...but you use the Touch tunes and it is at a lower volume than the house music playing.”
Mediterranean • $$
“This is the find of the decade! Virtually hidden on a tiny street adjacent to the Coast Highway, the eclectic, artistic interior is as welcoming as the attentive and super friendly staff. Indoor and outdoor dining options, comfy furniture, a hip buzzy adjacent bar lets you know immediately you are in for a uniquely Newport Beach experience that you won’t want to leave. But all of this is nothing compared to the cuisine. The wide variety of ostensibly Middle Eastern menu items are comprehensive to meet virtually any dietary needs from vegan to Ketovore, but the competency across the board is astounding!! Lentil soup, yellow veggie curry, kabob, steak Diane - everything shines on its own merit. I planned to have one of the divine sounding desserts but alas, the portions were so generous that we had to take a rain check. Here’s hoping for a downpour!”
Mexican • $$
“Food was top notch at this spot here. I loved that we had the option to have a full meal here from starting off with soup, tortillas, calamari appetizer (super crunchy), fantastic lobster that was cooked perfectly (every bite is a great memory), and topping it all of with some yummy dessert. Honestly I can’t even think of how everything else was because the lobster stole the show.”
Japanese • $$$$
“Small place. Reservations recommended. Pricey but fish is fresh and delicious.”
Seafood • $$
“We recently dined at Billy’s and had an excellent experience. I ordered the clam chowder and fish and chips, both of which were absolutely delicious. My mother had the ribs and she said they were equally amazing. The service was also very good. Definitely a place worth visiting!”
Steak House • $$$$
“On the expensive side, but everything was delicious!”
Italian • $$
“Absolutely the best meal we had in Newport Beach. The entree specials were incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection! Alfred was of course an amazing host!!! Trust him he will not steer you wrong.”
Fine Dining • $$$$
“I bet you really enjoyed your meal. I know you enjoyed your friends you were with and the company of your beautiful Honey. She is so special to have at your side. I Love you my Brother and miss you every day. Someday we will spend a great time again. Much love. Big Bob Peterson. There is only one.”
American • $$
“Such a nice experience dining outside on the patio. My friend was late and my very patient waiter was so kind and told me not to worry. Unlike most restaurants, we didn't feel rushed.. salads was delicious... fresh and crunchy!”
Steak House • $$$
“Such a great dinner celebrating my dad’s 92nd birthday. Amazing food and wine. Our server Georgina was absolutely amazing! Thank you for taking such good care of us!”
Chinese • $$
“Amazing food and atmosphere. The food is surprisingly delicious and very reasonably priced. Vicky is a helpful sweetheart! Try the new onion pancakes and sesame balls.😊”
Sushi • $$$
“Buddha’s Favorite is such a great sushi spot! I met up with a friend for dinner and we really enjoyed everything we tried. The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was friendly, and the food was fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend the crispy tuna — it was a standout!”
Latest Reviews
Mexican • $
“There is a God!! I have been away for years working in North Dakota praying for a shrimp burrito. I was in Balboa over weekend and got my Shrimp fix. So darn good! The best shrimp soze and taste anywhere. They have not changed anything during this bad inflation. Miss the salsa bar but they gave us plenty. Most great places come and eventually go but GM is still.#1. Thank you Peter and staff!!.”
Seafood • $$
“Enjoyed the food. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed him so much. Thank you Ryan for being so kind”
Bar • $$
“I have only great memories of the Beach Ball in the early 1980's when Phil Johnson was owner or manager. Beach Ball always had a live band on Sunday afternoons. Great drinks great people great memories and times”
Liquor Store • $
“These workers do what ever they can with these federal benefit non-working I survive on welfare wish I had enough money to be entitled cause it’s my dream type people with an Obama phone posting reviews. Just to let you know running a bussiness is harder than the simple minded yelpers think.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“I got ice cream and it fell off the cone on to the cement just after leaving the shop. The clerk came out and offered me a new scoop this time in a cup. Absolutely made my day.”
Barbecue • $
“Amazing BBQ in Orange County. Fall off the bone ribs, tender brisket, moist BBQ chicken, pulled pork, juicy sausages. A real hidden gem. Highly recommended!”
Restaurant • $
“Everything is amazing just go and try the food you won’t be disappointed!!!!!”
Most Popular Restaurants
Japanese • $$$
“Never disappoints! Food is amazing! Always come here for special occasions and holidays. Every server and front desk are so nice and caring. They get the orders right even when it's so loud in there. Please is so clean and put together. Roberto is a great chef and Sheila was a nice server and did great job getting our food orders. Would definitely recommend coming! All locations are amazing but we like the Newport location.”
Mexican • $$$
“I really love this place when we come here once a year with my family on my b-day it's always my first choice The food and the drinks are just amazing and very delicious! We definitely will be back soon!”
Mexican • $$$
“They have very good Mexican food here.The quality of the food here is not Michelin level, but the prices are.Dinner for 6 people tonight (without alcoholic beverages) was about $660 so not cheap.Great vibe, great atmosphere and beautiful ocean view.But it will cost you.🤣”
Health Food • $$
“good customer service, Lilly was great with explaining their vegan options”
Lounges • $$
“A beautiful place to dine for date night or with friends. Tonight we celebrated a cherished friends bday. Cocktails weren’t excellent nothing watered down. The food was everything! Our server was cheerful & helpful. Its why we like to bring our friends…never disappointed.”
New American • $$
“Great Maple provided a wonderful dining experience, a choice that I did not regret. The food was DELISH!! My server, Merissa was EXCELLENT!! If you are ever in the area (Newport Beach, Fashion Island) stop by and request her as your server. Bon Apetite!!”
Japanese • $$$$
“The fish was marinated in miso and was very flavourful. Grilled to a crisp and charred for a great meal.”
American • $
“This place is quite nice. It can accommodate more diners than one might initially think. In addition, they have outdoor heaters for those who like to dine outdoors. The food here is very tasty, the portions are ample, and it's not too expensive.”
New Restaurants
Cafe • $
“5 stars across the board!!!! McKenzie and Billy were so AMAZING!!!! So kind and friendly! Everyone was so sweet! Great GF options too if you’re gluten free! Such yummy food! Best GF pancake and best GF sourdough I’ve ever had! Highly recommend!!
Edited to add: we were on vacation in Newport for 3 days- we came to eat at Little Billy’s every single day!!!! Amazing food and amazing service! Everyone is so kind!! All of the employees speak very highly of Billy (one of the owners)!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Humanity Coffee is hands down my favorite coffee spot in Newport! Isabella always has the best recommendations. Today she suggested the Cookie Butter Matcha and WOW, it did not disappoint! The drinks are amazing, the vibe is great, and it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and take a walk by the beach. Highly recommend”
Italian • $$
“It's hard to impress me with pasta being that it is one of my favorite foods to eat and Italian foods are my top pick. This place blew me away! The wine, the food, the service was all outstanding!! I will be back.”
Sports Bar
“Zentrl Kitchen offers a nice atmosphere, and the staff are kind and attentive. The food comes out very quickly, which is great. Everything we tried was delicious from the sliders and popcorn shrimp to the salmon bowl. Highly recommended!”
Seafood • $$$$
“Hands down my favorite restaurant of all time thus far. Upscale and expensive but worth the price. Special occasion or nice meal it’s the right spot.
Must get the wagyu steak! Highly recommend the burrata and peppers appetizer, fries are awesome, Caesar salad on point
Everything I’ve had there has been exquisite.”
“Fine dining, excellent service, amazing food”