Restaurants in Newport Beach

“Great service, amazing atmosphere and delicious food.”

“Dont sleep on Little Billy!! This place lives up to the star rating in the reviews! Yes you gotta wait to get in, but wait is worth it! Last sunday (in the rain, mind you), I waited 30 min to get in and with my family we got breakfast burritos, blueberry pancakes, and the spicy tuna wrap. EVERYTHING was delicious, the service was attentive and pleasant, the main dude handling front of house was on top of his stuff. An amazing place to eat either inside or order to go, but definitely eat there because everything comes out fresh and hot! Our compliments to the chef and the dude up front! 🤌”

“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!”

“Loved their onion soup and their apple tart Ala mode”

“It is the best açaí in OC.😉💪🏿💪🏾💪🏻”

“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.”

“One of the best real EDOMAE sushi in area. I was used to be sushi chef.”

“Absolutely beautiful ocean view from your table”

“The food was amazing!!! Simply fantastic. Well done @mommaDa”

“Every time I come here I get the 2nd best cup of Coffee ever !!!!! To legit to quit, keep up the great work Jason, Kyle, and Tianna!”

“Un bout de France à Newport. Merci encore pour votre passion et dedication!”

“Fabulous food and cool interior”

“Comfortable temperature and beautiful environment, I like it very much.”

“Great fresh seafood, some of Newport's finest scenery with reasonable prices for exceptional multiplicity if offerings. Get it like you want it as custom is no problem and staff cashier's are exceptional.”

“Loved the chicken and the pot stickers were great too!

The noodles had good texture but I wasn't blown away by the ramen. Would get the garlic cilantro chicken again though!”

“Great service, authentic Italian food”

“Fine dining, excellent service, amazing food”

“We had such a great experience with Jason and the team at Luke's Lobster on Balboa. The lobster was for a birthday celebration for a native New Englander who is *very* particular about her lobster. Jason took time on the phone to explain their sourcing (Maine!) and process. The pick-up was super easy...and the lobster was DELICIOUS. We picked it up all prepared and with the butter to poach for just 1 minute at home. I meant to take a photo but...we ate it too quickly - there was none left! Thank you for making a fun and delicious birthday celebration! We will definitely be back.”

“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.”

“Best Tacos in Town! Love this place for tacos and burritos!”

“The food is exceptional. A true local gem. The owner is courteous and tries to make sure ALL patrons have an enjoyable experience. Genuinely always a wonderful experience”

“Peter is amazing! He is such an attentive waiter and made sure we had an excellent dinner. Highlight of our trip! ☀️”

“Really delicious food. I enjoyed it a lot.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Really good, the steak sandwich was perfect and the chimichuri sauce is really good. Parking is very difficult to find during peak hours, place was buzzing when we went. Still worth it though”

“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”

“Great restaurant, A1 service, friendly staff, great ambiance, food and drinks”

“Excellent food and wonderful service! My wife and I popped in here after a long bike ride, and we weren't disappointed. We shared the supreme breakfast burrito with venison and the waffles with fruit. The burrito was so good, the meat was cooked to perfection and the combination with the eggs and potatoes made it wonderful. And the waffles, oh my! We will definitely be back for more of this delicious food. Oh, and the service was incredible, everyone is so friendly and attentive. A+++”

“Omg the food. 1st time in and I’ll definitely be back. Loved the outdoor seating option.”

“Food is great and staff is fabulous!!!”

“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.”

“Great service, authentic Italian food”

“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.”

“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!”

“Great spot to eat. Hidden gem.”

“Service and breakfast was excellent”

“The server was very attentive and the food came quickly after we ordered. The food! It was well prepared and all delicious. We and our friends visited and enjoyed.”

“Amazing food & service! Kirk if the Best❤️”

“The service was great the popovers were delivered right when we sat down. Are server was there to take our drink order. Everything was great we just both had a salad. Diffidently will return.”

“The food was great, the service was great and the views were great. We showed at a good time, no wait for a table, sat outside. Service was fast. Kendra was awesome. Burger and Chicken strips were yummy”

“Great food! Nice people !”

“The food & service were great”

“Eating here was such a wonderful experience, it truly felt like spending a few hours in Italy. The staff felt like family, they were very personable and knew the food quite well. Guido and Randy served us and did a wonderful job. The food was also phenomenal—appetizers, entrees, and desserts.”

“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!😆❤️❤️👌🏼🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”

“Great coffee and they have beautiful handmade ceramics perfect for gifts. I got some to go cups and my friend absolutely loved them. Will return for the latte and cute handmade goods by local artists!”

“Delicious! As a big foodie this place really hit the spot. The kabob was very flavorful and the house made hummus tasted so clean and fresh. I would definitely be coming back. Great portion sizes and food pricing.”

“Great service, friendly and helpful. Great food, and on point”

“Fabulous dinner and ambiance plus the he most delicious Rocklet!!!”

“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!!.”

“Breakfast are delicious !!! Rosemary ham”

“Jerry’s Sandwich Shop is a little hard to find, but find it once and you’ll be back.

For me it has become the perfect stop before or after a flight at SNA to grab a great sandwich on the way to the airport or pick one up after landing.

What I especially like is what Jerry’s isn’t. No kiosk. No app required. No complicated ordering system. Just a friendly owner behind the counter making really good sandwiches at very reasonable prices.

In an age when everything seems to be getting more automated, expensive and impersonal, Jerry’s is refreshingly old-school with good food, good value and a real invested person taking your order.

Definitely worth finding”

“It was delicious. The vanilla Rosa 🌹 was great 👍🏽”

“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, $$$$$.”

“Delicious healthy food. I highly recommend this restaurant”

“Love Vegan and Gluten Free Options. So happy here !”

“Cheese pizza was delicious. Crust had a good toast, cheese sauce ratio was perfect.

If you are wondering if you should stop by, yes! Do it! Don't be like me and wait for many years to grab a slice of cheese or pepperoni.”

“Well worth the wait! GREAT sushi, service and quality.”

“Really enjoyed the seating area outside. N the service was great. Friendly and very attentive. The quality of the food was really good and so was the quantity. We had the salmon sashimi and the short ribs. Not disappointed. Spent a nice evening with the kids. And enjoyed the football game while there too. Reasonably priced and portions are wealthy.”

“The vibe and sushi/bento box were fire 🔥 🔥🔥”

“Been going weekly for 3 decades. Enjoying all of the coffee drinks, all types of homemade food, so many desserts, beach atmosphere, easy parking and lovely staff over the years❤️”

“Love this iconic spot! A must when visiting Balboa Island!”

“coffee is amazing . the veggies and breakfast are very good”

“specials daily. strong cocktails. my go to when I'm in town.”

“We love this place, best view! ♥️”

“I highly recommend that you stop to eat here whenever you can. Amazing five star food. Staff is amazing, welcoming and friendly and helpful. Amazingly clean restaurant too. You will not be disappointed unless you pass them by and don't stop in.”

“Relaxing environment right off of PCH”

“I loved this icecream place!! Amazing to walk down from the beach to get some refreshing icecream. One of the biggest helpers was Peyton. Definitely worth the money for some delicious icecream.”

“Sessions is one of family go-to dinner places! We absolutely love the food , service and atmosphere! It’s a 10/10 and Woodbridge location is our favorite for a family. Paris is also the best staff ever and makes us feel at home. Highly recommended the summer zephyr add turkey!”

“Ordering online Salt & Straw in Newport Beach is amazing! The Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons is the ultimate sweet and savory treat. The rich, salty cream base paired with thick, gooey caramel ribbons in a warm waffle cone is pure perfection. Highly recommend stopping by!”

“Best beef dip sandwich ever!!”

“La amable atención. La comida deliciosa!”

“The best Mexican food! Going there since 1995! Love it🙏”

“This was such a cute little cozy coffee place with cute decor where they have a lot of indoor seating (if you walk towards the back) as well as outdoors. Good place to catch up or study.

Got the Breakfast Burrito, Blueberry Pancakes, and Pistachio Latte (hot). The burrito was delicious and the pancakes were super fluffy and sweet. Really liked the pistachio latte - you can taste the nuttiness of the pistachio. Would definitely want to go back to try other items on the menu.

Service was fairly fast and the staff were kind and attended to what we needed. Parking may be slightly difficult.”

“We've dined at Omakase SF multiple times and have always had an exceptional dinner. The food was excellent, the service amazing, and the Chef very good and informative. We'll be back again.”

“Went to celebrate my fiancés birthday food and service was amazing! Adam was our service and he was so attentive and gave us all the great recommendations we loved the Napa salad, the sea bass, filet and the crispy shrimp! The mushrooms are my absolute favorite. We will definitely be back!”

“Great experience overall, starting with drinks in the bar. Tony, the bartender, was very engaging and on top of everything. We had a great table with a wonderful view of the ocean, which enhanced our dining experience. Menu was very diverse, wine list was well priced with quality wineries, all our meals were outstanding and we even splurged for a few desserts (all were consumed quickly). I had not taken people to the restaurant in some time but definitely putting 21 back in the rotation!”

“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!”

“Small place. Reservations recommended. Pricey but fish is fresh and delicious.”

“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.”

“On the expensive side, but everything was delicious!”

“staff was so sweet!!! went for my friend’s 21st and they made us feel so special. rlly appreciate the bartenders 🫶🏽 vibes were good and chill to take pics.”

“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.”

“The fish was marinated in miso and was very flavourful. Grilled to a crisp and charred for a great meal.”

“TK Burgers is a Newport Beach institution and one of the best places to grab a burger after a day at the beach. The burgers are fresh, juicy, and cooked over an open flame with that classic charbroiled flavor. The fries are crispy, the TK sauce is a must, and the portions are generous for the price.

It’s nothing fancy, just great food served fast with an authentic beach-town vibe. If you’re in Newport Beach and craving a classic California burger, TK Burgers is a place you’ll keep coming back to.”

“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.”

“Been a while but drove 20 miles up PCH to have a meal here after 7 years.”

“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”

“Waaaaaay BETTER than Sugar and Spice! Too Sweet / Tutti Fruity uses real chocolate as opposed to Sugar and spices non dairy milk chocolate? We drove 40 minutes and made the mistake of getting our frozen bananas at sugar n spice but were disappointed in their milk chocolate. Super thin and no chocolate taste.

Stopped in at Tutti Fruity / Too Sweet to see what their chocolate covered frozen bananas were and HANDS DOWN! AMAZING! Thicker chocolate and the chocolate actually tastes like delicious chocolate!

Next time… Too Sweet for frozen bananas for us!!”

“My daughter and I live in the San Gabriel Valley, but have become huge fans of Sessions. The food is unbelievably fresh, and so flavorful. Delicious coffee too! It’s also toddler approved (which is saying a lot) It’s well worth the trip down.”

“Love it for the great live music on Saturday nights. So Underrated for a great place to hear live bands!! Nice, friendly people”

“okay so truthfully i’ve never actually step
foot inside this establishment, BUT, i have ordered food off their app and gotten it delivered like honestly 15 times in the last 2-3 months. i live in grad housing at UCI and order food from here often when i have a late workday. there’s not been one delivery where i have not gotten exactly what i ordered. sometimes they even hook it up with an extra salsa or two for my tortilla chips. i order the double chicken bowl and 10/10 times that bowl slaps. always hits the spot. food is great quality, chicken is always spot on, never dry. great food portions that make other places look like they need to step up their game. lowkey may never physically visit this place but will mostly mobile order from here over other food places. gg staff. also highly recc the app if you don’t have it.”

“Great food and the ladies working behind the counter are super friendly.”

“Fantastic service and delicious wings and a salad.”

“Delicious variety of cookies and so many milks to choose from. pure heaven”

“Wild Strawberry is my first choice for coffee, tea, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and even catering. They use only the best ingredients. Their food is amazing. Their staff is friendly. The vibe is lovely and inviting. 10/10, every time.”

“Love this place! The bread is amazing! Such a gem❤️🇮🇹”

“Great good!! Friendly employees!!”

“very good food, dessert are the best.”

“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!!.”

“Enjoyed the food. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We enjoyed him so much. Thank you Ryan for being so kind”

“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”

“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.”

“Great hamburger great location family neighbor restaurant my place Friday after work”

“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.”

“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!”

“really amazing spot love it”

“Everything is amazing just go and try the food you won’t be disappointed!!!!!”

“Love Vegan and Gluten Free Options. So happy here !”

“Had a ln amazing dinner last night at SET. The food was great and the outside ambiance is romantic. Our server Jeffrey was great, he made recommendations for food and was spot on. He was attentive and gave 5 star service. Will definitely be back”

“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.”

“If you’re looking for the perfect spot in Newport Beach, Javier’s at Crystal Cove is a must! 🌮🍹 The food is absolutely delicious – authentic Mexican flavors with fresh seafood and so many great options to choose from. The atmosphere is vibrant yet elegant, with stunning ocean views 🌊 that make every visit feel special. Having lived in this area for a few years, I can honestly say it’s one of the most beautiful places around – the kind of spot that makes you fall in love with Newport Beach all over again. ✨”

“I had a wonderful experience at Red O. The restaurant is posh, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting. The staff are very attentive, friendly and professional. Couldn't ask for anything more. Will definitely be back!”

“The food was great the desert was better”

“good customer service, Lilly was great with explaining their vegan options”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Their wine dinners are incredible!”

“The fish was marinated in miso and was very flavourful. Grilled to a crisp and charred for a great meal.”

“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!!”

“Absolutely beautiful ocean view from your table”

“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!”

“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.”

“It is the best açaí in OC.😉💪🏿💪🏾💪🏻”

“Locally owned and situated on Marine Drive on Balboa Island with friendly staff. Our favorite is the shrimp spring rolls with homemade peanut sauce and for a hearty meal the pho filet mignon. For a nominal price upon request they will steam a plate of filet mignon for your furry friend. My minature goldendoodle Violet loves it!”

“Best coffee spot in Newport! You guys, their blueberry coffee cake and turkey focaccia sandwiches are amazing! Great vibes and the sweetest staff. Don’t sleep on this hidden gem”

“I have reviewed and rated over 50 cafes in California and a handful out of state cafes. I make no exaggeration when I say this place, by far, has the BEST coffee I have ever tried in all of California. The #1 spot for me is 7Grams in NYC, this place is #2.

The wait itself was not bad for Labor Day, it’s a nice small establishment but these employees deserve a meritorious pay. The coffee itself plays a big role in flavor, but the care and effort of the baristas is what really sells it.

I ordered an iced malted latte and it had a beautiful balance of creaminess and boldness.The 12oz is a standard size and it honestly speaks for itself. I will be returning whenever I am in the area.

For those curious, I rate my cafes 1-10. This is a 9/10.”

“The best bbq in the OC...”

“The avacado toast is uhmazing! Great coffee and friendly service!”

“The food is decent but hella over-priced. There's a reason you don't see their sandwiches in their marketing promotions, you're better off at Subway for that. $10 for a basic little sandwich with barely anything on it is crazy work.”

“We finally made it to Nesos over the weekend! This was the old Mozza restaurant and my bf and I have been meaning to come check it out for a while. We were lucky enough to snag a last minute reservation! My bf’s brother apparently has been trying to get a reservation too, but no luck. Lol. So yes, reservations can be tough to get! The atmosphere here is upscale and beautiful. They changed the layout a little bit but it still has a great vibe! We started out with their delicious cocktails, then switched over to wine once dinner was served. For our appetizers, we ordered the Octopus and OMG… this was SO tender and flavorful! Please don’t skip this one if you’re a fan of octopus! We also ordered the Eggplant Dip with pita bread and it was yummy! For our main course, we ordered the Sea Bass (whole fish) because I was NOT about to miss out on this. I swear every Yelp photo I checked out had a whole fish included in their orders and now I know why! Lol. It was outstanding! A simple dish but packs a serious punch of flavor. We had it with a side of Broccolini, and they were perfect together. I honestly forgot what dessert we ordered but I ended up getting a Greek liqueur for dessert. I don’t know about you but I like to drink my dessert. Lol. Anyway, we had a fabulous time at Nesos! Great food, beautiful atmosphere, delicious drinks and overall excellent service. If you haven’t been yet, definitely give them a visit. They’re excellent all around!”

“Beautiful space, but the experience doesn’t match the design 3/5

Ralph’s Cafe at Fashion Island has a gorgeous interior, the kind you want to sit in and enjoy. The problem? Not enough seating. Crowded, rushed, no time to actually immerse yourself in the space.

The coffee is decent but unremarkable. For the location and pricing, I expected more from both the drink and the experience.

Go for the aesthetics. Don’t expect to linger 💙”

“You know a bakery is good when you haven’t even left yet and you’re already going back inside to buy another pastry. That was us at Chaupain Bakery—and the culprit was a strawberry envelope I’m still thinking about.
From the moment we walked in, Chaupain felt like a place where both the pastries and the people make you want to return. My eyes immediately went to the gorgeous glass case overflowing with pastries, and since it was our first visit, I had the nearly impossible task of deciding what to try. Meanwhile, my husband ordered the Jambon sandwich and their seasonal pumpkin cheesecake.
As I stared at the case trying to narrow down my choices, I told the gentleman helping me, “I want to try the things that will make me come back.” It turned out I was talking to one of the owners, Sami—and he absolutely understood the assignment.
Sami’s hospitality was one of the highlights of our visit. He was warm, welcoming, and genuinely interested in helping us experience the best of Chaupain. He took the time to answer my questions, talk us through the pastries, and offer recommendations without ever making us feel rushed. There’s something special about meeting an owner who is not only proud of what they’ve created, but also clearly cares about the experience people have when they walk through the door. That warmth carried through the entire service—friendly, attentive, and welcoming from beginning to end.
With Sami’s guidance, our pastry lineup included the almond croissant, pistachio croissant, palmier, and strawberry envelope.
The Jambon sandwich was delicious. The saltiness of the ham and cheese marries perfectly with the fresh-baked bread. Simple, classic ingredients done incredibly well.
The seasonal pumpkin cheesecake was smooth and creamy with just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness. Every bite makes you want just one more.
Ever since returning from Paris, we’ve been searching for croissants that can transport us back to those little Parisian boulangeries. Chaupain came pretty darn close—but surprisingly, it wasn’t a croissant that completely stole my heart.
It was the palmier!
Flaky, buttery, delicate, with that perfect caramelization and crispness around the edges—this palmier had me seriously second-guessing whether the croissant is even my favorite French pastry anymore. It is an absolute MUST TRY.
But then came THE STAR OF THE SHOW—the stop-the-presses pastry: the strawberry envelope. Perfectly flaky and airy pastry, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a smooth, light custard and fresh sliced strawberries. The buttery pastry, silky custard, and freshness of the strawberries come together in this incredible explosion of flavor and texture without being overly sweet or heavy. It was so good that I finished it…and went right back inside to buy another one.
And really, that sums up our first visit to Chaupain. I walked in and asked Sami to point me toward the pastries that would make us come back. Between his genuine hospitality, the wonderful service, and some seriously memorable pastries, mission accomplished!
We will definitely be back and we will be bringing our family!”

“Wow, tried this restaurant for the first time and it was amazing! We will definitely add this as a favorite. I had rigatoni amatriciana and added a meatball. It was melt in your mouth delicious!! We ended the evening with the tiramisu, which I normally would never order - but wow! So glad we ordered it. It was also a winner. It was more like a cake with whipped cream layers.”

“Previous members only club that is now open to the public. Beautiful Aesthetic, much calmer from the set side. Perfect place to meet up with girlfriends who wants to dress cute and not get too turnt up”

“I added this Arabic phrase to my vocabulary today: كتير طيب - pronounced “kteer tayeb.” It means “very delicious.” I had to ask the staff to teach me because I was genuinely thrilled with the quality of the meal. I had the grain bowl with beef shawarma. Everything was great! 10/10 recommend!”

“Had a great dinner here, artichokes, sea bass, asparagus, salmon, desert, wine. Hostess Nikita was very warm, professional and attentive. Servers were attentive and did a great job. Can’t wait to go back!”

“The Lot has a nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. I ordered the steak asada bowl & speciality cocktail: Midnight Margarita, it was excellent. 10/10 recommendation!”