Awesome an awesome experience and a treat to have a fun night out here. Great food, awesome staff, and great ambience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Robertson
A Restaurant in Newport Beach has long been considered one of the most classic and respected dining establishments in the area. Known for its steakhouse roots and upscale atmosphere, the restaurant delivers a refined experience that continues to attract loyal patrons.
The moment you step inside, the ambiance sets the tone. The interior features warm lighting, rich wood accents, and an elegant layout that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. It’s the kind of place that works well for special occasions, business dinners, or simply an evening when you want a memorable meal.
The menu focuses heavily on high-quality steaks and traditional steakhouse offerings. The kitchen consistently prepares dishes with precision, ensuring that steaks are cooked exactly as requested and served with excellent presentation.
Service is another defining feature. Staff members are professional, attentive, and clearly experienced in providing a high level of hospitality. From greeting guests to guiding them through the menu, the team ensures that the dining experience feels polished from start to finish.
A Restaurant has maintained its reputation by delivering consistency. Guests know they can expect quality food, attentive service, and a classic steakhouse environment every time they visit.
For anyone looking for a refined dining experience in Newport Beach, A Restaurant continues to stand as one of the area’s most respected culinary destinations.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Karinabel -
Classic and classy spot for a special dining. It was a little noisy but our group had an excellent time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
lhpools1
Very nice place, 1st time there and really liked it. High end steak house.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Craig Shults
Came here for an early dinner. Food was exceptional. Bar tender Derrick was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
gt
My favorite restaurant in Newport. Steaks are always on point. Compliments to the chefs and service staff A++. Great bar and on sundays if you're in the industry 50% off
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcos Guerreiro
A disappointment. See pics. We went there for the atmosphere... we were told. We were sat on a makeshift tent in the parking lot, a remnant of Covid days, we assume. Horrible atmosphere, constant traffic going by, car headlights in your face, and music more in line with Ed Sheeran than a steak house (no offense to the musicians, just not fitting that type of restaurant). Food was on par with the price, but nothing great. * Want a great steak? There are better options. * Want a great atmosphere? Avoid at all costs.
My theory is: most sitting options inside accommodate a bigger party, since it was just two of us, they sat us outside. There were two other couples out there. The majority inside looked like bigger parties. So you might be ok if you bring 4+.
Our server was the only redeeming part.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 5
Brian Shupe
Party of 5 went the night of the College Football National Championship game. The hostess was nice and accommodated us in the bar so we could watch the game when we requested.
Our group had the brussel sprout leaves and the hamachi crudo for starters. Both were terrific and were generous portions
I had the winter salad which was large and well-balanced. For the main, most of us had the Block Cut New York. Mine was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very flavorful. The others in our group indicated theirs was a little overcooked, but they still enjoyed.
Overall the experience was exactly as we had expected. High quality service and food at an established well-run restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Philip
Always a wonderful experience at this Newport Beach icon! Traditional, dark, steakhouse ambience with red leather booths. Lively bar, lively dining room! Excellent service all around. We highly recommend the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak - 3 oz. is the perfect size for an old guy like me! Absolutely the most tasty steak around! An enjoyable time was had by all...!
R David Paine III
What we ordered: Smoking Goose Lomo – $9 Thomasville Tomme – $10 1 Sparkling Water – $8 1 Regular Water – $0 2 Hemingway Daiquiris – $16 ea 2 Crown Royal, Ginger Ale, Lime – $14 ea 1 Grand Marnier – $14
Entrees: Niman Ranch Bone-in Pork Chop – $40 Chicken Pot Pie – $32
Dessert: Banana Split – $14 (shared)
Valet Parking Only: $9
We were honestly there because I saw someone on social media get the chicken pot pie and thought, I have to have that. I’m really glad we did.
Parking is valet-only and costs $9.
The restaurant itself is very dated — it’s old (1926), and it feels old. Red leather half-circle booths (mostly four-tops, no deuces), wood ceilings and beams. The atmosphere is medium-loud. We had a couple of larger tables around us that were a bit noisy, but not terrible. Lighting was good — not blindingly bright like so many places these days — but it was a little difficult to read the menu. I almost wish darker restaurants had small table lamps you could turn on just to read and then shut off, but the phone flashlight works just as well.
Service is impeccable. Someone was always there to clear plates, refill water, take dishes away, etc. It’s exactly how service should be given the price point and overall atmosphere.
Starting with the charcuterie: the bread that came with it — toasted sourdough and what I think was raisin bread — was good, but not exceptional. It was served on a stone with a delicious stone-ground mustard, some sort of honey purée, and the meat and cheese we ordered, both of which were very good. Overall, quite tasty.
The real treat came when the gentleman refilling our water asked if we’d like additional bread. They brought out basically half a wheel of perfectly hot sourdough. Crisp crust, warm and tender inside, and served with a ramekin of soft butter. This is really what you want for a starter. It didn’t cost anything extra, and we ate the entire portion.
The chicken pot pie is truly amazing. Make sure you ask them to flip it onto the plate. It comes out with the puff pastry sitting on top of the pot, which doesn’t look nearly as impressive as when they flip it over and spoon in the filling. My only criticism is that it definitely needs salt and pepper — without it, it was a bit bland. That said, the chicken was incredibly tender, the sauce was wonderful, and the vegetables (notably the peas and carrots) were very good. The pastry itself is outstanding.
The pork chop was nicely presented and a good size — thick, and cooked correctly. She loved the sweet potato purée and the sautéed haricot verts, which were fully cooked (not overly al dente, which seems to be the trend everywhere lately).
After the charcuterie, we saved a little room for dessert and had about a third of the entrees boxed up. We shared the banana split, which is made with house-made ice cream in all three flavors. The bananas were roasted perfectly, and the slivered almonds were the ideal finishing touch. A great way to end the meal, and highly recommended.
Aloha Chef Gomez, will you marry me? I adore you!!! No wonder you have so many fabulous reviews. Well deserved!!! xo Sheri Smith
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R David
We were there because I saw someone on social media get the chicken pot pie and thought, I have to have that — and I'm really glad we did. Parking is valet-only and $9. The restaurant is very dated (it opened in 1926), and it feels old in a good way: red leather half-circle booths (mostly four-tops), wood ceilings and beams. Atmosphere is medium-loud; a couple of nearby large tables were a bit noisy but manageable. Lighting was comfortable and not harsh, though reading the menu was a little tough — phone flashlight helped. Service was impeccable throughout, which is exactly what you want at this price point. We started with charcuterie (two selections, about $20 total) along with several cocktails and spirits (generally $14–$16 per drink). The initial toasted sourdough and raisin bread were good, but the real standout was the complimentary hot sourdough that came later — crisp crust, warm and tender inside, served with soft butter. Excellent, and very welcome. For mains, we had the chicken pot pie ($32) and the Niman Ranch bone-in pork chop ($40). The pot pie is truly outstanding — ask them to flip it onto the plate for presentation. It could use salt and pepper, but the chicken was extremely tender, the sauce rich, the vegetables well-cooked, and the puff pastry fantastic. The pork chop was thick, cooked correctly, and well presented, with a sweet potato purée and sautéed haricot verts that were fully cooked (not overly al dente). We shared the banana split ($14) for dessert — house-made ice cream, perfectly roasted bananas, and slivered almonds. A great way to end the meal. All in, with charcuterie, multiple cocktails, two entrees, dessert, water, tax, and tip, expect to spend in the low-to-mid $200s for two if you're ordering drinks. Not an inexpensive night out — and yes, it basically blew my weekly budget — but the service, execution, and signature dishes make it worth it. Highly recommended.
Sean
I've been coming here, once a year since the 90's, since it was The Arches. This last visit was just off. The service was prompt, attentive, but server/ maitre d was waaay too engaged, gregarious. It was just too loud, too much. The food was ok, not the typical, historic great. Good. But more to the point, the restaurant was just more of a sports bar energy, and less than what I remember, a refined, relaxed wonderful place.
Riley
This is by far my favorite restaurant to go to, love the energy and vibes. Never had a bad experience
Kimberly
Had a great experience dining at A's. It was also my birthday and they gave a card that was signed by all the employees, which I thought was super sweet. The food and drinks were superb. Definitely will be going back soon. OH a must try is the chicken pot pie, it was absolutely amazing!!!!
Awesome an awesome experience and a treat to have a fun night out here. Great food, awesome staff, and great ambience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Restaurant in Newport Beach has long been considered one of the most classic and respected dining establishments in the area. Known for its steakhouse roots and upscale atmosphere, the restaurant delivers a refined experience that continues to attract loyal patrons.
The moment you step inside, the ambiance sets the tone. The interior features warm lighting, rich wood accents, and an elegant layout that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. It’s the kind of place that works well for special occasions, business dinners, or simply an evening when you want a memorable meal.
The menu focuses heavily on high-quality steaks and traditional steakhouse offerings. The kitchen consistently prepares dishes with precision, ensuring that steaks are cooked exactly as requested and served with excellent presentation.
Service is another defining feature. Staff members are professional, attentive, and clearly experienced in providing a high level of hospitality. From greeting guests to guiding them through the menu, the team ensures that the dining experience feels polished from start to finish.
A Restaurant has maintained its reputation by delivering consistency. Guests know they can expect quality food, attentive service, and a classic steakhouse environment every time they visit.
For anyone looking for a refined dining experience in Newport Beach, A Restaurant continues to stand as one of the area’s most respected culinary destinations.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Classic and classy spot for a special dining. It was a little noisy but our group had an excellent time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice place,
1st time there and really liked it.
High end steak house.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for an early dinner. Food was exceptional. Bar tender Derrick was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite restaurant in Newport. Steaks are always on point. Compliments to the chefs and service staff A++. Great bar and on sundays if you're in the industry 50% off
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A disappointment. See pics.
We went there for the atmosphere... we were told. We were sat on a makeshift tent in the parking lot, a remnant of Covid days, we assume. Horrible atmosphere, constant traffic going by, car headlights in your face, and music more in line with Ed Sheeran than a steak house (no offense to the musicians, just not fitting that type of restaurant). Food was on par with the price, but nothing great.
* Want a great steak? There are better options.
* Want a great atmosphere? Avoid at all costs.
My theory is: most sitting options inside accommodate a bigger party, since it was just two of us, they sat us outside. There were two other couples out there. The majority inside looked like bigger parties. So you might be ok if you bring 4+.
Our server was the only redeeming part.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 5
Party of 5 went the night of the College Football National Championship game. The hostess was nice and accommodated us in the bar so we could watch the game when we requested.
Our group had the brussel sprout leaves and the hamachi crudo for starters. Both were terrific and were generous portions
I had the winter salad which was large and well-balanced. For the main, most of us had the Block Cut New York. Mine was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very flavorful. The others in our group indicated theirs was a little overcooked, but they still enjoyed.
Overall the experience was exactly as we had expected. High quality service and food at an established well-run restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a wonderful experience at this Newport Beach icon! Traditional, dark, steakhouse ambience with red leather booths. Lively bar, lively dining room! Excellent service all around. We highly recommend the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak - 3 oz. is the perfect size for an old guy like me! Absolutely the most tasty steak around! An enjoyable time was had by all...!
What we ordered:
Smoking Goose Lomo – $9
Thomasville Tomme – $10
1 Sparkling Water – $8
1 Regular Water – $0
2 Hemingway Daiquiris – $16 ea
2 Crown Royal, Ginger Ale, Lime – $14 ea
1 Grand Marnier – $14
Entrees:
Niman Ranch Bone-in Pork Chop – $40
Chicken Pot Pie – $32
Dessert:
Banana Split – $14 (shared)
Valet Parking Only: $9
We were honestly there because I saw someone on social media get the chicken pot pie and thought, I have to have that. I’m really glad we did.
Parking is valet-only and costs $9.
The restaurant itself is very dated — it’s old (1926), and it feels old. Red leather half-circle booths (mostly four-tops, no deuces), wood ceilings and beams. The atmosphere is medium-loud. We had a couple of larger tables around us that were a bit noisy, but not terrible. Lighting was good — not blindingly bright like so many places these days — but it was a little difficult to read the menu. I almost wish darker restaurants had small table lamps you could turn on just to read and then shut off, but the phone flashlight works just as well.
Service is impeccable. Someone was always there to clear plates, refill water, take dishes away, etc. It’s exactly how service should be given the price point and overall atmosphere.
Starting with the charcuterie: the bread that came with it — toasted sourdough and what I think was raisin bread — was good, but not exceptional. It was served on a stone with a delicious stone-ground mustard, some sort of honey purée, and the meat and cheese we ordered, both of which were very good. Overall, quite tasty.
The real treat came when the gentleman refilling our water asked if we’d like additional bread. They brought out basically half a wheel of perfectly hot sourdough. Crisp crust, warm and tender inside, and served with a ramekin of soft butter. This is really what you want for a starter. It didn’t cost anything extra, and we ate the entire portion.
The chicken pot pie is truly amazing. Make sure you ask them to flip it onto the plate. It comes out with the puff pastry sitting on top of the pot, which doesn’t look nearly as impressive as when they flip it over and spoon in the filling. My only criticism is that it definitely needs salt and pepper — without it, it was a bit bland. That said, the chicken was incredibly tender, the sauce was wonderful, and the vegetables (notably the peas and carrots) were very good. The pastry itself is outstanding.
The pork chop was nicely presented and a good size — thick, and cooked correctly. She loved the sweet potato purée and the sautéed haricot verts, which were fully cooked (not overly al dente, which seems to be the trend everywhere lately).
After the charcuterie, we saved a little room for dessert and had about a third of the entrees boxed up. We shared the banana split, which is made with house-made ice cream in all three flavors. The bananas were roasted perfectly, and the slivered almonds were the ideal finishing touch. A great way to end the meal, and highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Aloha Chef Gomez, will you marry me? I adore you!!! No wonder you have so many fabulous reviews. Well deserved!!! xo Sheri Smith
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were there because I saw someone on social media get the chicken pot pie and thought, I have to have that — and I'm really glad we did. Parking is valet-only and $9. The restaurant is very dated (it opened in 1926), and it feels old in a good way: red leather half-circle booths (mostly four-tops), wood ceilings and beams. Atmosphere is medium-loud; a couple of nearby large tables were a bit noisy but manageable. Lighting was comfortable and not harsh, though reading the menu was a little tough — phone flashlight helped. Service was impeccable throughout, which is exactly what you want at this price point. We started with charcuterie (two selections, about $20 total) along with several cocktails and spirits (generally $14–$16 per drink). The initial toasted sourdough and raisin bread were good, but the real standout was the complimentary hot sourdough that came later — crisp crust, warm and tender inside, served with soft butter. Excellent, and very welcome. For mains, we had the chicken pot pie ($32) and the Niman Ranch bone-in pork chop ($40). The pot pie is truly outstanding — ask them to flip it onto the plate for presentation. It could use salt and pepper, but the chicken was extremely tender, the sauce rich, the vegetables well-cooked, and the puff pastry fantastic. The pork chop was thick, cooked correctly, and well presented, with a sweet potato purée and sautéed haricot verts that were fully cooked (not overly al dente). We shared the banana split ($14) for dessert — house-made ice cream, perfectly roasted bananas, and slivered almonds. A great way to end the meal. All in, with charcuterie, multiple cocktails, two entrees, dessert, water, tax, and tip, expect to spend in the low-to-mid $200s for two if you're ordering drinks. Not an inexpensive night out — and yes, it basically blew my weekly budget — but the service, execution, and signature dishes make it worth it. Highly recommended.
I've been coming here, once a year since the 90's, since it was The Arches. This last visit was just off. The service was prompt, attentive, but server/ maitre d was waaay too engaged, gregarious. It was just too loud, too much. The food was ok, not the typical, historic great. Good. But more to the point, the restaurant was just more of a sports bar energy, and less than what I remember, a refined, relaxed wonderful place.
This is by far my favorite restaurant to go to, love the energy and vibes. Never had a bad experience
Had a great experience dining at A's. It was also my birthday and they gave a card that was signed by all the employees, which I thought was super sweet. The food and drinks were superb. Definitely will be going back soon. OH a must try is the chicken pot pie, it was absolutely amazing!!!!
Loading...