Fable & Spirit

3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach
(949) 409-9913

Recent Reviews

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Not bad, but not worth the cost

Brown bread - tasty, but it's a quick bread, very soft and crumbly like a cake. Prawns - best dish of the night, only complaint was that there were tiny shards of shell scattered in the corn topping. Porchetta - delicious but VERY rich, the dish is like 90% meat. Short rib - all the fat was trimmed off, and there wasn't a lot of jus, so it ate rather dry. Good flavor though, although I can make a better one at home. The horseradish gremolata was too subtle for my taste, but the sides were very good.. They also changed the rib cap dish on their online menu (what I originally planned to order) to a rib eye, again with all the fat - and the cap, unfortunately - removed. Carrots - the carrots themselves, and the meyer lemon sauce, were flavorless. The chimichurri, hazelnuts, and cheese were a good combination though. Bucatini was good from what I heard (it was the one thing we ordered I didn't try), except for the clams, but I don't know if they were bad, or if my friend just doesn't like clams. They didn't have the beignets that night, so we skipped dessert. Nothing was bad, but most of the dishes were not worth the cost. I guess you pay a premium for the location. Our server was very good, and the manager came to our table almost immediately after we settled the bill to ask how everything was (also likely a subtle hint to leave, as multiple reviews have said they are quite strict about time limits, and there was a line out the door). Atmosphere was lively and somewhat loud, and tables are small. It's Newport Beach, so don't expect an eclectic crowd.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

abdulaziz alhamad

Amazing location, vibes unbelievable, staff so nice . Mixed options of fishes , meat.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Guinness Brown Bread, Grilled Bone Marrow, Carrots

Joel Coen

The staff was truly exceptional—every interaction we had was warm, attentive, and made us feel like valued guests from start to finish. We were genuinely grateful for the care and professionalism they showed throughout our visit, which created a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

The food and drinks overall were quite good, with several items and beverages that stood out as highlights. The presentation was appealing, and most dishes arrived fresh and well-prepared. However, the Porchetta was a noticeable disappointment compared to the rest of the experience. It was much fattier than expected and, based on its texture and appearance, seemed undercooked. This overshadowed what could have been a standout dish, as the seasoning and concept were otherwise promising.

Despite that misstep, the combination of an outstanding staff, a pleasant dining environment, and generally good menu options made the experience a positive one overall. With some adjustments to consistency in preparation—especially for signature items like the Porchetta—this could easily move from a good experience to an exceptional one.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Yen B

The tables are too closed together, I got a 2 person table next to a table of 6 it was quite loud. I wish I was seated in a quiet corner. Other than that the food was not bad, I liked the mussels and pork belly. The rabbit was lacking flavors, the veggies had no imagination and should be served with the other food that was ordered. I did not enjoy sitting there eating couple plates of vegetables only.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Azy Shine

We were a group of five and really enjoyed the lively atmosphere, it was busy, but had a great vibe. The red meat dishes were a hit, especially the 12-Hour Kurobuta Porchetta (pork). I had the mussel pie, rich and flavorful, though a bit heavy. Unfortunately, I had a severe stomach pain afterward. One friend didn’t enjoy the chicken, but the host kindly didn’t charge her. Overall, some hits and some misses, but the energy and atmosphere made it a nice experience.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Aaron Gale

Great restaurant and service. I prefer to sit inside than outside for the full experience but they only had reservations available outside this time. The citrus salad (not pictured) was excellent as was the fish and chips and burger. I would definitely return. Ps Chad gave great wine recommendations.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Antoine Georges

Had a great time at fable & spirit. Food is great and we loved atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

J R

Always nice to come back in this restaurant.
If you want a nice well cooked meal, polite service and amazing place,here is the place.
Group of friends, couple and work dinner this is the place.
Went last night for a work dinner really enjoy the time and the food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ramy Temraz

Visited for our anniversary. We weren't particularly hungry so we ordered some of the small plates, which actually looked more exciting to us. Server kept asking if we'll be ordering more food, which wasn't very pleasant. Food was good but nothing stood out as memorable. Highly recommend the octopus. 10/10 for the interiors and ambience. 8/10 for the food and drinks. 8/10 for the personal interaction.

Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus

James Huang

Appetizers: pork belly & king prawns
Entrees: chicken confit & korabuta pork
Atmosphere: we are on their outdoor patio. Beautiful deck. They have a theme throughout the restaurant. The green bar wall is epic to see.
Food and service and ambiance was 5/5!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Alan

Great classic American restaurant in Newport Beach. I ordered the halibut which unfortunately was overcooked and tough. With that said, other foods very flavorful and the portions were reasonable for the prices. Staff friendly. Seating both inside and outside. This place is known for their cocktails but the food is equally impressive. Dessert menu a bit limited but otherwise great dining experience. Paid street parking available but difficult to find. There is a paid public parking garage across the street

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Guinness Brown Bread, Grilled Octopus, Citrus Salad

Maryam P Garg

Fable & Spirit hits all the right notes—coastal elegance, delicious food, and service that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you sit down. Nestled in Lido Marina Village, it has that effortless Newport charm with a chic Marina vibe, especially if you grab a seat outside. Bonus points for the free parking lot tucked away in the back—huge perk.

Let’s talk about the food lineup. The Kale Romaine Caesar was an absolute standout—tossed with black garlic, capers, cherry tomatoes, pita crisps, and crunchy croutons. I added the sous-vide chicken breast, and it was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. We also shared the roasted cauliflower, the woodfired pizzetta with a perfectly blistered crust, and the Alaskan halibut, which was buttery, flaky, and cooked to perfection.

The burger? Unreal. Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and served with a side that somehow made fries feel gourmet. The citrus salad was bright and refreshing—exactly what you want as a palate cleanser in between bites. And don’t sleep on the bread—it comes out warm, with a perfect crust, and is just begging to be devoured.

I sipped on a Last Word cocktail to start—smooth, herbaceous, and beautifully balanced—and we wrapped it all up with the warm bread pudding, which was rich, comforting, and worth every bite.

Big love to Munoz (amazing GM) for his incredible service and kind, upbeat energy. He made the night feel extra special. Fable & Spirit is one of those places where everything just clicks—and you start planning your next visit before you’ve even left the table.

Brian Ahn

I had an amazing time at FS. We really wanted to try the beet agnolotti but they were sold out of them. Instead, we got the pizzetta, heirloom carrots, and their cracked pepper bucatini.

For their pizzetta, I was expecting a basic pizza, but their dough they use felt like a crispy pancake, with a good texture of soft and crunchy from their burrata and hazlenut. This comes in 4 pieces.

Heirloom Carrots were tasty, and helped balance out the meal, the chimichurri went perfectly with the carrots.

The Bucantini was good but the noodle was a bit overcooked for my taste. All the taste profile was pleasant.

For cocktails, we got the beet cocktail with Gin being the base, and it was very pleasant and tasty! Our 2nd cocktail was a vodka based orange/vanilla cocktail. I personally liked it, but some people may not like the smell of the egg white so be aware!

Service was very welcoming, with all the workers being very attentive. Will visit again!

Iman Reza

Good brunch and atmosphere

Al Joseph

Very elite place, solid management…Alejandro the manager is bringing new spirit to this awesome place, paying attention to all details to each and every table and guests. Thank you for an awesome evening and vibe.

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