50 Best American Restaurants near Newport Coast

“Fantastic views with excellent food and service...not your usual beach restaurant! Great little bar not full ocean front but sometimes live music and open air. Bring a jacket on a cool day/evening as there are heaters but still open windows for the view and sea air. My 10th visit and never disappointed! Excellent seafood and steak, creative sides. Love the pineapple layer cake for desert!“

“Our server Daniel was absolutely amazing! Not only was he quick with food and drinks, but he gave us specific recommendations that tailored to our needs! The music and atmosphere was the cherry on top. Thanks for the amazing experience. Will definitely be back and will ask for Daniel every time!!“

“A beautiful morning at Crystal Cove...7AM reservation at a table with great views of the ocean and our smiling server, Oscar, welcoming us with strong hot coffees & cream. Perfect. I enjoyed a typical breakfast that was perfectly prepared to my order: poached eggs, extra crispy potatoes & bacon with rye toast and blackberry jam. My lovely partner was overwhelmed by the tasty gigantic "Savory Spinach & Mushroom Crepe". It would easily feed two people. Oscar was very attentive and often stopped by with more hot coffee. Delightful.“

“So much fun! Came here for my birthday and they did everything right- food, ambiance, staff, etc“

“We've been coming to The Wine Gallery for a couple years. I have never had a bad meal. The fig bruschetta, meatballs and arugula salad for starters. The seasonal gnocchi is AMAZING! The staff and servers are exceptional. And you must order from the outstanding selection of wine. We often travel to Italy so having an experience like this so close to home makes us thankful. Cheers to the chef!“

“Great service, amazing atmosphere and delicious food.“

“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.“

“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!“

“I love this place…!!! Been coming here for many years…!!! Never disappoints… tasting menu is a must try at least once… you may try it again and again and never get the same thing… but ALWAYS good…!!!“

“If you want a unique dining experience this is the place to go. The wait staff and servers they were all on point very attentive I never had to look around to look for anyone if I raised my head somebody was right at my table to find out what I needed or how they could serve me. Awesome awesome experience wonderful food. I will be back!“

“I’ve been dining here for several years and Jack’s never disappoints. The food is consistently excellent, the service is warm and attentive, and the wine list is thoughtfully curated with great options for every palate. The craft cocktails are always creative and perfectly executed, making each visit feel like a special occasion. I highly recommend Jack’s—if you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. You’ll be glad you did.“

“This location is the best! The staff is very nice and attentive. My husband and I live in walking distance so we're here once a week. The food is much better here than the location on Alton. The only thing I'd change about this location is the smell of rancid standing water / funky garbage near the bathrooms.“

“My Filet was tought as leather I could hardly cut it and had a hard time chewing it. I have never experienced this with a filet at any restaurant. Tuna appetizer was out of this world delicious drinks are very good as well the service was outstanding. I will go there again but will pass on the filet.“

“Fabulous food and cool interior“

“We've enjoyed many meals over the last year and always happily return for more. The venue is gorgeous of course and it's difficult to leave roaming the beautiful nursery & craft store area to get to your reservation so give yourself plenty of time during your visit for shopping. The capable service staff is eager to please and every dish is thoughtfully prepared/presented. A couple of our favorite dishes are: the Asian beef short ribs & the Pomegranate & balsamic glazed salmon salad which are reasonably priced and delicious. A bonus for us as Guide Dog puppy raisers is they're dog friendly.“

“Went with my parents for an early Christmas dinner and service was great… food was delicious… and atmosphere was on point!“

“Delicious healthy food. I highly recommend this restaurant“

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

“Food And Service is always outstanding. One of my favorites here is the hot turkey sandwich. Everyone here is always friendly and very attentive.“

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

“Great atmosphere with great service. Loved how an entire team look out for you from the greeting to the end.“

“Súper recomendado muy sabroso 😋 y muy amables todos 💕🙏“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“The Lumberyard located in beautiful downtown Laguna Beach is a great place to have lunch or dinner. There is a new $16 lunch menu and I decided to try the fish tacos. There was a choice between salmon or halibut for the tacos which included shredded cabbage with a pink cream sauce and a side of black bean and corn salad. I chose the halibut for my taco and it was cooked perfectly. It was a generous portion of fish in each of the tacos so it could easily be split with a friend. The service was excellent. Our orders were taken within about five minutes of sitting down and the food came out quickly after we ordered. I would recommend the Lumberyard if you are visiting Laguna Beach. You will need to have reservations during the Art Festivals or when there is a play at the Playhouse.“

“This is a true classic. Five of us visited Snooty Fox on a Saturday morning and were greeted by a dining room packed with locals. We were lucky to find the only empty table and settled right in.
Their coffee tastes like something brewed at home decades ago—simple, comforting, and without any fancy alternatives.
The menu, however, offers plenty of choices: melted cheese, runny yolks, hearty portions, and dishes that feel like they were just brought out of a family kitchen. The decor is humble and nostalgic, adding to the old-school charm.

During our meal, people kept coming in, and soon there were one or two groups waiting by the door. Still, tables turn over quickly, so the wait isn’t too long. It’s clear this place is well-loved by locals. A warm, traditional spot that delivers exactly the kind of comfort food you hope for.“

“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.“

“When you taste them, you'll know he qualities they possess that you can't resist“

“Appetizers and salad and bread was very good. The main dishes need to be improved. Scallops were barely acceptable and there were only three scallops, but more importantly the sauce was only so-so and the vegetables were not special. The lamb was also barely acceptable.“

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

“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.“

“I just discovered the most incredible hidden gem and I have to share it—because it might just be my new favorite restaurant in the world! 🌟 This place is a dedicated gluten free restaurant (yes, you read that right!) and every single dish blew me away. I honestly still can’t believe how amazing the food was. The croissant was so buttery, flaky, and perfect I had to double check that it was really gluten free—it’s a dream come true. 🥐 The popovers with house-made jam and honey butter were out-of-this-world delicious, the Brisket Benedict was rich and comforting with perfectly poached eggs, and the Steak Frites rivaled any French bistro. Every bite was pure heaven. But what really makes this place so special are the wonderful owners, Laura and Michael. Their passion, warmth, and dedication show in everything they do. Laura is a true genius—she spent 7 years perfecting her very own gluten free flour blend and dough, and you can even buy it to take home for fresh bread, pizza, or cinnamon rolls. It rises and bakes like traditional dough, and the flavor is unbelievable. 🍞✨ The restaurant itself is gorgeous, the service was wonderful, and the food… I’ll be dreaming about it until I can go back. We went for brunch, but I can’t wait to try dinner next. If you’re gluten free, this is your paradise. If you’re not gluten free, I challenge you to come here and tell me you can tell the difference. You can’t. That’s how good it is. 🙌 Run, don’t walk—this is one of those rare places that feels like magic. ✨“

“Lovely experience Charming All around and great food 💕“

“Solid lunch spot after spending enough time at tj maxx. I always get the grilled steak or Caesar wrap, and urban plates has been very consistent with their food quality. Erika and Luis were incredibly kind and patience. Would come back when I'm in the area!“

“Solo traveler. Stopped in for an early dinner and surprised by an awesome Happy Hour menu. Clam chowder was awesome even if not in a bread bowl. Shrimp cocktail was fresh and flavorful, and the crispy fish tacos were amazing and plated beautifully! This is a fun atmosphere with covered outdoor dining. I visited at Christmas time and this was the most festive business which reflects the mood inside! I wish I could go back to try more 🦞! Thanks for a great dinner Woody's! ❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥“

“vegetavle beef soup and house salad was good“

“I use to go to RH with my family in the 70's. Atmosphere always transported us to Hawaii. They were famous for BB ribs, drinks, unique salad (with mayo dressing) and even served a bowl of crudite' with celery, salami, etc. every meal. I didn't like the modern re model, however, NOW THIS RE BUILD iS so cool! Just like the 1970's but better!! Dim lit and Hawaiian music set the mood. I was really anxious to try the ribs again. The service was GREAT appetizer excellent but, ribs, BAD! They were not edible. Hard and chewy, like beef jerky. I was so disappointed and all of our party ordered and received the same. I may try again but won't order ribs!!!“

“Fantastic service and delicious wings and a salad.“

“It was my first time here, and I found this place while searching for a restaurant nearby. I was curious, so I decided to check it out. I was amazed by the delicious food and professional service. I especially loved the vibe of the place; it was really great! Definitely worth the visit!“

“What A Dish provided the catering for my niece’s baby shower, and I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about them. From start to finish, their care, attention to detail, and genuine concern for making the day perfect were evident.

They listened closely to my niece’s wishes and delivered above and beyond. Every dish was absolutely amazing — fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious. They arrived on time, set everything up flawlessly, and even cleaned up afterward. Without us even asking, they left one of their team members to help serve guests, which was such a thoughtful and unexpected touch.

I want to give a special shout-out to Tim, who was truly a godsend. His kindness, professionalism, and warm presence made the entire event feel even more special. He went out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly, and our family can’t thank him enough.

If you’re considering catering for any event, look no further. What A Dish exceeded every expectation. We will absolutely be using them again!“

“I absolutely love this restaurant. The customer service is above and behind. The street tacos are my favorite. It melts in your mouth so good. We have had many things off their menu. Nothing disappoints. The selection is huge and everything you could order will be the best. Enjoy you will certainly be back.“

“We stumbled upon this hidden gem in Laguna on our last day there. Can’t believe we missed it! After visiting Finneys in Santa Barbara, we were expecting a lot, but this place totally exceeded our expectations. It’s right off the beach, with an incredible selection of beers. The service and food were also top-notch. If you’re looking for a great spot to grab a bite or a drink, definitely check them out!“

“Always, I love to be there, everything is perfect, the food, the employees…..💜“

“Great food! Nice people !“

“The Balboa Yacht Club is a phenomenal club to be a part of. The location can’t be beat, the atmosphere is electric, boating top notch and the food is fantastic.“

“Had a lovely brunch here with a couple friends. The view from the restaurant is unreal. The restaurant window is literally right up against the sand, so much so, you barely see the sand itself. Most of the time, you only see the waves, as if you're on the water itself.

The food itself is great, but the prices are high. In terms of value, I think it's not quite worth it, but if you throw in the view and the great service, the experience overall might be worth it.

We ordered two savoury dishes and a sweet dish, and my personal favorite was the crab benedict. The tres leches french toast was the prettiest dish, but I remember the flavors to be a little too overwhelming - perhaps more fruits or creaminess would balance the sweetness and caramel better.“

“My husband found this place and we decided to try it. We were unaware that its valet only, I don’t really like other people driving my car but the food was so good! I got the cheeseburger with bacon and it was delicious, my husband got the cheesesteak and enjoyed it. Our server was Siri she was so kind and kind to my kids which means a lot, really enjoyed the view and all around atmosphere“

“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!“

“This was a wonderful find. The menu and food are simple ingredients but they did a great job with flavor, texture, and temperature. All the dishes we ordered were delicious.

The service was great as well. They treated us like guests at their house.“

“The cheeseburger was AMAZING!!!“