50 Best American Restaurants near Newport Coast

“We always love the charm, amazing food and incredible views at the BeachComber. One of our favorite places to visit when we are in California. Highly recommend, I suggest a reservation, and arriving much earlier allowing plenty of time to either take a beautiful walk down or the shuttle from the parking lot, enjoying the ocean views and breeze once down there, stop in the little shops, walk down the new pier and enjoy a drink at their bar all well before your dinner reservation. It adds to the whole experience and makes for an extra special and memorable time to share with friends and family. As for food, don't miss the clam chowder, bloody Mary's, and the roasted artichoke for starters. All entrees are always great as well, love the Brussels sprouts as a shareable side, and even desserts of there's still room, even just one to share & taste it all. Enjoy!“

“My fiancé and I came to celebrate our last anniversary before our wedding and our experience exceeded our expectations. It was our first time visiting, but the attention to detail - including a celebratory glass of prosecco, custom menus, and a special dessert - made for the most memorable night. Not to mention how delicious the food was and how amazing the service was. The photo booth was such a fun way to end the night. We will definitely be returning!!“

“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 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!“

“Great service, amazing atmosphere and delicious food.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Eat outside, simple non extravagant tables. Inside is posh but becomes crowded/noisy. Dress in layers for outside seating, can be chilly near ocean. Pizzas are simple and tasty. Be sure to try the food parings with tastings. Small plates are always a big hit to taste buds! Congenial staff!“

“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.“

“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.“

“By far one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Let's start with the BBQ carrots — I never knew carrots could taste this good. They've got a slight kick and come with an incredible sauce. It's a generous appetizer, definitely shareable. We ordered the Chicken Piccata with a side of Cacio e Pepe, and it was hands-down the best Chicken Piccata I've ever had. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, and the caper sauce was out of this world. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. We'll absolutely be back.“

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

“We absolutely love this neighborhood gem. Their specials rock flavors we love, and the chef is always coming up with something tasty. They are very accommodating. They aim to please. Servers Mario and Cruz and are top notch, and make every meal so enjoyable. My favorite (and there are so many here!) pick is almost always their fresh fish special. Last night I had the halibut with the sauce made up of blistered tomatoes, Greek olives, and tomato puree. Sooo delicious. Trying to calm down on the carbs and Mario was happy to offer me veggie alternatives of spinach and asparagus, then made a special effort to make it beautiful. I look forward to returning to that exact dish again! We just love Jack's.“

“The executive chef, Evan, is truly a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. Every bite we had was delicious. I would highly recommend the filet mignon. The ambiance was comfortable, getting a front row seat to a lovely sunset over the ocean was divine. I will be back as soon as I can. Make dining here a priority.“

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

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

“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.“

“Delicious healthy food. I highly recommend this restaurant“

“If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! This restaurant is an absolute hidden gem and has instantly become my favorite restaurant in the world. Not only is it dedicated gluten free (a dream come true for me), but the food is so incredible you would never guess it’s gluten free.

From the first bite of the freshly baked croissant, I was in disbelief—it’s soft, flaky, and buttery, just like a Parisian bakery, only gluten free! The Popover Carousel came out golden and airy, topped with house-made jam and honey butter—heavenly. The Brisket Benedict with perfectly poached eggs and roasted veggies was rich and comforting, while the Steak Frites rivaled any fine bistro with tender hanger steak, chimichurri, and crispy fries. Every dish was beyond delicious.

What makes this place even more special are the owners, Laura and Michael. Their warmth and passion shine through everything—from the service to the thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Laura has spent 7 years perfecting her own gluten free flour blend and dough (which you can even buy to take home). Her breads, pizza dough, and pastries rise and bake just like traditional gluten dough—soft, crusty, and flavorful. She’s a true genius.

We went for brunch, but I cannot wait to come back for dinner. I’ll be dreaming of this place until my next visit. Run, don’t walk—you need to experience this!“

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

“Good breakfast. And good service“

“you’re looking for a place that still serves good old-fashioned breakfast, Snooty Fox is the spot! The food is delicious, made with that classic homemade taste, and the portions are just right. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and always carry positive vibes that make the experience even better. Definitely a great place to start your morning!“

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

“Reza is the best!! The service here is always first class and they really treat their customers like family. Not the mention the food is amazing here too! Get the salmon tacos or the seabass. 5 stars in every category. Will always be back. Thank you Reza and Eric!“

“Fantastic service and delicious wings and a salad.“

“On the water in Newport Bay. Big windows with great view. Fun bar atmosphere. Has boat slips for water arrivals. Server will come down to boat with food and drinks. Newport pier is a 10 minute walk away. This was a Thursday lunch at Woodys and a few hours kicking back on the sand. Good times great vibe down here.“

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

“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!!!“

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

“Great food! Nice people !“

“My bestie actually introduced me to this restaurant. We have gone during our lunch break ever since. The employees are so kind and welcoming. Plus, they have really taken the time to get to know each and every customer. They even already know my order. The food is really delicious and filling. I highly recommend eating here. It's only breakfast and lunch though. I believe it closes at 3pm.“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“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!“

“This was our first time back to Splashes since the resort had been renovated. The ambiance was fabulous, the service was very attentive and friendly and the food was incredible. The menu is diverse, sophisticated California cuisine, with something for everyone. I would highly recommend Splashes for any occasion!!“

“We wanted to have a delicious brunch in a nice outdoor scenic area.

Thanks to my spontaneous friends making it happen. The food, service and view / atmosphere was all excellent. Will definitely be coming back!

Thank you! The Terrace at Rancho San Joaquin“

“Call to confirm our reservation when we were at the resort was done by a girl who spoke too quickly and mumbled so we couldn't understand the phone number to call back and confirm our reservation. Had to walk to the front desk to confirm our dinner reservation.“

“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.“

“A true gem of a restaurant, offering delicious food and a delightful atmosphere perfect for a date night. The culinary experience is matched by the ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a romantic evening.“

“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!“

“Nice place.“

“Consistently Fantastic Brunch Spot Near the Marriott!

Every time we stay at the Marriott Laguna Cliffs in Dana Point, we make a point to walk over to What A Dish for brunch, and it never disappoints. The outdoor seating is charming and relaxed, perfect for soaking in the coastal vibe.

This visit was no exception, the food was absolutely delicious. Everything we ordered was spot-on, flavorful, and came out quickly. You order at the counter, but don’t let that fool you, the service is top-notch. The staff was incredibly attentive, regularly checking in to top off coffee and water, and making sure we had everything we needed.

What really impressed me is how consistently every staff member went out of their way to be helpful and kind. Everyone had a smile, and the whole experience gave off warm, happy vacation energy. You do tip at the time of ordering, which can be a gamble at some places, but here the service went above and beyond. Honestly, one of the best service experiences I’ve had anywhere. This is how it should be handled everywhere.

Can’t recommend this spot enough if you’re in Dana Point. Great food, great vibes, and genuinely lovely people. We’ll be back, again and again!“

“Great Food and atmosphere! Mosic was our server and he was awesome. Asked what we were into for both food and cocktails and his recommendations were spot on. The Panama Prescription was divine and I loved the shrimp and grits. My husband had the 12 hour short rib and I can’t tell you which was better. We will be back with friends!“

“My fiancé and I eat here all the time. There is a lot of variety, and the dishes are flavorful! I really love their chicken club sandwich and cheeseburger, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you choose. Staff is super friendly and helpful as well - shoutout to Lali and Nathan for providing amazing service!“

“Love the pastries and bought a cake“

“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!“

“Hidden gem! Needed a quick bite with the kiddos and tried this place. Glad I did because the food was amazing. I got the blue cheese bacon burger and it's one of the best burgers I've had. Patty cooked perfectly and all ingredients compliment each other. Yummmmmm.

The chicken tenders are better than average and good enough for the kids. They loved the shoestring fries so did I. They had a 2 player arcade cabinet that kept them occupied while waiting for the food.

Great place! Would eat here again!“