The chic and fashionable resort community of Newport Beach offers palate-pleasing cuisine paired with a host of stylish dining options.
In Newport Beach, it’s not just about what you dine on, but also the way you dine. Whether experiencing the specialties at a historic popular eatery, dining aboard a charming electric Duffy boat while cruising around one of the largest small-yacht harbors in the world or sampling the exceptional menus at one of eight luxury resort restaurants, dining in Newport Beach offers an eclectic array of fine, casual and stylish options.
Featuring over 300 unique restaurants that can take you from time-honored beach casual “munchies” to exciting, cutting-edge, contemporary fusion to outstanding gourmet culinary delights seemingly in a nanosecond, you’ll find there’s a whole lot more to Newport Beach beyond the sand, sea, spas and golf courses.
Newport’s often been referred to as the Hamptons of Hollywood, where Los Angelenos can get away from it all (in less than an hour’s drive south), or where visitors from all over the world can escape for a taste of the quintessential southern California lifestyle.
Choose the scene you wish to be seen in – from the lively and vibrant outdoor spectacle at the Taste of Newport festival to a romantic dinner cruise on the stunning harbor. Follow the Newport Beach Dining Style Guide and you’re sure to fit right in.
Culinary Festivals
Newport Beach plays host to two annual epicurean traditions that celebrate the wonderful food and drink offerings of the destination. Thousands of spectators arrive in Newport Beach in the fall and spring to get a taste of the good life.
From September 18-21, 2008, Newport Beach becomes a culinary paradise. The streets of Newport Center Drive shut down to accommodate thousands of hungry taste-goers arriving at the annual Taste of Newport celebration. This Southern California food festival celebrates the city’s love for great food and entertainment. During this week, more than 300 diverse restaurants, ranging from elegant eateries to quaint cafes, showcase a “taste” of their exceptional dining offerings from appetizers, dishes and drinks amidst a backdrop of fun, top-name live entertainment. This great event draws more than 75,000 people annually.
During January 20-24, 2008, the Newport Beach Restaurant Association, along with American Express and the Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau, host the Annual Restaurant Week, a citywide culinary event celebrating the finest cuisine the city has to offer. Nearly 100 Newport Beach restaurants participate and offer prix-fix menus at bargain prices for lunch and dinner.
Dock & Dine
Set against a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the scenic Newport yacht harbor, many restaurants in the city offer breathtaking views. Discover the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway called Mariner’s Mile, where diners can access restaurants by land or sea. Serving some of the finest seafood and exotic fare in southern California, many of the eateries in Newport Beach allow dockside pull-up for Duffy boat and yacht take-out orders! Newport Harbor also offers an array of elegant and romantic yacht cruise dining options.
Novelty/Historic
With a city this rich in tradition, history and culture, there’s bound to be more to your meal than the flavorful ingredients themselves. Many of the iconic eateries have been local favorites for decades, dating as far back as the 1900s. The historic Harborside Pavilion, established in 1906, was once a popular recreational dancing hall and still remains one of city’s most prominent landmarks. Today it’s home to the Harborside Restaurant.
On the coast, the beautiful sandy beaches of Crystal Cove are home to The Beachcomber Cafe, a casual yet upscale restaurant that is literally on the beach. A popular tradition among residents in the 1920s was the raising of the martini flag to kick off cocktail hour. To this day, The Beachcomber Café carries on the fond ritual as crowds gather every afternoon at 5 p.m. and again at sunset to salute the flag.
On Balboa Island, those with a sweet tooth can savor the original Balboa Bar, a decadent vanilla ice cream confection covered in rich chocolate, while strolling through the quaint island village. For serious appetites, diners can experience Arches on the Water (Arches Grill & BBQ), a favorite local dining establishment whose famous clientele and regulars included Hollywood legends John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney.
Resort Restaurant Dining
Leading the way to the latest flavors, fusions and trends in the culinary world are the talented executive chefs at the seven world-class Newport Beach hotels and resorts. With innovative menus and cutting-edge cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients, every dining experience is sure to be a memorable one. Taste the quintessential California cuisine of Chef Thomas Ryan at the newly opened Pelican Grill Restaurant at the Resort at Pelican Hill, or nosh on weekly happy hour specials like on Pizza & Pinot Wednesdays or Tacos & Tequila Thursdays at Palm Terrace Lounge at The Island Hotel.
Wine Bars
When you’re in the mood to enjoy a few glasses of wine and some savory tapas in lieu of a full-fledged meal, wine bars are a perfect choice – and Newport Beach has a variety of them. Enjoy weekly tasting events featuring varietals from all over the world.
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