Newport Beach is proud to offer world-class dining to its residents and visitors. Our area’s restaurants will transport you to Italy, France, and beyond with their international fare. As locals, we’ve wined and dined at all the finest restaurants in town. Below, we’ve compiled an extensive list of the best restaurants in Newport Beach. From beach bars to steakhouses, you’re in for an amazing culinary experience no matter which of these options you choose!
Fine Dining in Newport Beach
1. A Restaurant Newport Beach
Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, A Restaurant Newport Beach is currently offering takeout service.
A Restaurant features a seasonally inspired, contemporary American menu. Chef Jonathan Blackford and his team showcase this iconic restaurant’s relationship with many local farms and suppliers. Their menu changes regularly to make the most of seasonal ingredients and features sophisticated dishes inspired by Newport Beach’s seaside location. Opening its doors more than 90 years ago, A Restaurant has maintained close ties with their customers and community.
2. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
The Newport Beach Fleming’s is located at Fashion Island, close to John Wayne Airport, the Island Hotel, and the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa. Join us for drinks after work and select a glass of your favorite wine from our extensive wine list. Then stay and enjoy an innovative menu inspired by our passion for steak and wine, including our dry-aged prime ribeye.
3. Red O Restaurant
Dining at Red O Restaurant is an experience like no other – offering classic Mexican dishes as well as prime steak and seafood, showcased through flavorful and inspired preparations of local and sustainable ingredients in collaboration with Culinary Director Rick Bayless.
The Red O culinary team thrives on the creation of flavorful dishes with a focus on quality while keeping true to the flavors of Mexico. The restaurant’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort-style interior of each Red O restaurant. Red O also features an impressive bar and lounge, where you’ll find their specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list, award–winning wine list, and live entertainment.
4. Basilic
Head Chef Bernard Althaus spends most of his time perfecting his exquisite dishes and pleasing his clientele five nights a week at Basilic on Balboa Island. At home, he harvests his own organic garden to produce the fresh herbs used in his dishes (the name Basilic is the French word for basil- Althaus’ favorite go-to herb for seasoning) and grows the yellow and red, organic, heirloom tomatoes found in the summer seasonal Special Tomato Salad.
In the kitchen, he prepares each dish and every dish to-order, making sure each plate is served to perfection from the Swiss Onion Soup, the John Dory Filet, to the crème brûlée. He’ll often make a quick appearance in the dining room to greet guests between seatings.
Newport Beach Pier Restaurants
5. Baja Sharkeez
Mexican fare is the highlight of Baja Sharkeez. The fun and vibrant atmosphere of this local joint combined with their menu full of delicious tacos, burritos, and massive margaritas. It’s a great place to stop for a drink after a day at the beach.
6. Stag Bar + Kitchen
A great mix of trendy cocktails and oven-fired pizzas makes Stag Bar + Kitchen a fantastic place to hang out in the evening. Woodfired pizzas, meatballs, and burgers are the highlights on the menu, and the atmosphere is perfect for watching a big game with your friends or family.
7. Mutt Lynch’s
Mutt Lynch’s is one of the best restaurants near the Newport Beach pier. This casual watering hole is a favorite for those searching for a cold beer or cocktail after playing beach volleyball and surfing during the day.
8. Banzai Bowls
If you want to cool off with some fresh fruit or an açai bowl, head to Banzai Bowls. This small shop is a fantastic place to stop and grab healthy eats while taking a walk along the Newport Beach boardwalk. They also have a rooftop deck where you can enjoy views of the ocean.
9. Blackie’s By The Sea
Craft cocktails and ice-cold beers are the main draws at this beachside watering hole. Frequently rated as one of the top bars in the area, Blackie’s By the Sea is a spot that you’ll want to hit during your time in Newport Beach.
10. Rockin’ Baja Lobster
A lively beach bar scene makes the Rockin’ Baja Lobster a popular spot to hit after hanging out on the sand all day. This fun beach bar serves up plenty of margaritas, seafood buckets, and tacos steps from the ocean. They even have outdoor seating!
11. Sol Grill
If you want to enjoy a casual date night with your significant other, look no further than Sol Grill. This award-winning restaurant in Newport Beach serves up delicious California cuisine ranging from seafood to steak to pasta. Take a look at their menu and see for yourself!
Local-Approved Restaurants in Newport Beach
12. Bear Flag Fish Company
You have to enjoy a fish taco during your time in Newport Beach. Stop by Bear Flag Fish Company for a delicious taco, burrito, or poke bowl.
Waterfront Dining
13. Bluewater Grill
If you want to savor more seafood with beautiful harbor views, head over to the Bluewater Grill. This local hotspot serves up fresh fish, oysters, mussels, clams, lobsters, and more in a casual setting.
14. The Beachcomber Cafe
You’ll have to travel about 15 minutes down the Pacific Coast Highway to discover one of the best Newport Beach restaurants. The Beachcomber Cafe in Crystal Cove is home to some of the best views in Orange County and features delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The Bootlegger Bar is also an excellent place to grab a drink at sunset.
15. Newport Landing Restaurant
Newport Landing Restaurant is a great spot for the entire family to enjoy a bite to eat together. Take in beautiful views of the harbor as you dig into plates of fresh lobster, mussels, and fish. The oyster bar is a fan favorite here.
16. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Newport Beach
Due to the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Newport Beach is now offering online ordering and delivery in addition to dine-in service.
For the past decade, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has been focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a vibrant, sophisticated setting to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis, and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of “Restaurateurs of the Year” for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of “Restaurant of the Year” multiple times!
JC and William have spent more than two decades together, the past 10 of which have been with Chef Yvon. The three partners strive to deliver the best dining experience In Orange County on a nightly basis.
17. The Cannery
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific is committed to continuing its rich tradition of delivering the freshest and most beautifully prepared seafood, steaks, and chops available. Ron and his staff are not reinventing the wheel, but with one eye on the Cannery’s rich history and one on the future, they are changing the ride.
18. Mastro’s Ocean Club Newport Beach
Noted as one of the top 10 steakhouses in the U.S., Mastro’s Ocean Club is well known for its luxury dining experiences. From flawless guest service to some of the finest food in the world to a fine dining experience enjoyed by celebrities and culinary enthusiasts across the country, this highly sought-after dining experience is now available in Newport Beach!
19. Pelican Grill & Bar
One of the best places to grab a bite and take in sweeping ocean views is at Pelican Grill & Bar! The cuisine at this restaurant is at the crossroads of modern grill options and classic California flavor. Whether you stop in for lunch, an easy cocktail, or for an incredible dinner experience, they have an amazing selection to choose from!
20. 21 Oceanfront
Reminiscent of a grand, turn-of-the-century dining club located in the historical McFadden Building, 21 Oceanfront specializes in classic continental selections offering a wide variety of fresh fish, seafood, and prime meats.
Complement your elegant oceanfront dining experience with a fine selection of wines from the extensive private wine cellar. 21 Oceanfront Restaurant is recognized as being the most romantic restaurant in Orange County and the best place to watch the sunset. Don’t miss this amazing dining experience!
21. Sol Cocina
Enjoy the flavor of Mexican cuisine while watching the boats go by. Sol Cocina is known for offering fresh, healthy coastal options that are sure to excite your taste buds and relax your mind. Try their pork carnitas or the short ribs barbacoa as a main course. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the chicken tortilla soup or coconut calamari. No matter what you decide, you’ll come back again and again!
22. Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican offers fresh seafood and tender steaks for visitors to enjoy! Since 1972, they have been serving the community and continue to provide delicious meals. Come take in the waterfront views and enjoy one of their signature dishes like the Carolina Crab Bisk, Mahi Mahi, or the Bone-in ribeye. All these mouthwatering options are complemented by the waterfront views and their award-winning wine list!
23. Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for the ultimate oceanfront experience, visit Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill! You can hear and see the ocean from your outdoor table! Oysters on the half-shell, freshly caught fish, delicious sandwiches, and Bergers! Choose to enjoy your meal outside and take in California beauty like never before!
24. Harborside Restaurant
The restaurant offers a quintessential California experience. Harborside Restaurant is housed inside the historic Balboa Pavilion building built in 1906. The casual atmosphere and the extraordinary location make for a unique lunch or dinner! Fresh seafood, steaks, local fare, and the California wine selection are sure to please. Come experience this Newport Beach classic!
Indulge in More of Newport Beach
Ready to reserve your table at one of these restaurants in Newport Beach? Visit each establishment’s website (linked above) to view their reservation policy, menus, and more! If that's not enough, check out our other dining recommendations here!
If you’re planning a trip to Newport Beach, consider booking a rental home with Newport Beach Vacation Properties. Our collection of properties feature a unique mix of luxury and budget-friendly homes and cottages that provide excellent locations near the beach.
Start planning your vacation today by booking one of our rentals. We look forward to welcoming you to our Orange County paradise!
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