Uncover Westcliff Dining
People tout Newport Beach for its wide-ranging collection of restaurants and glimmers of culinary genius – and boy are they spot-on in doing so. The ten diverse neighborhoods dispersed throughout the city all bring something new to the (breakfast, lunch & dinner) table. More often than not, the restaurants along Pacific Coast Highway get the majority of love and attention from diners due to their proximity, celebrated reputations and notorious, well-recognized names. Venture slightly uphill, and diners will bust open the doors to a cluster of highly-ranked restaurants that serve up an incredible variety of grub unique to the Westcliff neighborhood. The Westcliff area is surrounded by walking paths and hiking trails located within the Upper Newport Bay – or “Back Bay” as locals would call it – and also sits on the edge of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Exceptional and exclusive dining options await in both Westcliff Plaza and Westcliff Court. Next time you’re up in the air on where to dine in Newport Beach, think of these – hidden to some, but favored by so many – restaurant options.
What’s circular, cheesy and baked to perfection? A Fresh Brothers Pizza. Newport Beach is fortunate to have this fast and fresh option right in our backyard. Well-liked by even the pickiest pizza connoisseurs, Fresh Brothers dishes up great taste and a quality that’s difficult to find in delivery. An extremely family friendly restaurant, Fresh Brothers offers family-style meals, fresh family platters and a variety of vegan and gluten-free choices. Easily accessible in the Westcliff Center, Fresh Brothers is where you’ll find all-natural mozzarella, one hundred percent fresh tomatoes and dough that’s fresh baked daily. Post their menu on the fridge and keep their entrees, wings and salad in mind next time you’re feeling pizza.
This laid-back chain serving up build-your-own Mexican fare uses authentic recipes that have been passed down through three generations – therefore, at Chronic Tacos, diners will discover a rich history of delicious dishes and legendary taste. Many of their popular meats are marinated or slow cooked for twenty four hours to ensure optimal flavor. We can promise that you won’t be disappointed by the portions Chronic Tacos provides their customers. The tacos are loaded up and peppered to perfection. It’s clear that this fast and fresh restaurant will not be slowing down anytime soon. Be sure to test out their Westcliff location!
Haute Cakes is a darling restaurant that’s bright, cheery and a neighborhood favorite. Their housemade daily breakfast, lunch, desserts, salads and coffees are all very well-liked by diners who often visit this hip and cool spot. The patio is adorned with growing vines that overhang the friendly outside space. Order up and grab a seat! Hautte Cakes will take great care of you.
This great, new coffee shop has created quite the buzz in Westcliff Court. KIT Coffee has minimalistic décor, clean, white walls and assorted greenery help shift the focus to the coffee itself. It’s been referred to as an Instagrammers dream due to the beautifully crafted espresso drinks and trendy aesthetic. The communal seating cultivates an environment that’s perfect for keeping in touch with old friends or for meeting someone new. Customer recommend the hard-to-find London Fog drink or a sip of KIT’s cold brew. To accompany the coffee, choose from their list of savory or sweet toasts. The colorful Avocado Toast, tasty Cinnamon Sugar Brulee or Sweet Macha Brulee toast are the perfect way to compliment any beverage. One sip and this coffee haven will have you sold.
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Cafe is the real deal. They specialize in authentic French Artisan Breads, Viennoiseries, parties, tartines, panini and salads using complex textures and global flavors. They’re a bakery founded on family history, cherished recipes and exceptional ingredients. With imports from France, their founders and chefs included, Pandor provides superb, authentic French breads and pastries perfectly crafted to impress. Baguettes are baked on the spot and made to order and the croissants are flakey, airy and famously tasty. Do not pass by this incredible location – embrace the wonderful aroma and relish in this yummy and very charming little secret.
The Pizza Bakery, easily recognized by the bright, red letters that call out to drivers and diners travelling on seventeenth street, is a mom and pop pizza shop. It’s run by passionate people that transform pizza into a canvas for creativity and originality. Customers often chatter about the melt-in-your-mouth garlic knots and specialty pizzas exclusive to this place only. Known for their weekly specials, Pizza Bakery is a hit every night of the week. Check out their Monday Night Special – it’s hands down one of the best deals in town. The special includes: a plate of pasta with meat or marinara, a jumbo slice of cheese pizza, a green salad and bottomless drink all for $7.50. This pizza joint is a gem.
Good ol’ Susie Cakes. This bakery really is the talk of the town. They serve up cake by the slice or will create a custom masterpiece for any special celebration. Their dense, delicious and perfectly frosted desserts will become your new obsession. The selection of cupcakes, cookies, bars, pies and puddings adorned in bright colors and sprinkled with all of the best toppings make this bake shop a must-try for all of the dessert lovers out there – 100% worth the hype!
W Café is the picture-perfect location for a late-morning weekend brunch. This restaurant has a wonderful atmosphere that offers outdoor and indoor seating, cooks up a delicious breakfast and lays out plenty of tea options to choose from. Each dish is delicately made with ingredients that unite seamlessly. Perusing for a bite in the Westcliff neighborhood? Look no further than this popular café.
