Newport Beach’s New & Notable Restaurants
Being the new kid on the block is not always easy street – experiencing a new place and being among many unfamiliar faces triggers an enormous number of question marks. It takes loads of courage, confidence and that one new friend who’s willing to extend a helping hand. The one that’s open to showing you the ropes, brining you into their tight-knit circle of friends and making you feel at home in this new, unknown environment. Well, Newport Beach has a few “new kids on the block” that you undoubtedly must meet (try). Some have relocated from neighborhoods nearby and others are brand new to the area – all incredible additions to our (dining) circle! So here goes nothing…drumroll please (grab your fork and knife)…meet ten of our new best buddies and deliver them an overwhelmingly warm welcome. We met them and love them; we promise they’re nice (tasty)!
Forte Kabob
Is there anything better than a juicy, perfectly pre-marinated hunk (kabob) of meat(s)? Forte Kabob, located on West Balboa Boulevard and an easy, breezy walk to the Newport Pier, is a new Mediterranean restaurant that dishes up authentic, juicy meats and mixes up some incredible hummus to complement each of their gyros, falafels and kabobs. After your tasty meal, order up a chocolate baklava for dessert. It’s unique, sweet and done just right. Important to note, they cater – and also have an order online option!
Free Range Cafe
This Balboa Island, corner eatery is just too cute! It’s a fresh, new café that’s guaranteed to be a big hit amongst Balboa Island’s community members and all of its visitors – it’s already buzzing. Excitement is spreading rapidly! Want to order just right? The OG Chicken Sandwich may be the move. It has a crispy, savory crunch that you won’t be able to pass up. Peek over at your neighbors plate – one glance and it’ll have you hooked. And their biscuits! The best!
Jan’s Health Bar
Jan’s Health Bar is not a total newbie to the area. Throughout the years, this incredible restaurant has been nourishing the cravings of generations living in our local community or and satisfying the needs of those just passing through. The recent opening, in Corona del Mar, has many people out and about on weekend mornings, adding Jan’s Health Bar to their relaxing Saturday or Sunday morning routine. Jan’s offers a fresh-food filled menu that is simple, light and delicious. They serve up an assortment of sandwiches, soups, and salads as well as fresh juice their signature “amaze bowls”. The amaze bowls are loaded with fruit, granola and coconut. All sorts of healthy fixings for energy that’ll keep you going all day!
Java Bakery Café
Java, java, java! Are you awake yet? If you’re feeling a bit of a lag or just in the mood for the scent of freshly brewed coffee, make a trip to Java Bakery Café. It’s a friendly café that has an extensive menu full of breakfast and lunch plates that are really tasty. C’mon, who doesn’t love a loaded breakfast bagel? Exactly what the area was in need of, this great addition to Bayside Drive is a scrumptious place to grab a bite!
Lido Bottle Works
This craft beer, wine, bottle shop and public house owned by Newport Beach natives is now open at Lido Marina Village. Enjoy a wide array of carefully collected and selected small batch beers, wines by the bottle and glass, and a tapas style menu of small bites, tasty offerings and delicious California coastal cuisine. Lido Bottle Works is focused on offering locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in a stylish yet casual environment for locals and visitors alike. Expect winemaker and brewer events, an art gallery, live music, and more.
Marché Moderne
Coming soon! Marché Moderne, making the move from South Coast Plaza over to its new location in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast, brings unique French culinary talents and excellent service to the neighborhood. Amelia and Florent Marneau bring their meticulous and passionate approach to food as they re-open their restaurant with a fresh, new perspective. Playing around with new additions to the menus, every meal will be an outstanding and very special experience. Get excited and stay tuned for more information!
Photo Credit: Henry Hargreaves
Nobu
The world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative cuisine and celebrity following, opened their first Orange County location at Lido Marina Village in the spring of 2017. Nobu’s arrival has been perhaps the most eagerly anticipated and talked about restaurant opening the OC has seen in years! Designed by a noted Paris -based architect, the restaurant occupies Lido’s premier two-story waterfront space at the tip of the Main Deck, featuring incredible views of the Newport Harbor. Enter this breathtaking restaurant from the main Village street or from your Duffy on the harbor side. Nobu Newport Beach features indoor and outdoor dining experiences, sushi bar, lounge, and other dramatic elements. Prepare to be amazed!
Poké OC
Many tout this place as being one of their new favorite spots to grab some poké! Located in the airport district of Newport Beach, it’s convenient, delicious and taking the area by storm. With poke restaurants increasing in popularity and popping up throughout town, it seems difficult to differentiate, but Poké OC is a stand-out establishment receiving fantastic reviews. You get to make your own bowl and tailor each ingredient to create a bowl of your liking. Choose a base, a protein, your level of spiciness, your side and your toppings (as many as you want). Customize your poké bowl of choice, admire your work and dive in and spread the word about Poké OC!
Saffron Cuisine of India
A new addition to the restaurant lineup on Pacific Coast Highway, Saffron Cuisine of India is making a name for itself. If you are in search of Indian cuisine that’s authentic, bursting with flavor and curated with the perfect ratio and assortment of spices, you can’t go wrong here! Run by a husband and wife team, this welcoming restaurant looks forward to graciously hosting you and your guests, providing great food and service. The menu is vast, tasteful and extremely fulfilling. Give Saffron Cuisine of India a try!
Urban Cup
Urban Cup is a Vietnamese restaurant new to the area near the Newport Pier. Offering everything from warm, hearty Asian fusion cuisine to cool, sweet, fruity drinks, Urban Cup is a one stop shop to satisfy any craving you may have while you’re leisurely strolling the boardwalk. Or, take advantage of their oceanfront location and refuel after a dip in the ocean! In the mood for a quenching smoothie? Urban Cup will create the perfect blend and serve it up in a mason jar. And with all kinds of unique finger foods and a collection of Urban’s favorites, you’ll be sorry not to stop in during your next walk by.
Aren’t they the greatest? Yep, we thought so too. Now, go introduce yourself – order up!
