A Flavor-Packed Guide for Food-Lovers
We know why you’re here…to eat! And lucky for you, we’ve pieced together the ultimate food-lovers itinerary for an authentic taste of Newport Beach. From Bloody Marys and beignets on the beach to sensational seafood by the bay, these local hotspots are sure to cure all of your “après sea” cravings. Here’s a full day’s worth of places to sip and savor!
10 a.m. Enjoy a Waterfront Brunch
Ocean views and pancakes? Say no more! For a dreamy brunch on the beach, head to The Beachcomber Café in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. Here, you can take in views of the Pacific and indulge in dishes like their Crab Cake Benedict, powdered-sugar dusted beignets, Mediterranean Omelette and Apple Cider Pancakes. But whichever you choose, be sure to pair it with one of their Big Bad Bloody Marys, which were voted the “Best in OC!”
12 p.m. Shop on Balboa Island
After you’ve polished off your Bloody Mary, head a few miles up the coast to Balboa Island. This enclave of Newport Beach is home to a charming collection of shops and eateries and features a 2.5-mile paved walking path, so you can burn off those breakfast calories with ease. Take a stroll down Marine Avenue and pop into stores like Olive Oil & Beyond to shop a collection of gourmet foods and gifts or Balboa Candy for some salt water taffy!
2 p.m. Dock and Dine
Newport Beach is home to one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast, so it’s no surprise boating is a popular activity. Whether you’re cruising on an electric Duffy or enjoying an ocean breeze on a sailboat, there’s no better time to dock and dine! After an hour or two on the bay, pull up to one of Newport Beach’s waterfront restaurants for a midday bite. For some stellar seafood, dock at Lido Marina Village and get your fix at Bear Flag or Circle Hook. Both of these restaurants have their own fishing boat, so you know your food will be fresh!
5 p.m. Cure Your Seafood Cravings
The culinary adventure continues because, well, you can never have enough seafood. After you’ve devoured some fresh poke, calamari and clams, head on over to The Cannery for an even bigger assortment of wild, line-caught fish! Snack on everything from crab cakes and clam chowder to fish and chips, lobster rolls and seared scallops. The Cannery even has a 22-foot bay-island Duffy boat for rent if you prefer to enjoy your seafood at sea!
7 p.m. Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
No trip to Newport Beach is complete without snagging a famous Balboa Bar. These chocolate-dipped ice cream bars have been around since the 1960s and have remained an irresistible confection—just ask the locals! To get your hands on one, visit Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop or Sugar ‘n Spice on Balboa Island, where you can customize your bar with your favorite toppings, like rainbow sprinkles, Oreos, toffee, almonds, Fruity Pebbles and more. Talk about ending things on a sweet note!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
