Our Guide to Summer Eats in Newport Beach
We hope you’re hungry because we’ve whipped up the ultimate itinerary for a flavor-packed trip to Newport Beach! Whether you prefer to dine in decadence, eat like the locals or track down the most Insta-worthy bites in town, you’ll quickly find that there’s no shortage of places to please your palate. From smoked cocktails served tableside to fresh, farm-to-table fare, these local restaurants are sure to tantalize your taste buds as you embark on your culinary adventure!
Stay at Lido House
For a taste of coastal elegance, check in to Lido House—a luxury retreat in the heart of Newport Beach. From its Cape Cod-style architecture to its pristine palette of nautical blues, this charming hotel feels more like a beach house than a place to check in and out of. Settle into one of the coastal-chic guest rooms, suites or three-story cottages and enjoy sumptuous on-site amenities like access to the property’s palm tree-lined pool deck, charming rooftop bar and signature seafood-centric restaurant, The Mayor’s Table. At Lido House, life is but a dream.
10 a.m. Brunch at Lido Bottle Works
For a sensational brunch on the bay, snag a table at farm-to-fork restaurant Lido Bottle Works. Locals highly regard this hidden gem in Lido Marina Village for its stellar selection of seasonal dishes, and the brunch menu is no exception. Treat your taste buds to favorites like the Crab Toast or Spanish Chorizo Hash with a poached egg and poblano hollandaise. And for those craving something sweet, opt for Chef Joel Gutierrez’s signature Monkey Bread crafted with housemade dough, dulce de leche, ancho and burnt orange cream.
11:30 a.m. A Trip to the Farmers Market
When it comes to food, we know you like it fresh. So that’s why your next stop involves a trip to the Corona del Mar Farmers Market! This open-air market has been around for over 22 years and is home to a variety of locally grown and harvested foods. Enjoy some fresh air in the charming neighborhood of Corona del Mar, and shop everything from seasonal veggies and baked goods to fresh fruit and flowers. The market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, so plan accordingly!
3 p.m. Sip Back and Relax
After a trip to the market, it’s time to relax and enjoy an expertly crafted libation at The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen. Executive Chef Partner Riley Huddleston has created Cocktails From the Kitchen, a series of rotating seasonal drinks served in unique vessels using unconventional ingredients. This summer, you can sip on The Pearl crafted with Fortaleza blanco tequila, Cointreau, orange-lime cordial, saline and Grand Marnier foam or the Captain’s Golden Pineapple made with coconut-washed Ron Zacapa rum, banana liqueur, lime and nitrogen pineapple!
5 p.m. Dinner in the Gardens
For an enchanting alfresco evening, sit down to dinner at the beautiful Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens. This rustic yet refined restaurant in Corona del Mar is not only a destination for admirers of botanical beauty; it’s also a place for foodies who seek a fresh, farm-to-table meal. The talented Chef Rich Mead presents a palate-pleasing assortment of rotating seasonal dishes, including items like Herb Roast Jidori Chicken, Grilled Dijon Soy-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin, Roast Carrots & Burrata Cheese and more. Everything from the homey, chandelier-lit patio to the mouthwatering menu of seasonal eats makes Farmhouse a must-dine destination.
7:30 p.m. End on a Sweet Note
The most iconic treat in Newport Beach, the Balboa Bar, has won the hearts of sweet tooths since its inception in the 1940s. Take a stroll down Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue and stop by Sugar ‘n Spice or Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop for one of their famous Bal Bars. These delicious vanilla ice cream bars are dunked in chocolate and rolled in toppings like almonds, Oreos, toffee, rainbow sprinkles and Fruity Pebbles. We can’t think of a sweeter way to end your culinary adventure!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
