10 NB Spots for Grads & Dads
Summer is approaching quick, and all sorts of celebrations are in order. It’s time to congratulate our new graduates, and praise their accomplishments with a satisfying and especially sweet meal. Not to mention, Father’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to show Dad some love than with a great night out, fork and knife in hand. Whether you’re out and about celebrating Grads or Dad, with a large party or intimate group, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of 10 excellent spots to celebrate the ones we love in Newport Beach.
One of Orange County’s best seafood restaurants for great family dining has been preaching the phrase ‘eat more fish!’ to their patrons for years. The Crab Cooker has been serving incredibly fresh and delectable fish family-style to Newport Beach locals and visitors since 1951, and is an undeniable staple. Casual and family-friendly, this is a great spot for California-grown graduate who loves seafood, and all their peeps by their side.
Located right off PCH, the Italian Pizzeria Mozza is bound to impress the entire group. Their pizzas are at the literal center of the menu, and the restaurant itself – the oven glows within the casual space, making everyone there feel part of the action. These handmade pies come in individual sizes, allowing everyone to order exactly what they want for themselves, no arguing or debating over toppings necessary. If you find yourself resorting to the knife and fork method, don’t worry, that’s the way they do it in Naples. Celebrate here with graduates, Fathers, anyone really. There ain’t no party like a pizza party after all!
Sometimes, nothing beats comforting good ol’ American eats. Bosscat Kitchen has been providing locals with some of the tastiest, most innovative plates around for a while. Drawing inspiration from Southern flavors, and their extreme love for whiskey, they offer delicious items for all palates. Dad will love the whiskey selection, with over 200 varieties to choose from, including vintage and premium 18+ year offerings. And Grads will have a hard time resisting their Donut Burger, along with other creative crazy bites. The weekend brunch, seasonal menu items, and their Sunday Supper (a three-course meal served family style), are all big hits. Plus, they’ve got plenty of space, offering a patio complete with table-side beverage buckets and center-table beverage troughs… beyond fun.
With three locations in California, R+D Kitchen brings sophisticated and fresh cuisine to the smart and convivial crowd of Newport Beach. R+D’s ambiance is inspired by California’s indoor vs. outdoor culture, featuring patio seating, large windows and a central horseshoe bar. Located on the north side of Fashion Island, swing by for a quality cut of meat, or one of the juiciest burgers to hit your lips. Dad is sure to love it.
Celebration might as well be The Cannery’s middle name. It seems every time you’re lucky enough to dine on the harbor with them, someone is celebrating something wonderful. Scrumptious seafood on the waterfront, decadent desserts, refreshing drinks… what’s not to love? Oh yeah, and they have a sushi bar too. Everything we love about California all packed into one beautifully crafted eatery, perfect for a night out with Dad or Grads. If you’d like to go the extra mile and plan a private party, they offer several pre-fixe menu options as well.
Feeling the need to impress Dad with an extra special Father’s Day dinner out? If he’s a fan of seafood, San Shi Go definitely delivers on quality, service, and ambiance. This Japanese Sushi restaurant is located right on Balboa pier and is absolutely perfect for special occasions. Between the unbelievable melt-in-your-mouth bites of sushi and gorgeous sunset views from your table, you’ll be glad you pulled the big guns out for this one.
What better way to celebrate something than with a delicious, comforting Italian feast with the ones you love by your side. The Spaghetti Bender has been Newport Beach’s neighborhood Italian restaurant for over 45 years, and not much has changed. Generations of Southern Californians have enjoyed authentic Northern Italian cuisine here, and passed plates of pasta and pizza around the table with smiles on their faces. With indoor and outdoor seating available, and an ideal place for large groups, this is an unbeatable spot to host dinner for your recently accomplished graduate, and all their friends and family.
This chic seafood and steakhouse is all about California cuisine. Their award winning dishes are sure to impress everyone out and about celebrating with you. Start out with their signature Filet Mignon meatballs or delicious Ahi Chowder. Dad would especially love the Rack of Lamb or Lobster Ravioli as well. Don’t forget about their gourmet champagne brunch on Saturdays and Sundays too! Sol Grill is available for private parties as well, for up to as many as 40 guests.
Feeling like a pre-grad ceremony celebratory brunch? Or before you take Dad out for some adventure in the great outdoors, you might need some fuel? Hit up Pandor Boulangerie for the ideal brunch or lunch. It’s the perfect spot for everyone visiting, offering fresh French baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, and endless sweet treats. Their traditional morning pastries and paninis are hard to put down. Not to mention, the satisfying sugar rush you’ll receive from their cronuts, OMG Bars, and more.
The Porch Restaurant in Newport Beach is serving up an eclectic menu of comfort foods and international dishes along with a beachside hometown-feel ambiance. Whether you’re looking to just have a couple glasses of wine, or a full meal, this is the perfect Newport spot to share some memories. On Sundays it’s Family Dinner Night, so bring the ones you love the most and celebrate life together. Thinking of dining with an ever bigger group, their covered patio is an ideal venue.
