12 Dining Destinations for the Three-Day Weekend Ahead
Nothing beats a sun-soaked three-day weekend in Newport Beach! As Memorial Day inches closer, you’re probably excited to add some fun to the calendar. Whether it’s a sunset dinner with the fam, brunch with the gals or beers with the boys, we know just the spot to satisfy your cravings this holiday weekend. But before you dig in, we’d like to make a toast to those who fought for our freedom and lost their lives. After all, these brave heroes have made our great nation what it is today. Let’s make this Memorial Day one to remember!
Need somethin’ to brunch about this weekend? Head to Lighthouse Bayview Café in Marina Park for a seaside meal featuring everything from Brioche French Toast and Lobster Rolls to Eggs Benny and Bloody Marys! Nothing says “day off” like a.m. cocktails and an ocean breeze! And when you’re done sipping and savoring, let the kids play on the nautical-themed playground and explore the miniature lighthouse at Marina Park.
Spend your day off wisely, and by wisely, we mean at Billy’s! This tropical hotspot serves up Hawaiian-inspired cuisine on the picturesque Newport Bay. Whether you plan to dock and dine or simply pick up a few cans of their famous mai tais to go, you’ll love this iconic Newport Beach locale. After all, good friends, stiff drinks and bay views are the recipe for a good day!
Feed your whole crew this weekend with a family takeout meal from Taco Rosa! This Mexican cantina incorporates ingredients, spices and flavors passed down through ancestral roots to create authentic Mexico City cuisine. Place an order online and choose between family-style entrees like tamales, taquitos or flautas by the dozen. Oh, and don’t forget the guac!
Hosting a Backyard BBQ this weekend but not too keen on grilling? We’ll let you in on a little secret…you don’t have to. Cut a few corners for once and have your BBQ favorites delivered! Bosscat Kitchen + Libations will bring the goods to you so you can chill instead of grill. Their large format catering menu features everything from short rib + mashed potatoes to chopped salads, mac n’ cheese and cornbread madeleines!
Feed the entire fam this Memorial Day with a festive lunch or dinner at SHOR American Seafood Grill at the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Not only is this property known for its family-friendly atmosphere, but also its signature restaurant! SHOR features a medley of SoCal-inspired cuisine with everything from poke bowls and flatbreads to fresh salads and pan-seared salmon. Plus, the littles will love the Kid’s Corner menu—think grilled cheese, spaghetti and crispy chicken strips!
Grab a cold one (or two) at Newport Beach’s only craft beer brewery, Helmsman Ale House. This beer and pub grub haven is always poppin’, and locals love it for good reason. The brewhouse’s selection of beer ranges from light and crisp to hoppy as heck, and each one pairs perfectly with its menu of classic Cali fare. Gather your friends, grab a picnic table outside and sip the day away.
When you sea food, eat it! The Peninsula Lounge serves up a mouthwatering selection of seafood favorites, including oysters, agave shrimp, diver scallops and more. Pair these sea-to-table eats with a crisp glass of white wine and savor an evening on the bay. Be sure to make a reservation during golden hour to catch a dreamy Newport Beach sunset.
Looking to keep things low-key with a table for two? Show your significant other some love with a romantic date night at Arc Butcher & Baker. Located in the historic Cannery Village, this quaint and hyper-local restaurant is an ideal spot for a glass of wine and a simple yet sophisticated meal. But don’t be fooled, as this dining destination is far from your typical restaurant. In addition to the dine-in menu, Arc boasts premium cuts of meat, fresh-baked bread and family-style to-go offerings. So even if you can’t find a babysitter for date night, you can pick up a ready-to-serve dinner that’ll feed the entire fam!
Gather your possy for an afternoon on the bay! Balboa Bay Resort’s newly refreshed A+O Restaurant | Bar is the talk of the town and the ideal place for a midday rendezvous. Snag a seat on their waterfront patio under the yellow umbrellas and dig into a variety of shareable plates like Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Prosciutto + Stone Fruit Salad, Cajun Chicken Wings and more. And be sure to order one of their signature smoked cocktails, which they prepare right before your eyes!
Get your steps in this weekend with a stroll around picturesque Balboa Island. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite at the island’s charming 501 Park Avenue Bistro. You’ll love the open-air ambiance and quaint vibe at this street corner cafe. Plus, the menu is chock-full of brunch, lunch and dinner favorites, including a premium selection of wine, craft beer and cocktails. So whether you’re in the mood for a bottomless mimosa brunch or an elegant sit-down dinner, 501 Bistro can make it happen. Pro tip: be sure to check out the in-house coffee roaster!
Cold margs and crispy tacos? Say no more. This family-owned chain has been an Orange County staple for over 50 years, with locations in Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and beyond. So gather your fam and feast on time-honored recipes like fire-roasted chile relleno, beef enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and more. You can’t go wrong with a meal at Mama Avila’s!
Primarily known for its eclectic collection of shops, Fashion Island also boasts a variety of culinary outlets that are sure to please your palate. With classics like California Pizza Kitchen, Yard House and P.F. Chang’s and quick bites like True Food kitchen, Sessions West Coast Deli and Lemonade, no one in your clan will go hungry. Your best bet? Make a day of it and upgrade that summer wardrobe!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
