8 Swanky Restaurants Perfect for a Special Occasion
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to drop a dime on a fancy feast, Newport Beach‘s decadent dining scene means you won’t have to go far for an award-winning meal. From swanky steakhouses to seafood hotspots, we’ve rounded up eight of the city’s most upscale restaurants for you to wine and dine at this summer.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Tucked in Newport Beach‘s chic shopping center, Fashion Island, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar pairs elegant service with a menu of seasonal ingredients and the finest USDA Prime beef. This snazzy restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion! Sit down and enjoy a sophisticated ambiance while you feast on signature steaks, fresh seafood and delectable sides like creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus and more. Fleming’s also features an award-winning wine list with pours from top-rated vineyards from around the world.
Possibly the city’s most high-end dining spot, Mastro’s Ocean Club offers an elegant and spirited atmosphere with a stunning ocean view in the heart of Crystal Cove. Enjoy everything from live entertainment and world-class service to renowned cuisine such as their bone-in filet, signature dry-iced seafood tower and warm butter cake. You can’t go wrong with a meal at Mastro’s!
Consider yourself a seafood connoisseur? If so, Eddie V’s is sure to please your palate. This seafood-centric restaurant boasts a delectable selection of fresh-caught fish, including oysters, caviar, halibut, lobster and more. Plus, its location on the sparkling Back Bay makes it a prime spot for a romantic meal. Be sure to try one of their “cocktails with attitude” like the Red Dragon made with Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, fresh muddled strawberries, mint and lime, or the Smoked Old Fashioned crafted with Basil Hayden’s Bourbon and a dash of chocolate bitters.
Another noteworthy seafood-and-steaks destination, 21 Oceanfront not only offers classic continental selections of fresh seafood and prime meats, but it also features a stunning waterfront view of the Newport Pier. This old-world restaurant on the Balboa Peninsula is located in the historical McFadden Building and features a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a grand, turn-of-the-century dining club. Snag a table near the window or at the bar and watch as the summer sun dips behind the horizon.
It turns out you don’t need a plane ticket to experience a taste of authentic French cuisine. Tucked along the pristine coast of Newport Beach, Marché Moderne boasts an expansive menu of modern and rustic French cuisine that’ll take your tastebuds overseas. From dishes like Brown Butter Roasted Fish du Jour (basil emulsion, capers, lemon and roasted potatoes) to Coq au Vin au Juliénas (cremini mushrooms, honey bacon, carrot, celery and onion mirepoix), you’re sure to find something you love.
Dine in true Newport Fashion at this custom-design restaurant on the harbor’s edge. Bayside Restaurant‘s award winning New American Cuisine comes to life in the form of inventive dishes served for lunch, dinner and the ever-popular Champagne Sunday Brunch. But whichever time of day you plan to dine, you’ll certainly want to snag a seat on the restaurant’s wrap-around patio of sweeping views of the bustling harbor.
Known for its selection of over 650 wines from around the world, The Winery Restaurant & Bar is an ideal spot for a fancy dinner. And whether you prefer red, white or rose, this sophisticated spot is ready to pair your pick with a cutting-edge dining experience you won’t soon forget. Start your evening with the charcuterie board or steamed mussels and clams, then move onto entrees like Chilli Lime-Rubbed Mahi Mahi, Slow Braised Beef Short Rib or Cioppino. And once you’ve finished your meal, you and your date can even tour the restaurants’ climate-controlled cellars!
Fresh sushi isn’t too hard to come by in Newport Beach, but when it come to an upscale Japanese experience, Nobu takes the gold. This world-renowned, two story restaurant resides in the charming Lido Marina Village, offering diners a waterfront view worth a million photos, Make a reservation and enjoy signature dishes like Black Miso Cod and Yellowtail Jalapeño, plus a selection of world-renowned sushi and Newport Beach-inspired cocktails. It’s safe to say, a night at Nobu will not disappoint.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
