The Best Restaurants for Winter Dining in Newport Beach
Feast your eyes! We’ve put together the ultimate food-lover’s itinerary for a delicious day or weekend trip to Newport Beach! When it comes to our town’s assembly of award-winning restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to eat in Newport Beach. From seafood hotspots with lobster rolls, crab cakes and calamari to farm-to-table restaurants with seasonal eats, you’ll never run out of places to indulge. Here’s a full day’s worth of spots to sip and savor this winter, featuring some of the best restaurants in Newport Beach!
Enjoy Breakfast at Wilma’s Patio
A beloved family-owned staple on Balboa Island for over three decades, Wilma’s Patio continues to delight both locals and visitors with its quaint, old-school charm. This streetside restaurant is ideal for a morning meal, boasting a cozy interior and a menu of classic American comfort food. Dig into savory dishes like the smoked salmon omelet, eggs Florentine, huevos rancheros or egg quesadilla. Craving something sweet? Order the buttermilk pancake stack or Belgian waffle for a cozy morning treat.
Grab Lunch at Skål Pizza
Lunch with a view? Yes, please! The charming Lido Marina Village is home to Skål Pizza, the culinary brainchild of the esteemed chef/owner Helene Henderson of Malibu Farm. Farm-to-table is the name of the game here, and pie aficionados will love the innovative creations at this waterfront hotspot. From the brown butter beet pasta with housemade capellini, candied pecans, chives and brown butter beet sauce to the artichoke and white sauce pizza with white sauce, herb marinated artichoke hearts and fontina cheese, you can’t go wrong with anything at Skål.
Hit Up A Restaurant
A Restaurant, with its rich history and classic charm, features a dimly lit, intimate setting ideal for a cozy winter evening out. Known for its premium steaks and classic American fare, the restaurant’s warm leather booths and historic photos create a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. Start with a dirty martini and a cup of Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup before moving on to mains like the Niman Ranch Bone-in Pork Chop, Scottish Salmon or Filet Mignon.
Enjoy the Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
Immerse yourself in a rustic, garden-like ambiance at Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens. This open-air restaurant sits on the garden center’s lush grounds and offers a unique blend of seasonal, farm-to-table fare. They even offer complimentary blankets to those dining on the patio! Dig into tasty dishes like the Prince Edward Island Mussels and Roast Coriander & Cumin Spiced Carrots, as you revel in an atmosphere characterized by twinkling lights and rustic accents.
Order Dinner at Nick’s
South OC’s beloved Nick’s has officially landed in Newport Beach, bringing its signature charm and comforting American classics to Westcliff Drive. Officially opening its doors on Jan. 13, the restaurant marks the third location for this popular local chain, taking over the space formerly occupied by Gracias Madre. Nick’s strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and laid-back vibes, making it a go-to for everything from business lunches to cozy winter date nights. Don’t miss their iconic prime rib sandwich or the drool-worthy butter cake—it’s the kind of indulgence you’ll want to save room for!
Savor Wine Country Cuisine at Olea
Olea brings a touch of European elegance to the heart of Newport Beach. This elegant establishment is renowned for its wine country cuisine, featuring comforting dishes like Crispy Jidori Chicken Schnitzel and Cabernet Braised Prime Beef Short Rib with House Made Herb Pappardelle Pasta. The warm wood interiors and sophisticated decor provide a cozy yet upscale dining experience perfect for a winter date night in Newport Beach.
Head to Happy Hour at The Cannery
Take a trip to The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific! With a stellar happy hour on Wednesday-Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and Sunday from 3:30-6 p.m. upstairs in the Jellyfish Lounge, you’re sure to love this seafood-centric Newport Beach restaurant. Quench your thirst with a refreshing assortment of classic cocktails like Negronis, Manhattans and Moscow mules. Then, treat your tastebuds to fresh-caught favorites, like oysters, sashimi, grilled octopus and more. Grab a table on the covered patio for a cozy ambiance and side of bay views.
European Dining at Rothschild’s
Rothschild’s in Corona del Mar offers a quaint, European-inspired dining experience. With Italian specialties like Lobster Ravioli, Cacio e Pepe Bucatini and Scampi Piccata, it’s a cozy spot for comfort food lovers looking to get their fresh pasta fix. The intimate setting, with its traditional decor and warm lighting, adds to its streetside charm, transporting guests to a traditional Italian cafe.
Pizza & Pasta at Bunoa Forchetta
Bringing a taste of Italy to Newport Beach, Buona Forchetta has made its mark on the Balboa Peninsula with its seventh Southern California location, which opened this past September. Known for its award-winning Neapolitan pizzas and homemade pastas, this beloved eatery transports you straight to an authentic Italian trattoria. Sip a spritz or a glass of wine as you enjoy waterfront dining, starting with shareable slices of their signature pies. Don’t skip the house-made pasta—each dish is prepared fresh to order, allowing you to craft your perfect plate of Italian comfort.
Sunset Dinner at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge
VEA Newport Beach’s signature restaurant, VIEW, sets the scene for a refined winter dinner with fellow foodies. Sure, the views are stunning (hence the name), but the menu of California coastal cuisine is the real spotlight-stealer here. Reserve a seat around one of the fire pits on the Lanai and start with a round of tableside martinis and some light bites. Then, as the evening lingers on, treat your taste buds to a few signature sushi rolls and an order of crispy confit chicken wings.
Admire Scenic Water Views at Zinqué
Zinqué boasts a rustic waterfront setting with its quaint patio and cozy fire pits. Known for its menu of French-inspired fare, guests can enjoy a casual yet elegant dining experience with dishes like the Leek and Gruyère Quiche and Ratatouille. The intimate and relaxed ambiance, combined with a selection of fine wines, makes for a perfect winter dining experience in Newport Beach.
Classic California Cuisine at VIEW Restaurant & Lounge
VEA Newport Beach’s signature restaurant, VIEW Restaurant & Lounge, boasts a stunning indoor/outdoor space with golf course and Pacific Ocean views. The menu is an ode to California coastal cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The cozy fireplaces and elegant decor make it an ideal spot for a romantic winter dinner, whether you come for a round of tableside martinis or some light bites like the Crispy Confit Chicken Wings or signature sushi rolls.
Live Music at The Quiet Woman
A local staple since 1965, The Quiet Woman, is a charming haunt in the heart of Corona del Mar with a lot of history and live music every week. Famous for its “headless woman” logo, this Newport Beach restaurant serves classic comfort food like lamb chops, crab cakes, steak frites and more. With live bands and a bustling bar, it’s a warm and inviting place for a fun night out with friends or a romantic date.
Southern-Inspired Dishes at Gulfstream
Featuring an open kitchen and fireplace-lined patio, Gulfstream is a Newport Beach staple for elevated dining. Specializing in seafood and Southern-inspired dishes, it’s the ideal place for indulging in sea-to-table delicacies like the True Dover Sole, Smoked Trout Dip and Clam Chowder. The cushioned booths and rustic decor enhance the cozy dining experience, but we think snagging a seat on the patio in one of the Adirondack chairs is the best way to enjoy a winter meal at this Newport Beach restaurant on PCH.
Treat Yourself at Salt & Straw
If you’re craving a sweet nightcap, we’ve got the inside scoop. Perched on Westcliff Drive, Salt & Straw serves “daringly delicious ice cream crafted with unthinkable care,” making it a must-visit for dessert connoisseurs. This ice cream shop churns up a variety of unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Try the seasonal flavors like the toasted white chocolate and peppermint almonds or the gingerbread cookie dough, or opt for the chocolate gooey brownie for some chocolatey goodness.
