Eat With the Seasons at These 5 Local Restaurants
Given California’s mild, Mediterranean-like climate, farm-fresh dining isn’t hard to come by—especially in Newport Beach. Our city’s abundance of talented chefs and restaurateurs dedicate time to sourcing ingredients that are both fresh and in-season. Whether they’re visiting local farms for organic produce or local fisheries for wild-caught seafood, their farm-to-fork efforts and focus on sustainability do not go unnoticed. And with spring officially in full swing, there’s no better time to eat with the seasons! Here are our top picks for seasonal dining in our city by the sea.
Set on the lush grounds of Roger’s Gardens, this charming Corona del Mar restaurant is no slouch when it comes to the “farm-to-table” approach. Chef Rich Mead presents a perfectly curated menu that rotates based on the seasons, and this spring, you can take a bite out of his newest creations. We have our eyes set on the all-new Gorgonzola & Granny Smith Apple Salad with candied pecans, dried cranberries, mixed greens and a raspberry vinaigrette. If that doesn’t taste like spring, we don’t know what does!
Don’t be fooled by the rustic, old-world atmosphere—this time-honored establishment isn’t just steaks and mashed potatoes. A Restaurant boasts a seasonally-inspired, new American menu chock-full of seafood, prime cuts of meat and comfort food classics. Over the years, Chef Roberto Gomez and the A Restaurant team have fostered relationships with many local farms and purveyors, making each dish as fresh as can be. This spring, don’t miss out on Chef Gomez’s Salt Spring Mussels made with spicy yellow curry, shaved fennel and Yukon potatoes.
Springtime at Lido Bottle Works means it’s time to make room for a whole new menu! That’s right—this harborside restaurant changes its menu quarterly to ensure freshness and seasonality. Lido Bottle Works even has its own herb garden around the restaurant’s perimeter! But if you were hoping we’d spill the beans on the latest spring menu, we’re sorry to disappoint. It hasn’t been released yet, but word on the street is it drops this week. Keep your eyes peeled!
Coastal-chic decor combines effortlessly with a menu of light, seasonal fare at Lido Marina Village’s Malibu Farm. Feast on health-conscious dishes, like couscous salad, crab cakes and avocado huarache prepared with whole wheat flatbread, jalapeño ricotta spread, serrano chilis, cilantro agave and an olive oil drizzle. Grab a table on the patio and soak up the spring sunshine as you watch the boats cruise by.
The Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen
Known for its seafood-centric and vegetable-focused cuisine, Lido House’s signature restaurant, The Mayor’s Table, is undoubtedly a hotspot for seasonal dining. Executive Chef Partner Riley Huddleston brings a decade of culinary experience to the table, crafting menus that capture the most vibrant flavors of the season. This spring, you can indulge in decadent offerings like the Spicy Tuna Toast, Grilled Prawn Salad, Striped Sea Bass and Wagyu and Caviar. And don’t leave without trying one of their Cocktails From the Kitchen!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger
