While Newport Beach is home to a variety of traditional dining venues, there are also many independent restaurants that are worth exploring.

Here are a few hidden gems in Newport Beach that are worth checking out!

Juliette Kitchen & Bar
Located off Bristol near the 73, Juliette Kitchen & Bar is an American bistro that serves locally sourced fare and innovative cocktails in a modern, farm-inspired space. Their menu changes frequently so it’s a good spot to visit often. The Juliette Burger is their staple, and their cocktails are excellent, too. Social Hour is available Monday-Friday from 2:30pm-6pm and includes deals on beer, wine, cocktails, and food. They also just started serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. If you need a great spot for your next event, they have a wine room available for private events serving up to 30 guests. Your celebration will be as unique as the robustness of flavors and cultures embodied by the menu!

Lido Bottle Works
If you’re a fan of waterfront dining, Lido Bottle Works is a fantastic option. This craft beer, wine, bottle shop and public house owned by Newport Beach natives is in Lido Marina Village. Enjoy a wide array of carefully collected and selected small batch beers, wines by the bottle and glass, and a tapas style menu of small bites, tasty offerings and delicious California coastal cuisine. Lido Bottle Works is focused on offering locally sourced and sustainable ingredients in a stylish yet casual environment for locals and visitors alike. Expect winemaker and brewer events, an art gallery, live music, and more. I recently tried the cauliflower and tuna tartare, which were both excellent. The cauliflower is surprisingly filling, and its accoutrements almost give it dessert flavors.

Moulin
With an emphasis on authenticity, Moulin is a French experience for all the senses. This Parisian-style cafe offers fresh pastries and classic plats du jour. Guests can discover the most authentic Parisian dishes at Moulin, from their bistro “classiques” including the famed Croque Madame and slow-cooked rotisserie chicken to their assortment of fresh-baked breads and pastries. Regular coffee is refillable, and the cappuccinos come with sugar cubes and chocolate. They host a weekly, three-course Chef’s Dinner each Tuesday; offer Entrecote Fries every Wednesday; and hold a Cars & Café meetup on the last Sunday of every month.

Buddha’s Favorite
Quench your Sushi craving at Buddha’s Favorite where you can enjoy some of the best sushi Newport has to offer. The casual spot is locatined in Cannery Village, the spot where the fish canning companies operated for years. Now the neighborhood is home to some of Newport Beach’s best fish, including Buddha’s Favorite. Perfect to share tapas and fresh rolls are plentiful on the menu, leaving you plenty full when you leave.

The Village Inn
Having served Balboa Island since 1933, Village Inn serves American fare and is committed to maintaining a feeling of comfort and approachability reminiscent of its small-town affiliation. They host trivia every Tuesday night, Wine Wednesday every Wednesday night, and live music throughout the weekends. Live entertainment at the Village Inn ranges from talented acoustic soloists to three-piece bands offering a variety of music genres Tuesday through Sunday. They offer $2 of all drinks, appetizers, and the bar menu between 3-6pm Monday-Friday, excluding draft beers. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays with signature Bloody Marys as well as bottomless Mimosas served until 1pm.

Written by Debbie Miller