Hop on the Trolley for a Tasty Tour of Newport Beach
Let us fill you in, before time runs out, on this incredibly convenient, groundbreaking, brand new service introduced to alleviate parking and transportation stresses on the Balboa Peninsula this summer! On June 17th, Newport Beach kicked off a free trolley service providing transportation to visitors and residents up and down the Balboa Peninsula. Offered on summer weekends, this service will continue to run through September 3rd. While enjoying the beach, ever discovered yourself blocks away from a cuisine or restaurant you just can’t shake the craving for? Hop on one of the trolley’s nearly 20 stops and ride along to whatever dish on the Balboa Peninsula is calling your name. There is something to snack on at every stop. Move from one bite to the next – a trolley tasting of sorts! While on the move, make note of these 10 restaurants/stops we recommend you pay a visit to along your way.
Trolley Stop: Newport & Short Southbound
Near this stop, you’ll find Lido Marina Village. This prized village is Newport Beach’s newest shopping and dining destination. Each offering an inspiring ambiance and renowned collection of chefs and tastemakers, the restaurants in Lido Marina Village are a must-try.
Photo Credit Lido Marina Village
Lido Bottle Works: This craft beer, wine, bottle shop and public house owned by Newport Beach natives is now open at 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.
Photo Credit: Henry Hargreaves
Nobu: The world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative cuisine and celebrity following, opened their first Orange County location at Lido Marina Village in the spring of 2017. Nobu’s arrival has been perhaps the most eagerly anticipated and talked about restaurant opening the OC has seen in years! Prepare to be amazed!
Photo Credit: Lido Marina Village
Zinque: The eatery is located on the Main Deck, and offers waterfront patio seating and chic interiors featuring a sweeping wine bar perfect for enjoying Zinque’s lovely menu and wine offerings. Zinque will no doubt quickly become a local favorite and a must-visit for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Trolley Stop: Newport & 29/30th Southbound
Photo Credit: Zen Sushi
Zen Sushi: Looking for great sushi? You’ll find it at Zen. For over a decade, highly skilled chefs and staff have been providing excellent service, an intriguing variety of dishes as well as one-of-a-kind, creative and colorful specialty rolls. Zen Sushi always delivers great food! Load up your bento box and fill up at this stop!
Photo Credit: Sessions West Coast Deli
Sessions West Coast Deli: No question you need to stop off the trolley to experience this special deli. Serving the best sandwiches to ever hit the lip, Sessions West Coast Deli is a neighborhood-casual concept that has become a favorite in the Newport Beach community. Sessions proudly boasts a scratch kitchen with house-made sauces, sides, salads, and soups prepared daily. All sandwiches are made to order with fresh locally grown produce. You’ll never have a sandwich quite like what’s offered at Sessions. Signature Sandwiches include the Summer Zephyr (tomato, mozzarella w/basil aioli), Meddock Melee (turkey w/guacamole on fresh baked ciabatta), and the Yogi (chicken w/basil pesto, avocado and marinated tomato). Order up and brown bag this one to the beach!
Photo Credit:
Laventina’s Big Cheese Pizza
Laventina’s: Laventina’s Pizza is legendary in Newport Beach. This quick, easy and friendly location builds a bombshell of a pizza. In business since 1991, distinguishable by its bright yellow awning, it’s a local fave for sure. Their menu has all of the ingredients necessary to make pizza night, perfection! And they’re open late on weekends – 1:30 am closing time!
Trolley Stop: Balboa & 20th (NB&SB)
Photo Credit: Rockin’ Baja Lobster
Rockin’ Baja Lobster: Kick back with an icy cold beer or signature margarita at this trolley stop! Located within walking distance to the Newport Pier, you’ll be in the midst of all the action. A great selection of food and chill ambiance are what you’ll find at this recommended eatery. The happy hour menu, alternating specials and drink of the day options will make your trolley trip worth while.
Sol Grill: Another great stop located near the Newport Pier, Sol Grill is a lively restaurant serving California inspired steak and seafood dishes. Known for their exceptional happy hour, Sol Grill is a great place to cozy up and wind down after a day in the sun. The eclectic ambiance and vast menu make this the perfect stop for a memorable meal.
Trolley Stop: Marina Park
Lighthouse: Hop off the trolley at Marina Park and head to Lighthouse, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view! Lighthouse offers both indoor and outdoor seating with unobstructed views of Newport Harbor. Start your meal with Lighthouse’s savory sourdough boule with roasted tomato butter or fresh seafood ceviche. Whatever you do, be sure to save room for their signature beignets!
Trolley Stop: Balboa Pier
Balboa Lily’s: When the trolley reaches charming Balboa Village, be sure to stop at Balboa Lily’s for one of their creative coffee drinks, featuring locally roasted Kean coffee. You’ll find some of the best latte art in town along with farm fresh breakfast and lunch offerings. Don’t miss Balboa Lily’s signature Honey Lavender Latte – it’s the talk of the town!
Photo Credit: Patty Macs
Patty Macs: You’ll have to say yum three times over for the praise to measure up to what Patty Macs deserves. This restaurant does mac and cheese right – and has a great location near the Balboa Pier. No doubt, you should pencil in this stop and make a trip to this gourmet mac joint. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, this is a peninsula go-to and hidden gem.
Photo Credit: Mermaid Coffee Bar
Mermaid Coffee Bar: This charming café near the water is the perfect place to grab a morning coffee before setting out onto the sand. They like to get inventive with their drinks, featuring a menu of specialty items blended and named by the café owners. Be sure to add on a fresh pastry to complement whatever beverage you choose! Keep an eye out for this restaurant on the trolley route.
Discover stop information and the official trolley tracker here, https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/balboa-peninsula-trolley/.
