Sip, Swirl and Savor a Glass of Wine at These Local Restaurants
When it comes to a smooth glass of vino, our beach city has plenty of places for sipping. Whether it’s a crisp white paired with some fresh seafood or a rich cabernet alongside a juicy steak, the options are endless. So before you pop open a bottle at home for a night on the couch, check out our list of restaurants where the wine lists are long and the food is superb.
With a focus on flavor, freshness and seasonality, it’s no surprise Lido Bottle Works attracts wine-lovers from near and far. This polished venue in Newport’s Lido Marina Village features a menu of American bites and a charming patio with harbor views. Snag a seat during golden hour and kickstart your meal with a glass of Pressley rosé or a La Cuadrilla red blend from Santa Barbara. Then, pair your wine selection with something from Lido Bottle Works’ fall menu like the Handmade Tagliatelle with beef cheek, horseradish gremolata and crispy parsnip or Mary’s Chicken with potato cloud, trumpet mushroom and root vegetables.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Whether you prefer red, white or rosé, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is a sophisticated spot ready to pair your pour with a palate-pleasing meal. White tablecloths, harbor views and a warm ambiance make this restaurant a great spot for date night, the real draw is its selection of over 650 wines from around the world. If you’re feeling fancy, start off with a crisp glass of white and The Winery’s signature seafood tower—a combination of lobster tail, king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, oysters and ahi tuna spoons. Then, switch to red (if you prefer) and dig into entrees like Cioppino, Chilli Lime-Rubbed Mahi Mahi and Slow Braised Beef Short Rib. Pro tip: ask your server for wine pairing suggestions!
Sip, savor and stay awhile at Zinqué in Lido Marina Village! If you’re in the mood for a cozy, sit-down meal, Zinqué offers an unbeatable ambiance, featuring a beautiful bar, industrial-chic decor and a patio with climbing vines. Grab a seat on the harbor-facing patio and enjoy a curated menu of French cuisine featuring dishes like Smoked Salmon Tartine, Ratatouille, Leek and Gruyère Quiche and more. And be sure to take a peek at Zinqué’s uniquely curated wine selection!
While many think of Fashion Island as a shopping destination, it also offers visitors an assortment of places to wine and dine. And if it’s a glass of vino you’re after, Cucina Enoteca is a California-inspired Italian kitchen with an impressive list of reds, whites and bubbles by the glass. Plus, the restaurant’s rustic farmhouse feel and dishes made with the finest locally sourced ingredients make it the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or relaxing dinner. Be sure to check out the on-site bottle shop before you leave!
Located just off the bustling Pacific Coast Highway, Gulfstream features a spacious dining room, two patios and a seafood menu that’ll knock your socks off. The entire concept was inspired by classic seafood houses from America’s past, offering an atmosphere worthy of any occasion. Whether you’re grabbing a glass of wine with a friend, enjoying a much-needed date night or celebrating a milestone, Gulfstream is the ideal place to sip back, relax and enjoy a freshly prepared meal. And in terms of food, the restaurant’s selection of meat and seafood is superb, featuring everything from tender filet mignon to North Pacific oysters shucked to order. And no matter what you choose to eat, you’re sure to find something from Gulfstream’s extensive wine list to pair it with.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
