Summer is Here! Here are 8 Seasonal Menus to Enjoy Al Fresco
As the weather begins to heat up and the days grow longer, there’s no better time for some light bites and al fresco dining! Naturally, the summer months usher in cravings for fresh, seasonal flavors, including wild-caught seafood, hearty salads and fruit-forward cocktails. Lucky for us locals, Newport Beach’s restaurants take pride in curating summer menus that incorporate sustainably sourced ingredients from nearby farms and the region’s abundant coastline. Below we’ve compiled a list of 8 restaurants offering seasonal summer menus for you to enjoy!
With an affection for locally-sourced ingredients, Chef Rich Mead of Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens brings a unique, farm-to-table approach when crafting his flavorful masterpieces. The restaurant has announced a flurry of new summer eats, including the all-new Farmhouse Vegetable Plate and sides like the Roast Asparagus with a lemon shallot vinaigrette and the Roast Carrots & Burrata Cheese with a grilled peach vinaigrette, mint and pistachios. The menu at Farmhouse is always rotating based on the seasons, so you’re sure to get the freshest flavors in town!
This charming “beach cottage” restaurant in the heart of Corona del Mar is a cozy spot that serves up fresh Cali fare with a comfort food twist. Snack on summer favorites like the Grilled Chicken Summer Salad, Blackened Ahi Sandwich, or Ginger-Crusted Fresh Ono, which comes with a dreamy orange beurre blanc sauce and a side of steamed jasmine rice. Snag a seat inside in one of the farmhouse-style booths or on the quaint sidewalk patio for a meal under the shady umbrellas. It may sound obvious, but when it comes to summer dining, CdM’s Summer House is the place to be!
While Arc Butcher & Baker doesn’t tend to sacrifice their signature comfort food flare just because it’s “swimsuit season,” they do add on a few seasonal summer light bites! This year, diners can devour a Seared Ahi Salad prepared with a medley of fresh, seasonal veggies and a sprinkling of chopped chives. This tasty salad pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine or a pour or brut rosé.
The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
When it comes to seafood, The Cannery keeps it fresh with an assortment of wild, line-caught fish. The menu features a variety of sea-to-table dishes like sushi rolls and sashimi, oysters, grilled octopus, crab cakes, calamari, cioppino and more. So whichever way you like your seafood, whether it’s on the half shell or wrapped in seaweed and rice, The Cannery will not disappoint! Pair your selection with an ice-cold ale or craft cocktail and cheers to a summer day well-spent.
Executive Chef Joel Gutierrez of Lido Bottle Works is bringing his A-game this season with a variety of swoon-worthy dishes. The summer menu features new creations like the Burrata Salad made with a blend of mixed greens from Sunny Cal Farms, whipped burrata, cherry gastrique, edible flowers, fresh mint, candied walnuts and a stone fruit and tarragon vinaigrette! The decadent Corn Agnolotti also made its debut, featuring a delectable mix of chorizo bolognese, poblano romesco, corn husk oil and manchego cheese. Many of these ingredients are sourced from the Lido Bottle Works’ garden, located around the perimeter of the restaurant!
This newly reimagined waterfront restaurant at Balboa Bay Resort boasts stunning views of the bay, coastal-chic decor and a diverse menu featuring locally sourced meat, seafood and produce. Soak up the sun on the gorgeous wrap-around patio or find some shade under the yellow-striped umbrellas for a blissful summer dining experience. Feast on seasonal plates like the Prosciutto + Stone Fruit Salad, Ahi Tuna Ceviche, Sesame Chile Brussel Sprouts and more. Be sure to pair your meal with one of A+O Restaurant | Bar’s signature smoked cocktails—the definition of dinner and show!
It’s no secret Malibu Farm has some of the best warm-weather drinks and dishes in town. The entire venue in Lido Marina Village practically screams “I love summer” with its white walls, beachwood tables and airy ambiance. Plus, the menu is chock-full of beverages and bites perfect for an apres beach meal. Sip on an icy frosé made with vodka, rosé and berry lemonade agave! Then, take your pick from a menu with offerings like Baked Coconut French Toast for brunch and Miso Tahini Salmon, Crab Cakes and Vegan Chopped Salad for dinner.
Chef David Wilhelm continues to wow the taste buds of locals and visitors with sensational seasonal flavors! Pop into Tavern House Kitchen + Bar for brunch, lunch or dinner this summer and relish the restaurant’s unbeatable harbor views and rotating menu of seasonal plates. Chef Wilhelm takes great pride in sourcing sustainable seafood and humanely raised poultry and livestock. Summer menu highlights include a Sunrise Mimosa and Spiced Carrot Margarita along with the “summertimed” Seared Day Boat Scallops reinvented using sweet summer corn, fire-roasted red peppers, bacon, scallions and chipotle aioli.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
