The Soup Scoop
Soup. It’s winter’s warmest meal, where comfort and nostalgia are the primary ingredients. But what are Newport’s local chefs throwing into the pot to turn up the heat this time? We’ve scooped up our brothy favorites from all around that will make you want to hold onto this crisp California chill.
Waterline Newport Beach
Waterline offers a casual dining experience with an upscale waterfront view and menu to boot. Outdoor patio seating is perfect for those fresh air fans, or choose the plush indoor dining room for a more cozy visit. The Wild Mushroom soup is sure to keep things warm this time of year, with a puree of wild foraged mushrooms and a touch of truffle cream. Up the ante by adding a freshly shaved black truffle enhancement!
Sol Grill
Sol Grill is a great option among Newport’s casual eateries, and with an award winning menu, there’s not much more you can ask for! Contemporary California cuisine is met with a warm, laid back environment to ensure the only thing you have to worry about is what to choose from the delicious fare. The verdict: dive into a bowl of their Ahi Chowder (that’s right..AHI!), a rich blend of fresh seasonal veggies and grilled Hawaiian ahi tuna all simmering in their house tomato soup base.
Lotus Bistro
Lotus Bistro provides Newport Beach locals with incredibly fresh and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine of both traditional and modern proportions. Taking from classic Vietnamese comfort food, Lotus Bistro’s Filet Mignon Pho hits the spot just right and is every bit of the word “specialty.” Fresh rice noodles are simmered in house beef broth, rich in nutrients to ease any aching belly or warm up any chilly day, and garnished with fresh green onion and cilantro. Oh, and rather than brisket, enjoy delicious slices of filet mignon that are swimming in this brothy goodness. As per Vietnamese tradition, a side of bean sprouts, fresh basil, lime, and jalapenos are offered for your own flavor additions.
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Cafe
When it comes to French cuisine, there’s no need to look any further than Pandor, your neighborhood boulangerie. With breads baked in house every day and authentic French food made with sustainable and local ingredients, it’s no wonder we’ve chosen Pandor for their French Onion Soup. Gruyere cheese gratinee blankets beef broth with simmered sweet onion and Pandor Croutons (need you be reminded this is made daily!) Slurp up!
Oak Grill
Global dining combined with a coastal luxury experience is embraced with seamless execution at Oak Grill, among Newport’s premier dining establishments. Don’t miss out on the tree-lined Fireside patio, where you can sip on wines from the extensively curated list as crisp California winds gently graze by. Among the international fare, a crowd favorite is their Gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup that is hearty as it is refreshing. Enjoy a bright array of diced tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in this medley soup to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe
With prime harbor views and contemporary California dining, Lighthouse Bayview Cafe may be new to the Newport dining scene but they’ve let their presence be known with subtly elegant gusto. A bright and airy atmosphere lends itself to ideal casual fine dining for friends and families alike. If you’re looking to warm yourself up on your next visit, go for the classic New England Clam Chowder, a creamy creation with rich, chunky broth and, best of all, bacon! When they’re throwing bacon into the mix, you know you can’t miss out.
Eat Chow
Eat Chow has become ever popular for their unabashedness at being “all over the place” as they so like to put it. Not that we’re complaining, as most everything here is always executed properly with rich flavors and fresh ingredients every step of the way. A robust menu boasts items like Shrimp Ceviche and French Dips, but we suggest nestling in with a bowl of their housemade Turkey Chili, of course made from scratch daily. A three bean blend is mixed with shredded turkey, tomatoes, spices, and always ask for the dollop of sour cream and cheddar cheese to have this one really hit home!
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations takes Southern fare to an elevated level with warm and cozy ambiance and a delightful menu from Chef Peter Petro. With a mission to fill all the bellies of Southern California with fun-yet-refined Southern comfort (and whiskey…with 100 different bottles and counting,) Bosscat has also stashed away a killer Heirloom Tomato Bisque. Creamy yet tangy, or tangy yet creamy, sweet heirloom tomatoes are blended with a touch of cream and herbs for a savory and rich bowl sure to make you nice and toasty from the inside out. What really makes this dish awesome is the mini grilled cheese that comes paired with it. Best mini gift ever.
