Best Restaurants In Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach, CA is known not only for its luxury waterfront homes and laid-back coastal lifestyle, but also for its exceptional culinary scene. From award-winning fine dining establishments to refined beachside bistros, the city offers an array of elevated dining experiences. For those considering a move to this sought-after coastal enclave—or simply planning a sophisticated night out—understanding the local dining landscape adds an extra layer of appeal. For homebuyers working with Meghan Vittetoe, who specialize in Newport Beach’s luxury real estate market, dining is often one of the deciding lifestyle factors. The following guide explores some of the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA has to offer today.

Nobu Newport Beach is a standout in the global portfolio of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Located within the luxurious Lido Marina Village, the restaurant blends coastal elegance with Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the harbor, creating a tranquil yet upscale dining atmosphere.

Signature dishes like the Yellowtail Jalapeño and Black Cod Miso are joined by Newport Beach exclusives, including locally inspired cocktails and seasonal seafood specials. The service is polished, the ambiance refined, and the overall experience tailored to those who value privacy and impeccable hospitality. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Nobu delivers a coastal dining experience that is quintessentially Newport Beach. It remains one of the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA continues to draw acclaim for.

A staple since 1921, The Cannery is a historic gem along Newport Harbor. Once an actual fish cannery, the building has been transformed into a multi-level seafood destination that blends tradition with modern elegance. It features a mix of sushi, fresh-caught seafood, and prime cuts, served in an atmosphere that honors the city’s maritime roots.

The upstairs Jellyfish Lounge is ideal for a more casual happy hour, while the main dining area offers white-tablecloth service and harbor views. Signature dishes include macadamia-crusted halibut and hand-rolled sushi featuring yellowfin and blue crab. The Cannery is known not just for its food, but for its ability to encapsulate the spirit of coastal California cuisine. It continues to be one of the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA residents return to again and again for both everyday elegance and special occasions.

A Restaurant, located just off Pacific Coast Highway, is one of the oldest dining institutions in the area, yet its modern steakhouse-meets-bistro vibe has helped it maintain relevance for over a century. With an interior marked by dark wood, leather booths, and vintage lighting, the space feels both nostalgic and cosmopolitan.

The menu focuses on seasonally driven dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Standout offerings include prime bone-in ribeye, truffle fries, and fresh oysters on the half shell. The wine list is extensive and curated, drawing from both Napa Valley and global vineyards. A Restaurant also offers an exclusive chef’s table experience, perfect for those seeking privacy and a custom dining experience. For fine dining with deep local roots, it remains one of the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA diners consider a classic.

Set along the Mariner’s Mile stretch, Louie’s by the Bay is a refined Italian steakhouse that merges traditional cuisine with harborfront ambiance. Operated by the team behind The Winery Restaurant, this establishment focuses on expertly prepared steaks, handmade pastas, and an elevated wine program.

Patrons enjoy harbor views through expansive windows and often pair their meals with Italian wines or signature cocktails like the house limoncello martini. Whether dining indoors or out on the heated patio, the experience is consistently luxurious yet inviting. Highlights include the filet mignon with porcini butter and house-made pappardelle with short rib ragu. Louie’s by the Bay is a prime example of how the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA has to offer combine atmosphere, location, and technique.

Located at Crystal Cove Shopping Center, Marche Moderne is a French fine-dining restaurant helmed by chefs Amelia and Florent Marneau. Known for its innovative take on classic French fare, the restaurant brings a sophisticated European sensibility to the Southern California coastline.

The menu features a rotating selection of seasonal items, from duck confit with lentils to rich seafood bouillabaisse. Service is attentive, and the interior design evokes the understated elegance of a Parisian brasserie with a modern twist. Marche Moderne offers both indoor dining and a spacious terrace with ocean breezes, creating a versatile setting for lunch or dinner. It remains a go-to for both Newport Beach locals and food lovers across Orange County seeking an exquisite and consistent dining experience.

For a more casual yet still high-quality seafood option, Bear Flag Fish Co. is a local favorite. Located near the Newport Pier and at Lido Marina Village, it emphasizes freshly caught fish prepared simply but expertly. While the setting is laid-back, the quality rivals many formal dining establishments.

Tuna poke bowls, grilled fish tacos, and sashimi plates dominate the menu, and patrons often pair their meals with a cold beer or a chilled glass of wine. With its beachy atmosphere and commitment to sourcing sustainably, Bear Flag offers a taste of authentic California coastal living. For residents and weekenders alike, it delivers consistent quality in a casual setting that captures the spirit of Newport Beach.

Overlooking the water at Mariner’s Mile, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar offers a robust fine dining experience rooted in California cuisine with global influences. With an award-winning wine list and a menu that spans from Wagyu beef to Chilean sea bass, it appeals to both food connoisseurs and those celebrating milestone occasions.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a temperature-controlled wine cellar lend the space an air of elegance without pretension. The rooftop lounge offers a more relaxed vibe with sunset views over the harbor, ideal for weekend brunch or evening cocktails. The Winery continues to rank among the best restaurants Newport Beach, CA has on offer, particularly for those who appreciate culinary artistry paired with thoughtful wine selection.

Located just inland from the Newport Beach coast in nearby Corona del Mar, Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens offers a garden-to-table experience unlike any other. Surrounded by lush landscaping and situated within a historic nursery, Farmhouse focuses on sustainability and local sourcing under the direction of Chef Rich Mead.

The setting is open-air and informal, yet the menu is highly curated. Seasonal vegetables, free-range meats, and house-made condiments form the backbone of a rotating menu. Popular dishes include the crispy brussels sprouts with parmesan and the grilled Mary's chicken with garden herbs. While less formal than some others on this list, Farmhouse remains a top-tier experience for diners seeking elevated California cuisine in a tranquil environment.

Dining in Newport Beach goes far beyond casual beach fare. With restaurants spanning modern steakhouses, fresh seafood counters, and innovative global cuisine, the city caters to a refined palate. Whether you're considering waterfront homes, harbor-view condos, or estates nestled near Crystal Cove, proximity to top-tier restaurants adds to the overall quality of life. The best restaurants Newport Beach, CA offers aren’t just meals—they’re experiences that reflect the city’s coastal elegance and commitment to high standards.

Newport Beach isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle defined by elevated coastal living, and the restaurant scene plays a significant role in that experience. For those looking to make Newport Beach home or invest in the area’s luxury real estate, working with a local expert like Meghan Vittetoe ensures a seamless transition into this vibrant community. Contact Meghan Vittetoe today to explore luxury properties and experience all that Newport Beach living has to offer.