Guidebook for Newport Beach
Food Scene
Great little coffee shop within walking distance. Sometimes the servers can be a bit gruff, but the place is charming and they have a great chai latte. In the evenings, they have live music by locals.
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Alta Coffee
506 31st StGreat little coffee shop within walking distance. Sometimes the servers can be a bit gruff, but the place is charming and they have a great chai latte. In the evenings, they have live music by locals.
This place is pricey so I wouldn't recommend it for dinner unless it is a special occasion, but the bar is a great place to have a drink during Happy Hour. They have the best view on the peninsula.
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21 Oceanfront
2100 W OceanfrontThis place is pricey so I wouldn't recommend it for dinner unless it is a special occasion, but the bar is a great place to have a drink during Happy Hour. They have the best view on the peninsula.
Great place for brunch. And dinner. Delicious coffee, food and cocktails. What more can you want? Get there early-ish for brunch. There can be a wait.
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Eat Chow
1802 Newport BlvdGreat place for brunch. And dinner. Delicious coffee, food and cocktails. What more can you want? Get there early-ish for brunch. There can be a wait.
Good burgers and fries. Get the duck fat fries (or green beans if you want to be healthier). Great selection of craft beer.
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Crow Burger Kitchen
3107 Newport BlvdGood burgers and fries. Get the duck fat fries (or green beans if you want to be healthier). Great selection of craft beer.
American food, nice back patio environment. A nice relaxed atmosphere.
The Porch Restaurant of Newport Beach
508 29th StAmerican food, nice back patio environment. A nice relaxed atmosphere.
Buddha's Favorite
634 Lido Park DrGreat sushi with a beautiful location on the bay.
Awesome location, go for Happy Hour. Incredible seafood.
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Cannery Seafood of the Pacific
3010 Lafayette Ave Awesome location, go for Happy Hour. Incredible seafood.
Hawaiian fusion. Their poke is delicious. If you get their Mai Tais, which they are known for, they are quite strong! You probably only need 1...or 2 : )
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Billy's at the Beach
2751 West Coast HwyHawaiian fusion. Their poke is delicious. If you get their Mai Tais, which they are known for, they are quite strong! You probably only need 1...or 2 : )
A favorite among locals, this steakhouse is delicious, but isn't inexpensive. If you like cocktails, definitely get their Moscow Mule.
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A Restaurant
3334 West Coast HwyA favorite among locals, this steakhouse is delicious, but isn't inexpensive. If you like cocktails, definitely get their Moscow Mule.
If you feel like making a trip in your car or taxi, this is one of our favorite places to go for a special occasion. Amazing cheese & charcuterie plates, wine & beer flights, etc. Plus a cool history!
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SideDoor
3801 East Coast HwyIf you feel like making a trip in your car or taxi, this is one of our favorite places to go for a special occasion. Amazing cheese & charcuterie plates, wine & beer flights, etc. Plus a cool history!
Want a milkshake and an incredible view? This place has got it. I recommend first hiking around Crystal Cove and then rewarding yourself for your hard work with a delicious shake!
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Crystal Cove Shake Shack
7703 East Coast HwyWant a milkshake and an incredible view? This place has got it. I recommend first hiking around Crystal Cove and then rewarding yourself for your hard work with a delicious shake!
Incredible location right on the beach. The bar is small, so I'd recommend this place for breakfast or lunch only. Be prepared for a wait.
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Beachcomber Cafe
15 Crystal CoveIncredible location right on the beach. The bar is small, so I'd recommend this place for breakfast or lunch only. Be prepared for a wait.
One of my favorite sushi restaurants, this place is incredible. It's small and has the most delicious food. However, it is pricey & not where you should take a rowdy party. Save it for a special date.
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San Shi Go Sushi & Asian
205 Main StOne of my favorite sushi restaurants, this place is incredible. It's small and has the most delicious food. However, it is pricey & not where you should take a rowdy party. Save it for a special date.
This place always has a wait!! But it's sooo good. And they feed you while you are outside. Hot buttery garlic rolls. Nom nom. Go early to miss the crowds.
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The Original Mama D's Italian Kitchen
3012 Newport BlvdThis place always has a wait!! But it's sooo good. And they feed you while you are outside. Hot buttery garlic rolls. Nom nom. Go early to miss the crowds.
I love their poke bowl here. Bear Flag sells great fresh fish. And their new location is top-notch and even serves alcohol.
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Bear Flag Fish Company
3421 Via LidoI love their poke bowl here. Bear Flag sells great fresh fish. And their new location is top-notch and even serves alcohol.
One of 3 places that delivers on Newport Peninsula, this restaurant has great Thai food. If you go to eat on-location, you can BYOB, so bring a bottle of your finest wine and eat up!
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Mint Leaf Thai Cuisine
712 E Balboa BlvdOne of 3 places that delivers on Newport Peninsula, this restaurant has great Thai food. If you go to eat on-location, you can BYOB, so bring a bottle of your finest wine and eat up!
A local staple, this place has fabulous pizza. And they deliver. About 1:30-2am, you'll see the partying crowd move from the bars to outside Laventina's. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed.
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Laventina's Big Cheese Pizza
2819 Newport BlvdA local staple, this place has fabulous pizza. And they deliver. About 1:30-2am, you'll see the partying crowd move from the bars to outside Laventina's. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed.
A delicious place for lunch or brunch, this self-serve vegetarian restaurant has incredible veggies. And did I forget to mention their cheese and dessert stands? To die for.
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Zinc Cafe & Market
3222 East Coast HwyA delicious place for lunch or brunch, this self-serve vegetarian restaurant has incredible veggies. And did I forget to mention their cheese and dessert stands? To die for.
A local brewery, this place is popular. Head over to watch the latest sports game or try one of the brews made on-location. They have a nice outdoor patio.
Newport Beach Brewing Co.
A local brewery, this place is popular. Head over to watch the latest sports game or try one of the brews made on-location. They have a nice outdoor patio.
Always packed (make a reservation if you can or sit at the bar), True Food has some incredible seasonal fare. And their drinks are made of fresh juices.
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True Food Kitchen
451 Newport Center DrAlways packed (make a reservation if you can or sit at the bar), True Food has some incredible seasonal fare. And their drinks are made of fresh juices.
Somewhat new to the scene, Wild Goose is hip and crowded. Get here early-ish to avoid the line.
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Wild Goose Tavern
436 E 17th StSomewhat new to the scene, Wild Goose is hip and crowded. Get here early-ish to avoid the line.
Great Mex
2360 Newport BlvdQuick and easy Mexican, this place always pleases. Plus, it's easy on the wallet.
Perhaps second in popularity to In N Out, TK has a great reputation with locals. The place is nothing to write home about, so grab your burger to go and eat it out on the sand.
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TK Burgers
2119 W Balboa BlvdPerhaps second in popularity to In N Out, TK has a great reputation with locals. The place is nothing to write home about, so grab your burger to go and eat it out on the sand.
Perhaps second-best to delivery, HoSum is great for takeout: it's always ready in 10 minutes. Or eat in; their dim sum champagne brunch is amazing. As is their Ho Sum salad for dinner. Very affordable
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Ho Sum Bistro
3112 Newport BlvdPerhaps second-best to delivery, HoSum is great for takeout: it's always ready in 10 minutes. Or eat in; their dim sum champagne brunch is amazing. As is their Ho Sum salad for dinner. Very affordable
Great breakfast diner with delicious milkshakes and a lovely view. Go early as there is frequently a wait.
Galley Cafe
829 Harbor Island DrGreat breakfast diner with delicious milkshakes and a lovely view. Go early as there is frequently a wait.
Great shabu shabu. The location is in a non-descript neighborhood, but you feel nothing but Zen as soon as you walk in the restaurant.
Kitayama
101 Bayview PlGreat shabu shabu. The location is in a non-descript neighborhood, but you feel nothing but Zen as soon as you walk in the restaurant.
Great drinks, good food, and live music. A lovely place for a date or even a group gathering.
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The Village Inn
127 Marine AveGreat drinks, good food, and live music. A lovely place for a date or even a group gathering.
Get your fancy pants on and join the classy Newport Beach-ers when you go to this restaurant. That being said, the food is amazing. Just be prepared to mix and mingle with a more uppity crowd.
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FIG & OLIVE
151 Newport Center DrGet your fancy pants on and join the classy Newport Beach-ers when you go to this restaurant. That being said, the food is amazing. Just be prepared to mix and mingle with a more uppity crowd.
Order a breakfast burrito & coffee here after a morning bike ride to cure your hangover. Then dip your toes in the water and all will be good as new.
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Stuft Surfer Cafe
100 Mc Fadden PlOrder a breakfast burrito & coffee here after a morning bike ride to cure your hangover. Then dip your toes in the water and all will be good as new.
While expensive, these juices and acai bowls are delicious. They are also known for their juice cleanses, if that is up your alley.
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Nekter Juice Bar
474 E 17th StWhile expensive, these juices and acai bowls are delicious. They are also known for their juice cleanses, if that is up your alley.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is a great place to get dinner on Thursdays. If you go early, you can time it so you grab dinner before the live music. The prices can't be beat (for food) and you get a big plate.
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Blue Beet, The
107 21st PlThis is a great place to get dinner on Thursdays. If you go early, you can time it so you grab dinner before the live music. The prices can't be beat (for food) and you get a big plate.
This is a rowdy bar within walking distance (near the pier), but they have a really fun Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Also a great place to watch a game during the weekend.
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Mutt Lynch's
2300 W OceanfrontThis is a rowdy bar within walking distance (near the pier), but they have a really fun Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Also a great place to watch a game during the weekend.
Very much a dive bar, but they have the best burger on the peninsula. Consider using the bathroom before you go, because it can sometimes be less than cleanly.
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Cassidy's Bar & Grill
2603 Newport BlvdVery much a dive bar, but they have the best burger on the peninsula. Consider using the bathroom before you go, because it can sometimes be less than cleanly.
Very much a dive...you can find people drinking here even at 6am! But a great place in the evening to grab a cheap drink and shoot some pool.
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Beach Ball Bar
2116 W OceanfrontVery much a dive...you can find people drinking here even at 6am! But a great place in the evening to grab a cheap drink and shoot some pool.
An old school restaurant, I like to go here after dinner for a drink, when I'm in the mood for some live entertainment. A fun local spot.
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La Cave
1695 Irvine AveAn old school restaurant, I like to go here after dinner for a drink, when I'm in the mood for some live entertainment. A fun local spot.
The most amazing Irish coffee. Seriously. This place is a lot of fun always and has live entertainment some times. Check their calendar.
Muldoon's Irish Pub
202 Newport Center DrThe most amazing Irish coffee. Seriously. This place is a lot of fun always and has live entertainment some times. Check their calendar.
A great, casual local bar that always has a good time. They sometimes have live entertainment but dancing is forbidden. You have been forewarned : )
Shamrock's Grill & Pub
4020 Chino Hills PkwyA great, casual local bar that always has a good time. They sometimes have live entertainment but dancing is forbidden. You have been forewarned : )
Fun at night, delicious in the morning. The crowd tends to be college-aged and slightly older, so go in a group if you don't want to feel like an old fart. Also, head over before 10pm to avoid lines.
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Malarky's Irish Pub
3011 Newport BlvdFun at night, delicious in the morning. The crowd tends to be college-aged and slightly older, so go in a group if you don't want to feel like an old fart. Also, head over before 10pm to avoid lines.
Amazing location. The view is great at sunset. This is THE place to spot cougars. Or the place to see and be seen. Food is ok, but a little overpriced for what it is.
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Javier's Restaurant - Newport Beach
7832 Pacific Coast HwyAmazing location. The view is great at sunset. This is THE place to spot cougars. Or the place to see and be seen. Food is ok, but a little overpriced for what it is.
Shopping
SUP (stand up paddling) can be a great way to see the bay. They also rent Duffys. Ask for Tyler, the owner, and let him know I sent you.
Wayward Captain Watersports
3333 CA-1SUP (stand up paddling) can be a great way to see the bay. They also rent Duffys. Ask for Tyler, the owner, and let him know I sent you.
A historic theater, this place only rarely shows movies but now hosts live performances. Check their website to see upcoming events.
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Lido Theatre
3459 Via LidoA historic theater, this place only rarely shows movies but now hosts live performances. Check their website to see upcoming events.
Everything Else
If you are a shopper, this is shopping mecca of the area. A beautiful outdoor shopping mall. Mainly high-end brands, but you can find some mid-level stores.
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Newport Center/Fashion Island
401 Newport Center DrIf you are a shopper, this is shopping mecca of the area. A beautiful outdoor shopping mall. Mainly high-end brands, but you can find some mid-level stores.
Possibly the shopping mecca of Orange County, South Coast is an indoor mall that has anything and everything, from Gucci down to Forever 21. If you need to make a purchase, you'll surely find it here.
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South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol StPossibly the shopping mecca of Orange County, South Coast is an indoor mall that has anything and everything, from Gucci down to Forever 21. If you need to make a purchase, you'll surely find it here.
Want to fancy it up a bit? This world-class resort has a fabulous view, a golf course, spa and my favorite, a beautiful pool. Quick tip: you can go to the pool, hang out & valet your car for no cost.
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The Resort At Pelican Hill
22701 S Pelican Hill RdWant to fancy it up a bit? This world-class resort has a fabulous view, a golf course, spa and my favorite, a beautiful pool. Quick tip: you can go to the pool, hang out & valet your car for no cost.
Great place to get some hiking in. Lots of trails. Parking is not cheap. Make sure to bring some cash, sunscreen and water. And don't forget a camera!
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Crystal Cove State Park
8471 North Coast HighwayGreat place to get some hiking in. Lots of trails. Parking is not cheap. Make sure to bring some cash, sunscreen and water. And don't forget a camera!
The only other place that delivers on the Newport Peninsula, this place has delicious gourmet pizza. My favorite? The Napoli with tomatoes, basil, cheese, parmesan and garlic. Mmmmm, so good!
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zpizza
10035 Adams AveThe only other place that delivers on the Newport Peninsula, this place has delicious gourmet pizza. My favorite? The Napoli with tomatoes, basil, cheese, parmesan and garlic. Mmmmm, so good!
Need to head to the grocery store? No problem, there is one within walking distance. And it's huge and well-stocked.
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Pavilions
3100 W Balboa BlvdNeed to head to the grocery store? No problem, there is one within walking distance. And it's huge and well-stocked.
Do you want to see a movie in style? Check out this place where you can lounge on couches and order food and drinks to be brought in to you during the movie. What service!
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The New Port Theater
2905 East Coast HwyDo you want to see a movie in style? Check out this place where you can lounge on couches and order food and drinks to be brought in to you during the movie. What service!
This place has delicious sandwiches. And it's mainly because of their amazing bread. It's always busy but you can get a sandwich to-go pretty quickly.
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C'est Si Bon Bakery
149 Riverside AveThis place has delicious sandwiches. And it's mainly because of their amazing bread. It's always busy but you can get a sandwich to-go pretty quickly.
A lovely place to walk around during the day, Balboa Island is quaint. The "beaches" are calmer for kids & Main Street has some cute, albeit touristy, shops.
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Fähre Balboa Island
Agate AvenueA lovely place to walk around during the day, Balboa Island is quaint. The "beaches" are calmer for kids & Main Street has some cute, albeit touristy, shops.
Great sandwiches within walking distance. Don't forget to order the homemade chips, potato-y goodness with fresh shaved parmesan and rosemary.
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Sessions West Coast Deli
2823 Newport BlvdGreat sandwiches within walking distance. Don't forget to order the homemade chips, potato-y goodness with fresh shaved parmesan and rosemary.
The second pier in Newport, there's lot's to see and do around the Balboa Pier. In the summer, you'll get to see all the junior lifeguards training, which is always entertaining.
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Balboa Pier
Balboa PierThe second pier in Newport, there's lot's to see and do around the Balboa Pier. In the summer, you'll get to see all the junior lifeguards training, which is always entertaining.
Need to get a little physical activity in during your vacation? Villa is the cutest yoga studio within walking distance. The owner, Carly, has done a great job curating wonderful teachers.
Villa Pilates and Yoga
501 31st StNeed to get a little physical activity in during your vacation? Villa is the cutest yoga studio within walking distance. The owner, Carly, has done a great job curating wonderful teachers.
Not quite beach ready? Head to this local salon for non-painful sugaring session (an alternative to waxing). Or get a calming facial.
BeeSugared
120 Tustin AveNot quite beach ready? Head to this local salon for non-painful sugaring session (an alternative to waxing). Or get a calming facial.
A very popular local spa. While the quality is great, be prepared to pay average to above-average prices.
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Spa Gregorie's
200 Newport Center DrA very popular local spa. While the quality is great, be prepared to pay average to above-average prices.
Want a unique spa experience? Head to iSpa for hot & cold rooms & treat yourself to a massage. Or if you're more daring, try a scrub, which is anything but relaxing. However, you'll have baby skin.
I Spa
2332 Barranca PkwyWant a unique spa experience? Head to iSpa for hot & cold rooms & treat yourself to a massage. Or if you're more daring, try a scrub, which is anything but relaxing. However, you'll have baby skin.
Love farmer's markets? This is one of our favorite. They have a great selection and it's a fun Saturday morning activity. However, note this has moved to Mariner's Church, a little closer to Newport.
Irvine Certified Farmers' Market
Campus DriveLove farmer's markets? This is one of our favorite. They have a great selection and it's a fun Saturday morning activity. However, note this has moved to Mariner's Church, a little closer to Newport.
Sightseeing
Crystal Cove
Beautiful state beach.
Known for it's world-class surf break, head to the Wedge during a swell & you'll see incredible talent in the water. Don't try and head in unless (1) you are experienced in the water & (2) have fins.
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The Wedge
E OceanfrontKnown for it's world-class surf break, head to the Wedge during a swell & you'll see incredible talent in the water. Don't try and head in unless (1) you are experienced in the water & (2) have fins.
One of two piers in Newport, there is always a lot of hustle and bustle around.
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Newport Pier
Newport PierOne of two piers in Newport, there is always a lot of hustle and bustle around.
While I've never tried it, the experience is supposed to be unique. Jetpack allows you to fly above the water with their proprietary machinery. Check it out.
Jetpack America - Newport Beach
2600 Newport BoulevardWhile I've never tried it, the experience is supposed to be unique. Jetpack allows you to fly above the water with their proprietary machinery. Check it out.
We love heading to Catalina for a bit of hiking, camping & R&R. The water's crystal clear & makes for great snorkeling or scuba diving. Alternatively, stay in a hotel but be prepared to pay top dollar
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Santa Catalina Insel
We love heading to Catalina for a bit of hiking, camping & R&R. The water's crystal clear & makes for great snorkeling or scuba diving. Alternatively, stay in a hotel but be prepared to pay top dollar
Entertainment & Activities
Have kids in tow? Take them to the fun zone to enjoy some rides and the arcade.
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Balboa Pavilion & Fun Zone
700 Edgewater PlHave kids in tow? Take them to the fun zone to enjoy some rides and the arcade.