Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Newport Beach
Newport Beach isn’t just a coastal paradise—it’s a culinary destination where oceanfront elegance meets extraordinary dining. From Balboa Peninsula to Corona del Mar, the area’s restaurant scene blends sophisticated flavors with California’s fresh, innovative cuisine.
Discerning diners can explore world-class restaurants featuring everything from refined French techniques at Knife Pleet to coastal-inspired seafood at Henry’s, each venue offering a unique gastronomic experience that captures the essence of Orange County’s dining culture.
Discover Newport’s most exquisite dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Newport Beach
- Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa)
- Bluegold (Huntington Beach)
- Ocean 48
- Vaca (Costa Mesa)
- Fable & Spirit
- Henry's Coastal Cuisine (Huntington Beach)
- Bello by Sandro Nardone
- Hana re
- Oliver's
- Sushi ii
Bello by Sandro Nardone
What to Expect
Family-inspired Italian cuisine from a chef with generational culinary expertise
Description
Nestled in Newport Beach, Bello offers an authentic Italian dining experience rooted in Chef Sandro Nardone's family traditions. The restaurant showcases classic and modern Italian cuisine, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and rigorous culinary techniques. Intimate dining rooms feature carefully crafted dishes that blend traditional Italian recipes with innovative culinary approaches.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Bello by Sandro Nardone ↗
Bluegold (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect
California-inspired farm-to-table cuisine with seasonal ingredient focus
Description
Bluegold celebrates California's culinary heritage through a sophisticated New American restaurant featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant integrates new and old-world cooking techniques in an atmospheric space that pays homage to the Golden State's agricultural and coastal traditions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Bluegold ↗
Fable & Spirit
What to Expect
Irish mythology-inspired progressive dining experience
Description
An Irish-inspired progressive dining experience nestled in Newport Beach, featuring an intimate atmosphere that weaves culinary storytelling with mythological themes. The restaurant offers sophisticated Irish-influenced cuisine in a meticulously designed setting, with an immersive dining concept that transforms traditional restaurant expectations through creative plating and narrative-driven menu design.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Fable & Spirit ↗
Hana re
What to Expect
One Michelin-starred omakase sushi bar with chef-driven seasonal menu
Description
This Michelin-starred sushi bar offers an intimate omakase experience curated by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama. Guests enjoy meticulously crafted sushi featuring seasonal California ingredients and premium fish imported directly from Japan, served in a minimalist setting that highlights the artistry of each precisely prepared dish.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Hana re ↗
Henry's Coastal Cuisine (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect
Oceanside French-California coastal cuisine with panoramic views
Description
Henry's Coastal Cuisine offers an elegant seaside dining experience in Huntington Beach, featuring French-inspired coastal cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Lewis Butler. The restaurant showcases locally sourced seafood and seasonal ingredients, served in an airy oceanside venue with indoor and open-air patio seating, complemented by an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Henry's Coastal Cuisine ↗
Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect
Penthouse French dining at South Coast Plaza
Description
Nestled in South Coast Plaza's penthouse, this contemporary French restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes by chef Tony Esnault. The elegant space features refined tableside service, seasonal French cuisine prepared with precision, and an expertly curated wine selection showcasing sophisticated French culinary traditions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Knife Pleat ↗
Ocean 48
What to Expect
Tableside seafood preparations with Pacific coastal culinary techniques
Description
Ocean 48 delivers an elegant seafood dining experience in Newport Beach, featuring pristine Pacific coastal cuisine in a sophisticated maritime-inspired setting. The restaurant showcases meticulously prepared seafood dishes with contemporary California flair, featuring tableside preparations and an extensive raw bar highlighting the region's freshest marine offerings.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Ocean 48 ↗
Oliver's
What to Expect
Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine with white-tablecloth service
Description
Oliver's offers an intimate Newport Beach dining experience featuring Mediterranean-inspired coastal cuisine in an elegant, warmly lit dining room. White-tablecloth service highlights locally sourced seafood and carefully curated wine pairings, with an emphasis on sophisticated California coastal flavors and attentive tableside presentation.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Oliver's ↗
Sushi ii
What to Expect
Chef-driven omakase with direct seafood sourcing
Description
An intimate omakase-style sushi restaurant featuring meticulously crafted Japanese seafood preparations. Chef Dennis Ngo personally curates an exclusive chef's counter experience with pristine, seasonally sourced fish served in minimalist, elegant surroundings. Each multi-course tasting menu represents precise Japanese culinary techniques and premium ingredient selection.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Sushi ii ↗
Vaca (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect
Award-winning Chef Amar Santana's Spanish-inspired culinary interpretations
Description
Vaca delivers an authentic Spanish dining experience in Costa Mesa, featuring innovative tapas and superior tasting meats inspired by regions across Spain. The restaurant's sophisticated space evokes Spanish energy with California comfort, offering a curated beverage program highlighting traditional Spanish cocktails and wines alongside craft innovations.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Vaca ↗
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