Fine dining scene in Newport Beach

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Newport Beach isn’t just a coastal paradiseβ€”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!

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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Huntington Beach | 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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Huntington Beach | 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.

Where: Costa Mesa | 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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Newport Beach | 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.

Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Vaca

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