Whether preparing for a picnic, gathering with friends for a fashionable luncheon or planning a perfect night out, the culinary choices at Irvine Company’s retail centers in Newport Beach satisfy all appetites.
A Crystal Cove combines coastal sophistication on the plate with glamorous decor, including velvet booths and a magnificent gold-ceiling bar. Start with the new caviar service or charred octopus; continue with the whole branzino or signature skirt steak. The Niman ground-chuck A burger is a favorite at brunch and at Sunset Sips happy hour. Midweek live music is reason enough to go; top-notch cocktails are another. Founding partner is Newport Beach producer-director McG of “Charlie’s Angels” fame.
Sandro Nardone was born in a small town between Rome and Naples and grew up in a family of chef-restaurateurs. Nardone founded highly regarded Angelina’s Pizzeria, now at Los Olivos Marketplace in Irvine, but came into his own at his Michelin-recognized contemporary Italian culinary adventure, Bello by Sandro Nardone. Star dishes at the chic dining room include his popular Dolce Diavola wood-fired pizza, pastas such as duck-confit agnolotti and exclusive twice-weekly chef’s tables.
Restaurateur Tracy Borkum’s Cal-Ital eatery evokes modern coastal kitchen, rustic farmhouse and a touch of whimsy — the wine shop just inside the door includes a shoe chandelier. Chef partner Tim Kolanko’s menu presents indulgent housemade pastas, innovative pizzas, creative large plates, celebrated cheese and salumi programs, artisanal breads and elevated antipasti and dolci. The wine shop’s boutique selections are presented geographically — e.g., “reds here,” “reds there” and “reds everywhere.”
Served with grain mustard sauce, house spätzle, haricots verts and braised red cabbage, this deluxe chop is but one reason to celebrate the restaurant’s 25th anniversary. Two more: Sunday Champagne brunch on the patio and the piano lounge vibes in the bar.
With shrimp and Dungeness crab, these enchiladas are a top draw at Javier’s; other enchiladas feature Maine lobster or pollo con mole. Whichever you order, enjoy it on the spectacular expanded patio with views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the toast of the coast!
High-end and personable, classic and contemporary, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar makes any occasion feel like a special occasion. Fashion Island was its first location; now there are more than 60. USDA Prime steaks include the 21-day, dry-aged rib-eye and an unforgettable tomahawk. Start with the chilled seafood tower. The Japanese A5 Wagyu Experience is new. Private rooms include the Wine Cellar, where guests dine amid spectacular 360-degree wine-themed projections.
Flanking Gulfstream’s dramatic stone entrance are the booth-filled dining room and a shaded patio looking onto Coast Highway. From its expansive open kitchen come North Pacific oysters, barbecued shrimp evoking New Orleans, Dover sole direct from the Strait of Dover and “The Duke” filet mignon honoring legendary local John Wayne. The restaurant is sophisticated and unpretentious. Bon Appétit magazine characterized its cuisine as “approachable, reliable and nostalgic but forward-thinking.’’
“A place where your cookies are big and your worries are small,” is the motto at this spot in Atrium Court. It’s also a place where you can order cookies medium, rare or medium well! Cookie maven Verlie Payne’s delectable creations balance crispiness, suppleness and gooeyness to irresistible ends. Consider signatures such as oatmeal butterscotch salted caramel, classic snickerdoodles and Nutter Butter cookie sandwiches. Weekends bring s’mores, vegan cookies and lemon tea cakes.
There’s beach vibe, and then there’s tropical beach vibe, which is what Islands delivers via its decor and nine beach-themed burgers. Among the more popular is the Kilauea with jalapeño- and black pepper-crusted patty, pepper jack cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato and the crispy fried red onion slices known as Islands Reds. Islands Nachos and Tiki Tenders top the Surfer Starters. Dark-rum mai tais beckon in the bar. Regulars flock for happy hour.
Hummus, gyoza, ravioli: The menu at Joey is global. Think greatest hits of Planet Earth. They’re all beautifully executed using local ingredients and served in cool, modern-art-filled surroundings. Popular dishes include seared salmon sushi, chicken lettuce wraps and the Joey Classic Steak. Just inside the door is a lively bar plus a standing bar for walk-ins waiting for a table. Many in the booths can look directly into the huge kitchen. The spacious patio has its own bar and retractable roof.
This “Earth-friendly” salad with roasted chicken, tomatoes, shredded kale and Parmesan crisps stars at the new counter-serve restaurant. There’s a version with caramelized garlic steak, too. Ingredients arrive each morning from local farmers, growers and artisans.
These potatoes are considered a side dish at luxe chophouse and seafood destination Mastro’s Ocean Club, but it’s a side that can steal the show. The dish is buttery, garlicky and impossibly rich. And there’s plenty to share: It’s most often ordered for the table.
The elevated bistro by Amelia and Florent Marneau — pastry chef and chef, respectively — is among the county’s finest restaurants. The space features stone walls, a walnut ceiling and white tablecloths, china and tile-and-marble exhibition kitchen. Its French fare can be sophisticated or rustic, but it’s always unforgettable, from the épis bread and butter board to lobster flambé and roasted duck breast. The five-course tasting menus are highly recommended.
A foodie favorite at the restaurant, the chicken is topped with Mendo’s Krispies, herb aioli, mustard pickle slaw, tomatoes and pickled red onions and served on toasted ciabatta. Choose tangy mustard barbecue sauce or mustard-pickle remoulade.
The Mastro brothers’ new restaurant, part of their second restaurant group, is the most spectacular yet. The beyond-stylish light fixtures in the main dining room include huge spheres high above a reflecting pool; five other spaces offer five unique experiences. Highlights of the impeccably sourced menu include Sasanian osetra caviar; Maine lobster escargot; whole Norwegian king crab legs; Shetland Island salmon; Iberico pork chops; and chef favorite Prime New York strip steak.
Elevated cuisine, polished service and an easy sophistication are earmarks of the Pelican Grill experience. The lounge features an elegant wraparound bar, the dining room showcases an open kitchen and the terrace offers sweeping ocean views. Start with West Coast oysters or wagyu beef carpaccio; continue with sausage cavatelli or tiger prawn gnocchi. The Prime rib-eye is finished with shishito and crunchy garlic sauce. Not to be missed: the tableside Parmesan wheel and forest-mushroom risotto for two.
Quiche at Chaupain Bakery comes in three versions, each of them spectacular: mushroom, bacon and leek; spinach and cheese; ham and bacon. A generous wedge comes with three small slices of the bakery’s baguette and an optional side salad.
A convivial crowd fills the booths, lively bar and pleasant patio opposite Neiman Marcus. R+D feels like a neighborhood hang — for a really nice neighborhood. The menu offers sophisticated interpretations of classic American dishes. Sandwiches are a particular strength, notably the Reubenesque, Ding’s crispy chicken and prime-rib French dip. Other signatures include the Asian chicken and noodle salad, wild mushroom meatloaf and three-layer carrot cake.
Owner-chef Sal Maniaci has offered dishes such as penne otero, farfalle al salmone and scallopine Gorgonzola in an intimate Mediterranean setting for 35 years and, more recently, on the fireplace patio. His calamari fritti starter and tiramisu are practically obligatory. Adjacent Pizzeria Sapori serves Neapolitan pizza as one might enjoy in Naples. There are a dozen styles, with the “mother” dough and every ingredient, plus the oven, sourced from the highest quality purveyors in Italy.
Taco Rosa has a Mexico City vibe, but its ancestral recipes derive from regions throughout Mexico, all conscientiously sourced and prepared using artisan water and non-GMO corn. Consider the ceviche tostadita trio, alambre quesadilla, blackened tacos or carnitas Michoacan. The taquiza for two brings skirt steak, chicken breast and tiger shrimp over caramelized onions and brie. Margaritas include elaborate coconut con paleta and horchata versions. Even the stemware is memorable.
This riff on eggs Benedict is a savory wake-up call: poached eggs, pork belly, scallions, furikake, spinach, miso hollandaise and breakfast potatoes on an English muffin. It’s the perfect prelude to a matinee at The Lot next door — or enjoy it at your seat during the movie.
Devotees flock for this linguine with Manila clams sauteed with garlic, onion, shallots, basil and parsley in white wine. There are vongole (clams) in the cioppino, too, alongside large wild shrimp, mussels, calamari and fresh fish.
Three brothers founded Wahoo’s nearby in 1988, inspired by their love of Mexican flavors and Baja surfing as well as their Chinese Brazilian heritage. Today, 250 locations in the U.S. and beyond include one with a full bar and patio looking out onto Fashion Island’s Atrium Garden Court. The distinctive fast-casual experience features surf and skate decor. Menu highlights beyond the namesake signature include potato tacos, citrus slaw burrito, Maui steak bowl and Guavarita cocktail.
This agave spirit from Orange County-based brand Xicaru served at gorgeous Red O combines two Mexican traditions: festive pechuga mezcal and mole negro sauce, made from ground chilis and Oaxacan chocolate. It’s ideal before Red O’s rack of lamb in mole negro. Indulge in the lively bar scene at happy hour and beyond.
One of the more popular sandwiches at the spot near RH, the Yogi features roast chicken, avocado, “chimi-chutney,” marinated tomato, cucumber and arugula on an artisan French roll. Sessions offers a menu of globally inspired salads and small plates, too.
Revered chef-restaurateur Zov Karamardian, an OC treasure for more than 40 years, puts a contemporary spin on Mediterranean fare that reflects her Middle Eastern roots. Her mezze platter, golden lentil soup, kebob two ways and Moroccan salmon salad always inspire. Her sensuously spiced lamb burger — on the cover of her cookbook Simply Zov — is among the best handhelds of any kind in the county.