Newport Beach Restaurants

Javier’s is a hip and happening place. The crowd is good looking, the cocktails and food are amazing, and the ambiance is more like a club than a restaurant. If you want to do some serious people watching, try Javier’s :) Price $$$

I’ve been here quite a few times, both for lunch and dinner. I’ve always had a great meal paired with a terrific wine. The view (day or night) over the water is very romantic, so if you’re looking for a great restaurant in Newport Beach, the Cannery is highly recommended. Price $$$

I ate there once a while back. I just recall it was a great restaurant. Price $$$

When Roy’s is great, it’s REALLY great. The food is an awesome Asian-fusion. Ask for the volcano – it’s not on the menu, but will impress your guests (and of course, tastes superb). Cocktails are great too. Generally a 30 to 40 something, good-looking crowd. My only caveat is that the last couple of times the standard of service had dropped quite a bit. Prior to that, everything about Roy’s was first class. Price $$$

I’ve been going here for years. The staff are friendly, it’s positioned in a nice courtyard area of Fashion Island (so great for people-watching), prices are great and food is terrific. I highly recommend the salmon panini :) Price $$

f you’re looking for a hip bar and restaurant in Corona del Mar, Crow Bar fits the bill. My wife and I have been there a few times now, and we always enjoy ourselves. They have great cocktails, and the food is pretty darned awesome. Try the vegetarian lasagna – AMAZING!!! – or the fish and chips with curried tartar sauce. The wine selection was ‘ok’, not great, but I gather that most of the 30-something crowd are drinking (great) cocktails anyway. We go there for date-night and always have a great time. Highly recommended! Price $$