Lighthouse Cafe
Looking for a fancy dinner spot with an oceanfront view? Look no further than the
Lighthouse Cafe, a light-drenched eatery in Marina Park on the Balboa Peninsula. Offering views of the deck and bay, the waterfront restaurant has stellar food that matches the atmosphere. Lighthouse Cafe offers a menu of locally sourced fish that changes daily; order it grilled, blackened, or with a macadamia nut crust. The main menu includes shrimp pasta, fish and chips, and a New England lobster roll. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, you can choose from options such as barbecue chicken, filet mignon, or cauliflower fried rice.
21 Oceanfront
Located just steps from the pier in Newport Beach,
21 Oceanfront is the perfect place to watch the sunset with your beloved. It’s a more traditional dining experience (think a formal banquet room with cloth-topped tables), but it’s guaranteed to appeal to anyone looking for a high-end night out. Choose from locally caught seafood options such as swordfish, salmon, and Chilean sea bass, or steaks such as filet mignon or ribeye. The sizable wine list includes options sourced from California, France, Italy, and Australia.
The Winery
Wine lovers, this one’s for you.
The Winery has everything a classy Newport Beach restaurant should have (like waterfront views and high-caliber service), but what really sets it apart is the wine list. There are 650 wine selections that change on a weekly basis, which means there’s something for every oenophile. Pair a glass (or two) of wine with menu options like scallop and shrimp rice, duck breast, or short rib.
Andrea
Newport Beach is known for its seafood, but if that doesn’t strike your fancy, there are plenty of other options as well. One of the best sit-down restaurants is
Andrea, which is located within
The Resort at Pelican Hill. The upscale Italian eatery serves up irresistible handmade pasta and wine. For a special occasion, opt for the four-course prix fixe menu.