NEWPORT BEACH
GuestGuide
THE ANNUAL EDITION 2019 / 2020
RESTAURANTS I SHOPPING I ENTERTAINMENT I RECREATION I ACTIVITIES
S E A F O L LY Fashion Island Newport Centre Dr Newport Beach 949-706-7690
CONTENTS
8 Welcome to Newport Beach
For visitors, the pleasures are many: justoff-the-boat seafood, boogie-boarding the human-eating waves at the Wedge, and the ballet of yachts in the harbor.
12. Whale & Dolphin Watching
Ranked as a top activity.
16 A Surfers Paradise
The Wedge is a spot located at the extreme east end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California known for its large wedge shaped waves that makes it a popular spot for surfing.
20 Balboa Island
Reminiscent of a quanit East Coast harborfront village.
24 The Famous Piers
Newport Beach is lucky enough to have not one, but two large piers and a handful of small fishing piers.
28 Food, Drink and Entertainment
From new openings to classic standbys that continue to get the details right, here are some of the hottest restaurants in Newporrt Beach.
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GuestGuide / Newport Beach
ESCAPE ON A CAPTAINED CHARTER • • • •
A Yacht For Every Ocassion Multi-Day Adventures Corporate Events Whale & Dolphin Watching
Don’t just dream of your yachting vacation, wake up and experience true serenity.
N E W P O R T
B E A C H
Sailing Char ters
1600 West Coast Highway, Suite E Newport Beach, CA 92663 Call toll free (800) 609-3203 Fax: 949-606-0453 GUEST GUIDE I NEWPORT BEACH
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GuestGuide / Newport Beach
NEWPORT BEACH
PUBLISHER John Carlson
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carrie Landers EDITOR Paula Little
ART DIRECTOR Christie Malone
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tammy Fister Barb San Giacomo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kenny Bruce PHOTO EDITOR Paul Edsen
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Brenda Woolsey PRODUCTION MANAGER Leslie Jacoby
GuestGuide
THE ANNUAL EDITION 2019 / 2020
RESTAURANTS I SHOPPING I ENTERTAINMENT I RECREATION I ACTIVITIES
Newport Beach Guest Guide is published by Comco Media Group.
© 2019 Comco Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. Printed in the United States.
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FINE ART FOR LUXURY DEVELOPMENT ETHOS CONTEMPORARY GALLERY 3405 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 791-8917 EthosContemporaryart.com
WELCOME TO NEWPORT BEACH
sunglass hut
101 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach 949-719-0649
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific, not to mention the marine life that sits just below its surface. We’re lucky enough to sit in the path of blue, humpback and, most notably, gray whale migrations. Newport Beach has a number of competitively priced whale watching tours and, unlike other popular ports, the majority are more than mere harbor cruises.
YELLOWKORNER PHOTOGRAPHY • ART • LIMITED EDITION 401 Newport Center Drive • FASHION ISLAND Tél: +1 (949) 706-0415
WHERE life MEETS style_
IN NEWPORT BEACH
NEIMAN MARCUS, BLOOMINGDALE’S NORDSTROM, MACY’S AND OVER 200 SPECIALTY STORES AND RESTAURANTS ON THE COAST.
FASHION ISLAND Celebrating 50 Fabulous Years
A SURFING PARADISE The Wedge is a spot located at the extreme east end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California known for its large wedge shaped waves that makes it a popular spot for surfing. During a south or south/southwest swell of the right size and aligned in the swell window, the Wedge can produce huge waves up to 30 feet.
THE RESORT AT
PELICAN HILL NEWPORT BEACH
DINING • GOLF • SPA • RESORT
MEETINGS & EVENTS • WEDDINGS PHONE: (888) 507-6427
BALBOA ISLAND
Of all Newport Beach’s man-made islands, Balboa Island is by far the most charming. It also feels more like a quaint East Coast harborfront village than the rest of Newport’s distinctly Southern Californian settlements. Visitors to Balboa Island can enter by driving onto it via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your car on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick and scenic five-minute trip across the water.
CON VE N IE N CE
AL L A R OU ND J O H N W AY N E A I R P O R T 25 nonstop destinations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico John Wayne Airport is an international airport in Orange County, California, United States, with its mailing address in the city of Santa Ana, hence the IATA airport code. The entrance to the airport is off MacArthur Blvd in Irvine, the city that borders the airport on the north and east. Address: 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707 Code: SNA Elevation: 56′ Serves: Orange County Phone: (949) 252-5200
ROLEX BOUTIQUE TOURNEAU 3333 Bristol Street Costa Mesa California 92626 Tel: +1 714-241-8088
THE FAMOUS PIERS
Balboa Pier. The main attraction at the end of this pier is the original Ruby’s location, a ’40s-inspired local diner chain. You’ll pay a premium for some alright burgers, so consider a scenic stroll along the expanse if you don’t feel like springing for a meal. Balboa Pier is located just blocks away from the Balboa Island Ferry and the Balboa Fun Zone.
Newport Pier. One of two piers located along Newport’s coastline, this oceanfront lookout extends from a busy commercial district at the start of the Balboa Peninsula. Parking can be a bit tough since it’s located next to the area’s biggest—but still not big enough—municipal beach lot. Though the building at the end of the pier is currently vacant, plans call for a 1940s-inspired multi-level restaurant.
FOOD. DRINK. ENTERTAINMENT. There’s no denying that Orange County’s restaurant scene has come into its own
in recent years. New openings from exciting restaurant groups and known chefs
are popping up in all corners for the region, bringing together an impressive collec-
tion of culinary destinations set across high-end hotels, shopping plazas, and wa-
terfront developments. From new openings to classic standbys that continue to get
the details right, here are some of the hottest restaurants in Newporrt Beach.
Our passion for authentic Italian cooking runs deep at Andrea. We start each day by hand rolling more than a dozen fresh pastas, simmering scratch-made sauces and tossing together only the most seasonal ingredients to create original dishes with a fresh point of view. Our menu is focused, but not overly complicated, so every dish that hits your table feels a lot like a warm welcome to our Italian home. Our light-filled dining room, cozy and comfortable booths, and stunning oceanviews complement the great food—and even better company. Before you know it, when you join us at the table you’ll feel like part of the family. Type Cuisine: Italian.
Price Range: $$$.
Alcohol: Yes.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner. 22701 Pelican Hill Road South
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(844) 445-2183 • andreanb.com
Andrea AT P ELI C A N H ILL
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MAMA D’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
We at Mama D’s are Proud to be the “World Class Crazy Ones”. On Our watch, we want to do something extraordinary with our gifts and talents. History will be the judge, but the script is ours. We are on an adventure to blow the doors off “business as usual”. We are here to make a difference in the world, and a world of difference. We are extremely committed and passionate about a culture built on loyal relationships, within our team and the world, that are generated by Genuine Care, Fun, Heart, Honor, and Happiness, ONE PERSON AT A TIME. Type Cuisine: Italian. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes. 3012 Newport Blvd,Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 675-6262 • www.mamadsnewport.com
Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
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THE CRAB CATCHER
At the Crab Cooker, we do one thing: Fish! Since 1951, searching out the world’s best seafood for you is a pleasure for us. We serve the finest Pacific-caught Dungeness crab, Alaskan red king crab legs and Alaskan killer crab claws, King Salmon, local caught White Sea Bass, Alaskan Halibut, Mahi Mahi and much more. Our menu is uniquely ours and is decliciously “home-made”. Every day we process and smoke our fish, bake fresh our own fisherman’s bread and breadsticks, and prepare our World’s Best clam chowder, Romano potatoes and more. Type Cuisine: Seafood. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes. 2200 Newport Blvd. • Newport Beach, CA 92663 949-673-0100 • crabcooker.com
THE CRAB CATCHER
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BEACH PIT BBQ
Southern Smoke, California Style. We want to show you what BBQ means to us & that authentic Southern BBQ isn’t just for the South! REAL BBQ means indirect heat cooking instead of simply grilling. BBQ means REAL flavor, derived from a special blend of woods including Hickory, Almond and Cherry. BBQ means the perfect BBQ sauce – and we’ve got that covered. BBQ is an experience – and, for Beach Pit BBQ, that means a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and spend time with family and friends. Type Cuisine: BBQ. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes.
1676 Tustin Ave. • Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 645-7427 • beachpitbbq.com
BEACH PIT
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FLEMING’S PRIME STEAK HOUSE We Live, Breathe and Dream Steak & Wine. Founded in 1998 by restaurateurs Paul Fleming and Bill Allen, the first Fleming's opened in Newport Beach, California. The vision was to create a
unique steakhouse experience with an emphasis on generous hospitality, an inviting atmosphere
and the very finest aged USDA Prime beef. In addition to inspired service and expertly prepared
Prime Steak, our founders focused on an exceptional selection of wines
Type Cuisine: Steak. Price Range: $$$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes. 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-720-9633 • flemingssteakhouse.com
F Fleming’s PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR
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LAVENTINA’S BIG CHEESE PIZZA DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT. The best pizza with the best value. We deliver awesomeness to areas of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Laventina’s Big Cheese Pizza was started with the idea of giving everyone an opportunity to purchase great pizza at a wholesale price. Instead of giving discounts only to those who place large orders, we decided to give everyone a discounted wholesale price. This unique concept, along with serving great pizza allowed us to become one of the largest volume pizzerias in all of Southern California. Type Cuisine: Pizza. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes.
2819 Newport Blvd, Ste. B Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 675-1980 • laventinaspizza.com
Big
Laventina’s
Cheese Pizza
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MENU HIGHLIGHTS
PIZZA TOPPINGS
ANCHOVIES, BACON, BASIL, BELL PEPPER, CANADIAN STYLE BACON, CHICKEN, GARLIC, HAM, ITALIAN SAUSAGE, JALAPEñO, MEATBALL, MUSHROOM, OLIVE, ONION, PEPPERONCINI, PEPPERONI, PINEAPPLE, TOMATO.
APPETIZERS
CHICKEN WINGS BONELESS WINGS BBQ RIBS
PASTA
CHEESE RAVIOLI SPAGHETTI SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL
SUBS
MEATBALL SAUSAGE CHICKEN HAM & CHEESE PIZZA VEGGIE
SALADS
CAESAR CHICKEN CAESAR GARDEN PASTA PASTA COMBO SESAME CHICKEN
1/2 BREADS
CHEESE BREAD GARLIC CHEESE
SIDES & SODAS 12 OUNCE CAN 2 LITER OF SODA RANCH DRESSING
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BASILIC
"Basilic is a secret window into the past, a virtual time machine to another era somewhere high in the Alps. Keeping it classic – while also remaining relevant – is an extraordinarily difficult balancing
act. Rare is the restaurant that pulls this off without eventually feeling dated. Basilic understands
this perfectly and continues to feel fresh even when serving something as simple as a slice of
cheese. Every meal here involves at least two paper doilies, and the wine list is strictly, unapologetically French. Dated? Not in the slightest." – Brad Johnson, Restaurant Critic, O.C. Register. Type Cuisine: Swiss French. Price Range: $$$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner.
217 Marine Avenue • Newport Beach, CA 92662 Reservations - 949.673.0570 • basilicrestaurant.com
BASILIC SWISS FRENCH CUISINE
RESTAURANT
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RED O RESTAURANT
Dining at Red O is an experience like no other – offering classic Mexican dishes as well as prime steak and seafood, showcased through flavorful and inspired preparations of local and sustainable ingredients. The Red O culinary team thrives on the creation of flavorful dishes with a focus on quality while keeping true to the flavors of Mexico. The restaurant’s team of friendly employees create a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort-style interior of each Red O restaurant. Red O also features an impressive bar and lounge, where you’ll find their specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list, award winning wine list, and live entertainment.
O
Type Cuisine: Mexican. Price Range: $$$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Fashion Island • 143 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 • (949) 718-0300 • redorestaurant.com
RED O RESTAURANT
MEXICAN CUISINE BY RICK BAYLESS
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RUBY’S DINER
Did you know that our founder, Doug Cavanaugh, decided to name the restaurant after his mother,
Ruby? After finding a high school cheerleading head shot of his mom, the face of Ruby’s was born.
With hair curled and hair ribbon perfectly placed, the charm and simplicity of the 1940’s was cap-
tured with our classic logo of Ruby.Our motto, “Only the best for our guest,” is not just a saying; it’s one of our core values. “We are committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations of us. This means that we must always provide great food and spectacular service in a sparkling clean restau-
rant,” states Ruby’s founder, Doug Cavanaugh.
Type Cuisine: Diner. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
1 Balboa Pier • Balboa, CA 92661 949.675.7829 • rubys.com
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KITAYAMA
We offer a novel yet modern approach to the savory traditions of Japanese cuisine. Our fish is shipped to us on the daily in our efforts to provide only the freshest selection for our guests. Beyond our reputable sushi bar and highly requested sushi chef, our dining rooms are offered as three distinguished sections, all of which providing individual ambiances to fit your desired style of dining
for the evening. Please join us as you walk through the doors, you will get a true feel of what it is
like to dine in Japan.
Type Cuisine: Japanese. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes 101 Bayview Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 725-0777 • facebook.com/Kitayama.Newport
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PF CHANG’S
With roots in Chinese cooking, the culinary landscape at P.F. Chang’s stretches across Asia with diverse, culturally inspired recipes. Your P.F. Chang's Newport Beach serves a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, including hand-rolled sushi, Vietnamese-style soups and bowls, traditional Chinese dim sum, wok-fired chicken and beef entrées, and family-style noodles and rice. All made from scratch every day. P.F. Chang’s honors the 2,000-year-old Asian tradition of wok cooking and believes in making food from scratch every day in every restaurant. Prime Steak, our founders focused on an exceptional selection of wines Type Cuisine: Chinese. Price Range: $$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Delivery: Yes. Fashion Island • 1145 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 759-9007 • pfchangs.com
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• BEER • WINE • LIQUOR • ACESSORIES • KEGS IN STOCK ___________________ • GIFTS • SNACKS • MIXERS • PARTIES • WEDDINGS • BARWARE
FREE DELIVERY
(Within Certain Area)
110 Tustin Avenue • Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 631-1212 • rolfswine.com
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KRAVE KOBE BURGER GRILL
The Krave Kobe Burger is committed to provide the highest quality food products. We believe that healthy eating and quality food should be available to every member of the community with any size budget. Our goal is to help and support our local farmers who believe in the same philosophy and human concerns. Our main differentiator is our love and passion for humanity and community support. Our desire is to encourage everyone think of how they can positively impact the community they serve. Type Cuisine: BUrgers. Price Range: $$$. Alcohol: Beer & Wine. Open For: Lunch & Dinner. 21133 Newport Coast Dr. Newport Beach, CA 92657 949.719.7770 • kravekobeburger.com
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IN A HURRY?
Call in your order and we’ll have it ready for you. Krave Burger
949-719-7770
American Wagyu Beef patty with sweet caramelized onions, beefsteak tomato, green leaf lettuce and our signature garlic aioli
“KLASSIC” CHEESEBURGER
American Wagyu Beef patty with Cheddar cheese, sliced onion, beefsteak tomato, green leaf lettuce, mustard, ketchup and pickles
Kolossal Burger
Two American Wagyu Beef patties, caramelized onions, tomato, green leaf lettuce and our signature garlic aioli
Veggie Burger
Veggie patty with sweet caramelized onions, beefsteak tomato, green leaf lettuce and our signature garlic aioli
Sliders
Two American Wagyu Beef sliders with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, garlic aioli
Combo Meal
Add Fresh Cut French Fries and a Soft Drink to Any Entree
Free Range Chicken Breast Sandwich
Free-range chicken breast served on Ciabatta bread with Swiss cheese, beefsteak tomato, green lettuce leaf, caramelized onions and our signature garlic aioli
The “Big Karve” Steak Sandwich
Flavorful hand cut all natural tender Angus steak seasoned and grilled to perfection. Served on a French baguette with caramelized sweet onions, green leaf lettuce, beef steak tomato and dressed with our signature horseradish mayo
Grilled Shrimp Po Boy
Wild caught shrimp served on Ciabatta bread with beefsteak tomato, green lettuce leaf, caramelized sweet onions and our signature garlic aioli
KRAVE DOG
American Wagyu Beef hot dog served with mustard & ketchup
THE “ULTIMATE” HOT DOG
Krave Dog topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, pickles and sauerkraut with a touch of mustard and ketchup GUEST GUIDE I NEWPORT BEACH
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Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar is conveniently located in Corona del Mar Plaza, minutes from our Laguna Beach location, Fashion Island, John Wayne Airport and, of course, the beach! It features fresh seafood, seasonal produce and innovative new dishes. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. We provide customizable menus featuring fresh seafood and local produce, skilled event professionals, live music, and unique floral-design services including leis and custom table settings. Type Cuisine: Mediterranean. Price Range: $$$. Alcohol: Yes. Open For: Lunch & Dinner Corona del Mar Plaza 854 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.760.8686 tommybahama.com
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FIG & OLIVE
FIG & OLIVE Newport Beach is located off the Pacific Coast Highway in Fashion Island and is, for shoppers and local residents, an escape to the French Riviera. The relaxing Garden Terrace, with its outdoor fireplace, is the perfect place to indulge in a glass of rosĂŠ while enjoying an extra-long lunch. Inside, our Bar & Lounge buzz with energy while the Orchard Room is an elegant space for dining. Tucked away, the Wine Room is perfect for a late-night rendezvous. Brunch is offered on weekends and Sunday Brunch features live jazz Type Cuisine: Mediterranean. Price Range: $$$.
Alcohol: Yes.
Open For: Lunch & Dinner. Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-877-3005 • figandolive.com
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WE FLEX SOME PRETTY BIG MUSSELS AROUND HERE