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bambú
4500 MacArthur Blvd, Fairmont Newport Beach, Newport Beach, CA 92660-2053 · 949-476-2001
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$$$16 - $30
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| Reservations: |
Recommended |
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
NEWPORT BEACH. Enticing bambú is the signature restaurant of this luxurious hotel, known for its pyramidal shape and atrium-like common areas. The restaurant, set in the center of the main atrium, is surrounded by palm trees and fresh flowers. As a result, it's like something out of a storybook and is just the scene for a romantic tryst for two. One of its most well-attended events is Sunday's champagne brunch, a feast of carved meats, sushi, made-to-order omelets, luscious desserts, crepes, and seafood. Adult $59, child (12 and under) $30.
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Bandera
3201 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 · 949-673-3524
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CORONA DEL MAR. Expect a trendy crowd at this hotspot, where superb American cuisine ranges from roast prime rib to jambalaya. Ask a regular, and you'll likely be told that passing up Bandera's famous cornbread is an unforgivable mistake. The Southwestern-inspired interior offers a welcome respite from the bustle outside – the rock fireplace is an especially cozy touch. In addition, the bar has emerged as a popular hangout for Newport Beach's suave, sophisticated crowd. Indeed, while a cool, jazzy soundtrack fills the air, plenty of patrons pose and preen over favorite cocktails.
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$$$16 - $30
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| Reservations: |
Recommended |
| Outdoor Dining: |
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HUNTINGTON BEACH. Orange County residents have been blessed with this excellent Southwestern-tinged restaurant. Kudos go to a sidewalk patio that's perfect for people-watching, to awesome views, and to a beachside bar. Celebrities are said to stop in frequently, but you'll be hard-pressed to notice them when mesmerized by grilled mahi mahi with papaya slaw and lime butter, rare ahi rolls, lobster tacos, and Alaskan king crab legs. You'll also find several beef and steak dishes.
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NEWPORT BEACH. Paul Fleming (of P.F. Chang's restaurant fame) succeeds with his first venture into the steakhouse realm. The upscale setting attracts a veritable "who's who" of Orange County's elite, and crowds tend to be large, especially on weekends. Featured main dishes include mouthwatering Australian lamb chops, filet mignon, a 22-oz. porterhouse, and steamed Alaskan king crab legs. Couple your entree with a side dish of garlic mashed potatoes, shoestring potatoes, or sautéed spinach, and you've a meal fit for a king. Supplement it with a full-bodied red – the wine list boasts more than 100 by-the-glass labels. Reservations are a must.
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COSTA MESA. For almost half a century, locals have managed to keep this underground treasure a relative secret from passers-through; however, savvy diners have a knack for finding the best places, and LaCave certainly qualifies. Inspired by classic Las Vegas eateries, the restaurant offers a terrifically romantic setting and makes a huge splash with honeymooners. Nightly steak and seafood specials are carted to your table – why read about them when you can get a firsthand glimpse? A brief but excellent wine list is available, and reservations are a must. After dinner, 21 and over only for live music and cocktails.
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SANTA ANA. Morton's is an upscale chain steakhouse that serves a lot more than just American Angus. Its decor is masculine; its atmosphere, classy. Expect to be treated well by the friendly waitstaff, who present dinner selections by bringing out a cart of options and telling you stories about each dish. Favorite entrées include blackened swordfish, fresh Maine lobster, and, of course, the 24-ounce porterhouse. Reservations are suggested.
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Rothschild's
2407 E Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 · 949-673-3750
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CORONA DEL MAR. A charmingly romantic alternative to Orange County's various hip eateries, Rothschild's enjoys a primo location off famous PCH. It also boasts a distinct refinement highlighted by French-inspired woodwork and original 19th-century artwork. Suggested entrees on the Italian-tinged New American menu include egg and spinach fettuccine with sautéed shrimp and crabmeat, and beef tournedos topped with pâté and mushrooms. Since space is limited, reservations are essential.
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Sage
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2531 Eastbluff Dr, Eastbluff Shopping Ctr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 · 949-718-9650
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NEWPORT BEACH. At this upbeat bistro, savvy tourists and long-time locals adore chef-owner Rich Mead's sublime regional American cuisine. Indeed, you'll find no pretense or snobbery inside these Spanish mission-style walls; rather, the casual air and friendly waitstaff quickly make everybody feel at home. Menu highlights include a grilled portabello with Swiss chard and papaya mustard, roast chili-crusted lamb rack with red pepper coulis and red wine reduction, and grilled balsamic salmon with roast asparagus and new potatoes. Complement your entree with a selection from the eclectic wine list, which features labels from Santa Barbara to the Russian River Valley. Brunch draws high marks from area critics thanks to specialties that range from a tomato-basil omelet with fried potatoes to blue corn huevos rancheros with black beans.
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The Arches
508 29th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663 · 949-645-7077
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NEWPORT BEACH. One of Newport Beach's most storied establishments, the venerable Arches has seen its fair share of celebrities, including Shirley Temple, Humphrey Bogart, and even "The Duke" himself, John Wayne. Indeed, Tinseltowners have long frequented the elegant spot, attracted by its quiet setting, tuxedo-clad waitstaff, and outstanding cuisine. The menu does a bang-up job of covering both marine and terrene favorites, from classics like Delmonico steaks and Chateaubriand (carved tableside) to Alaskan king crabs and Maryland soft shell crabs. An added feather in The Arches' cap: An award-winning wine list includes more than 600 domestic and international selections.
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NEWPORT BEACH. This highly-acclaimed establishment has earned approving nods from "Wine Spectator" and "Condé Nast" – and for good reason. The contemporary continental menu is complemented by refined, country club-like decor: The elegant Escoffier Room features suave Georgian accents and copper rotisseries while the sophisticated Wine Cellar boasts speakeasy charm and Bacchanalian bas-relief accents. Menu standouts include imported Dover sole with capers and brown butter, grilled calf's liver with onion straws and spoon leaf spinach, and rack of Colorado lamb with rosemary jus. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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