Orange County is a quick weekend trip from LA and ever since one of my best friends left me high and dry in LA, I've been going down to visit on frequent occasions! Here's my guide to Newport Beach:
COFFEE + BREAKFAST + BRUNCH:
Neat Coffee - A super cute laidback neighborhood coffee shop with incredible drinks. If you love cold brew you must try theirs!
KIT - Perfect spot to swing by for a quick cup of really incredible coffee before you start your day or for some afternoon fuel.
Haute Cakes - If you love a good pancake breakfast this is your spot.
Reborn Coffee - Amazing matcha and coffee for when you're on the go.
Jan's Health Bar - Easily one of the best smoothies I've had. Grab a smoothie for breakfast or a salad or wrap for lunch.
Rye Goods - Holy Toledo! The pastries from this quaint organic bakery in Lido Village will rock your world.
Work in Progress - This beachy neighborhood bodega has a stellar breakfast burrito and some amazing coffee and matcha.
Herst Coffee Roasters - If you're in Lido Village and need caffeine this is the spot.
Sidecar Doughnuts - I mean... handcrafted doughnuts... need I say more?
LUNCH:
Bear Flag Fish Co. - If you only have time to go to one place from this Newport Guide Bear Flag Fish Co. is a MUST. Their focus is on local freshly caught sustainable fish. From fish tacos to poké to burritos to sushi they have it all and you really can't go wrong with anything. I mean it's the best of both worlds... where else can you order sushi and have tortilla chips and guac on the side?
Crystal Cove Shake Shack - A cute little diner right off the East Coast Highway serving burgers milkshakes with the most incredible view of the ocean.
The Beachcomber - What beats an oceanside lunch?
Flower Child - A fast casual lunch spot with amazing salads and bowls.
DINNER:
Zinqué - Right on the water in Lido Village. It's the perfect spot for enjoying a light bight, maybe a flatbread or two, and a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
Bear Flag Fish Co. - Adding it again for dinner because it's that good lol. It's super casual though so if you're looking for someplace a little less laid back for dinner then this might not be the spot.
Nobu - Incredible sashimi overlooking the marina. It's a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.
El Cholo - An authentic Mexican restaurant with BIG plates and a lively atmosphere.
Farmhouse at Rodger's Gardens - Not only is the restaurant stunning but the farm to table menu is delicious.
Javier's - Elevated Mexican food. Best to go if someone else is picking up the tab. Just saying.
DESSERT:
Bacio di Latte - Hands down the best gelato in Orange County. If you're in the mood for a frozen dessert you've gotta come here.
Bristol Farms - Four words... Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies. These have walnuts - just be aware. But there is an incredible amount of chocolate so your mouth isn't TOO preoccupied with the nuts.
Sprinkles - If you love a cupcake and haven't been here yet, it's worth a stop!
WHERE TO STAY:
Monarch Beach - We stayed here for my birthday a couple years ago and it's the perfect hotel for a fancy and fun vacation.
Montage Laguna Beach - If you want to stay right on the ocean Montage is absolutely dreamy.
Pelican Hill - We've never stayed here but I've only heard great things! There's also a great golf course if you're into that.
THINGS TO DO:
Lido Village - A picturesque little village on the marina with boutiques and restaurants. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
Fashion Island - If you're looking for some retail therapy then you've gotta make a stop here. It's an obnoxiously large and lavish outdoor mall with literally every store you could think of... you're not ready to see the Lululemon here lol.
Crystal Cove Walk - Easily the most stunning promenade along the beach and there's beach access!
Back Bay Walk - This walk along the marsh is absolutely beautiful.
Corona Del Mar Beach - A quintessential Orange County spot.
And that’s a wrap on my guide to Newport! If you’re looking for more city guides check these out:
- Gaby’s Guide to Los Angeles, CA
- Gaby’s Guide to Santa Ynez (and surrounding areas)
- Gaby’s Guide to Ojai
- Gaby’s Guide to San Francisco, CA
- Gaby’s Guide to NYC
Did I miss anything? Shout it out in the comments below so I can go give it a try!!
For gelato, try Gelato Paradiso in Fashion Island. It tastes like the gelato in Italy.
Breakfast/lunch try A Market on PCH. Mexican food for dinner, forget Javier's, go to Sol Mexican Cocina, also on PCH. For a nice dinner, go across from Lido Village and Bear Flag to Fable and Spirit. I second Lido House for a stay on the Newport Beach Peninsula. DM me next time you come down!
I'm a fan of C'est Si Bon on Riverside, near Pacific Coast Highway. The lines are often long but move quickly.
Also try Zovs- there are a three in Orange County- including one in Newport Coast. Eastern Mediterranean food in a chillaxing space.
Balboa Island! You drive onto it at the end of Jamboree, there are darling, quaint shops and restaurants on Marine Avenue, then walk or drive down (West)to the historical ferry boat, and go to the Peninsula. There’s a Fun Zone there, with an arcade, ferris wheel, etc, then continue to the pier. There’s a 50’s coffee shop (Ruby’s) at the end, with great food and amazing view.
Have you been to Broadway (for dinner)? One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time!
There are a couple wonderful restaurants in cdm/Newport area called A restaurant and cdm restaurant. You would love both!
I love Lido Village!! I stay there often when i visit for work. Lido House is a great place to stay and quite a new hotel so everything feels fresh and clean. They have a rooftop bar too. Love Zinque and Nobu!