Newport Beach has as many delicious restaurants as it does palm trees. With so many 5-star  options, it’s tough to choose the perfect restaurant – especially when planning a romantic evening.

For us, it’s not just about good food. A romantic dinner needs to have the right ambiance, a stunning view, and streamlined service for it to be considered a special evening. With these factors in mind, we’ve compiled the best places to eat when you’re dining with that special someone.

Newport Beach’s Romantic Waterfront Restaurants

Newport Beach has a fleet of terrific restaurants that sit right along the bay. Here, you can sip on a glass of wine while watching the sailboats glide by. It doesn’t get more romantic than Shorebird, one of Newport’s new favorite restaurants. With an elegant interior and an extensive outdoor patio, the outside world immediately melts away in this ambiance.

The Dock is another restaurant offering delicious fare and over-the-top bayside views. As you dine on Blue Crab Beignets or Red Wine Short Ribs, you will feel as though you are floating in a waterfront paradise.

Or go for a bird’s-eye view of the bay at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. Be sure to start the night with the Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly Lollipops followed by one of their many sumptuous seafood or steak dishes. Impress your date even further by renting an electric duffy boat and docking alongside any of these mentioned restaurants for the ultimate “dock and dine” experience. 

Shorebird Restaurant, Dock, Dine & Sip – Newport Beach @shorebird_ca

Newport Beach – Classic Romantic Dining at its Best

There’s something about a traditional steakhouse that – without fail – creates a romantic ambiance. Mastro’s Ocean Club leans into this aesthetic with its dark interior, leather furnishings, and large dramatic light fixtures. Larger still is the menu of wines and steaks that will transport you to the Tuscan countryside or New Zealand plains. End the evening with their infamous butter cake and you have yourself a perfect evening.

Perhaps the only establishment that can rival Mastro’s in class is Eddie V’s Prime Seafood. Its selection of the finest seafood and steak is staggering. The modern interior is sleek yet vibrant, creating a dining experience to remember.

Romantic Dining with a Twist in Newport Beach

For a night that has a bit more flair, dine at the long-time local favorite Sol Grill. Here you’ll find a funky and bohemian ambiance, with art from local artists on the walls and glinting lamps hanging at every corner. Even though prices for a rack of lamb are cheaper than you might find elsewhere, you will by no means be disappointed! Every dish is as elegant and delicious as the interior is inviting and warm.

If bohemian, gypsy vibes aren’t your idea of a romantic evening, perhaps a dinner surrounded by gardens is. The Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens is farm-to-table dining done spectacularly. The ambiance inside and out this restaurant is whimsical yet sophisticated, with high-vaulted ceilings to elevate and farmhouse construction to charm After dinner, walk through the neighboring gardens and maybe sneak a kiss under one of the many arbors throughout the grounds.

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens – @farmhouseatrg

Venture into Island Time by Dining on Balboa Island

No dinner – however fancy – is a truly romantic and memorable evening without thoughtful elements sprinkled in before and after the meal. But we’ve got you covered in the planning department! Take your date on an island getaway – at least for a couple of hours! For a few bucks, you can hop onto the Balboa Ferry by car, bike, or on foot and drift to Balboa Island for an evening of spectacular food.

Basilic Restaurant and Royal Hen are perhaps two of the most romantic establishments on this small island. Basilic Restaurant offers the ultimate French cafe experience while Royal Hen features American pub food with an upscale twist. Finish off the evening with a walk around the small island’s perimeter and you’ve got yourself a date night for the books.

Upscale Take Out for a Romantic Evening At Home

For a romantic evening at home, skip the headache of cooking and order from Fork and Knife – a non-restaurant restaurant that specializes in upscale food designed specifically for takeout. With their expertise, you can be sure that no quality is compromised in the transporting of dishes from their brick and mortar to your dining room. The menu changes regularly, so check out their website for their current decadent offerings.

Gracias Madre – @graciasmadresocal

Vegetarian & Vegan Dining Options

Perhaps the most beautiful restaurant in town is Gracias Madre, a meatless Mexican restaurant that exclusively serves vegan & organic dishes. Their coconut ceviche is a delightfully refreshing way to kick off the night, while their floor-to-ceiling tequila bar will keep things spirited. The best part of all is their lovely interior and exterior space, with twinkling lights, lush plants, and chic furnishings that will elevate and commemorate any special evening.

Visiting Newport Beach? Keep the romance going by staying in a cozy cottage by the beach. Our collection includes 1-bedroom seaside homes for a getaway that’s reserved just for you and your special someone. 

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