Because fresh, seasonal and local is how to eat in Newport Beach …
Bear Flag Fish Co.
3421 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663; 7972 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Bear Flag Fish Co. is the best-kept Newport Beach secret everyone knows about. A seafood spot from Newport native Thomas Carson, Bear Flag is THE place to be for local fish deliciousness, complete with dog-friendly, outdoor seating. Carson opened the wildly successful restaurant in 2008 after finding inspiration from a childhood spent working on his father’s fishing boat—named, of course, Bear Flag—and then years of apprenticing for culinary greats like Chef Tim Johnson of San Diego’s Zenbu Sushi. Most days, you can find Bear Flag docked at the Lido Marina Village harbor, and several menu items feature local catches.
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Bluewater Grill
630 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663
At Bluewater Grill, dine on the outdoor patio to the soothing sounds of water sloshing against the dock. Sip California wines and chow down on sautéed local sand dabs, tomatillo-salsa-topped mahi mahi or, if the ocean played nice that day, a just-harpooned swordfish from the restaurant’s very own boat, Pilikia. (For those feeling extra adventurous, there’s a stunning and delicious Bluewater Grill in Avalon on Catalina Island. Hop on the Catalina Flyer in the morning, dine oceanfront for lunch and return to Newport Beach in the late afternoon for dinner at this location.)
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Circle Hook
3444 Via Oporto, Newport Beach, CA 92663
A new fresh fish concept from the masterminds behind Bear Flag Fish Co. and West Caught Fishing Co., Circle Hook at Lido Marina Village features a menu of locally caught fish like black cod and red snapper. The outdoor communal table is dog friendly and offers unobstructed views of Newport Bay.
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Dory Fishing Fleet Market
2111 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663
As the story goes, in late 1891 an enterprising fisherman grew weary of selling his fish to wholesalers and decided it was high time to bring the catches of the day directly to the beach-going public. What resulted was Dory Fishing Fleet Market, still standing in the same spot on the edge of the sand today with all the nostalgic panache expected from a 125-year-old landmark. (The post was officially dedicated a historic landmark June 1969.) Good news, even after all these years, the fish are still biting and you can get them straight from the fishermen every day from 6:30 a.m. until noon (ish). Pro tip: Get there early for the best selection of just-caught, local seafood.
Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Fresh, seasonal and local farm-to-table restaurant at beautiful Roger’s Gardens. The cocktails are high-end and pure craft, and the food is exactly what you’d expect from fresh, farm fare. Inventive dishes are imagined by Chef Rich Mead, one of Orange County’s original farm-to-table pioneers. Ideal for a special celebration or simply to celebrate.
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Lido Bottle Works
3408 Via Oporto Suite 103, Newport Beach, CA 9266
Lido Marina Village’s bay-side dining experience, Lido Bottle Works, is focused on sustainability and farm-to-table freshness. The small, 1,235-square-foot space is sleek, darkly wooded and serving fish like black cod just caught from the fishermen at Dory Fishing Fleet Market. The herbs that flavor dishes are plucked from a garden steps outside the front door.
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Lido Marina Village Farmers Market
3431 Via Oporto #105, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (Note: This isn’t the exact address but putting this into your Waze/Google Maps will take you to the market. Find parking before you get there, though!)
Every Wednesday from 1 – 6 p.m., visit the Lido Marina Village Farmers Market on Via Lido. The quaint-yet-chic street shuts down each week to welcome amazing local vendors. Buy fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, juices, bread and more!
Newport Beach Certified Farmers’ Market
104 Mc Fadden Pl, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The Newport Beach Certified Farmers’ Market happens every Sunday by Newport Pier from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. (Vendors tend to arrive early, so if you’re there before 9 a.m., chances are you’ll snag the best produce and breads.) Buy just-baked jalapeño cheddar rolls (they’re amazing), scones, local honey, local almonds, meats, eggs, vegetables, fruits, dips and more. There’s also a smaller section of the market that takes over the portion of McFadden Square closer to the sand, featuring handmade jewelry, totes and other craft goods.