A Guide to Newport Beach Date Nights
Whether it’s the first date or fiftieth, the appeal of a special setting for date night remains. And while we hope it’s the start of something beautiful, you will, at the very least, be impressed by our list of local favorites. From dinner to drinks — and a nightcap or two — here’s Newport Beach’s Guide to Date Night.
DINNER
A RESTAURANT NEWPORT BEACH
SCOUTED for VOLUME 1 | 3334 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach | @arestaurantnb | A Newport staple, the original A Restaurant is, has, and always will be sexy, swanky, and downright delicious. The off-menu burger is a must, though more elevated options (think Yellowfin Tuna Crudo) always delight.
A RESTAURANT CRYSTAL COVE
SCOUTED for VOLUME 1 | 7864 East Coast Highway | @a_crystalcove | For dimly lit dining and steak dinners, A Crystal Cove is fabulous. Expect the same hospitality and excellent fare as the original, with a fresh, new flair.
A&O KITCHEN
1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach | @aorestaurantandbar | Harbor-front dining for dinner, drinks, and a view. Cozy up next to their fire with a couple of drinks, light bites, and yacht shopping.
BUDDHA’S FAVORITE
634 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach | @buddhasfavoritesushi | A dock and dine date night at Buddha’s is quintessentially Newport Beach – an experience bested only by their intimate setting and to-die-for sushi.
CDM RESTAURANT
SCOUTED for VOLUME 1 | 2325 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar | @cdmrestaurant | Slide into the peacock-colored velvet booths inside the design-forward dining room of CDM Restaurant for a date night full of fantastic sips and elevated American fare. Menu highlights include handmade pastas and pizzas, salads, fresh fish, and steaks. Pro-tip: If the date is going well, head downstairs to the speakeasy for a nightcap (or two).
THE DOCK
2816 Lafayette Ave, Newport Beach | @thedocknb | Another Newport Staple for date night, The Dock offers al fresco dining and a menu highlighting starters, fresh seafood, and other tasty mains like local duck breast and lamb chops.
MARCHÉ MODERNE
7862 E Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach | @marchemoderne | Helmed by husband-and-wife duo, Florent and Amelia Marneau, Marché Moderne is an exploration of the couple’s culinary past, present, and future. And if that isn’t intimate enough for you, it’s critically-acclaimed French fare, which is, somehow, just inherently romantic.
NOBU
3450 Via Oporto, Newport Beach | @noburestaurants | Nobu at Lido Marina Village always impresses. And we’re not just talking about your date. If you know, you know. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, but we recommend the latter for harborside views.
ROYAL HEN
311 Marine Ave, Newport Beach | @royalhen | Balboa Island favorite, Royal Hen, serves up upscale, contemporary California cuisine with a unique selection of grower-producer wines and craft beers.
THE SIDEDOOR
3801 E Coast Highway, Corona del Mar | @sidedoorcdm | A super-cozy, charming classic that begs chunky knits, indulgent orders, and generous pours. The glow of their fireplace lends a forgiving light and the whole experience feels wonderfully reminiscent of The Holiday’s classic English country pub.
SUSHI SHUNKA
369 E 17th St #17th, Costa Mesa | Date night sushi is always a good idea, and Yuki Takishima’s Sushi Shunka is one of our favorites. Expect fabulous, seasonally-driven, authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine prepared by veteran sushi chefs.
TABU SHABU
333 E 17th, Costa Mesa | @tabushabu | An interactive Japanese hot pot-style experience that’s perfect for breaking the ice. Bonus points for being vegan and gluten friendly for those who haven’t quite learned their date’s diet yet.
DRINKS
GULFSTREAM
850 Avocado Ave, Newport Beach | @gulfstreamnewportbeach | Cult-classic, Gulfstream, is perfect for a bottle (or two) of Sancerre fireside.
FABLE & SPIRIT
3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach | @fableandspirit | Fable & Spirit delights on many accounts, but for date night, we love it for its gorgeous, indigo-hued bar. Order a seasonal cocktail alongside Guinness brown bread. And, if the date goes well, stick around for the Michelin-celebrated dinner service.
LIDO BOTTLE WORKS
3408 Via Oporto, Newport Beach | @lidobottleworks | For craft-beer lovers, the Michelin Guide listed Lido Bottle Works is unmatched. While it’s ideal for grabbing a casual drink (don’t worry, they also serve cocktails), Lido Bottle Works serves up fabulous fare for dates that evolve into dinner.
TOPSIDE AT LIDO
3300 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach | @topsideatlido | As Newport’s only rooftop bar, Topside is an obvious favorite for drinks. Bond over great drinks and great views of your favorite city.
VIEW AT VEA
SCOUTED for VOLUME 1 | 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach | @veanewportbeach | Dark mahogany, teal handmade tile, and unlacquered brass converge for one stunning bar with equally stunning drinks. Indoors or out (the lanai features firepits and ocean views), it’s an easy choice for a drinks date.
21 OCEANFRONT
2100 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach | @21oceanfront | For the unfamiliar, it is, as the name suggests, oceanfront. 21 Oceanfront is the perfect perch to watch your surfer while you sip. Or, ditch the wetsuits and roll up for sunset and champagne.
LATE NIGHT
JOEY NEWPORT BEACH
453 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | @joeyrestaurants | New kid on the block, JOEY opened on January 19, 2023. Yet, it’s already made a name for itself with its delish dinner menu, great cocktails, and late night hours. Perfect for the post-movie bite or drinks date that’s going great.
