The chilly temps (and by chilly, we mean in the 60s) have us craving all kinds of comfort food. Whether it’s syrup-soaked pancakes for brunch or a sizzling steak with creamy mashed potatoes for dinner, it’s safe to say we aren’t counting calories this winter. And no matter what you have a hankering for, Newport Beach’s assortment of top-notch restaurants are sure to please your palate this season. So slip on your stretchy pants because we’ve rounded up our favorite winter menus for you to enjoy!
Must-Try Seasonal Dish: Spicy Panang Curry
When it comes to fresh, seasonal dining, True Food Kitchen takes the cake. This eco-chic restaurant at Fashion Island serves up health-conscious fare in a contemporary setting. Dig into winter delicacies like their Grass-fed steak tacos, spicy Panang curry with a Thai shellfish broth and butternut squash pizza with caramelized onion, roasted garlic, organic kale and housemade vegan almond ricotta. This is comfort food you can feel good about eating!
Must-Try Seasonal Dish: Housemade Sugar Pumpkin Agnolotti
Known for its fresh seafood, prime cuts of beef and stellar wine list, it’s no wonder Olea is a go-to spot for some fine dining. Each dish is prepared daily from scratch and made with exceptionally fresh and seasonal ingredients, including handpicked local produce. This winter, on the menu, you’ll find everything from housemade sugar pumpkin agnolotti and crispy jidori chicken schnitzel to bourbon-braised kurobuta pork short rib.
Must-Try Seasonal Dish: Pear & Prosciutto Flatbread
Tavern House, better known as the “palace of comfort food,” is bringing the heat this season with a variety of seasonal plates that are sure to please your palate. With offerings like the pear & prosciutto flatbread with fig jam, blue cheese, arugula and balsamic drizzle and the French onion filet mignon with onion soup, Gruyere cheese, French fries and Brussels sprouts, you’re sure to find something you love.
Must-Try Seasonal Dish: Grilled Asian Beef Short Ribs
Set on the lush grounds of Roger’s Gardens, it’s no surprise Farmhouse is a hotspot for a farm-to-table meal. This seasonal restaurant prides itself on using the freshest flavors of the season. Their winter menu features an assortment of delectable plates—think panko, dijon and herb-crusted Icelandic cod, spaghetti squash & braised green enchiladas and grilled Asian beef short ribs. Swing by for a leisurely lunch or enjoy a romantic date night under the twinkling lights; either way, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Farmhouse.
Must-Try Seasonal Dish: Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass
From their sweet chili calamari with bean sprouts, daikon sprouts, peanuts, carrots and Japanese dressing to their miso marinated Chilean sea bass with a soy glaze, coconut rice, stir-fried vegetables, mushrooms and lemongrass ginger beurre blanc, this holiday menu is sure to warm you up from the inside out!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger