Love is in the air! Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your significant other, your galentines or your family, Newport Beach has you covered. With our city’s assortment of award-winning, top-notch restaurants, you’re sure to fall in love in more ways than one. Enjoy a cozy evening at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar or a bayside lunch at Nobu in Lido Marina Village. The options for dining are endless, but here are 10 spots we think you’ll absolutely adore.
Experience the quintessential charm of old Newport Beach with a seaside dinner at The Dock! With its global wine list, menu of continental fare and heated patio, there’s no better place for an intimate date night with your sweetheart. Indulge in comfort food delicacies like Red Wine Poached Pears, Blue Crab Beignets and Pork Belly with mango relish, passion fruit espuma and maple mustard gastrique.
One of Newport Beach’s newest additions, A Crystal Cove is another concept by River Jetty Restaurant Group that opened in 2022. The restaurant features a classic and cozy interior and sits just steps from Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean. Treat your valentine to a celebratory lunch or dinner, or if you prefer to get the festivities going early, A Crystal Cove’s weekend brunch does not disappoint. But whenever you choose to dine, you’re sure to love Chef Elvis Morales’ seasonally-inspired, new American menu.
Sleek and sophisticated in every way, this modern Italian steakhouse is a cut above. Louie’s by the Bay boasts 180-degree views of the harbor, so while you and your valentine feast on perfectly prepared plates of fresh pasta, seafood and steaks, you’ll also get to savor a million-dollar view. Make a reservation for a midday brunch or a sunset dinner, and cheers to love at Louie’s!
Built to resemble one of England’s oldest country inns, Five Crowns in Corona del Mar offers lovebirds a cozy and quaint setting to celebrate. The restaurant has been around since 1965 and takes pride in its fine dining approach, serving up a series of classic British dishes, including their signature Roasted Prime Rib (a local favorite!), Herb-Crusted Rack of Colorado Lamb and Roasted Duck Breast. Cozy up next to one of the restaurant’s fireplaces or in the string-lit courtyard, and don’t forget to stop by SideDoor, the adjacent gastropub, for an after-dinner drink.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Dock and dine this Valentine’s Day at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar! This upscale hideaway is perched on the harbor’s edge and features a wine of 650 selections from around the globe. Pair your glass of red, white or rosé with The Winery’s delectable selection of contemporary California cuisine. Valentine’s Day diners will have the chance to enjoy Chef Yvon Goetz’s special three-course prix fixe menu, featuring dishes like Maine Lobster & Saffron Bisque, Pan Seared Jumbo Maine Scallops, Vine Ripened Tomatoes & Burrata and more.
Show your significant other some love with a decadent date night at Arc Butcher & Baker. Located in the heart of Newport’s historic Cannery Village, this seasonally-inspired restaurant is an ideal spot to sip a glass of European wine and savor an expertly prepared meal. Share plates like the bruschetta, crab cakes and short rib flatbread, then move on to mains like the Caprese sandwich or winter salad with fried goat cheese, pomegranate and pecans.
Recognized as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the world, Nobu is a safe pick for those looking to impress their date this Valentine’s Day. The menu blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, yielding a fusion cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. Take in views from the second-story balcony as you dig into Toro Tartare with Caviar, Black Cod with Miso and more.
Elevated yet approachable, CdM Restaurant takes pride in its focus on seasonal ingredients and offers a diverse menu of contemporary American dishes. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the community (it was founded by two Corona del Mar High School alums), making it a popular locale for special occasions and intimate dinners. The interior is chic and swanky in every aspect—the perfect spot for a nice dinner or a pair of cocktails.
Balboa Bay Resort’s signature waterfront restaurant, A+O Restaurant | Bar, will offer a special Valentine’s menu from Feb. 13-15 this year! Featured dishes will include oysters, seared scallops, Wagyu beef, white chocolate mousse and a Cupid’s Kiss cocktail served in a martini glass made with muddled strawberries, peach schnapps, vanilla, lime and cranberry juice. Celebrate all weekend long at this sprawling bayside restaurant!
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with a decadent date night at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Fashion Island. From Feb. 10-14, diners can enjoy a special three-course Valentine’s Day menu, with entrees ranging from a Petite Filet Mignon & Lobster Tail Scampi to a Prime Surf & Turf For Two. Pair your pick with the limited edition Scarlet Clover cocktail crafted with Gray Whale Gin, Fino Sherry, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and strawberry!
Written by: Kaylin Waizinger