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Best New Restaurants in Newport Beach in 2025
Newport Beach’s culinary scene is thriving in 2025, with exciting new restaurants offering unique flavors and experiences. From Italian favorites to modern Mexican cuisine, here are the best new spots to check out this year.
Starfish Newport Beach
Founded by husband and wife team Archie and Gretchen McConnell, Starfish Newport Beach is their second venture following the success of their Laguna Beach location. Their dedication to delivering premium dining experiences is evident in the restaurant's upscale coastal beach vibes and diverse Asian menu. [oai_citation_attribution:3‡Starfish California](https://starfishcalifornia.com/our-story/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Omar Pineda, the menu features over 70 shareable plates celebrating the flavors of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, China, and Japan. A standout dish is the SoLag Drunken Noodle, made with house-cut fresh pad see ew noodles, garlic soy, Thai basil, red bell pepper, onion, egg, and cherry tomato, offering a tantalizing exploration of Asian coastal cuisine. [oai_citation_attribution:2‡Starfish California](https://starfishcalifornia.com/newportbeach/menu/dinner/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Designed by award-winning architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila brings an elevated Sonoran- and Baja-inspired culinary experience to Newport Beach. The restaurant's sophisticated yet inviting dining rooms showcase imported, custom-made furniture and decor that transport guests to Mexico’s luxurious coastal landscapes. [oai_citation_attribution:1‡Palmilla Restaurant](https://palmillarestaurant.com/about-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Under the culinary direction of SoCal's Chef Ray Alvarez, the menu boasts vibrant Mexican dishes made with premium ingredients. A popular choice is the Pescado de la Dia, featuring pan-seared fresh fish with a choice of preparations—ranchera, veracruzana, pacifico, or blackened—served with arroz de tomatillo and a side of your choice, exemplifying the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors. [oai_citation_attribution:0‡Palmilla Restaurant](https://palmillarestaurant.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Buona Forchetta
Founded by Matteo Cattaneo, Buona Forchetta has expanded its Southern California presence with a new location on the Balboa Peninsula. Cattaneo's passion for authentic Italian cuisine is reflected in the restaurant's commitment to traditional Neapolitan pizza-making techniques and homemade pastas.
The menu features award-winning Neapolitan pizzas, with the Margherita pizza being a crowd favorite. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, this classic pie showcases the simplicity and quality of true Italian ingredients.
RH Newport Beach
RH Newport Beach, part of the RH (Restoration Hardware) brand led by CEO Gary Friedman, has unveiled its largest location to date, featuring a 270-seat indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant. Friedman's vision of integrating luxury home furnishings with hospitality creates a unique dining and shopping experience.
The rooftop restaurant offers a seasonal menu with dishes like the RH Burger, featuring a proprietary blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib, topped with sharp American cheese, pickles, and dijonnaise, served on a toasted brioche bun. This signature item reflects the restaurant's commitment to classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.
JOEY Newport Beach
JOEY Restaurants, founded by Jeff Fuller, has made its Orange County debut within the former Roy’s space at Fashion Island. Fuller's vision of a globally inspired menu and a modern-casual dining experience is evident in this new location.
A standout dish is the Bollywood Butter Chicken, featuring tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato curry, served with aromatic basmati rice and house-baked naan. This dish exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to offering diverse and flavorful options that cater to a wide range of palates.
Nick’s Newport Beach
Nick’s Restaurants, founded by Nick Nickoloff, is anticipated to open its Newport Beach location in January 2025. Known for its approachable yet elevated menu, Nickoloff's establishments have garnered a loyal following for their consistent quality and inviting atmosphere.
While specific menu details for the Newport Beach location are forthcoming, patrons can expect popular dishes like the Asparagus Fries—crispy tempura-battered asparagus served with a tangy dipping sauce—showcasing the restaurant's knack for turning simple ingredients into memorable appetizers.
Skål Pizza
Skål Pizza, from the founder of Malibu Farm, Helene Henderson, has opened in Lido Marina Village, offering inventive farm-to-table pizzas. Henderson's commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients is a hallmark of her culinary ventures.
A signature offering is the Farm Egg Pizza, topped with organic tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, and a sunny-side-up farm egg. This pizza embodies the restaurant's philosophy of combining quality ingredients to create flavorful and wholesome dishes.
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café, co-founded by Tiffany and Raffi Sepetjian, has opened on Westcliff Drive, offering authentic French artisan breads and viennoiseries. The Sepetjians' dedication to traditional French baking techniques brings an authentic taste of France to Newport Beach.
A must-try item is their Almond Croissant, featuring flaky, buttery layers filled with rich almond paste and topped with toasted almond slices. This pastry exemplifies the café's commitment to quality and authenticity in every bite.
