Where to Wine and Dine This Fourth of July
In case you missed it, we’ve got a three-day weekend on our hands! This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday, which means most of us don’t have to work on Monday (phew!). So to kick things off, we’ve put together the ultimate Fourth of July weekend dining guide for you to sink your teeth into! From a decadent brunch cruise around the harbor to rooftop cocktails on Lido Isle, there’s no shortage of places to wine and dine this weekend. Grab your guys, gals or kiddos and head to these eight Newport Beach restaurants for cold drinks, tasty summer bites and unbeatable views.
Known for its upscale atmosphere and waterfront location, Balboa Bay Resort’s A+O Restaurant | Bar is the ideal setting for a festive lunch or dinner. The restaurant recently received a full refresh and now reflects elements of the Italian coast with marble tables, yellow-striped umbrellas and hues of nautical blues. Snag a seat on the sprawling patio and enjoy live music and fresh fare all weekend long! This weekend, A+O Restaurant | Bar will feature a live band from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. And if you’re looking for a patriotic getaway, book an overnight stay and enjoy a live DJ set at the resort’s pool on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., along with Chef’s stations from 12 to 4 p.m.
City Cruises’ offers a variety of festive ocean excursions with themes based on upcoming holidays. This month, the cruise agency is offering a 4th of July Brunch Cruise as well as a 4th of July Premier Dinner Cruise. The two-hour brunch excursion includes everything from a private table for your party to onboard entertainment and a buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts. However, if you’re eager to see some fireworks, the dinner cruise offers a front-row seat to all the action. Dig into a delicious plated dinner and relish spectacular views of Newport Beach’s annual firework display!
Kick your three-day weekend up a notch with a delicious at-home BBQ. Mastro’s Ocean Club on Coast Highway offers a premium selection of 28-day, wet-aged, cryo-vac sealed steaks for you to grill at home. From bone-in filets to Wagyu tomahawk chops, this shi shi restaurant’s butcher block to-go program has all the grill-and-chill goodies you’ll need for a mouthwatering meal. Each cut comes with Mastro’s secret house steak rub, so leave the Lawry’s in the pantry. Trust us—you won’t need it.
Situated on the cliff above Crystal Cove lies Crystal Cove Shake Shack—an iconic spot for a tasty American meal! Your little ones will love this fast-casual spot’s menu of breakfast items, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes. Order at the counter and grab a table on the deck overlooking the charming Crystal Cove Historic District to take in views of the rolling waves. After your bellies are full, stroll down to the shore and let the kiddos splash and play!
Nobody does waterfront dining quite like Newport Beach. Our sunny city is home to an assortment of restaurants with breathtaking views of the bay and beyond. To experience one of Newport’s most time-honored venues, head to Newport Landing in Balboa Village. This harborside establishment features an upstairs Oyster Bar with tropical drinks, local wines, fresh seafood and sizzling steaks. Be sure to check their website for Fourth of July specials!
American bites and bay views? Say no more. Tavern House Kitchen + Bar boasts a mouthwatering menu of fresh seafood and classic comfort food with a twist. Feast on tasty appetizers like the Town Dock Calamari and Coconut Crusted Shrimp, then move onto mains like the Santa Fe Caesar, Taver Cheeseburger or Ale-Battered Fish and Chips. Each of these dishes pair perfectly with a signature Tavern Mary, crafted with Tito’s Vodka, sweet and smokey housemade Mary mix, jack cheese and a pepperoncini and pepperoni garnish.
Arguably one of the hippest hangouts in all of Newport Beach, Topside Roof Deck at Lido House presents an upscale scene for quality cocktails and good conversation. The open-air rooftop space features an assembly of lounge-like furniture, overhead string lights and a glowing “beach house” bar. Kick back and take in views from above as you sip on a glass of champagne or handcrafted cocktail—we love The Topside Margarita, which comes with a popsicle!
Treat yourself to a decadent brunch on the Harbor this weekend at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, located in the heart of Marina Park. This airy eatery boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views and a wrap-around deck with ample outdoor seating. Get your brunch on with an order of the Cinnamon Sugar Beignets, Steak Chilaquiles or Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños. The Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes with mascarpone cream sauce and blueberry coulis is also a crowd pleaser!
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
