By Christopher Trela & Laura Robinson Wise | NB Indy
Here’s a list of what some notable Newport Beach restaurants are offering this Christmas. Knowing these restaurants, we have no doubt their holiday menus will make for a memorable Christmas dining experience.
21 OCEANFRONT
This ocean-view restaurant near the Newport pier has another of their unforgettable three-course holiday menus available Christmas Eve from 4 to 9 p.m. For $70 per person, chose starters such as goat cheese tart, lobster bisque sherry, or butternut squash bisque. Entrées include filet mignon, grilled Scottish Salmon, and rack of lamb. For dessert, choose panetone pudding, chocolate pecan tart, or apple tart. A children’s menu is $25. Visit 21Oceanfront.com or call (949) 673-2100.
Back Bay Bistro
Back Bay Bistro is serving a seven course prix-fixe dinner on Christmas Eve from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Begin with an Amuse Bouche of goat cheese biscuit with sage, then a first course choice of Maine lobster bisque or endive and brie soup. The second course is a salad gourmande, and third course is a choice of pan seared scallops or macadamia crusted Chilean seabass. Before the main course is an intermezzo sorbet, and a choice of lamb, file of beef, or roasted duck breast for an entrée. End the meal with a choice of chocolate Yule log, lava cake, or egg nog brulee. The price is $75 per person. For reservations, call (949) 729-1144 or visit NewportDunes.com/BackBayBistro
BALBOA BAY RESORT
The Balboa Bay Resort’s Waterline restaurant is serving Christmas Eve dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., and Christmas Day dinner from 1 to 6 p.m. Both menus features a five course prix-fixe meal ($95 adults and $46 children 4-12) that includes foie gras mousse, tuna crudo, seared scallops, and a choice of entrée and dessert. For reservations, call (855) 923.8301 or visit BalboaBayResort.com.
BAYSIDE
Eat, drink, and be merry on Christmas Eve with Bayside from 4 – 10 p.m. The regular dinner menu will be available, and a three-course prix-fixe menu for $60. Live entertainment 5 – 9 p.m. For reservations, call (949) 721-1222 or visit BaysideRestaurant.com
ISLAND HOTEL
At Island Hotel’s Oak Grill. Chef Marc Johnson is offering a prix fixe Christmas meal of gourmet contemporary California cuisine, accompanied by acoustic fireside music. Prix fix menu is $100 per adult with a choice of wine parings for an additional $25; $25 for children’s menu options; under 5 free. Menu available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 4 – 9 p.m. For reservations, call (949) 760-4920 or visit opentable.com.
The Island Hotel’s Ballroom Brunch will transform into a Winter Wonderland on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sip Champagne as you wander through a world of internationally-inspired interactive dining stations with all of your holiday favorites with an assortment of desserts and live music. A children’s craft corner will delight budding artists of all ages. Price is $89 per adult; children 12 and under are free. For reservations, call (949) 760-4920, 888-554-4620 or visit opentable.com
Mastro’s
For the first time, Mastro’s Newport Beach will be open for Christmas Eve dinner 4 – 10 p.m. and Christmas Day 3 – 10 p.m. Mastro’s will offer their regular menu with holiday highlights such as sizzling steaks, a seafood tower, the famous lobster mashed potatoes and beloved Signature Butter Cake al a mode. For reservations call (949) 376-6990 or visit MastrosRestaurants.com
PELICAN HILL RESORT
Pelican Hill has an array of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining options, starting with Andrea Restaurant’s Italian holiday festa ($140) from 5 to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and a special holiday menu on Christmas Day from noon until 10 p.m. At Coliseum Pool & Grill enjoy Christmas Day breakfast buffet ($30 to $60) from 7 a.m. – noon, and from 5 to 10 p.m. savor a three-course dinner ($40 to $85). California-inspired Pelican Grill also has a Christmas Eve menu ($60 to $125), plus live entertainment from 5 to 10 p.m. The Christmas Day menu is available 11:30 am to 10 pm. And finally, a Christmas Day Ballroom Brunch buffet ($20 – $120) with traditional offerings, served 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (888) 507-6427 or visit pelicanhill.com.
SHOR American Seafood Grill at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Hyatt Regency’s new SHOR restaurant has a Christmas Day buffet with traditional starters, a carving station with prime rib, turkey breast or pineapple glazed ham, an omelet station, plus sides and sweets. A kid’s buffet is also available. Price is $69 per person. Call (949) 729-6162 or visit NewportBeach.Hyatt.com
