Fashion Island is Orange County’s premier open-air shopping center, boasting department stores, specialty boutiques, restaurants, and the region’s only Neiman Marcus store.
The Fig & Olive restaurant offers an elegant atmosphere where guests can dine on seasonal seafood dishes, meats, and vegetables. Perfect for socializing or romantic dates.
Gracias Madre
Since 2014, West Hollywood’s Gracias Madre has been an essential destination for modern vegan Mexican fare and an extensive list of mezcal cocktails. Now its team behind it is expanding to Newport Beach with a full menu including salads, bowls, vegan riffs on ceviche, quesadillas, chile relleno, and enchiladas, in addition to an expansive list of tequila and mezcal!
The restaurant is known for its innovative flavors and elegant setting, designed by Wendy Haworth, who is well known for her work in West Hollywood. Wendy created a space as beautiful as its original location – ideal for birthday parties, company celebrations, and other social gatherings.
Gracias Madre stands out from other Mexican cantinas by creating bold flavors and using healthy ingredients. Their tortillas have stringent sourcing standards and an expansive selection of vegetables and fruits. Their signature dish for lunchtime dining is gorditas: potato masa cakes topped with avocado and warm salsa verde sauce; also try their gorditas de camote: hand-rolled tacos filled with sweet potatoes and caramelized onions for something truly unforgettable.
Gracias Madre offers an organic and locally-sourced menu influenced by the communities’ recipes, with an award-winning beverage director overseeing an amusing agave cocktail program to complement it all.
This restaurant adheres to a zero-waste policy and recycles all its glass and plastic waste, using a biodegradable compost system that reduces its carbon footprint. They have an incredible patio for enjoying the sun while sipping margaritas – complete with foosball tables, outdoor movie screens, and plenty of comfortable seating – ideal for relaxing. What’s more – they welcome dogs too.
Red O Restaurant
Red O Restaurant is an upscale Mexican eatery serving world-class fare, including Chef Rick Bayless from Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and PBS’ Mexico One Plate at a Time fame. His Oaxacan-influenced cuisine can be found in Orange County at Red O Restaurant’s Fashion Island location at 143 Newport Center Drive – where Red O Restaurant now resides in its new standalone structure.
This restaurant’s interior design embodies both luxuriousness and traditionalism, featuring hand-hammered mirrors, large potted palms, elaborately decorated tables, attentive and courteous service, and an exclusive dining room for special events.
Red O Restaurant’s cuisine is consistently delicious, yet some dishes are exceptional. One such example is yellowtail agua chile, an exquisite preparation that resembles more closely the fish-sashimi style than ceviche with citrus, serrano peppers, and avocado bits for an exceptionally refreshing dish.
Worth trying are the grilled lamb chops in mole negro sauce, served alongside an assortment of side dishes and rice and beans. Additionally, dessert options at this restaurant are equally tempting: try the creamy goat cheese cheesecake topped with caramel corn and Mexican root beer sauce for something truly memorable!
Bar and Lounge at this restaurant offer an exquisite selection of specialty cocktails and premium tequilas, perfect for Happy Hour from 3-6 pm daily. Additionally, guests can relax in the outdoor seating area while sipping from the bar; moreover, catering services are also provided by this establishment; for more information, please visit their website – it can accommodate up to 300 people! The atmosphere, comfort, and exquisite cuisine created by Chef Rick Bayless ensure a memorable event; staff will collaborate closely with you to tailor a menu specifically suited to your tastes and budget needs!
CUCINA Enoteca
CUCINA Enoteca is in Newport Beach’s Fashion Island mall. It is part of restaurateur Tracy Borkum’s award-winning eateries, known for fusing authentic Italian flavors with organic Southern Californian produce. Their from-scratch menus offer shareable portions of luxurious house-made pasta, innovative pizza, thoughtful large plates, and their own cheese and salumi program – an experience unlike any other in Newport Beach!
The Interior of the Restaurant was inspired by an idyllic garden, featuring light and airy colors with floral pops of color. Earthy elements such as hand-carved woodwork, twig and branch chandeliers, and whimsical flower wallpaper add warmth and coziness. Furthermore, there’s even an alfresco patio fireplace!
This restaurant not only offers authentic Italian food, but they have an impressive wine selection too. Their in-house wine shop spans across the front of the restaurant creating an atmosphere akin to a gallery. Their wine list contains well-known names and smaller-batch gems from Europe and America.
Cucina Enoteca is ideal for couples and friends who want to enjoy delicious food while recharging over drinks. Their delectable beet salad, mushroom pizzas, and ricotta gnocchi make a delightful lunch; for dessert, they offer panna cotta, gelato, and tiramisu that will indeed please. Their staff is welcoming, providing exceptional service while their prices remain fair.
Food at this restaurant is delicious and fresh, particularly their grilled octopus and bruschetta dishes. Prices are fair, and the atmosphere is welcoming and clean – I recommend this location, near Newport Sports Museum, with a patio for outdoor dining, perfect for romantic dates or family meals!
Joey
JOEY Newport Beach is Orange County’s premier coastal shopping destination. It features an opulent oasis of boutiques and restaurants at Fashion Island’s luxury mall, the only one in California. Since 1967, Fashion Island has undergone several significant reinvestments and expansions, more recently bringing with them Gorjana and Marine Layer boutiques and offering unique local art and fine jewelry collections.
Andrea Anders plays Alexis “Alex” Garrett, Joey’s neighbor and landlady. Educated yet dainty blonde Alexis attended both Northwestern University and Pepperdine School of Law – initially intimidated by Gina’s street-smart older sister Gina but becoming bolder under Gina’s guidance.
In season two, Gina begins dating Michael’s father, Jimmy, and begins to suspect she may be bisexual. Michael and Joey try convincing him otherwise, but eventually, he goes away. Meanwhile, Michael attempts to win over one of his book club members with Gina’s assistance.
Bobbie Morganstern is Joey’s manager and an agent in Hollywood, known for making outrageous demands of her clients and excessive demands of them. Her arrogant nature and humorous sense have caused legal problems before; additionally, she harbors an intense affection for Michael, who happens to be Joey’s nephew.
Michael, Joey’s nephew, idolizes his aunt’s ability to date multiple women. However, Michael has difficulty socializing with girls due to his sheltered upbringing and has difficulty socializing with girls in general. It was revealed early in Season Two that Michael has Asperger syndrome and also works for celebrity reality show hosts reality shows as an aerospace engineer in addition to loving Star Trek and Star Wars video games and playing video games; additionally, he enjoys eating food (gummy bears are his go-to snack!) as well as listening to hip hop music!
