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Balboa Island is known for its charm, cute shops, and incredible food. There’s plenty to choose from while out with your friends and family for a day. The storybook setting of the island will have you searching for a rental in Balboa Island, while the variety of restaurants will appeal to everyone’s tastes. Balboa Island truly has something for everyone.
The best restaurants on Balboa Island range from casual eateries to fancier, more formal dining. Donuts, frozen bananas, and the Balboa Bar, a local favorite vanilla ice cream bar covered in chocolate, then rolled in your choice of nuts, toffee, or sprinkles, are all quick options. Seafood, French/Swiss, American, Mexican, and incredible steakhouses are waiting for you to try.
Modern and Fun Bistro
Taking inspiration from Asian, American, and European cuisine, 501 Park Avenue Bistro brings the finest ingredients together with a spectacular wine selection and a fine offering of local craft brews.
Try some of the favorites, like Scottish Salmon, Wagyu Beef, ABF Chicken, and the in-house roasted coffee. Modern yet still welcoming, the 501 Park Avenue Bistro has indoor and outdoor seating. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Located just up from the historic Balboa Island Ferry, this bayside restaurant is always good.
Located at: 501 Park Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Taco Tuesdays and Ice Cream Covered French Toast?
Snipe Island is all about creating a fun, festive atmosphere while offering exceptionally delicious food. Try the Ahi-Sriracha Sandwich for some bold flavors, or go with a freshly made, oven-roasted pizza. Add a local craft brew or wine from the expansive wine list to complement the meal.
Breakfast is something special here. French Toast is already good and can be great. Add a couple of scoops of ice cream, and you’ve reached French Toast nirvana!
Located at: 305 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Come for Breakfast. Stay for Dinner
Balboa Island restaurants have been creating loyal fans for years. None can claim that more than Wilma’s Patio. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Wilma’s serves breakfast all day, and that’s a good thing. One of their signature dishes is an egg enchilada that is not to be missed.
Burgers, homemade meatloaf from a family recipe, fresh Pacific Coast seafood like scallops and clams, authentic Mexican, and a family-friendly atmosphere make Wilma’s Patio one of the most popular of the Newport Beach restaurants. Indoor and outdoor seating offer views of the harborside.
Located at: 203 Marine Avenue Newport Beach, California 92662
A Taste of the Nightlife
The Royal Hen is the perfect way to experience the Balboa Island nightlife. The gastropub offers pub fare such as Craft Ale Fish & Chips, along with Coconut Curry Mussels, shareable plates, and an impressive wine list. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the ambiance and decidedly Californian-inspired dishes and craft cocktails. Stop in for a Sour Hen. You’re sure to love it. Come by for happy hour.
Located at: 311 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662
For the Love of Food
No list of the best restaurants on Balboa Island would be complete without Basilic. Chef/owner Bernard Althaus has your best interests at heart. He creates each dish in the kitchen of the small restaurant.
Ideal for a romantic evening, you can’t go wrong ordering the Tasting Menu and having the Chef create a special five-course meal for your table with appetizers, fresh salads, fish, a meat course, and finally, dessert. And the wine list is impressive.
Don’t miss the Onion Soup, and for the seafood lovers, the Bouillabaisse will leave you breathless. Basilic is an Orange County staple.
Reservations recommended; Basilic is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Located at: 217 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Authentic Mexican Done Right
If authentic Mexican food served up quickly is what you’re craving, this is your spot. Casual and loved by the locals, the menu offers mainly Mexican food, though it does have a few American dishes thrown in for the picky eaters out there.
Chicken Mole and Albondigas Soup are not to be missed, and when you crave a sandwich, give a torta a try.
Located at: Inside Smart Kitchens 17951 Sky Park Circle, Unit F
Casual Dining at Village Inn
The Village Inn is a Newport Beach staple. They have a long history of serving tasty contemporary American cuisine enhanced with seasonal menus.
Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a great wine list and drinks menu, you’re sure to find something for everyone on the list. Stop by for happy hour daily from 3 PM to 6 PM.
Located at: 127 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662
Tasty Eats at Fashion Island
The dishes are meticulously crafted from the finest ingredients at True Food Kitchen. Located in Fashion Island at the heart of Newport Center, this restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Every dish is created to be as nutritious as possible without sacrificing flavor. Give the Herb Hummus a try!
Call ahead or go online and place your order for takeout or delivery as well.
Located at: 451 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Plan Your Stay
Balboa Island is the perfect weekend getaway from Los Angeles or beyond. Spend time perusing the shops, eating the unique and delicious foods, and taking in the beautiful blue water.Plan a Newport Beach Vacation and enjoy this laid-back island.
Featured Image Credit: The Image Party
