If you’re in search of a quaint coastal restaurant that serves a superior breakfast, lunch or dinner, then your next destination needs to be the Lighthouse Bayview Cafe in Newport Beach.
The Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, founded by Ruby’s Diner entrepreneur Doug Cavanaugh, is a little over a year old and caters to everyone’s liking, serving a diverse menu consisting of seafood and hearty Americana style cuisine.
The 67-seat lighthouse-shaped restaurant is strategically situated on Lido Island in Newport Beach’s new waterfront recreation center, Marina Paris. The restaurant is easily seen while driving down Balboa Blvd., for as it’s name declares, there’s a big lighted tower similar to that of a lighthouse where the restaurant is located.
Furthermore, the Lighthouse Bayview Cafe can’t be located in a better place for families! It is right on the Bay with a little beach and magnificent playground for children.
My wife and I, along with the kids, had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful meal at the Lighthouse Bayview Cafe in December. We also invited my mother and brother along for some family time.
The Lighthouse Bayview Cafe is constructed of a tall glass cylindrical tower, with two levels – the first floor consists of the main restaurant, while the second-floor hosts a serene outdoor eating environment. There’s literally not a bad seat in the house. You sit anywhere to enjoy a delicious meal, while overlooking the bay and watching the boats going in and out of the harbor.
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe Menu
During our time at the cafe, we were warmly greeted and given suggestions to start the evening off with an array of beautifully prepared appetizers. We started with their wonderful house red wine, along with seafood ceviche, fried calamari, a warm sourdough boule and Ahi tuna tostadas.
All of the appetizers were quite delicious, but I must say, the Ahi tuna tostadas won my taste buds over. The stunningly prepared appetizer was served with fresh Ahi tuna, along with avocado mousse, Asian slaw, crispy wontons and spicy mayo. So if you fancy sushi and tostadas, you will definitely enjoy this fusion of flavor.
My wife decided on a bowl of their New England clam chowder and it was a fantastic choice, especially on a cool December evening. It was served with crispy bacon and chives and of course, fresh oyster crackers.
Next up, was the much anticipated entrées. I decided to go with the pan seared scallops and pair it with their roasted tri-tip. Surf or turf, you can’t go wrong with either of these menu items. The pan seared scallops came complete with sweet corn relish, baby zucchini and a cauliflower purée. It was an absolutely delicious entree.
The roasted tri-tip was equally impressive, as it was served with buttery mashed potatoes, farm fresh vegetables and corn on the cob, along with jalapeño citrus butter.
Other dishes we tried and enjoyed were the grilled fillet mignon and the lighthouse burger. As they say, you can never go wrong with a classic burger (especially made by the founder of Ruby’s!).
At the end of the night, we topped off the evening by sharing a of couple desserts, one of which was a platter of french beignets doused in cinnamon sugar and cream cheese icing. The beignets went divinely well with a cup of coffee.
Then after we finished our sugary delights, the kids and I went out to the playground to burn off some of excess energy!
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe Giveaway
Now enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to dine at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe in Newport Beach!
US Residents Only. No purchase necessary to enter. One winner will be randomly selected via RaffleCopter and notified via email. Winner must respond within 24 hours to claim the prize or a new winner will be chosen via RaffleCopter. The prize will be fulfilled by the sponsor.
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe Location
So whether you’re on a date, or take the entire family to Lighthouse Bayview Cafe, you will enjoy one of orange county’s most beautiful views, along with an equally breathtaking meal.
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe is located at 1600 West Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Happy Dining!
Andrew (AKA – Mr. SoCal Field Trips)
Amber K
Wednesday 18th of January 2017
This looks like such a fun place to dine as a family! My kiddos love the beach, so I know this would be a fun spot to make new memories at.
Deb Moretti
Thursday 12th of January 2017
I want to win as this is our fave local park. We checked out the cafe and it looked very nice. We'd love to done there on a day off.
Carey
Wednesday 11th of January 2017
Would love to try this place!
cep
Sunday 8th of January 2017
What a fun place to take the family!
Rosa cuevas
Saturday 7th of January 2017
Everything looks so delicious I would really like to try everything