Location: Corona del Mar
Top Restaurants in Corona del Mar
Most Popular Restaurants in Corona del Mar
Corona del Mar or CdM (Spanish for "Crown of the Sea") is a neighborhood in the city of Newport Beach, California. It generally consists of all land on the seaward face of the San Joaquin Hills south of Avocado Avenue to the city limits, as well as the development of Irvine Terrace, just north of Avocado. Corona del Mar is known for its fine beaches, tidepools, cliffside views and quaint village shops. Beaches in the area include Corona del Mar State Beach as well as Crystal Cove State Park south of Corona del Mar, accessible by paths winding down a steep hillside.
Things to do in Corona del Mar
1. Rose Bakery Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Reviewed By DawgBuzz - Athens, Georgia
We were in Corona Del Mar for a few days, and this quickly became our go-to restaurant spot. We tried it all, and everything we had was great! The first day, I tried a breakfast sandwich on a toasted croissant. YUMMM!!! It was honestly one of the best croissants I have ever eaten. The next day I tried a muffin, which was also delicious. Of course we also tried a few different donuts as well (of course across different days - haha). They had several varieties of coffee. I stuck with the hazelnut version each day because it was so good. The service was quick and friendly, and the food was top-notch. I would highly recommend this place!!!
2. The Beachcomber Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By listi7 - mckinney
You cannot beat the setting. It is one of the prettiest places on earth. You can either hike a bit down to Beachcomber or take the shuttle bus for 1.50 each way from the state park parking lot. Restaurant will validate your parking ticket for 3 hours, so don’t forget to take it with you. Reservations fill up quickly but they do take walk ins, just be prepared to wait a while if the weather is nice. We anticipated a wait, took beach chairs and put our name on the list about 1.5 hours before we wanted to eat and sat in our chairs on the beach and enjoyed the spectacular scenery before lunch. The ahi sandwich was yummy, as were the fries, but we both expected more from the fish and chips. A great place to make memories and return to year after year.
3. Panini Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By jd068 - Boston, Massachusetts
This diner-like restaurant offers quick service, huge portions, and good food, all at a very reasonable price. Can't beat it!
4. Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By markinRB - California
I met my daughter and her husband for brunch / lunch on a Sunday around noon. I have liked Roger's Gardens for many years, and a restaurant there seems perfect. All tables are outdoors, and it was comfortable (in February) because of the heaters. I had a lunch entree, my daughter had a fusion taco meal, and my son-in-law had brunch food. All were delicious and well presented. Good value - I will go back.
5. Five Crowns
Overall Ratings
4 based on 271 reviews
Five Crowns, a charming replica of one of England's oldest country inns and a Corona del Mar landmark, offers warm hospitality and cozy fireplaces set among authentic antiques and period paintings. Enjoy the sunlit Greenhouse and colorful English garden as well. Expect award-winning food and wine, exceptional service and distinctive style that have made it a dining destination since 1965.
Reviewed By THEGUYFROMSOCALIF - S. CA.
I came in to dinner with my Son and we each ordered a prime rib with a salad and a beer. With a nice tip, my meal came to $170.00 - certainly not the price for dinner at a diner or a one star restaurant. Before I even ate my dinner, I cut half my prime rib and nearly all my spinach and mashed potatoes and carefully set them aside in separate piles to take home to my wife. I placed each item separately on a large plate and at the end of the meal asked my waitress to box it up for me to go.
My waitress made a mistake and when she boxed it up and it was brought out by her runner, the mashed potatoes were somewhat mixed together with the spinach and the prime rib was sitting on the side of the "mess".
I had called the manager over to order gift cards before I even received the "to go" bag. Before she arrived, I noticed the food all slopped together and before I even discussed buying the gift cards, I told her what had happened. She appeared to me mostly uninterested in the situation - like it is was normal to her or that I was simply complaining about a small matter. She certainly offered no sincere apology for the inconvenience. When I discussed what happened with the waitress a couple minutes later she was sincerely upset with what she had done. I told her mistakes happen and not to worry about it. I left her a nice tip and appreciated her honestly and sincerity. She must have also told the GM about the situation because shortly thereafter, the GM came over to the table (for about 10 seconds), handed me a business card and essentially told me that if I had any "other problems" to let her know. She did not address the problem I just had!
So, this one star review has been earned by the management team at the restaurant. My waitress was a lovely woman who "owned" her small mistake. Based upon the way management handled my small problem, I elected to not purchase any additional gift cards for the holidays. I did make sure the restaurant gave me my items in separate containers to bring home to wife. She is a registered nurse and I know presentation is important to her.
6. Bandera
Overall Ratings
4 based on 215 reviews
American Cooking with a Southwestern Flavor.
Reviewed By KarenK518 - Corona, California
First timers and we will return. Early dinner on a week night and were seated immediately. Noticed that they have an extremely nice covered waiting area outside. There were quite a few people waiting to be seated when we were leaving so our early dinner was a win! Upon entering, it has the atmosphere of Houstons. The butternut enchilada paired with a cucumber salad were both amazing minus the spicey chili sauce they normally put on top of the enchilada. Hamburger and fries also yummy, fresh and served at the right temperature. They are known for their spit roasted rotisserie chicken. Located right along Pacific Coast Highway with ample parking.
7. Ruby's Shake Shack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By fredyt3 - fredyt3
Ruby's Shake Shack is located on PCH, just east of Newport Coast Drive and part of the Crystal Cove beach community. There is ample seating. They offer a good menu, however the breakfast menu stops at 11am (I found out the hard way). Service is very good. Pricing is mid-range so you can get a quality burger, fries and a shake at a decent price. The key point I would like to offer is the shakes are more of a frosty. In other words it is stiff and not the liquid type you might be use to.
8. El Cholo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By kathyh303 - Newport Beach, California
You won't find fancy, infused, gourmet, or nuevo funky Mexican dishes at this new location for El Cholo in the heart of Corona Del Mar. I missed the Irvine location when they closed last year and was excited to try the new digs on PCH. I was not disappointed and the menu had all of the traditional dishes that I grew to enjoy; enchiladas, cheesy specialty combos, tacos, carnitas, large portions, great fajitas, awesome chips, salsa, and guacamole. I just want to mention that the original location in downtown LA is a real treat...check out the Louis Zamperini ("Unbroken") room with memorabilia about his amazing life story...LOVE THIS HISTORY...and did I mention the chips.
9. Summer House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By yesilovecali608 - glen ellyn, illinois
This was a great place. Reviews were awesome. Although I was not on the beach, it was totally worth it. Food was amazing.
10. Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By PascalEvent - Suresnes, France
This place got a wonderful view on the beach from a high location.
The pancakes are good and huge! The sausages and fried eggs are good but nothing crazy.
Service is the only slightly negative point: no smile... the exaggerated translation could be “what do you want? ‘Right 32 bocks and get out of my way”
If you’re looking for an American breakfast with a nice view, to start the day head to this place early and fill your eyes and belly! (Of course it’s not gonna be healthy... but so good!)
Note to the diner: be gentle, smile and the 5th star will be yours :)
