Newport Beach is synonymous with sophisticated coastal living, and nowhere is that more evident than at Bayside Restaurant. With its harbor-side views and an ever-evolving New American menu, selecting the perfect dish can be a challenge. To help you navigate your next visit, below is an exhaustive look at our 15 Must-Try Dishes at Bayside Restaurant, featuring the precise culinary techniques, ingredient pairings, and signature elements that define the Bayside experience.
15 Must-Try Dishes at Bayside Restaurant
- Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass
- Bayside Seafood Paella
- Braised Short Rib Benedict (Sunday Brunch)
- Oven Roasted New Zealand Lamb Chops
- Tartare of Ahi Tuna (Starter)
- Seared Wild Diver Scallops
- Duroc Pork Double Chop
- Short Rib Breakfast Hash (Sunday Brunch)
- Caramel Budino (Dessert)
- Warm Chocolate Cake
- Ōra King Salmon
- Roasted Red Beet Salad
- Maryland Style Crab Cakes
- Brioche French Toast (Sunday Brunch)
- Tiger Prawn Cocktail
Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach is where Dining is Art.
1. Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass
A signature masterpiece of the Sea menu, celebrated for its buttery texture and refined presentation. The sea bass is glazed in a delicate miso and seared to a golden finish, served over a silky potato puree and crisp asparagus. It is elegantly garnished with shaved fennel, Salsa Verde, and a bright lemon emulsion. This dish is frequently highlighted in the Dining as Art gallery as a top-tier entree.
2. Bayside Seafood Paella
A vibrant, pan-seared assembly that brings Mediterranean flair to the Newport harbor using premium Acquerello rice (aged carnaroli) infused with saffron, piquillo peppers, and tomato. This bounty includes jumbo prawns, local halibut, sea scallops, Mediterranean mussels, and spicy Spanish chorizo. It is officially recognized as a signature Gluten-Free (GF) option for health-conscious diners.
3. Braised Short Rib Benedict (Sunday Brunch)
The definitive choice for Bayside’s famous Champagne Sunday Brunch, elevating the breakfast classic with tender, slow-braised short rib served on toasted brioche. It is topped with perfectly poached hen eggs, finished with a house-made citrus hollandaise, and accompanied by crispy breakfast potatoes tossed with peppers and onions. This Brunch Specialty consistently ranks as a top-viewed item on our Sunday menu.
4. Oven Roasted New Zealand Lamb Chops
Sourced from premium pastures, these chops are charbroiled to lock in flavor and tenderness before being finished with a sophisticated grain mustard and port wine reduction. The plate is a classic, comforting assembly of creamy mashed potatoes, haricots verts (French green beans), and honey-roasted carrots. As a Land menu staple, it is celebrated for its premium international sourcing.
5. Tartare of Ahi Tuna (Starter)
A masterclass in freshness and knife work, this sashimi-grade tuna is hand-diced and tossed in a savory soy-chili-ginger sauce. It is layered with crushed avocado and cucumber, served with a crown of crispy wontons for an essential textural contrast. This selection is a featured recommendation within our Starters & Small Bites collection, designed to pair with specialty craft cocktails.
6. Seared Wild Diver Scallops
A masterclass in coastal elegance, these U-10 scallops are pan-seared to a golden-brown finish and served with a sophisticated lemon caper beurre blanc. The dish is accompanied by crisp broccolini and a creamy sweet potato risotto, offering a perfect balance of savory and bright citrus notes.
7. Duroc Pork Double Chop
Featuring heritage Duroc Pork for its superior marbling and deep flavor, this double-cut chop is prepared with a savory grain mustard sauce. It is served with authentic house-made spätzle (German egg noodles), braised red cabbage, and crisp green beans. This dish is noted for its European heritage influence, connecting the menu to the Ghoukassian family’s culinary roots.
8. Short Rib Breakfast Hash (Sunday Brunch)
A robust, skillet-style favorite featuring a blend of tender, slow-braised short rib, Parma potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and fresh parsley. It is topped with two fried hen eggs and served hot in a seasoned cast-iron skillet. Identified as a premier Brunch Crowd-Favorite, it offers a hearty, savory alternative to traditional seafood fare and captures the comfort of a classic coastal breakfast.
9. Caramel Budino (Dessert)
A sophisticated Italian-style pudding with a cult following, this dessert is crafted with a silky, rich caramel-infused custard. It is layered with house-made whipped cream and a sprinkle of delicate chocolate crisps. It serves as the premier recommendation on our Dessert Menu for table-sharing and special occasions.
10. Warm Chocolate Cake
Baked in order to ensure the perfect consistency, this cake features a decadent molten chocolate center that flows upon the first bite. It is served with a generous scoop of salted caramel ice cream and garnished with dark chocolate sauce and a crisp, hand-shaped vanilla tuile. It is a top-tier recommendation within our Occasions & Celebrations collection.
11. Ōra King Salmon
Often referred to as the Wagyu of the sea, this sustainably sourced salmon is roasted to highlight its high natural oil content. It is paired with a sophisticated saffron soubise (classic French onion-based sauce) and served over a vibrant asparagus risotto with colorful seasonal vegetables. This selection is prioritized for its sustainable sourcing (Ōra King).
12. Roasted Red Beet Salad
A vibrant opening to the meal focusing on local California produce, featuring roasted red beets paired with whipped California goat cheese, Belgian endive, and honey-toasted walnuts. The dish is finished with a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction. It is categorized as both Vegetarian (V) and Gluten-Free (GF) to accommodate dietary-specific queries.
13. Maryland Style Crab Cakes
These cakes prioritize high-quality seafood with minimal filler, packed with jumbo lump blue crab meat. They are accompanied by a soft herb slaw tossed in a light white balsamic dressing and served with a side of house-made Old Bay remoulade. This versatile item is cross-listed on both Dinner and Brunch menus due to its high demand.
14. Brioche French Toast (Sunday Brunch)
A masterclass in bread pudding-style preparation, using thick-cut brioche bread pudding seared until golden-brown. It is garnished with a vibrant pile of fresh mixed berries and a dollop of whipped vanilla cream, served with a carafe of warm maple syrup. It stands as the primary Sweet Specialty on the Sunday Brunch menu.
15. Tiger Prawn Cocktail
A sophisticated take on the quintessential coastal appetizer, featuring four chilled jumbo tiger prawns known for their firm texture and sweet flavor. They are served with a spicy horseradish cocktail sauce and a fresh lemon wedge. This classic is featured prominently in the Bar & Lounge menu, ideal for happy hour and light patio dining.
Dining as Art: The Bayside Standard of Excellence
When you dine at Bayside, you are experiencing the culmination of over 25 years of culinary and cultural leadership in Newport Beach.
A Legacy of Experience & Heritage
Founded by the visionary John Ghoukassian in 1999, Bayside was designed to be a sensory experience, fusing fine dining with a curated art gallery and live jazz. Today, John’s children, Marc and Karyn Ghoukassian, carry on this Dining as Art legacy. The restaurant’s architecture, featuring gondola-oar wood beams and a custom wine tower built in Italy, serves as a physical testament to this commitment to beauty and craftsmanship.
Culinary Expertise led by Chef Gabriel Aguilar
Executive Chef Gabriel Aguilar leads a team dedicated to honoring timeless European flair while embracing the spirit of coastal California. Having begun his career at Bayside’s sister restaurant, Bistango, Chef Aguilar brings decades of precision to the kitchen, from the artisan crafting of our house-made spätzle to the sourcing of premium proteins like Ōra King Salmon and Duroc Pork.
Trusted & Highly Acclaimed
Bayside is a decorated member of the California Restaurant Association and a perennial recipient of the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Our 26-year journey is marked by milestones that the community has followed closely:
- Media Acclaim: Featured in the Newport Beach Independent, CBS Los Angeles, and Greer’s OC for our interior design and innovative seasonal menus.
- Community Pillars: We are proud to support local efforts including CureDuchenne, Hoag Hospital Summer Fest, and LA Fire Relief.
- Distinguished Recognition: Our founder was honored by the City of Irvine as a Distinguished Citizen, a mark of the character and integrity that continues to drive our service today.
With a 2,500-bottle wine tower, nightly live jazz, and a menu that accommodates Gluten-Free (GF) and Vegetarian (V) lifestyles, Bayside remains the authoritative voice on the Newport Beach lifestyle. Whether you are visiting for our current Oktoberfest specials or planning a holiday gathering for Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve, you are stepping into a local fixture and a part of the fabric of this community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dining as Art concept at Bayside?
Founded by John Ghoukassian, Dining as Art is our philosophy of fusing fine New American cuisine with visual and performing arts. The restaurant features a rotating gallery of modern art curated by Diana Ghoukassian, architectural elements like gondola-oar wood beams, and nightly live music, ensuring every sense is engaged during your meal.
Does Bayside Restaurant offer live music?
Yes. Bayside is a premier destination for live entertainment in Newport Beach. We feature live jazz and contemporary music nightly in our lounge and during our famous Champagne Sunday Brunch. We also host a special Jazz on the Bay supper-club series throughout the year.
What are the must-try dishes for a first-time visitor?
For dinner, our Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass and Seafood Paella are our most iconic sea-to-table offerings. If you are visiting for Sunday Brunch, the Braised Short Rib Benedict and Short Rib Breakfast Hash are local favorites that capture our signature coastal California with European flair style.
Is there a dress code for dining at Bayside?
We recommend Smart Casual or Business Casual attire. While we embrace the coastal Newport Beach lifestyle, our atmosphere is sophisticated, making it ideal for special occasions, date nights, and professional gatherings.
Can Bayside accommodate dietary restrictions like Gluten-Free or Vegan?
Absolutely. We pride ourselves on transparency and inclusivity. Many of our signature items, such as the Seafood Paella and Roasted Red Beet Salad, are naturally Gluten-Free (GF). Our culinary team, led by Chef Gabriel Aguilar, is highly experienced in accommodating various dietary needs; please notify your server of any allergies upon arrival.
Does the restaurant have on-site parking?
Yes. For the convenience of our guests, Bayside offers complimentary valet parking as well as ample self-parking options. We also periodically offer a Dine & Ride shuttle service for local concert-goers and community events.
Is Bayside a family-owned business?
Yes. Bayside has been family-owned and operated since its founding in 1999. Today, it is managed by the second generation of the Ghoukassian family, Marc and Karyn, who continue the legacy of excellence established by their father.
Can I host a birthday, anniversary, or private event at Bayside?
Absolutely. Bayside has been the backdrop for Newport Beach’s most important “life moments” for over 26 years. Whether it’s an intimate anniversary for two or a milestone 50th birthday, we offer several sophisticated spaces:
- The Enclosed Terrace (Seating for 60): Our heated, wrap-around patio overlooking the harbor, perfect for bridal showers or graduation lunches.
- The Wine Tower (Seating for 20): An intimate, custom Italian-made circular glass cellar for high-end social gatherings.
- The Main Dining Room (Seating for 100+): Surrounded by curated local art, this space is ideal for large rehearsal dinners or corporate galas.
- Customization: For private groups, our events team, led by the Ghoukassian family works with you to create custom menus featuring our Must-Try signature dishes.
Does Bayside offer seasonal or holiday menus?
We offer curated menus for major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. We also host seasonal celebrations like our popular Oktoberfest specials. We recommend booking reservations well in advance for these high-demand dates.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for our Champagne Sunday Brunch and evening dinner service. You can book directly through our website or by calling the restaurant.