
3
"At the hotel's main restaurant, the vibe leans into Newport's nautical history with swarthy tones, teal-tufted leather booths, and light fixtures that evoke barnacles and sail ropes; service is personal and candid—my waiter Jordan told me plainly what he did and didn’t like on the menu, which I appreciated. The menu is split into small plates, sustainable waters, and land, and Jordan recommended the day’s special: vanilla brown-butter prawns with spicy toasted peanuts, a dish that tasted like autumn and the ocean combined. Dinner began memorably with a salted pretzel braid served with honey butter and a drizzle of Corto olive oil, and the restaurant proudly displays a trophy for “Best Burger in Newport Beach,” reflecting the acclaim for Chef Escobar and Erik’s cooking. Attentive service (a near-instant chilled Coca-Cola refill) and a standout dessert—the “Mt. Mini,” a house-made vanilla-bean soft-serve affogato with espresso—made the meal unforgettable." - Britney Eschelman