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Bayside Restaurant

3.5 star rating
based on 18 reviews

Category: Restaurants  [Edit]

900 Bayside Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-1222
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Valet
  • Attire: Dressy
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Lunch, Dinner
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
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18 Reviews for Bayside Restaurant

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Photo of Catherine L.

Elite '08

330

129

Catherine L.

Ladera Ranch, CA

5 star rating
06/18/2008

I love their Sunday champagne brunch!  Yummy!  Try their Quail or Steak Sandwich; it's the best!  Around $30, you get soup or salad, an entree, and dessert.  Yum!

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2

24

Kris N.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/27/2008

Best brunch I've ever had.  It's a bit snobby and the people are a bit fake and a bit stuck up but hey, it's Newport!  There's plenty of great people watching: rich old guys with cougars and young eye candy.  The cars outside are bentleys and ferarris, the decor is classy, and the piano player tops it off.  Wait - this is a food review!  Sorry...

The three course champagne brunch is unbeatable.  Write this down:  start with the mixed green salad with blue cheese, follow with the open faced steak sandwich (egg on top), and finish with the chocolate soufle cake.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed!  While you're eating, sip on the bottomless mimosas.  They'll bring the bottle around every few minutes and if you ask nicely, they'll give you pineapple juice too.  Did I mention the price?  All three courses and bottomless champagne for $27.  Amazing.  Oh, don't forget the staff!  Amanda the hostess is adorable, Shannon is an amazing server (tip her well), and make sure you thank Gus when he takes your dishes.  
See you all in a few weeks!

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110

Rhett S.

Costa Mesa, CA

4 star rating
04/23/2008

I've been here once with friends and thought the meal was fantastic.  The patrons are all rather old but, nonetheless, the food was worth reviewing.  

I had the Venison Loin Medallions which were prepared with california nectarine, potato gnocchi and spiced red wine reduction.  I've never had Venison before and thought it was very tender for such a lean meat.  The sauces that accompanied it were tantalizingly complex and sweet, and the gnocchi had a nice grilled flame broiled taste.  The wine selection was also worth noting.  We had 98 Chimney Rock cab that blew my socks off.

The decor was also very nice and shares many similarities with Bistango, and Kimera (sister/brother restaurants).  Highly recommended.

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50

Victoria S.

Rockville, MD

3 star rating
02/22/2008

It offers a very similar dining experience to Bistango, in a different setting. The difference between the two, however, is that Bayside isn't as remarkable in service, food, or ambiance as Bistango.

My favorites at Bayside are the fois gras and venison. For desert, I love their fresh berries with ice cream. I once ordered the shrimp and that was a HUGE mistake.

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12

16

Kelvin L.

Walnut, CA

3 star rating
01/24/2008

It's my 1st time venturing to Newport Beach Restaurant week.  So needless to say, I was full of excitement and brought a few friends along.  We had a party of 6... and I don't think much of us were impressed.

I picked this as my 1st stop because the online menu attracted me.  But the sad part... when you arrive and look at the menu, they CHANGED it!!!

Our server, Kent, he's pretty funny.  He married with a Taiwanese woman, and knowning that my entire party are Chinese-speaking, he just start rambling out Mandarin with a heavy American accent.  It probably was one of the funny highlight of the meal~

Our food arrived.  Majority of my party ordered the soup, and all of us commented - it's NOT hot enough.  On a scale of 1-10, it would score a 7.5 IMHO.  It's creamy with reach flavor... but being only lukewarm ruined it.

I tried a bite of the swordfish from my friend's plate, it's so-so.  The sauce is fairly good.  But... compare with the "Oven roasted wild mushroom crusted organic salmon" that's suppose to be... I gotta to say it's no where close to my imaginated tastiness.  My Prime Culotte Steak was fair.  It's well cooked evenly (I ordered medium rare).  The sauce for my steak was... interesting.

The only thing that wasn't change on the menu was the dessert.  And shall I say, if not because of the dessert, I'll give Bayside just a 2.5 or even 2 star.  The dessert saved the meal and the mood of my party.  The little warm and fluffy/soft chocolate cake was yummy, and the icecream was full of hazelnut flavor.  Neither was too sweet, just to the right level.

2 outta the 3 stars in my rating is mostly for the ambient of the restaurant.  It's very nicely decorated, with live piano music playing.  I would think it probably is a nice place for happy hour (the bar look comfy and classy).  Other reviews that gave 4 or 5 stars seem all refering to brunch.  So I think this place is a "depend on occaution" type of restaurant.  It's not the "always good consistently awesome" kind of place.

I didn't pick Sage (as many other did mention while discussion) cause the menu wasn't as "special" at a first glance.  Not Roy either cause I tend to stay away from the chain.  French 75 and Ritz are too... classy in Fashion Island.  So as you can imagine... the level of disappointment I was in, when I look back slap on myself -DOH-, Should Have-Could Have-Would Have ...

Each of us (a party of 6) paid $45 out-the-door.  And for $45, I definitely have had waaaaaaaaay better food than this.

See the pictures that I uploaded... and decided for yourself.

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6

64

Kate C.

Newport Beach, CA

3 star rating
12/29/2007

Very pricey. I have never been terribly impressed with the food given the cost. You will be hard pressed to find anyone eating there under the age of 50. Not really a hot spot for young professionals. Skip this spot until you are retired.

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18

64

Erica R.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/07/2007

Yeah, it's pricey.  So do the $25.95 preset brunch, which includes champagne!  They have good service and great people watching...some of the best plastic this town has to offer ;)  

Plus, I know the owners are good people, who support local artists by featuring them in their restaurants (Bistango or Kimera in Irvine)

And if you're a pretty young lady looking for an older benefactor gentleman in your life, just hang at the bar!

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6

17

Evan L.

Newport Beach, CA

5 star rating
11/10/2007

Sunday brunch and the Thursday night wine tasting and happy hour tapas make this place for me.  Sunday brunch includes champaign and is served in three courses.  Wine tasting is done up real nice with a place mat describing your flight (sample of wines) and the staff usually does an excellent job telling you about the wine.  Service is also excellent.

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3

13

Dact C.

Garden Grove, CA

4 star rating
01/28/2008

When we first arrived, we noticed the Bentleys out in front.  Thus, we anticipated, this must be an expensive restaurant!

When entering,  the ambiance blew us away.  The red curtains, the white tents up in the ceiling, and that bar looked very elegant and put together.  This restaurant definately caters to the older crowd because everyone there looked a good amount older than us.  There was live Jazz music played by a pianist and an older man singing tunes from the likes of the Beatles, etc, which I really liked.

The only reason why we came here was because we saw it in the OC Register for Restaurant Week and during that week, participating restaurants showcase their food at a discount price.  

The food was amazing.  He had the culotte steak while I had the salmon.  The presentation and the freshness of the food was evident.  And dessert, was amazing, too.  We each had a chocolate souffle with mocha ice cream.  One word, wow.  It was pretty good and it melted in my mouth.

We were pretty satisfied and the service was top notch.  Our waiter made us feel very welcomed and was very friendly.  I had a wonderful time and would definately return, only if there was a discounted menu because the prices are too much for poor college students, like us.

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6

126

Gstar K.

Huntington Beach, CA

4 star rating
11/25/2007

Date w/one my best though picky eater bff. Our order: GL Newton Quail, PF Course, Culotte, & Dessert, all w/wine & Mint Julep.

Everything presented elegantly, tastes divine, compliments the gorgeous backdrop & fine jazz flowing through. So beware, not a regular street jeans & plain tee kind of place. Unless acceptable @Brunch which I have yet to try.

Fat wallet required, great if you're looking to impress someone or yourself! ;D

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2

24

Tess C.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/05/2007

I took my sister and a couple of girlfriends to the OC for a weekend getaway.  I must say that this is a very nice place!  So, we came here for the Sunday brunch - three course, with plenty of items to choose from per course.  

Presentation of the dishes were exquisitely beautiful.  Food was good - I had the fruit yogurt (I know, I know) for starters.  It was too runny and thin - almost like a soup - I mean, I like my yogurt thick and creamy, you know.  The carnaroli risotto (second course) with sugar snap peas and sauteed tiger prawns was just delish!  My dessert course was the chocolate souffle cake with hazelnut ice cream - didn't blow me away - I've had better chocolate souffle cake somewhere else.  Although ambiance and service were both exceptional!  I recommend this place.

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Photo of Ginnie C.

 

1

23

Ginnie C.

Irvine, CA

3 star rating
08/21/2007

Went here for my girlfriend's bridal brunch. Found it very Newport Beach- you know the over-privledged Newport Harbor blonds that have over priced hand bags and ugly sunglasses. My group- more of the intellectuals. We are all brunettes, conversationalists, and, um, nice? I paid little attention to the icy demeanor and non- smiles of the other patrons, as I was way in to my squash soup and a really fresh omelet with brie, tomatoes and green onion. The bubbles also flow freely! Sante'!

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0

14

Drew M.

Irvine, CA

3 star rating
02/27/2008

Nothing spectacular about Bayside. I'm giving it 3 stars because I think it is just an okay, average place. The food was good but not specatular. The one huge negative was my waitor. He was horrible and took forever to come back to get our order, refill the waters, bring the check, etc. Everything he did took a lot longer than it should have.

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94

138

Rob H.

El Dorado Hills, CA

4 star rating
11/15/2006

We had brunch here on Sunday. Packed with cougars and cougars in training. The grilled quail with hoisin bbq sauce was over spiced but still really good. The rest of the menu was upscale California cuisine. Great service, the waiters kept the drinks flowing and took your order for the next round before the last one was gone. Dessert, a chocolate souffle cake with a side of hazelnut ice cream wasn't that memorable. This isn't your everyday kind of restaurant, as the prices are $$$, but nice for a special occasion.

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5

15

Nick c.

Long Beach, CA

4 star rating
06/05/2007

Very good food, good service and great ambiance.
My wife and I went there for our Anniversary. We ordered a Bresaola (cured beef) with arugola and shaved reggiano and a crab cake for appetizers. Both very well presented and delicious. For main course we really enjoied herbs crusted halibut with asparagus pure and mashed potato, very tender and well presented and a culotte steak with blue cheese mashed potato and leeks, very good, but a bit overwhelming on the sauce.
The dessert was the a bit dissapointing. Choclate souffle with creme anglais sauce. Too small and not as expected on taste, but I'm sure they have other excellent dessert.
They have an award winning wine list very well assorted by the sommelier and Gm of the restaurant.
Overall a great dining experience. By the way the amazing thing is that the menu changes every week.
There is a great lounge bar with live soft music where you can meet someone special just for a drink and appetizers or for a business meeting.

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Photo of Laura V.

 

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185

Laura V.

CA

1 star rating
01/22/2008

the terrible service at prego reminded me of going to bayside for my christmas lunch!  i can't believe i never reviewed this god awful place before.  we had a table in the middle of the dining room that was really cramped.  the seats were all touching.  not even so much as a millimeter's space between those pups.  if you needed to excuse yourself to the restroom, you had to awkwardly shimmy backward about 4 feet until you could slide out.  our waitor was rude and seemed rather cocky.  while the rest of the waitors wore their shirts buttoned up to their collarbones, his shirt was unbuttoned all the way down beneath his pecs.  i just want to take the time to thank him for allowing me the beautiful sight.  just what i needed while dining at an equally beautiful restaurant.  he didn't look at me once when i tried to talk to him.  he looked like he was bored and hated his job.  i never saw him smile at anyone.  when i looked at the menu, there was one thing that MIGHT have possibly been vegan.  i asked him if there were any animal products in it.  this is how the conversation went:

me: i can't eat any animal products, including dairy and eggs.  so i was wondering if this dish had any?  any eggs or cream or butter?
him: i don't know.
me: ....could you please ask the chef for me?
him: yeah, but what do you want if you can't have that?
me: there's nothing else on here that looks vegan, so if this one isn't, could you please ask him what he could make for me?
him: ok, i'll be back if it's not ok.

he never came back so i'd assumed he'd asked and it was ok.  my food comes.  he'd never asked.  it was FULL of cream.  i looked at him to try to get his attention and when he wouldn't return my gaze, i decided it wasn't even worth taking back.  i didn't eat a single bite of my lunch and i was annoyed for the rest of the meal.  honestly, is it really that hard to make a SIMPLE accomodation?  i couldn't believe how rude he was.  i'll never return.

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Photo of Cassie P.

Elite '08

33

483

Cassie P.

Newport Beach, CA

3 star rating
01/07/2007

I decided to write this review now that we have been to this restaurant 5 times.  I thought I was going to give it 5 stars but after this last visit, I have taken it down to 3.  
The expensive food is pretty consist ant.  We typically order a salad, a meat entree and a dessert.  Last night our Ceasar salad was large, fresh, crisp.  Too little dressing and tiny croutons took it down a notch.  The filet mignon entree is a good portion.  Served with mashed potatos and green beans and a pepper sauce.  In the past it has been excellent.  Last night it was sub par.  It was incredibly OVER salted.  In fact, everyone in our party had food that was incredibly over salted.  This is a mistake that shouldn't happen.  Dessert was a banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream.  Yum.  The creme brulee was also great.
Overall, great portions, good atmosphere, not too loud, consistent food, $$$$ and yummy desserts.

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Photo of Kristin M.

 

0

15

Kristin M.

Newport Beach, CA

4 star rating
01/05/2007

Nice location on the water, with kind of pricey dishes, but very good and very "authentic Newport Beach" fare. I went here for lunch during the week with some work buddies and we all ordered salads and sandwiches kinds of things. I remember the fish tacos and the cobb salad being especially good. Most of the menu is (of course) seafood, but you can please almost any palate here.

Sit out on the patio if you can to enjoy being on the water! Also, check out www.visitnewportbeach.com for updates on holiday specials and/or evening entertainment.

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