Restaurants near Newport Beach Pier

From the moment we walked in, the warm, intimate ambiance set the perfect tone for our Valentine’s Day dinner. The restaurant had a carefully curated menu, and every dish we tried was packed with flavor. One standout dish was the grilled artichoke—it had a bold, smoky flavor that was truly enjoyable. However, the texture was a bit too tough, making it difficult to chew and swallow, almost like chewing on gum. It was the only slight drawback in an otherwise exceptional meal. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was simply enchanting. Soft lighting, cozy seating, and an inviting energy made the evening feel special. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience one that made our Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable.

It was an amazing time, even for our toddler. The chef was so interactive with our little one through the window and provided dough, sauce, and cheese to make his own pizza. It can be challenging to dine with little ones, but the entire staff engaged with our child and they had a blast thanks to the friendly staff. Food was amazing as usual - it is the best pizza you’ll have in California. Pasta was cooked to perfection as well. I look forward to visiting again with our little one.

One word - Amazing!!! I’ve been here weekend and weekday. Foods were excellent every time and the service was outstanding ! Definitely will recommend to friends and family! And the ocean view is beautiful!

It’s magical from the moment you walk in. As you make your way up a gorgeous staircase displaying gilded frames & Grecian statues…. The aesthetic & beautiful RH furniture is definitely a show stopper. As you make your way to the top you are greeted with sweet hostesses and wine bars on either side of you. Food is amazing! We had artichoke & burrata appetizers. So delicious! I always order a cheeseburger, it’s so good! Their salads & rotisserie chicken are yum! Finished the night with the Bananas Foster dessert, it was outstanding!!

We visited El Faro for the first time, but definitely not the last time. The excellent quality of the food was exceeded only by the wonderful service provided by John Carlo. This is a delightful family owned restaurant with a warm and welcoming environment. It is a true gem.  if you are looking for really good Italian food, beautifully presented, at reasonable prices you’ll be more than satisfied at Il Farro.