So, this is a delayed review of the prix-fixe brunch I had here with my mom for, you guessed it, Mother's Day. Once you manage to find parking (come early for a reservation, you won't regret it), you'll find that beyond the small and unassuming entry way lies a well-decorated dining area right on the waterfront. It's got that upscale beachy vibe without being too uptight, and they really make the most of the small space. I had a mimosa before tucking into a very appropriately sized three course brunch. Between my mom and I, we tried 4 different types of seafood (lobster, tuna (?) tartare, salmon, eggs benedict) and they were all fantastic. As far as dessert here goes, if I were ordering off the regular menu, I'm not sure that I would order it again, because the upside-down pineapple cake and the chocolate thing that my mom had (chocolate ganache on top of some sort of crispy crust?) were just, O.K. My disclaimer here is that I'm picky about dessert and I think it paled in comparison to the first two courses we had there. The bill was not cheap (Approx $65/person + tax, tip), but it was a very well-rounded dining experience with good service for a special occasion and my mom was very happy (they even gave small bouquets of roses to each table towards the conclusion of the meal). I'd say you should come here when you're feeling a little more generous with your wallet so you can sip on an extra mimosa while enjoying the view and an awesome seafood brunch with your ___________ (insert: date, mother, girlfriends, etc.).
(4)
Brett F.
Tiny on space, HUGE on charm. Love the implied feeling of being on someones lavishly decorated, private, waterfront patio. Turn your face toward the sun and overlook the channel while sipping on ice cold Veuve... Mmm, heavenly! Personal touches like cute throw pillows, fancy mirrors, unfussy floral arrangements (hydrangeas, gorg!), rattan chairs and billowy curtains make this the idyllic spot for Sunday brunch, or brekkie any day of the week, really. Specialties like Croque Monsieur, Brioche French Toast and Filet Sliders - yes, for brunch - are well executed, mighty in portion and plated beautifully to aptly compliment the striking scenery already enveloping you. My personal fav, the Buttermilk Pancakes with Brandied Bananas, however, were so darn tempting and delectable I could barely take my eyes (or mouth) off of them long enough to even realize there was scenery to see. A testament to tasty, indeed. Lunch and Dinner are also served up in style at The Dock (what a great evening date spot this would be), though I've yet to experience either. Hint Hint, boys! Really though, Sunrise + Sunglasses + Sunny Side Up Eggs = All This Ray-Lovin' Bird Needs
(4)
Jay C.
A quaint place with great food and a wonderful view. My wife and I had dinner here, and we loved the food, the wine, the views, and the ambience. Our waiter, Jordan, was wonderful. He gave us excellent suggestions (both food and wine pairings), and he certainly enhanced our dining experience. We are definitely looking forward to going back there.
(5)
Minkkwan W.
Tucked away in Newport Beach is this wonderful spot my boyfriend took me to for Easter brunch. Started off the meal with a nice mimosa and the delicious cornbread muffin. Off the prix fixe menu, We ordered the Japanese hamachi and the salmon potato latkes. Such amazing flavor for both appetizers, I would go back just for those alone. Entree we ordered the fresh grilled salmon and the eggs Benedict. A great classic eggs Benedict, but the salmon with couscous was the star-- so fresh and perfectly grilled with moist flaky and flavorful meat. Finally we were so stuffed had to take the dessert courses home. Beautiful ambiance with beautiful food what else could you ask for? Happy Easter everyone!
(5)
Angie M.
Came here yesterday to celebrate my husband's birthday with our family. It was just the four of us- brought along the little man (3 year's old) and I called ahead for reservations. I loved the inside of this place. We were seated right on the water. The dining room is well decorated and peaceful. The food was delicious. We had the two course brunch and each sampled something different. I had the romaine salad, hubby loved the potato latkes and mother in law had the pear salad. For brunch I had the prawns and rissoto and the others had the french omlette. Presentation was fabulous and the taste was incredible. Our server was perfect, she was the right mix of attentive and friendly without being overbearing. We really enjoyed ourselves and the meal. The only drawback is that the woman seating us was a bit weird about us bringing in our 3 year old. We came equipped with an iPad and with threats of no Mickey Mouse for days if he misbehaved, and he was wonderful. She gave us a bit of a lecture about him being in the restaurant and it made us feel uncomfortable. We are used to fine dining places and know our son's behavioral patterns and felt good with our decision to bring him along. After the meal she softened when she realized he wasn't going to start throwing silverware and running all over the tables and commended him on his behavior. It just felt forced and kind of took away from our nice brunch. I think some people just need to give parents the benefit of the doubt sometimes! Overall though- make a reservation and enjoy a great meal here. It is wonderful and you won't regret it.
(4)
Jane W.
Perfect for a lazy summer morning brunch! I chose from a two course $25 per person brunch menu. I had an arugula salad with ham for my starter (definitely sounded more appetizing on the menu) as well as a grilled prawn dish, which was amazing. The prawn was super big and juicy and the plate was arranged very beautifully. The dining area isn't too big or overly fancy, but is right by the water and the ambiance is very relaxing. Will be back.
(4)
Kristen G.
Food here was outstanding! They have an option for a Prix Fixe menu that is $30 and you get 2 or 3 courses, I had to tomato/watermelon/pesto salad with Burrata cheese which was delicious, 2nd course was the pork belly Benedict. So good. I also love a good Bloody Mary and theirs was wonderful. Beautiful scenery, right on the water overlooking the bay and boats. The Dock is a gem, and I love eating here. The best part is that we made a reservation via yelp at 9:45 am for an 11:15 brunch time and it went off without a hitch. The only drawback is that it's VERY quiet. I mean quiet in that you can hear you dining neighbors conversation and they're speaking softly. Some good music (turned up just a little! Would be even better) View and food is definitely worth it. Thank you for the great food and service!
(5)
Amy C.
Came here because we made a mistake going somewhere else...somewhere that was absolutely horrible...and this place, was our saving grace! Amazing food Great wine list Friendly and knowledgeable staff What else could anyone ask for? Plus the view is pretty here...just a cute, boutique, and laid back place that is worth spending money at. To the owners, thank you!
(5)
Linda B.
We were a party of 10 celebrating my sisters birthday. I do not recommend large parties here. I give it a 1 star for the atmosphere on the water but that's it! What a disappointment! Don't waste your time or money on this restaurant. The service was unacceptable and seriously lacking and the food was expensive and just OK! Nothing to rave about and overrated. Most of our group are big foodies and come from a bloodline of culinary experience...we know good food!! we all concurred the same substandard review. Most of the entrees in our party were lukewarm when they finally arrived, the meat sauces were bland and lacked flavor and the salmon was dry. Our server claimed to be the manager and was the worst! He clearly didn't want to be there and it showed in his service yet we were billed 20% gratuity regardless. The other staff members were slow and the same, we had to ask them to buss our table and refill our water glasses. The biggest faux pas of the evening was when the server delivered an appetizer to the wrong person who took a bite and realized it wasn't what he had ordered. The server simply passed it along down the table to the other person who ordered it with the fork still on the plate from the other person who had eaten off that plate instead of bringing a new one! We were all shocked and appalled that a restaurant of this status would even attempt doing that! I had to ask our server to bring a new one since he made the mistake! He was put out and not even sorry about it and reluctant but did exchange it after he saw that I was upset and annoyed. They frown on bringing your own preferred wine and will allow 1 bottle at a 40$ corking fee. Their selection is just OK and overpriced compared to the other restaurants in the area for the same brands. We do not recommend this place. It was a big disappointment to say the least. It could have been an off night but I would not waste your time on high prices for mediocre food & wine selections, but mostly the bad service!....Unacceptable!
(1)
Richard P.
Not so great for groups over 6. I want to be fair, the food is great, the second best pork belly I have ever had! The location is very cool, anytime you can dine waterfront, I'm in. The service is very good my issue with the dock is their poor communication regarding their corkage fee, I was told it was $40.00 per bottle but was never told I was limited to just one bottle. I have dined here several times but this was the first time I had a group of over 6 and I left feeling, well not happy! Not the best feeling on your birthday....
The fish is so fresh and prepared exactly as you request. I went with very picky people and all were very pleased with the whole dining experience!
(5)
Shiva A.
Absolutely delicious brunch. Bring a date here for a more quiet, intimate meal. Their Sunday brunch is a two course prix fixe, $30/person. Their presentation was beautiful and the food was great too. Tasty coffee as well (must for me) and the service was outstanding. Great spot, will be back.
(5)
Di L.
I'm a foodie & I love this place. Been treated for dinner here a few times. Very romantic and enchanting little place tucked away next to the water. Ambiance is beautiful esp in the evening. Lamb chops are divine. Even if you're not a lamb fan, this is a contender with its tantalizing flavor that's not heavy. The rib eye with bordelaise sauce is so flavorful. Diver scallops are sweet and tender. And I'm not an iceberg lettuce kind of gal, (I use cracked head of butter leaf at home) but their version of the wedge explodes w flavor. Yes, it's pricey, but if you have a special occasion or want to wow someone who appreciates fine foods, this place is on point.
(5)
Joe G.
While on vacation in Newport Beach we tried dining in what we were told were the finest restaurants in town. We were so looking forward to a special evening and meal at The Dock because of it's location and famed ambiance. It was a BIG MISS!! The wine was warm bordering hot (both the red and white) and they don't serve cocktails. The food was beautifully presented but was VERY VERY VERY MEDIOCRE. My wife and I ordered our Salmon medium rare (bordering on rare), it came to us well done. In spite of trying to get the waiter to focus on our order, he was preoccupied and amused by some of his buddies dining there. The kitchen is open and extremely filthy and greets you when you open the front door, be careful though, the kitchen workers are always walking out rolling trash barrels, boxes and other disgusting dirty things. It was a week night, late and we were some of the last people in the restaurant, I believe there were only 4 or 5 full tables. While we were there, two VERY DRUNK young guys came in and roasted their friends (friends of the waiter) who were eating at a table nearby with non stop Loud over the top obscenities and turned the place into Animal House. Their language spared no offensive reference to males and females and various lewd acts. This went on for no less than 45 minutes and the manager never showed his face or did a thing! When we complained at the end, the waiter cringed, said the manager had left and said that the two jokers and diners were "friends and frequent guests". It was 2 hours and $250 I'll never get back!!
(1)
Chelsea R.
This was my second time at the dock and the location was just as good as I had remembered. The hostess was very accommodating and nice and the owner came up to us to make sure everything was tasting good.. However- we had the same waiter as last time who was unfortunately not very friendly at all. I was also looking forward to eating the appetizer muffins served before brunch but he forgot to bring these out for us. We came for Mother's Day so it was a fixed three course meal for 75 a person which is too expensive for any meal, in my opinion. But you really are paying for the ambiance and the location and setting cannot be beat. When we left, the owner gave us Mother's Day cookies which was an added bonus :) love the owner!
(4)
Cassie P.
I was lucky to attend a LOVELY bridal shower this past Saturday at The Dock. The venue looked so gorgeous! The food was as delish as possible. Service was on point. What a special place to hold a special event.
(5)
Scott B.
I made a reservation online it was super easy, I also requested a seat near the water, and they put me in the BEST seat, I could literally lean over and touch the bay! The whole back is wide open so you can watch everyone on the boats go by and there's a nice breeze, just bring glasses it can get bright! The food is also DELICIOUS and our waitress was a sweetheart! Overall a great experience, very romantic, and have already suggested it to a few friends!!
(5)
Rob H.
Wonderful two course Bunch. Yogurt fruit first course,then had two different Eggs Benedict, Salmon and Canadian Bacon. Great combo. Bloody Mary was yummy. Nice bay front/ dock view. Quick helpful staff.
This is a cute little restaurant, the seating area is out in a covered patio so you can see the beautiful bay and all of the boats passing by. Perfect place to relax on a Sunday. The brunch menu was fantastically creative. I can't wait to come back to try more food. The only thing that could make this Sunday Bruch perfect is to include bottomless champagne!!!
(4)
Kellie L.
Beautiful place (other than the main entry by the kitchen), food was good but I've had much better for less at neighboring Blue Water Grill. A glass of chardonnay (and only chardonnay available) was Cake Bread for a whopping $28 a glass. A birthday party of 11 people and the bill was $1200.00 - just crazy to me!!!!
(2)
Riannon M.
Ate at this place for brunch on a Sunday. Seems to be one of the best times to try this place out. The dining area is all open so it feels like you are outside. There are tables along the sides with couch seating, which was very comfortable. They have multiple different mimosas to choose from and a great yet small food menu. We had a very enjoyable time with fast service. We were in and out of there in a reasonable about of time. Highly recommend this place for Sunday Brunch!
(5)
Joyce K.
2 course PRE-FIXE BRUNCH $30 There is just something about eating next to the water and watching boats sail by... ambiance is PERFECTION for a bridal shower/baby shower or a girls brunch! I would say the ONLY con was that PARKING IS HORRENDOUS and it is not AYCD Other than that, MUY BUENO (unlike other reviews, our service was attentive and on point!) The FOOD: I had the Steak Tartar and the Eggs Benedict. BOTH DELICIOUS (pictures posted). I have honestly never had steak tartar (always tuna tartar)-- super flavorful! Eggs Benedict is so boring usually..but this one comes with PORKBELLY and who doesn't love porkbelly!!! The eggs were poached perfectly and I felt very satisfied as I poked open my egg yolk and watched it flood my plate. I know people have commented that the portion sizes were small but I was SO FULL afterwards. The man had the Albacore Tataki and Grilled Prawns-- he is a SEAFOOD LOVER. He was 100% satisfied. I had a taste of his albacore Tataki and YUM it was SOO good! The grilled prawns came on a bed of risotto which was melt in your mouth. He was ALSO very full after his meal, even though it didn't especially look like a ton of food..he did eat more than a few bites of my food though :P I enjoyed 2 hibiscus Mimosas. Beautiful coloring and potent! Much more "sour" than sweet, sort of like a grapefruit--if you are into that. I could have drank hibiscus mimosas all day and sat by the water! But its okay..i'll be back!
(5)
Mandy L.
Wow, The Dock is definitely a pleasant surprise: the nondescript front entrance is quite misleading as to how nice the interior is. It's decorated a bit like a cabana but instead of overlooking a pool, it overlooks the water. You get to enjoy your meal right on the dock while watching the boats and the occasional paddle boarder drifting on by. Sunday Brunch is a quiet affair, the restaurant was nearly empty, which was fine as there was plenty of people watching available on the water, but i can see how some people may find the emptiness a turn off. On the plus side, the waitress was very attentive. ( I would hope so given that there was not a lot of people to serve). They offer a pre-fixe two course brunch with an appetizer and main course. I feel like the portions were a bit small, but the quality is good. The ahi was delicious, drizzled in a creamy soy ginger sauce and came with a stuffed shishito pepper. We share the main course, so I was able to try the Eggs Benedict with gravlax and French Toast. Both were decent, but I definitely preferred the Eggs Benedict. Mostly because I love my salmon, and two...well...I've had pretty great French Toast with bigger portions. The french toast came with two slices of bacon though, so there's a plus for you bacon lovers. In all, it's a nice restaurant. It's a cute venue for a date, or a low-key brunch with the girls. I don't think I would come here with a large group unless you plan to consciously keep the conversational volume down.
(4)
Deborah T.
Fabulous Atmosphere and love the Brunch. A well kept secret in Newport Beach. Loved the Service . Eric was an excellent Waiter. We will try dinner soon.
(5)
Chelsy D.
Outstanding. Excellent service and excellent food. We had the halibut special, the salmon, the crab beignets, and the foie gras. All of which were amazing. I think we found our new anniversary spot!
(5)
Tina I.
Our party of 5 was impressed and had a lovely dinner. Some of the dishes were salty, but beautifully presented. Unique and delicious combinations of flavors and textures. An excellent establishment worth trying. Service was excellent, though our server (Trevor) wasn't as warm and friendly as the other staff. The other staff made sure we weren't in need of anything, always there to provide water, clear our plates, help with a spilled glass of water and some friendly conversation. Even the staff who answers the phone was very polite and friendly. Great location, right on the water. Gets chilly, and though there are heaters, it's good to bring layers. A nice touch to have fresh floral arrangements on the tables and in the entry way. A bit pricey, but understandably with the care in the quality of ingredients, the presentation and unique flavors. The chef does an excellent job and is accommodating to vegetarians. $7 for a cup of (bagged) organic tea? That felt a bit extreme (like we were being taken advantage of), hence the 4 stars. Parking was easy to find. Free metered parking after 6pm. NOTE: a credit card is required for reservations. You'll have up to 4 hours prior to cancel. Otherwise you'll be charged. If you make a reservation thru Open Table, you're still required to call & confirm.
(4)
Mickey H.
Brunch, yes, absolutely. I was solo in the SoCal area for a weekend between work trips and was very happy that I came across this spot. I was originally heading somewhere else, but as fate would have it, there was some race which closed part of PCH. This diverted me towards the Newport Beach area. The prix fixe menu was a great deal for $30, I was very happy with the options and the quality of food. I started with Tuna Sashimi which may have been the best pieces of raw fish I ever ate, the flavor combinations of the salad served with it were fantastic. As for the main course, I went with the omelette of the day which was as good as an omelette can get! I got a Bloody Mary with my brunch, which was the least impressive part of the meal. I didn't think it was all that great, especially with the $10 price tag. Overall, the service was good and food was fantastic for what you're paying, I can't wait to come back to this spot when I'm in the area!
(5)
Andrew Z.
A interesting little gem. Definitely would not have found if it weren't for Yelp! I brought my girlfriend for our anniversary and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being right by the waterfront was a nice touch and because we came here for Sunday brunch, we had the 2 course pre fixe menu. Some dishes I would argue are better than others but I would still definitely recommend! The place is on the smaller side and arguably not great for larger groups. Lovely place, very cozy and homey.
(5)
Oink A.
The best view and ambiance of any restaurant I've been to across the country in the last year - period. Our reservation was early, 6pm, we sat literally next to the 2 foot sea wall over looking the bay and bathed in moonlight. The food was grand champion, the spiced lamb was a great play on a dish that is frequently good but rarely wow, the steak was great, the sea bass special of the day was fantastic. The deserts and appetizers likewise were delicious with amazing presentation. Great restaurant. If up to spend some money on a meal in Newport beach, book here and mastros. You won't be disappointed
(5)
Elaine N.
What a PERFECT place to celebrate my birthday on 12-13-14. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Upon arriving to the front door, my initial response was that the place was a small, local restaurant. When I arrived inside, the ambiance of the restaurant quickly swept me off my feet. Candles were lit, Christmas lights were up, and I saw the most gorgeous view of the dock from where I was standing by the hostess's table. Right when we told the person (who we believed was to be our host) the name of our party and that we had reservation, he gave a smile and a nod that he was expecting us. We were seated one table away from the dock at a booth. The booth had couch-like cushions that reminded me of couches you sit at when you come to your rich great uncle's home, and it even had comfortable back pillows. Fortunately for my boyfriend and I, the table right next to us and the dock finished their dinner right when we sat down. I asked the host if we can move to their table because I wanted to be closer to the dock. Without hesitation, the restaurant was able to clean up the table and sat us before the bread came out. The complimentary bread was hot and had steam coming out as we sliced it open. The butter couldn't have been anymore perfect to compliment with the warm and fluffy bread. For appetizers, we ordered the Soup du Jour, Crab Beignets, and Kurobuta Pork Belly. All three were enjoyable. The Soup du Jour had just the right amount of saltiness to my liking, the caramelized onions were not too empowering, and the remained gooey from beginning to end. The Kurobuta Pork Belly must have been prepared for days because the meat fell right off and was as soft as the butter we had. The Crab Beignet was definitely my favorite of the three appetizers that we ordered. Just the thought of them with the mango sauce is making me drool and crave for more. For the second course, my boyfriend ordered the Smoked Free Range Pork Chop, and I ordered the Fresh Market Salmon with risotto. I was surprised that I enjoyed the Pork Chop more than my salmon. The Pork Chop was infused with lemony herbs, and was very soft and tender, and full of flavor. The Pork Chop also came with this polenta cake that had anything like it before -- a cornmeal boiled into porridge, fried and sizzled on the outside. I can literally eat that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... My salmon was definitely fresh, and the risotto was so comforting to the stomach and soul. I also MUST MUST mention about my waiter, ERIC. The experience would have not been perfect without him. He brought out 2 complimentary wine glasses to pair with our dinner AND complimentary desserts. One glass of wine was because my boyfriend finished his too fast, and the second glass was for our dessert. Normally for birthday celebrations, restaurants bring out a small cupcake, or a scoop or two of ice cream. Well, The Dock Restaurant brought out upside down pineapple cake with a scoop of coconut ice cream, and this harden fudge placed over some graham-like cookie. The fudge also came with a scoop of a different flavor of ice cream that tasted like tiramisu. Not only that, that ice cream was also sitting on top of crumbled grahams. All was too perfect at The Dock Restaurant. Food, dessert, drinks were amazing, and so was the view. We even saw boats lit up with Christmas lights. Eric knew when to leave the boyfriend and I alone when we were having our romantic moments and enjoying the ambiance, and Eric also knew when to come to attend to our needs. We will definitely be back to celebrate many more occasions here!
(5)
Nate M.
The Dock is a really nice, but pricy restaurant located on the harbor of Newport Beach. The dock is the right name for it because you literally feel like the restaurant is built on a dock - if you sit at one of the tables along the edge, you can look down and see water. For those of you with boats, you can dock and eat. The food is really well prepared. I got a venison platter while my wife chose the NY stake. Both were delicious and cooked perfectly. We also got a half bottle of wine. We would have gotten a full bottle but they only had one cab on the menu and it was well over $100!! So we settled for a half bottle, which was really good. My only complaint is that the wine was way overpriced relative to the food and there was no selection of cabs which is essential when serving red meat.
(4)
Robert S.
We came here last night with high expectations, and our party of 5 was promptly seated and we were asked what type of water we wanted, I should have enjoyed this moment more as it was our best service of the night! We ordered wine and dinner and then the wait began...after the wine was poured the fun began...after 30 minutes we received our appetizers, which by the way were great (the hamachi especially). After our wine and water glasses were empty I had to ask the waiter to pour the wine and refill water. After waiting another 50 minutes and after seeing people who arrived 30 minutes after us being served dinner I asked where our dinner is and was told "5 minutes more it's a very small kitchen" finally our food started to arrive...first 2 plates, then full minute later 2 more, after another 2 minute wait the final person was served. In addition to terrible service the food was barely warm, the bronzino was very over cooked and the risotto was gummy, dry, and over cooked. When we were asked about desert I told the waiter we had plans the next day and couldn't wait... The only reason I gave them 1 star was that the hamachi was great...(and yelp can't give them no stars) This was a very expensive meal and definitely not worth the price or the 2 1/2 hours it took to complete the meal...There are much better choices, especially at this price point, needless to say I won't ever return, and anyone who is considering dinner here should spend big bucks where service and food is worth it.
(1)
Jay M.
My wife and I went here on a whim 1 year ago right after we got married. We weren't really looking for a restaurant (we already ate) and fell upon this gem. It was a little pricier than we usually spend, but we only get married once. The service was great, wine delish, food was ri-donk-ulous. It was so amazing that we went back from our one year anniversary. We started with their Crab Croquettes, then dove into Duck and Scallops, and finished off with a chocolate treat. We will definitely be back next year.
(5)
Annette T.
Best Resteraunt in Newport. Great location romantic, beautiful presentation, fantastic staff.
(5)
Jonard T.
I made last minute reservations for Sunday brunch. I wanted to take a special friend of mine out for his birthday and decided on this place because other reviews said it was romantic. And yes it was. Literally right off the dock, every table has a view of the water. Even the restroom had fresh, wonderful smelling flowers inside. For the first entree, my friend and I shared the Steak Tartar and Kurobuta Pork Belly. Both were great choices. This was my first time having Steak Tartar. It was well seasoned and well minced. Paired with rye bread and topped with the violet mustard mayo (tasted like sour raspberry), this dish was delicious. Now I'm not a big fan of pork belly, but now I am. The pork was crispy on top and tender and juicy inside. I couldn't get enough of it. For the second entree, we split the Brioche French Toast and Eggs Benedict with Pork Belly. Again, both great options. I liked the subtle vanilla taste. The greatest part of that dish though was the bacon, but that's because I'm a big bacon lover. The Eggs Benedict were prepared perfectly and again, I can't get enough of that Pork Belly. The hollandaise was creamy and complimented the pork belly well. The potato gratin was a great addition to the dish too; it was soft and flavorful. Service was excellent. Our waiter made great recommendations (which we took!) and brought us complimentary mimosas while we were waiting for our entrees. I didn't even think the food was taking too long. Score! Now this restaurant is on the pricier side, so maybe this wouldn't be a good option if you're on a budget. The way I think about it: come here with someone that's worth the price.
(4)
Mike R.
Went their a few weeks ago for my birthday Dinner. Be prepared to spend a lot. I'd only been there once previously for their Sunday Brunch. Food and Service are excellent. They had seared Foi Gras as their appetizer special, which was very good. My complaint is the wine list it is the highest in Orange County cheapest bottle is $65 (Red) corkage fee is ridiculous at $40, with a limit of 1 per table. This is outrageous, something must be done about it. I doubt I will return unless this is addressed.
(3)
Jason S.
Food great!! Service absolutely terrible!!! Takes forever for anything. Not sure if I would come back based on the service.
(3)
Ann J.
Do not dine at this restaurant, it was so disappointing to pay all this money for a large party and be treated by this wine manager that made you feel NOT welcomed, the food was just ok, there are far better restaurants in Newport Beach to spend your money on. the server made a mistake and gave an appetizer to one of the other guests, so he started eating it ,not knowing and we immediately told the server and he just switched it after the guest was eating off of it, would this be a health department issue?? from a restaurant as high priced as this , unacceptable?? on top of that they had the nerve to charge a 20% gratuity regardless..
(1)
Kimberley S.
Came here on a Sunday for Sunday brunch around 10:30. Wasn't too busy. Ambiance is wonderful :) directly on the water. Dining area is very small and cold during the fall/winter so bundle up. They do have heat warmers. On Sunday's they have a pre fix menu ($30 each). The food was absolutely amazing! Can't wait to return.
(5)
Anna S.
What a quaint find. We went for a joint family birthday and we were able to easily find metered parking right across the street and another car parked down the street. The street is also off to the side so there weren't a lot of people or cars along the street. We went in and it wasn't even that busy. It looks a bit dated from the outside. Hasn't anyone seen that "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" episode where they just wanted to banish those weird 80s looking glass walls? No one should EVER have that in their decor. Especially in a nice area like Newport. Anyways, the design looked a lot more modern inside. We were seated right in the middle and it worked out great. Our little one was a well behaved baby as long as he was fed. They have the pre fixe option for Sunday brunch which meant one side and one entree for $30 per person. I ordered the couscous salad (which I could feed to the little one) and the duck hash for my entree. The couscous salad was beautifully dressed with feta, olives and pomegranate seeds. It was delicious! The entree was a nice duck leg dressed with broccolini, potatoes, and a well poached egg. I made the mistake of eating all the sides around me, then the duck. If you don't eat the duck with the sides, the duck itself was way too salty. Guess it should've come with instructions. At the end, we all shared a delicious pineapple cake with fresh raspberries and a dollop of coconut ice cream on the side. There were also corn muffins being passed around at each table. Everyone including the little one really enjoyed it. Not too sweet and wonderfully moist. The wait staff was wonderfully patient and provided wonderful service. High recommended.
(4)
Elaine K.
I would definitely come back here for the ambiance. Perfect for romantic dates, bridal showers, bachelorettes, birthdays, etc The restaurant is elegantly dec-ed out and is located right by the water. I came here on a Sunday morning for their pre-fixed 2 course meal ($30). I got the albacore tataki as my first meal and it was pretty good. For my second course, I got the omelet. I actually didn't really like it. The omelet was kinda tasteless and it comes with a kale salad which I personally don't like. I tried my friends eggs benedict and liked his dish a lot more. If you're looking for a relaxing peaceful brunch, this is the place for you. I loved watching boats sail by and people paddle boarding as I enjoyed my brunch :)
(4)
M R.
I came here for my birthday and the service and food was absolutely delicious! We got seated quickly, and my husband had made a reservation with a request for the view but because of availability they sat us down initially at the table in the end, but because a table became available, they moved us. The food was absolutely delicious and unique! Enjoyed the lamb, the lobster first course, and the scallops and oxtail! Would come back!
(5)
Alex P.
The food was so excellent, that I decided to give this place a second shot and bump up the rating to 5 stars. As during my first visit, every dish was a piece of art, both in flavor and presentation. The service was off the charts. And the atmosphere, well, amazing to put in one word. Getting a table next to the water is your best option, which has a small firepit next to it. To summarize, the atmosphere in this restaurant is as romantic and beautiful as it gets, the food is off the charts and gets complemented by top notch service.
(5)
Elyse R.
I was pleasantly surprised with The Dock! My girlfriends and came here for Sunday brunch. Everyone knows you can't go wrong with mimosas and girl talk! But this restaurant is so cute and quaint inside! It lies right on the "dock." You can see people paddling by and boast passing through. The restaurant offers an awesome Sunday Brunch Pre Fix menu for $30... Steal! For my first course I ordered the Steak Tartar... Delicious! My second course was the Eggs Benedict... Classic favorite of mine for brunch... Hollandaise sauce was perfection! It was my first time trying a "hibiscus mimosa" and I really enjoyed it. It was more a tropical flavored mimosa and I really liked the twist! The atmosphere and vibe were perfect for brunch and being on the bay just made the afternoon an unforgettable one! I look forward to coming here again! The only reason why I didn't give The Dock 5 stars is because they don't offer BOTTOMLESS mimosas... I need that! Lol! And parking was a bit of a pain with the parking meters!
(4)
Dave C.
Great Sunday Brunch! Even our finicky kids enjoyed this place, and the harbor view makes this place a nice escape!
(4)
Robert M.
I have seen this place from a boat many times, but was not sure I could actually find it. But I did. The restaurant is not all about the location. The location is beautiful however. The view of Newport Harbor and boats going to and from is relaxing. You can dock here and be seated for a meal. The decor is almost all white, with nautical wood and portholes providing appropriate waterside decor. The food was amazing and every dish wowed the eyes with presentation, and wowed the tastebuds with perfectly balanced flavors. Service couldn't be better also, with our server making suggestions, relaying comments to the chef, and providing a complimentary amuse bouche for our table. I couldn't be happier that this restaurant exists in Newport Beach. It was worth the scavenger hunt to find it.
(5)
Lilly L.
A really nice place to have brunch by the water! For $30 fix price you can choose 2 courses. The food presentation was beautiful! No bottomless mimosa or dessert includes. Sad sigh. So when you add these it easily becomes $50 per person.
(4)
Jazzmin E.
Came here on a whim for brunch and was a little skeptical when I say down bc I'm usually a big traditional breakfast kind of girl and realized this was a 2 course set up. Well I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed everything I got and would come again and the service was very attentive!
(5)
Tom B.
Absolutely amazing, upscale breakfast dining on the water. Service was impeccable and the food was perfect. We came at 1 on Sunday and were seated immediately, wait staff was very attentive and food was served quickly. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Eunice L.
"Waterfront alfresco patio dining with an infused continental menu and outstanding wine list of domestic and imported." The Dock lives up to its description and is a gem hidden amongst warehouse-looking buildings! VENUE: The Dock is a little hard to find because it blends in with its warehouse surroundings! Once you enter, you'll be escorted past racks of wines into a beautiful dining room surrounded by an open wall streaming in views of the Newport Bay and the blue California skies. We were seated at the prime table in the house, directly adjacent to the water and truly dining waterfront alfresco. In fact, our table was such prime real estate that other parties would come and stand next to our table for a picture. Guys, make sure you request this table if you're looking to impress your lady friend! AMBIANCE: We arrived before around 6:30PM and viewed the sunset from our seats as we dined! As the moon comes up, the restaurant was transformed into a warm, intimate patio with candlelight gracing each table and bouncing off the white walls and furniture. Absolutely stunning and elegant! SERVICE: From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, service was impeccable. Our server had memorized an extensive four dishes being offered that night that weren't available on the menu, made great recommendations for wine pairings, and had a contagious friendliness that made our experience that much more pleasant! As soon as we had finished ordering, he even brought out two complementary bite-sized appetizers that was apparently being tested by the chef -- so good! In addition, we finished eating in around 2 hours but our server came by and told us that we had the table for the rest of the night so we could stay longer and finish our wine and conversation... that we did and ended up staying for 4 hours total! FOOD: You know how there's some places with amazing ambiance but disappointing food? This is definitely not one of them! I had the ASPARAGUS SALAD with frisee and a fried quail egg which was perfectly seasoned, fresh, and light -- just what I was looking for! For my entree, I had the RED WINE BRAISED SHORT RIBS with saffron risotto wild mushrooms, candied bacon which was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I took one bite and was in seventh heaven. I'm not too sure what wine we had but it perfectly complemented the short rib! Not too dry, not too sweet... just perfect. For dessert, we shared the BANANA BREAD with pistachio(?) ice cream. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of anything banana but the bread was so warm, rich, and soft that it melted in your mouth along with the ice cream! TIPS: -Download the ParkMobile app! Most of the meters around the restaurant let you pay by phone. That way, if your time runs out, you can add more time from the comfort of your seat like we did! -I figured out too late but there's two restrooms in the hallway: one unisex and one female. Don't be like me and use the unisex restroom when there are guys waiting. All in all, I love fine dining every now and then and The Dock delivers on its FINE views and interior as well as the amazing DINING options it offers. If you're looking for an classy, intimate restaurant to wine and dine with excellent food, impeccable service, and fabulous company, come to The Dock!
(5)
Cat H.
One of my dearest friends had a bday so I decided I was going to take him to dinner. A short yelp later, I figured this place sounded pretty nifty. I didn't realize this place is literally on the water. From our table, I literally could've tossed bread to fish below, had there been any. The restaurant was open air, so thankfully I had a jacket as it was very cold. The rocks on fire was a nice heater too. The restaurant was small and intimate but not once do I think I heard other diners' conversations, perhaps partly because my own is always entertaining, but I think mainly because it's not a loud crazy place. It's just perfect for a relaxed dinner. Our server was very kind and very sweet and I think he understood but laughed sweetly at all my ridiculous substitutions. Hey, a girl's gotta' keep a slim figure and it's not going to be by eating risotto. Food wise, the halibut was divine. And I think the steak was too because all I saw was a blur above my friend's plate. Coupled with some nice wine which I'll have to remember the name of, and we had ourselves an enjoyable little evening. I'll have to make it a point to come back.
(5)
G B.
-The food was great. -Atmosphere was great. -The lights kept flickering off and on which was a distraction. -Our waiter gets a D grade. He was barely around and kept giving attention to the table next to us and wouldn't even look our way. We got through o
(4)
Eileen P.
My husband and I stumbled upon this gem, purely by chance last night. Pricey? Yeah, but sooo worth it! Everything from the service, to the understated, yet elegant ambiance, to the dockside location and the artfully presented courses was outstanding. You should definitely check out their menus. Our waiter was extremely knowledgable regarding the wines, (It's likely he was trained as a sommelier as well.) He knew every intricacy of food prep as well as every last ingredient of our meals. This place is NOT "snooty" as I read in some of the other reviews. The entire staff was very welcoming, despite the fact that we showed up just before the kitchen closed. I would highly recommend this one for special occasions, or just a luxuriously romantic evening with someone very special. E. Parker Hollywood Riviera
(5)
Nicole T.
I have had almost everytihng on the menu and loved each dish. Chef Pablo is very talented and the staff here is well educated. Can never go wrong with anything on menu. If you havent tried brunch it is amazing! A must try would be the tuna tar tar and the beef carpacio. The brunch is $25 per person but you re getting 2 entress which it makes the $25 completly worth it. The only thing i would complain about is the food takes awhile. So be prepared to sit and relax for a little bit. If you are looking for something a little cheaper try the Porch which is literally across the street. This is their sister restaurant and is just as good.
(4)
Brooke P.
The heat wave hit The Dock hard. Ambiance is great until you are sitting outside in the sun and melting. Only true orange county locals can complain that it is too hot if the temp reaches 85 and we are eating. Oh well, on to the review. I really like the ambiance here and may use a few ideas in my own home. It has a light airy feel and great views. We saw people coming and going on Duffy boats, stand up paddle boards and motor boats. Such a great way to recover from a rockin' Jason Aldean concert the night before. We had brunch from the set menu, which included a first course and an entree. I went with spicy tuna on eggplant tempura. It was very fresh and delicious, plus they topped it with tobiko which added a salty crunch. Husband had the grilled romaine which was a more substantial option. He liked it too. For an entree I had the sliders. Big juicy patties and dripping with aioli, caramelized onion and blue cheese. It came with two, which was more than enough. I should have subbed out the shoestring fries for pomme frites. The potatoes were cut so thin you couldn't really even pick them up let alone dip in ketchup. Oh well, next time. I also got a hibiscus champagne cocktail. Ok, but not anything to write home about. Two course brunch was $25 per person. For that I am subtracting one star. Not the least expensive brunch by any means, especially without including any alcohol. Charlie palmers is the same $$ for a two course brunch but includes bloody Mary bar. May want to try again with girlfriends.
(4)
Rho L.
Charming little spot for sunday brunch! Came here with the fam, all 12 of us, and we were seated with no problem. Parking can be difficult since there's no actual lot, and the street parking here can be arduous during peak hours. Definitely higher end breakfast joint, but it's newport beach, so that's almost expected. Make sure you try their muffins, and while you're at it dab a pat (or two) of butter on 'em. Mmmmm sooo good. I ordered the croque monsieur, quite honestly because I have an affinity for spittin out words en francais. No, joke. Luckily, the dish itself was as savory as the sound of its name. Oh I ordered a side of bacon as well, because..well....I have a soft spot for fatty pork. . I tried a little bit of everything as well. Smoked salmon benedict was A-OK, great for trying, but not nearly enough food to fill me. Wasn't too much a fan of their omelets though. The beef sliders, nomnomnom. A bit pricey relative to the food that appeared on your plate though. Our coffee cups were consistently filled, so I appreciated that. My favorite plate was definitely this white chocolate bread pudding thing. Omfg. I was so disappointed I didn't get one all to myself. So I had to pout for more forkfuls of it..
(3)
Penny F.
It was good. I will give it that. It is a terrific setting and quaint. However, comma, it is far too snooty for my taste. I am not cheap but if I am paying $25 per person for very small portions of food I am not going to be happy about spending $5.00 on a Diet Coke. Oh, and another $5.00 on coffee. Seriously? It is a pre-fixe brunch and you have to charge such enormous prices because we would like to have a drink, simple albeit, but a drink-seems kind of poor to me. As in, poor taste. I won't be returning. It is hard to talk yourself into small portions, $5.00 drinks and sub-par service that doesn't reflect the pricing. Also, they will basically harass you about the reservations. 3 times within 12 hours they called. Message to the owner: When a person is on vacation or has people in town calling them repeatedly is kind of annoying.
(3)
Steven P.
Fabulous dining experience on two separate occasions! For a comprehensive review, see my blog post at: wineandfoodpairings.net
(5)
Dina P.
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. I had the paella and it was enough for two and the price was fair. The service was very good with the waiter being knowledgable in the menu with great suggestions
(5)
Yuri V.
You can ride up to this cool, little restaurant in your duffy boat. The food is exceptional and so is the service. Everything is designed like you are on a ship, but it is done in a classy way. The wine list is impressive.
(4)
Brandon T.
We came to The Dock for Father's Day and it was a wonderful venue to celebrate at. The atmosphere is really unique for the area with the small size and waterside view. We probably saw fifteen boats go by in the first few minutes we we there. Food quality was outstanding. For the holiday it was a fixed menu and I had the hamachi with watermelon for an appetizer and the lamp chops for the entree. The hamachi was fresh and light with high quality ingredients, but the real show stopper was the lamb. The smokey flavor they infused in the meat was one of a kind and something I'd go back for. They also had a killer bloody mary if you're into such things ;) The only downside was the price which I think was a little inflated. I usually think a nice fixed menu brunch should be around $40 with mimosas or something included...and The Dock's was $50 with no drinks. The price brings the rating to a 4 instead of a 5 star affair.
(4)
Jennipher C.
The lady who is the owner was selectively friendly. Not worth the trip again. Food was ok. Nice ambiance.
(2)
Chantel M.
Love this spot whether its a romantic dinner or cozy brunch. Unique setting, great service and food.
(5)
Julian Q.
Excellent food! Great waterfront location, although probably better in the day time.
(5)
Nicole R.
We went there for the happy hour - sitting in the bar area. The restaurant was too warm that we had too leave after half an hour. The crab cakes were good.
(3)
Diane B.
This was a wonderful surprise today! Every one of my brunch companions who are well traveled was overwhelmed. The selection of the food, presentation and quality were top notch. I probably had the best eggs benedict. My boss had shrimp on top of risotto. She went on and on about their sauce. My other friend had yummy garlic soup and french toast. And even the plates were unique. A two course brunch was only $25 in Newport Beach. And the food servings were very generous. Amazing deal. You also sit right next to the water. Service was perfect. Unpretentious. Perfect meal. This will be one meal I won't forget.
(5)
Fig O.
THESE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING A RESTAURANT!!!!If it wasn't for the food and the view this place would be 0 stars. We went there for Valentines Day and this was my second time there. The first time we went the service was really bad so we thought we would give it another chance to see if they were just having a bad day...Not the case. We arrive and were seated upstairs with a great view of the bay to our right and this beautiful full bar to our left(I'll get back to this). We sat and waited for someone to take our drink order.............Finally waters came and we asked the man if we could order a drink.......no exaggeration an hour and a half later the waitress comes over and asks us if we want to order a drink. Ummm yes I think we would. No apology nothing. I let it go. We decide to opt out of the 1 bottle maximum corkage fee being we had a lot of people and not wanting to pay an outrageous fee of $55 a bottle. The problem is the wine list is obnoxiously overpriced and their cheapest bottle is garbage for about $100. Keep in mind there is a full bar to your left but NO they don't serve hard alcohol. That bar is for the jerk owner who let's his guests look at his full bar that they aren't allowed to order from being they don't serve hard alcohol. Who does that? So back to the dinner....We decide to go with the pairing and finally by hour two they poured our first drink and take our order. About 2.5 hours later still no apps. they bring bread. hahah. Now our whole table is just getting pissed and it's 10:45 at night and we had an 8:15 dinner reservation. So I flagged the waitress down and asked her what was going on. She presumed to look at me as if something was wrong with me for asking what the hell is taking so long. She wouldn't even admit to me there is a major issue and they are obviously understaffed. She pretended like it was part of the night and the pairing. I've been to tons of pairings from Montage to French Laundry and let me tell you they stuff you full of food and drinks from the moment you get there to the moment you leave. This is not how a pairing goes. Hour 3 still nothing. I told her we wanted to leave that this was ridiculous. She finally admitted the kitchen was running a little slow. "A little slow" I don't think so. Keep in mind we are paying $250 a head. She said the first course is coming soon and for me to just wait. No check. We are starved at this point and don;t want to just walk out and find a new place to eat. SO we wait and finally the first course comes and from then on the rest of the meal came out. We left the restaurant at 12:30 and our reservations was 8:15. I love to dine and 4 hours of dining would be fine if we were fed a bunch of apps/drinks or something during the first 3 hours. The service here is awful and they won't admit when they are wrong. And guys the bar has got to go or you need to serve hard booze. Finally our check game nd they didn't comp a single thing! The food is actually good not great but good. It's not much better than cannery next door though. Overall the view and food are good but the prices aren't justified. The service is horrendous, the corkage fee is comical, the bar that no one can drink from is arrogant, the wine prices are over the top and you are forcing people to order from that list because there is nothing else to drink!!!! As a Newport local I will never go back to this place and think this place is a tourist trap. Don;t be fooled!
(1)
Lynn H.
One of the best brunch places that I have ever been to. Location: from the outside, it looks like a small place tucked away in an even smaller street. From the inside, it is a gorgeous space with a serene, relaxed atmosphere. The eating area opens out into the water for a beautiful view. Price: for Sunday brunch, they had a prefixed menu of 2 courses for $30/person. A little on the pricier side for brunch, but it was totally worth it. Food: I tried the fried calamari, steak tartar, eggs Benedict, and quiche du jour, and everything was delicious. The calamari was crisp, steak tartar was fresh and flavorful, and eggs Benedict was rich and runny. The quiche was probably my least favorite since it didn't come with that buttery crust that makes a quiche, but it was still very satisfying. Service: attentive yet relaxed and not overbearing like a lot of upscale places tend to be. To summarize, if you want a nice relaxing brunch in a beautiful setting with delicious food, I would definitely recommend checking out The Dock!
(4)
James P.
Visited here while in Newport for the weekend, decided to try it for brunch. I'm giving 2 stars, not because it was a horrible experience or because I have any single major complaint. Rather, it was a pretty average experience rather steeply priced (especially for brunch). The view was nice, but I think it looked better in the pictures. They open it up toward the water, and there are a few flies; annoying, but bearable. Ordered the Greek yogurt with fruit and the eggs benedict. Both were ok. If presented with the food and asked what I would expect to pay, I would have said $15, or $20 on the high end to account for the location (brunch was $35). The coffee was good, but again, I did not expect to pay $5 for a black coffee. Service was decent to above average. Anyway, brunch for two plus two coffees (no cocktails) is $80, ends up being $95 with tax and tip. My honest feeling is that at half the price, it would still be too expensive, and I do not consider myself a particularly price-sensitive customer. I don't recommend it.
(2)
Georgia C.
BEST sunday fancy but relaxed sunday brunch for a GREAT price!!!!!!!!!I took my new boyfirend there to meet my best friend and it was ideal. GREAT food, GREAT service, on the water. Very romantic if you want. But I plan on taking my parents there when they come to town as well. couldn't say more jsut go
(5)
V V.
Great food, beautiful scenery, romantic vibe. Beer and Wine only (limited by the glass selection) but an extensive bottle list . I had the halibut and risotto and hubby had scallops, both D-lish!
(4)
Kristina G.
This is a quaint little restaurant overlooking the Newport marina. They have tasty food if you are willing to spend a little more for quality. I've been here both for lunch and dinner with a girlfriend and we love the food and the ambiance of this place. The service is superb, very attentive and friendly. The best time to go here is at sunset on a summer night, it makes for a wonderful evening. Heck, I think this a date-nite kind of place! Just a note on their hours, its kinda random...so double check the hours and make a reservation if you can.
(4)
Monte R.
So I read the review by Raymond A from a few weeks back. I hate to play the race card. BUT, we are latinos and we were denied the window table like Raymond A. We felt like Raymond A. We were not treated very well by the hostess (tall blond lady) and despite my LV purse and not too bad attire I was unnecessarily told I could not take the dipping sauces' stoneware with my left overs. Could it be that race had to do with the way we were treated? If so, this GOTTA stop... or the next latino lawyer that shows up to this place (because yes, we do exist) may have more time than my husband and I and may do more research and writing than just a yelp review. We are on August of 2013! Wow! So here we go... I would have given this place a 3 maybe even a 4 stars review, but for the tall blond hostess who "helped" us in and totally ruined the experience (and in fact motivated me to write this review). At $40 for a brunch 2 entry menu, you are in for the experience, not so much for the food, since I am used to much better food at half the price, and I did not have a good experience. I asked the hostess if we could sit closer to the window and she said the table was reserved for 4 people. Less than 15 minutes later I saw her sit another 2 person party (like mine) in that same table and I realized she could have in fact made the effort to sit us where I would have been happy, but instead insisted in sitting us where she wanted us to sit. The waitress was nice, although at the end when I asked her if I could take the dipping sauces with my left overs she told me: "I can't give you the containers", are you serious? I guess I look like the kind of person who needs an explanation on how you cannot take a restaurant's stoneware home. I don't know, I just didn't feel at ease, I did not feel "welcomed". The space is just some made up old boat house (that could use some better upgrades), nothing especial, definitely not up to many other 4 or 5 other restaurants I have been to. And I am giving it a 1 star so others don't make the mistake I did. I saw the 4 stars on yelp and decided to give it a try. I should have tried another place. I won't go there again. Oh! And good luck finding parking.
(1)
Loren N.
Worth every penny!! My husband and I had dinner here on our honeymoon. This place is a hidden gem among all of the regular fancy places in Newport. Lobster & ravioli starter was off the charts delicious. I ate the Atlantic salmon for my main course which had such great flavor and sides. In addition to all of that the fish was very fresh and fluffy. My husband had the fish special of the night Halibut, equally delicious and fresh. The best part of our night was the salted chocolate ganache!! We will definitely be back to enjoy the outstanding food, intimate and romantic ambiance. A special thanks to the waiter who took care of us. What a memorable night!
(5)
Asm A.
went here for breakfast with the hubby and i have to tell you it was a great place to go, one of the best, actually. small, cozy place, great atmosphere and super super friendly service. i love how the place is decorated with canopies and the seating is so comfortable! the view was nice as well, you're next to the beach, what more do you want?! it's a great place to dine with friends, family, or your loved one! would def love to go back for lunch/dinner as their menu changes and i've heard they change up the decor a bit as well!
They say there are three things that make a restaurant, food, ambiance, and customer service. I would say the dark covers all three of these departments very well. Located deep in Newport in a quaint little neighborhood, the Dock probably isn't a place that will stand out very much. Even upon first entering it still seems like a humble place. But then as you proygress towards the rear of the establishment you are introduced to a breath taking view of the dock where your adventure will begin. I was hear for my sister's baby shower (Which is a-ok in my book). There were several appetizers and entrees offered during the meal and everything was exquisite. I almost want to make a very bold statement and say that this was some of the best calamari that I've had, but I'm going to hold back because that's just too bold. On a humorous note, the only complaint that I have is that I thought it was bottomless mimosas so I was going buck wild on it but it ended up being not =( Sorry sister!
(4)
Mymy L.
Came back for brunch this past Saturday with some friends and sadly The Dock failed to live up to first impressions. The bloody marys which I touted as the best bloody mary I've ever had were absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it was just very bad vodka but each sip left the nastiest aftertaste. I opted for the chicken sandwich with roasted tomatoes, mozarella and pesto sauce. Sadly, the tomatoes were not roasted and the chicken was a tad dry and bland. My boyfriend had the lamb chops with couscous and this was a surprisingly good dish. I've never been a fan of lamb but this was prepared quite well and had no gamey taste. Our friends had the croque monsieur and the eggs benedict which were thankfully just as good as my first visit. I'm docking The Dock one star for the disappointing bloody mary and my dry chicken sandwich. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and knock it up to a difference in wait and kitchen staff... perhaps brunch is just better on Sundays.
(2)
Ned F.
The Dock was a Disappointing . I had the soup, and if was not good, I think they used can tomatoes. My wife did not even eat all of it because it was cold, and it tasted like it was from Ihop. The food is expensive, Not good at all.
(2)
Alex V.
Wow! What a gem. We were hoping we could find some good food that was actually on the water. The front looks like it's going to be run of the mill pub food. Walk inside and it's like you've stepped into a European Bistro. Great service. Elegant and casual at the same time. Excellent service. Nice views of the water. Absolutely fantastic food. Loved the crab cakes and ahi salad niciose. The warm bread made it well worth eating bread. Only warning is that it is fairly expensive. Well worth it compared to other restaurants in the area but check the menu online before going so that you know what you'e getting into.
(5)
Kelly M.
Wonderful restaurant! Very romantic and cozy! Wine list is over the top amazing and the food is five star! Highly recommend this place for a special night out!
(5)
Kara P.
food: some friends and i took our duffy boat to the dock for sunday brunch. how fun! and the food was good too. i really recommend the spicy ahi tuna as a starter...the asparagus salad is also light and delicious. as for the main course, i recommend the grilled prawns risotto - the corn potage sauce is delicious!! my friends also liked the eggs benedict and chicken sandwich. pain perdue (french toast) and french omelet were pretty good too. service: nice service. the ambiance is nice and the decoration is clean and cute. love the fresh flowers everywhere. final thoughts: great place for a nice, upscale sunday brunch. fyi, 2-course sunday brunch is $30 now. ps - GREAT coffee!
(4)
Kara M.
One of the best meals of my life! Went here on Friday for a work Christmas dinner. Everything about this place is spot on...the decor, ambience, serve, food...couldn't be happier. Loved the intimate feel and the open air which allowed us free seats to the boat parade. Every single item that was ordered smelled and tasted amazing and also was served at the perfect temperature. I was lucky enough to get to taste both the pork belly and poached pear salad for first course. Then for 2nd course I got to try the halibut, scallops and lamb. The scallops were out of this world and the other entrees were amazing too. Dessert was fantastic and the wine was excellent as well. The server Jordan was knowledgable, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Hopefully the Christmas dinner will be there next year!
(5)
Ron U.
Nice joint! Pricey but worth it. 5 diners- all pleased. Great service. Waiter kept wine flowing- at times i didn't know where it came from. Nice kid (Carson?) not sure clean cut handsome type. Ask for him and ask him to show you the wine corks trick. Hehe...deserts were good but not memorable. Negatives- no cocktails!?! Don't know why. Beer/Wine only. Maybe wine their forte- great selection. No crema on the espresso!! Tsk, tsk, Picky, picky.
(4)
Vianca D.
My compliments to the chef at The Dock! The food was prepared to perfection and the array of flavors with each dish was intriguing, exciting and delicious. We started off with the tuna tartare appetizer and it was PERFECT! The best part was the wasabi sorbet? Is the only way I can describe it. The marrying of hot (spice) and cold (temperature) was truly unique. That mixed with the saltiness in the sauce (soy?) and richness of the tuna, my taste buds where going crazy! For my entree I selected the halibut which was cooked to absolute perfection. It melted in my mouth! My date ordered the braised short ribs and he really enjoyed it along with the creamy mashed potatoes. The wine selection is also exceptional at this place which was very nice. My favorite thing though, was the micro herbs (I think that's what the waiter called them?) that were sprinkled here and there among all of our dishes. So fresh and unique and bursting with flavor! For dessert my date ordered the white peach served on a crusty pastry and vanilla bean ice cream. Delectable and light! Our waiter was attentive and articulate and when he was describing the menu he was very excited about what the chef had to offer us! I wanted to publicly thank him but I can't remember his name? Tall, blond, young man.....we were the couple snuggled up in the left corner near the water with the 7:30p reservation Friday night. Thank you again for helping to make our special night perfect!
(5)
Stephan Y.
a beautiful place to have breakfast/brunch/lunch when the sun is shining. The scenery doesn't get any better than this place, where you are actually seated at an outdoor patio on the dock. The food is averaged price. ONE IMPORTANT THING...DO NOT GET THE SOUP...dont get me wrong, the soup is very good, but if you are one of those people who wants the most for your buck...do not get it. From what Ive heard, their chicken sandwich is one of their most popular items. Another cool thing about this place is their selection of champagnes and wine. Great service, great view, good food, highly recommended for an escape from the normal brunch spots. UNTIL THEN ^-^
(5)
Stevie W.
Absolutely my favorite brunch spot in Newport Beach. The Dock is situated at a dock, who woulda knew? Its a small restuaurant that holds about 50 people (eyeball guesstimate). All seating is covered outdoor seating with a view of the Dock. I have only been for brunch but it is awesome. So far I have ordered, the french omelete with wild mushroom and truffle oil, steak tartare, beet salad, eggs benedict with smoked salmon and spicy tuna. All were very tasty and very well plated. My favorite brunch spot in Newport Beach.
(5)
Elissa T.
We went here for the first time last night. What a great find! Water view from every table and amazing food and wine. The 5 of us tried the sweet pea soup, the artichoke salad and the hamachi as first courses, then the lamb, chicken, & scallops as second courses, then chocolate ganache and banana bread pudding deserts. All were superb. One of the best restaurants I have ever been to and we will definitely return.
(5)
Emily P.
This place has a unique location and concept as boats are able to dock from around Newport Harbor and walk right into the restaurant. No matter where you are seated you pretty much will have a view of the harbor and boats going by. I went here a few days ago with my husband and the ambiance, service, and food were all fantastic. This is one of those places that no matter what you choose from the menu you cannot go wrong. When the menu is smaller and specialized like this one is, you know that a lot of attention and care is going into making the food great. We recommend the red wine braised short ribs, they were fantastic. My only concern is the lack of price range on the wine list, if you want anything good you have to pay at least $20 a glass which is pushing it anywhere. There are plenty of fantastic wines out there that do not cost $20 a glass. Besides that, everything was perfect. Would definitely recommend.
(4)
Bob C.
We have been to this restaurant several times before and always enjoy going back and sharing the experience with our friends. The atmosphere is romantic and intimate. The presentation of the food is beautifully done. Our only disappointment is their wine selection by the glass. It is very limited and I mean limited. And the glasses they do offer are very high in price $15 - $18. I would not mind paying the price if the selection was more varied.
(4)
O R.
Great atmosphere. Was there recently on a Saturday, 8pm reservations. Waiter was just a bit too pushy...made me feel a bit rushed. The place was half empty. Don't get me wrong though, the waiter was on it and responsive. Small and cozy, really loved it. Romantic. A bit pricey but worth it. Food was good. Wine list spectacular. I'll be back for sure. Waiter kept pouring and filling the wine glasses before they ever got empty...loved it.
Sunday Brunch at The Dock was everything I hoped it would be and more. After walking through the restaurant to the patio and getting a view of what our Brunch entailed a smile crept across my lips. It was perfect. Beautifully set tables, linens, and flowers. A floating patio sitting directly on the harbor with a beautiful view of the yachts and sailboats. There was also a small dock that stretched out to the water where boats would come dock and their owners would walk up and onto the patio for lunch. My friend and I ordered both the Eggs Benedict and the French Toast. Both were good but the French Toast was absolutely amazing. It was covered in blueberries, injected with a custard/creme and was perfectly cooked. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be that French Toast. The service was amazing. There was always someone watching and checking in with us. Our glasses were always full, our check was on the table just as we finished. This was nothing less than a 5 star experience (with the exception of my friend getting hit in the head with the sun umbrella by the server, no serious injuries)
(5)
Jodi L.
1 star only because I have to pick a star! RUDE!! Is the word I'll use to describe this restaurant. I asked the waitress if one of the items was gluten free ( I have Celiac disease). The reply floored me. "It can be gluten free but the chef WON'T change the preparation! WON'T!! Well Chefy, I WON'T spend another dime or minute in your restaurant. FYI, we went to the Cannery where the Chef WILL make me anything I want to accommodate me, and our bill was over $1000.00!! I should also add the wine we were going to order at the Dock was $20.00 more a bottle. So, rude, and a rip off! The Dock and the Porch ( same chef) are now off the approved vender list!! Anyone who suffers from Celiac or any other condition BEWARE...
We LOVED brunch here this past Sunday. The food was excellent and the view and location is amazing. I love how the restaurant is indoor/outdoor. We can't wait to go back.
Brought a date here. Our food was perfect and the service could not have been any better. My date had a salad and sliders, and I had crab cakes and fish and chips. We dined right against the waterfront. The ambiance is perfect for a date. So why four stars? It cost over $100 for lunch for the two of us. Yeah, it's pricey.
(4)
Salman S.
Very fine private and casual place to have breakfast. The French omelette's and pancakes are amazing. Private and right by the cannal for an awesome view.
(5)
Lauren L.
I was the lucky 1 to pick the brunch destination this week. I found this place on Yelp. Despite living in the OC for numerous years, I never knew this existed. It's tucked away from the main drag of Newport Blvd. You have to park at the meters which only give you 15 minutes per quarter and they run 7 days a week. We arrived at 10:45ish and even though the place is tiny, there was hardly anyone in there. The view is amazing as you can watch the Duffy boats and kayaks go by. The whole place is decorated in a classy coastal chic that is comfortable without being stuffy. The service was great from the front desk, to the waitress, and support staff. I ordered the $12 tuscan chicken sandwich from the brunch menu. It was good, but I should have trusted my instincts and had a breakfast item. The rest of the party ordered breakfast and I felt oh so left out. I thought the drinks were pricey! Who do we talk to about going bottomless? Yum.
(4)
Cambria B.
Great ambiance, great food and service. The presentation was also lovely. We will definitely go back.
(5)
Jason T.
I never give 5 stars to a restaurant..but this one deserves it. We started with appetizers - they said there are 5 of you, but you can certainly share 2 or 3 and it will be a plenty...so from the start there was no ' up sell'. My fish was the best meal in Newport Beach - ever. Really - ever !There was great thought given to each flavor and how the flavors interacted with each other. It's not up-tight; it's not lavish; it's just amazing food & service that you won't find elsewhere in Newport Beach. 6 Stars
(5)
Zubin I.
Cute cozy brunch spot that I totally found by chance. Beautiful atmosphere, food was amazing, service was spectacular.
(5)
J L.
5 stars for the location and ambience, 3.5 stars for the food. We came here for brunch on Sunday, and the star of this restaurant is the ambience! The restaurant is located right on the water, so you have constant views of the docked boats, as well as paddleboarders and other boats. The restaurant was tastefully decorated and had a romantic and intimate vibe to it. We agreed that it would be a great place to have a bridal shower or similar party. As for the food, they have a 2-course prix fixe for $25/person. We got the steak tartare & calamari as appetizers, and the eggs benedict (w/ smoked salmon) and the pain perdue for our main course. We both agreed that the calamari and steak tartare were good, but a tad bit too salty for our tastes. The eggs benedict were pretty standard fare - not bad, but not spectacular either. Lastly, the pain perdue was moist and prepared just right, though I felt it lacked flavor. Overall, we loved the charm of this place and would come back again.
(4)
Bill S.
I was looking for a waterfront brunch location in the Newport Beach, Laguna, Dana Point area that had highly rated food. Many restaurants on ocean or waterfront property tend to price the food more for the view than the quality of the food itself. The online reviews of The Dock turned out to be genuine. My wife and I drove from an hour away for the exerience. We were seated right next to the water so had an unobstructed view of the inlet with all of its yacht traffic. The two course brunch is a nice feature. For the main course we both had eggs benedict. The hollandaise sauce rated with the best I've had. The quality of the brunch was comparable to that of the Saddle Peak Lodge in Malibu Canyon. The service is polished, but quite friendly. My only negative is that their website listed the fixed price at $25 per person but when presented with the menu this morning it was $30 per person. All beverages are extra as well.
(4)
Lydiann C.
Too expensive for what you get. Only Chardonnay is $22 per glass and not that great. Steak was over $40 and tough.
(1)
Kira S.
Excellent and friendly service. I never needed to even think about the level of water in my glass. Food is amazing! Menu is updated seasonally and I love it! Atmosphere is really enjoyable in the summertime. Portions are perfects. Special accommodations were made for my friend who barely eats anything and she was happy.
(4)
Richard O.
First, the food and presentation is outstanding. On that they get five stars. However, they get marked down on two counts. First, the wine corkage at $35, one bottle limit, is not in line with other top-tier restaurants. Second, the prices on the wine list are outrageous. My wife and I will probably not go back, although it is worth going to once.
(3)
Jessie T.
this is one beautiful place! It reminds of being on vacation eating yummy foods with a view in front of us... Must try restaurant ---very creative and good to eat too.
(4)
Katie A.
Went here for brunch on Sunday. Was about 30 minutes late for reservation. Hostess was kind enough to squeeze us in still. Had espresso and juice to drink. Kind of wish they did French press. Enjoyed the mango infused yogurt and the beet salad for appetizers. The yogurt was AMAZING. For main course shared the mushroom omelette with truffle oil (my favorite), salmon eggs benedict, and a shrimp & risotto dish. Everything was good. Had chocolate ganache for dessert, compliments of the chef. Can't wait till the next time I can go!
(5)
Virginia T.
My family just had Sunday brunch at The Dock to celebrate my birthday. They brought us to a table over looking the bay. The ambiance is hip, laid back and comfortable. The service was exemplary and the food even better. All five of us in our party were blown away with the flavor, creativity and beauty of the food. It is our new favorite place in Newport. Bravo to the chef and servers for making my day so extraordinarily special
(5)
Michelle L.
This place is adorable! I love the setting. It's small, but so cozy and beautiful! Comfy couches, fresh flowers, and mirrors that actually help light the place up more. I came here for brunch and loved it! I want to see what it looks like at night too! First of all, the first appetizer meal was actually a lot! It was to the point by the time the main meal came I was 2/3's full! I ordered the Steak Tartare and loved it! The Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon was decent. The presentation is beautiful and the food is excellent! So with the amount of food given and the good quality, I think the set is decently priced! (Coffee is good too by the way) All in all, I love this place, and since it is small they need to have reservations. I would have given 5 stars but the male server had a cold & stiff attitude. Especially if you compare it to the darling lady that refilled our water/coffee with such a pleasant friendly smile...
(4)
Brittany C.
What an amazing night! I had my birthday dinner here with a few of my friends and couldn't have asked for a better night. The restaurant itself is beautiful! Such an amazing view and the decor is great. I love everything about this place. Eric was our server and he was awesome. All of the food was great as well as the wine. I can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone I was with was super impressed and we all agreed we would come back. So glad I celebrated my birthday here. Everything was PERFECT!
(5)
Melanie C.
Gorgeous airy space right on the water, literally the most posh dock I've ever been on. Delicious, perfectly cooked food as far as we had for their prix fixe two-course brunch. I'd guess this is some of the best food in the area as far as menu, execution, vibe, service, view. Totally civilized. :)
(5)
Lish H.
4 stars for the service and 3 stars for the Sunday brunch menu. I celebrated my baby shower here and service was very attentive and nice, they even cut the cake for us. Very relaxing ambiance and cozy too, just right by the water. As for the food, I don't really care, just a very nice presentation. One day, I'll come back and try their regular menu.
(4)
Allan J.
Very nice atmosphere. Quaint harborside seating. Excellent food.
(4)
Danielle D.
This is the sister restaurant to my other favorite but more casual and inexpensive The Porch. The atmosphere at this tiny little restaurant is beautiful daytime or nightime. It's right on the bay and has big tall white linen curtains, candles, rock firepits and lots of romantic ambience. The food is great and especially in the springtime, the spring rolls on the lunch menu are amazing. This is a great place for a romantic meal for sure.
(5)
Kelley K.
The male server (tall with short brown hair) during brunch needs to get a life. I came here for my 21st birthday brunch, and he served me a mimosa. He asked to see my ID five minutes later and says, quite rudely, "If you're not 21, I'm going to take your drink away" and proceeds to quiz me on my birthdate and birth year. Seriously? I thought that only happens at clubs, not a "fancy" dockside restaurant in Newport. I'm fine on having people check my ID, but not if you're rude about it. Anyway, on Sundays they only have a $25 two-course brunch prix fixe, and surprisingly they allow you to split it with another person if you wish. I called a few days ahead to make sure they would have vegan options for brunch, and the hostess checked with the chef and assured me they would. I got the grilled romaine salad without bacon for my first course, which was quite good. The chef had to conjure up something off the menu for my entree, and it was really sad. Plain cous cous with slices of green and red tomatoes drizzled with some sweet dressing. That's it. Literally. :( My friends' dishes were all pretty small, but they didn't have any complaints about the food. I recall them enjoying the prawns best. The view is fun and you can walk down to the actual dock from a ramp connected to the restaurant, but it's really nothing that great.
(3)
Kari L.
Amazing! Brunch!!! A must go. Had so much fun. The food is 5 star, the setting is great and the staff makes it such a great experience. Want to go back for dinner.
Brunch was amazing. The view is gorgeous, watching the boats and kayakers go by. Started with the tuna tartare, which is a small appetizer but absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Had the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon for an entree- wow, was I impressed. Super delicious. Definitely would come back.
(5)
Robert B.
$40 corkage fee. The highest in OC and LA. And only one bottle to a table. Two couples can't enjoy their favorite wines. Too many other good restaurants that have a realistic wine policy. They've lost 3 couples forever. But I guess management doesn't care. Go somewhere else
(2)
Raymond A.
Bigotry is alive and well in Orange Country. I had the opportunity to dine there twice in the last few weeks. On the evening before Mother's Day, we dined with my parents. When we were seated, we asked if we could sit at the table on the water. We were told it was reserved. We had our whole meal at a leisurely pace, and no one was ever seated at the table. I thought it was odd. We had another reservation for this morning for brunch. Our initial reservation was for 10:30 am. Last week, we received a call and asked if we could move our reservation to accommodate a large party of 30 guests who were also to be seated at the same time. Seemed reasonable, we agreed. The evening before or reservation, we were contacted and asked to change the reservation to 11am again to accommodate the large group. We were also informed we would need to order from a limited menu. We were there at our time,and were seated. 3 guests we running late, as they were traveling from Northern California. When they arrived, were told they could not be served because they needed the table. I was shocked. I left the table and asked to speak to the waiter. He stated they could not be served and he was very upset. I informed him of all the changes we made at the restaurants request. He still refused. I asked to speak to the manager, he stated he was the manager. I told him serve them brunch, we would leave and never be back. If there was a limit on the time we should have been informed on one of the 3 calls from the restaurant. Also. The other party who was there at least 30 minutes prior to us, we're still sitting there. If our table was to expire, theirs surly would have expired. These 2 occurrences lead me to believe we were targeted based on our ethnicity. It was obvious we were not the typical customers. Both recent visits, it was noticeable we did not fit the profile of the diners . We have dined there on several occasions, and suggested it to several friends. We loved the view, loved the food, but we won't be back.
(1)
Tanya B.
The Deck is a little gem hidden away in Newport Beach. We came here with another couple in the middle of the week for dinner. At one point, we were the only table dining at the restaurant. This place must get most of its business during the warmer months and on the weekends. The ambiance is definitely a romantic one and we were commenting on how this would be a great proposal dinner. The restaurant is right on the water with an open air feel. Don't worry--there are heat lamps and they also offer blankets if it gets too chilly. The food was wonderful. I had the salmon which was well-cooked (although I like mine a little more rare). They have a great assortment of appetizers as well like the goat cheese salad. Overall, the food was great. I would say the only downside is that they only serve wine and beer. Another plus is that the service here is wonderful. I don't know if it's because it wasn't busy, but our server was very attentive. I would say the only downside is that this place is a bit on the expensive side. Nonetheless, this is a great spot for a special celebration. I am looking forward to coming here for brunch to enjoy the beautiful view and sun.
(4)
Dusky E.
Staff is so nice. Great ambiance. Dinner is great but I really really wish they offered more of a variety for breakfast. It's so hidden but yet so popular. Really cool spot!
(4)
Danielle R.
Unfortunately, this was a HUGE disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the views are great but I took my mom here for her 60th birthday and the server we had was rude, unhappy, and completely ruined our experience. Earlier in the week, I had called and asked if they could give us something for my mom's birthday like a little dessert and they said no problem. Well, it never came and when we finally ordered a dessert I asked if our server would put a little candle in it and he said they ran out. First off, I called and told them I would be there that night for a birthday and second, who runs out of birthday candles? VERY FRUSTRATING. Bottom line is that I would not recommend and would not go back. It's funny how much service can change your opinion of a place.
(1)
F T.
This place is definitely hidden but thanks to Yelp I was able to discover a cute little place tucked away on the Newport Peninsula. It has a casual atmosphere. Came here for breakfast on a Sunday morning and the place was pretty empty. It seemed like a very friendly place where a lot of locals go because everyone was chit chatting it up. There are TVs by the bar so you can watch games. I think if more people knew about this place it would definitely get crowded. Food was good for the price. Portions are just right. No leftovers to take home.
(4)
K S.
I love this place! We take our Duffy here. Beautiful interior, fabulous wine list (with excellent wines by the glass) and the food is innovative, fresh and delicious. Totally enjoy coming here. Very small so make reservations.
(5)
Rob S.
The ambience is amazing. waterside, literally right on the dock. eating on comfortable couches with pillows. a ver nice, relaxing setting. I started with the rolls and tuna tartar. that was the best food of the night (not that the main course as bad). the roll was like a fresh,hot bagel and the tuna was delicious. For a salad, I had a grilled romaine wedge with bacon and pumpkin seeds. also very good. I was disappointed with my main course of the night's special, bone-in veal. it was very fatty and very tough. The sauce, which I don't know exactly, tasted good. it was a dark glaze of some kind. overall, not bad, but my dinner companions enjoyed their meals of pan seared scallops more than I liked mine. On a final note, How did this place get only $$ ? it's not outrageously expensive, but the meal for three of us, including 2 glasses of wine and 1 dessert was over $200.
(3)
Lanna K.
Yay! I love this place! To be honest, not particularly because of the food but because of the ambiance. It is a perfect place to enjoy brunch. I'd love to see what The Dock is like for dinner. Went to brunch with sister and hubs on a Sunday morning a few months ago. The place is small, cozy and beautifully decorated. The service was very good- attentive and friendly but not overbearing. I ordered the cesar salad which was good but way too rich- the dressing was a little too intense. My sister and hubs both had the beet salad which was good but not out-of-this-world. Then, I had the grilled prawns, hubs had the omelette and sister had the pain perdue. All were good but not super memorable. All in all, still a great experience and would definitely go back! :)
(4)
suzanne d.
The food here is uniquely prepared and delicious. They serve beer and wine, no hard liquor. I would say 3 $$$. We visit the Newport Beach area once a year and always look forward to eating here.
(5)
Craig C.
Everything about The Dock is fantastic. Perfect setting and probably the best restaurant in OC at the moment. Service by Jordan was excellent and above and beyond. Food is amazing and especially great to see chefs trying to set a new standard rather than just serve the same fare. It does need a liquor licence though as you can only get beer and wine but the wine list is excellent. Desserts are especially worth waiting for. Thanks again for a great night and service.
(5)
Sarah M.
I eat here often with my girlfriends because it is one of their favorites. It is not really one of mine. Although the food is pretty good, the menu and wine list is limited and the wines are way over priced. You will not find a wine lower than $60 a bottle. The service if they are busy is very inattentive. Mostly because they are understaffed. And, don't think about staying past 9:30pm. They make it very obvious they want you out of there so they can go home.
(2)
Zhong Z.
This place is PERFECT. Great food at a beautiful restaurant (elegant, airy whiteness...love it), what more could you want? Oh you're gonna give us free appetizers and wine? Okay, I'm comn' back :) Had the lamb and it was GREAT. Only thing that would make this place better are hot waitresses :)
(5)
Anne P.
Wow. The good experience started with the reservation; I called to ask about dress code and if my 92-year-old mother would have a hard time getting around. I was called back, and told the good news -- dress code was very casual, and Mom would find a nice table. When I arrived, I was able to drop my mother and her helper off, park less than 50 feet away, and come back to the restaurant to find them seated at a great table with a harbor view. The food was exceptional, from the salads (we tried the asparagus, beet, and carpaccio) to the second courses (grilled prawns risotto and the beef sliders). The servers were very attentive to Mom's needs, but were equally attentive to everyone in the restaurant. Beyond five stars. It was a great experience, and I look forward to going there again.
(5)
Paula V.
After reading so many wonderful reviews on Yelp I was excited to finally have an opportunity to try The Dock. On Sunday my husband and I headed to Newport Beach specifically to have brunch at The Dock. Being someone who likes to be prepared I made sure to do my research before going! Reviews by Yelpers on 8/10/2010 and 8/8/2010 both mention that there were plenty of empty tables. So I was very surprised to find that when I arrived at The Dock that they were not going to be able to sit me, because they had too many large parties with reservations. Was I offered an opportunity to wait and be seated upon availability? NO! Was the restaurant actually full when I arrived? NO! In fact just as others had mentioned it was somewhat empty. I did speak with the hostess and express my disappointment in finding that apparently their restaurant required reservations. She informed me that reservations were recommended, which is stated on their website, but recommended and required are two very different things. Which I politely pointed out to her. I also pointed out that Yelp gives a very different impression and that if they do not plan on trying to accommodate customers without reservations then they need to say so on Yelp and online. With an economy that is somewhat precarious my expectation of any restaurant is customer service that excels. The customer service at The Dock leaves much to be desired! Instead of finding the wonderful secret hideaway that many a Yelper had written about I found an establishment that was unaccommodating, did not appreciate new business and raised some questions and concerns in my mind about why I was not seated despite the restaurant not being full. What happens if a party doesn't show up and they do not try accommodate guests that are already there? My thought is that they lose out on business? The Dock doesn't seem very business savvy to me. Definitely make reservations if you do go!
(1)
Harrison M.
If you want to find our just how good food can taste, this is a must enjoy kind of place. It doesn't matter what you order, I guarantee you it will be wonderful. The courteous staff can pair their offerings with wine that is just perfect for your food selection. Danielle and Erik are perfect servers with their in depth knowledge of the ingredients that go into each dish. Can't wait to go back. Harrison & Lynn Manell, Irvine
(5)
Ryan Y.
Everything about this place is anything but standard. If you weren't looking for the place, you'd probably never notice it. From the outside, its just a small sign on a small street, in a small block of businesses by the docks [finding parking isn't the easiest, even at 8:45pm]. Going in, its a small foyer with a nice dark decor and wine lockers for the lucky customers with healthy wallets that can eat up the rather high-end wine list. The place is small - very small. If you have a party of 30, you might as well rent out the entire place, but it's a very elegant semi-casual environment. Large rattan chairs complete with a small back cushion, clear (glass?) ceilings to see the night sky and an open end facing the water. It literally is a dock - two parties climbed out of the restaurant, down the docks and to their small motorboats, and drove away down the quiet channel to Newport Bay. Next to our table was a small gas brazier with glass stones for ambiance and warmth, supplemented with overheat heat lamps. My girlfriend and I didn't go all out on food, just entrees and wine. I had seared scallops with roasted tomatoes and a white butter sauce - pretty much some of the best scallops I've had, perfectly tender with so much flavor and not a bit chewy or overdone. My girlfriend got the braised short ribs, which was even more tender. She said she thinks they included the bones just to show how fall-off-the-bone they were. Presentation was nice as well. Wines were good as well. The wines by glass list is very small, but if you're willing to spend more, they have an extensive bottle list. I was kind of sad they didn't have any syrahs open by glass, but the waiter kindly suggested a good substitute, which ended up being a slightly lighter but still good wine. I forgot the name... started with an E.... The food was great, the atmosphere is unlike anything I've seen before, service is good, but the cost is a bit much. It is a small place, deep into Newport, so it probably would be the casual nice lunch or dinner for residents of healthier wallets. If this were located elsewhere I'd give it a 4 for price, but I like it otherwise.
(5)
David S.
My wife and I were looking forward to this place based on the great reviews. I feel it is my Yelply duty to inform people about our negative experience. In fact, so negative was our experience that my wife wanted me to post this ASAP to warn others. :) We came here for my wife's birthday, which happened to fall on Father's Day. When I made the reservation, I inquired if they did anything special. The hostess said that they did not serve any kind of dessert or sing any song (which was fine), but that they would acknowledge her birthday with some warm wishes. They did, however, tell us that we had a two-hour time limit and that if we didn't finish by then, we'd be kicked out. How nice. Also, the hostess tried to get my credit card number over the phone to "hold the reservation." I said absolutely not, and she held the reservation anyway. I hope nobody else fell for that scam. When we showed up at 10:30a for our reservation, we found a long line of people waiting to get in. Apparently, the restaurant didn't feel it necessary to be prepared to accommodate their patrons on a busy holiday (with a 2 hour time limit) and open on time. After almost 15 minutes of waiting, they finally let us in and started seating people. Unfortunately for the first couple in line, the hostess had screwed up their reservation, and made the excuse that she "left a message" telling them she changed it to a time much later in the afternoon. The couple, furious at having waited 15 minutes for nothing, just left. This is an example of the horrible service that is given here. (On a side note, there were a few tables that sat empty for the 1.5 hours we were there, so the hostess could have let the couple wait for any reservation no-shows and then seated them there. Instead, she turned them away, and they'll probably never return). Other patrons were wondering that since they were let in late, if that counted against their 2 hour time limit! Oh, the absurdity of it all. The only good part of the brunch happened at this point. We were seated at a nice table overlooking the water. However, even though we were finally seated, it took an eternity for anyone to come and greet us, much less take our drink order. This theme of extremely slow service permeated the entire meal. Our server never came by when we needed her. As for the food, it was tasty. However, it was horribly overpriced. I don't mind paying for great food, but it better be GREAT. This, while tasting good, left us feeling ripped off. The portions were tiny, yet expensive (2 small sliders and a shot glass of fries for $14, french toast for $12, a mimosa that was more orange juice than champagne for $9). The food was certainly not out of this world, either. The biggest insult, however, was the fact that the server did not once recognize my wife's birthday. She couldn't be bothered to even say 2 measly words: happy birthday. As for other negatives, parking is sparse and is not free (you must use the meters). The place is tiny and you can't help but overhear other diners' conversations as they are so close to your table. We didn't share food, but this place has the audacity to charge $6 if you elect to split one of their $14-$20 entrees (not that anyone should split an entree, since the portions are so miniscule). The immense size of the testes on whomever came up with that policy is impressive. The bottom line is this: with so many restaurants out there, why would you want to come here? The food isn't anything so special or delicious that you wouldn't be able to find it at other restaurants. The service is so bad that if you wanted to be treated poorly, you could just go to Ed Debevics (if it's still around) or an S&M parlor (at least you expect to get whipped). The pricing is outlandishly high. The ambiance? Well, it is next to the water. But I have to say, the view really isn't that great. It's not like you have a nice ocean view. You are literally looking at a bunch of docked boats, some houses across the way, and people zooming by on their watercraft. I hate to say it, but this place fails on every single count. My wife and I try to console ourselves by saying, well, at least we experienced it once so we'll never wonder if we were missing out. My only goal is to save others the cost of finding out how mediocre this place is by just telling them here. Dine here at your own peril!
(1)
Lauren C.
We had a really nice dinner here last night. Contrary to what another Yelper wrote recently, the service was friendly and attentive. The timing of our dinner was very good, and we left happy...and the 2 servers made the evening even better with their nice personalities. The setting was very comfortable, with pillows everywhere. Even the ladies room looked and smelled nice! My beet salad was very good, although diminutive next to my husband's (very good) romaine salad. I had the filet mignon, and my only complaint was that my serving of (very wet style, delicious) mashed potatoes was far too skimpy. The filet was tender and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the short ribs with gnocchi. The gnocchi seem pan fried, so not the light and fluffy type - but good. He loved the dish. I thought it was a bit salty, but the husband disagreed. We both had the $40 three-course option, so we both had dessert as well. Ideally, I'd like to be asked about coffee before I get dessert, so I waited for it before eating dessert. I'm just hoping those desserts were smaller as part of the 3-course meal. They were very good (chocolate tart with a great salted caramel and 1 cannoli with a berry sauce). And, by then we were quite full. I know Valrhona chocolate is $$, but my cute (= puny) tart portion would have been a great disappointment if ordered a la carte. I'm not expecting Cheesecake Factory gluttony, but just not the smallest dessert I've been served in years. Still, it was very smooth, and the coffee was better than most. We'll be back!
(4)
Darcy G.
This is my favorite date night place. Its an adult only type place, right on the water, with exceptional food. Its tucked deep in Newport and a bit hard to find, but worth the search. My favorite dishes are the grilled romaine salad (to die for) and the halibut. My family loves the salmon and the beef short ribs (when they have them).... but go Halibut.... you won't be disappointed :-) But, don't try to go without a reservation.... its small and requires planning ahead if the weather is nice.
(5)
Elizabeth B.
FANTASTIC atmosphere! On the water in a sort of indoor/ outdoor space that is decorated with pillows, mirrors and curtains in soft neutral tones. At night the lighting is truly delightful, making everyone look great. The food is excellent and after 5 times I have NEVER been disappointed. I always order the fish, which is always different, fresh and amazing. I also love the wine selection. Nothing I have ever heard of but always delicious. The servers are very knowledgeable and very professional. It is however quite pricey so we save it for special occasions. If you have a small boat or duffy you can reserve the dock out front and arrive by boat, which we have done.
(5)
Maria N.
Love the ambiance and delicious food!
(4)
Courtney B.
Great Sunday Brunch! We didn't have a reservation, but they sat us right away in the perfect for two corner. I had the (forgive the spelling) croque monsuer, it was soooo good. Hubby had the huevos rancheros, also great. They were rich but light. The coffee was amazing. The service was also nice.
(4)
Joy B.
I found The Dock through Yelp for a work team dinner and Yelp certainly didn't disappoint! Wonderful meal, though I have to admit I'm glad I didn't have to pay that bill. The location, decor and overall ambiance of the restaurant are wonderful. The restaurant is half indoor, half outdoor but it appears as though the entire back wall is missing between indoor and out so you feel outdoors regardless of where you choose to sit. Heat lamps aplenty, there were no complaints of being cold even though we were there for dinner. Loved the banquette seating and pillows along either wall, I was tempted to take a nap during the meal. As far as the food goes, I had a beet salad and the Halibut which were both fantastic. The halibut was perfectly cooked, not dry or bland as I often experience when ordering fish. Service was wonderful. This is a great restaurant for a small group or couples night out. Will be back!
(5)
Kathi K.
My new favorite place for Sunday Brunch! The patio is amazing. It feels like you're in your own backyard looking out over the harbor. It's relaxing and inviting. The staff is attentive and friendly and not overbearing. The food was great: I had the mushroom/truffle omelet (yummy). I recommend The Dock if you'd like to spend your Sunday morning relaxing with friends over a great meal. A+++
(5)
Lee J.
The Dock is my favorite restaurant in Newport! It is the PERFECT spot for a romantic dinner or other special occasion. It truly is the ultimate hidden gem on Lido. The decor is classy, with large white curtains draped along the walls and an enclosed dining patio that faces the dock. It was very warm on the patio even in the middle of winter. You sit on comfy couch-like booths with large pillows that let you snuggle the person next to you. The staff members are very friendly and professional. Each time I have gone there I have left more happy than the next. We have ordered most items on the menu and each dish is delicious. They have a white wine that I absolutely love...the waitress suggests it every time I ask...a chardonnay...cant remember the name though! I highly recommend it for a date to impress. I also think it would be the perfect backdrop for a bridal/baby shower brunch. Oh and if you are there for dinner, I would also suggest stepping across the street to their sister bar called The Porch. Very different vibe but just as cool!
(5)
Annika Jo L.
This place is such a gem! My husband and I had dinner here with some good friends. It was the first time dining here for all of us and we were all very pleased. The service was great and the food was fantastic. To start, a few people had ordered appetizers. My friend had the grilled romaine and I had a few bites. It was very flavorful and much larger than I thought it would be. Another friend ordered a salad with a poached egg and she seemed to enjoy it. It looked delicious. My husband had the seared ahi and enjoyed it too. For our main course, four of us ordered the salmon while other friends had the braised short ribs, filet, and my husband had the scallops. Our server explained that the salmon was cooked in a special way that's like poaching, but the salmon ends up with a smooth texture like sashimi. It sounded interesting and tasted like no salmon I've ever had. It was so delicious with the coulis and the tempura mushrooms. I can't wait to go back to try their something new from their menu (or just order the salmon again since I can't stop thinking about it). The ambience was great. It was a really windy night, but it was still comfortable inside the covered patio. This place is great and we will definitely be back!
(5)
Lexi L.
It was ridiculously expensive! I can't believe how they can stay in business considering the high price and horrible customer service. Our waitress was nice but so SLOW on everything. It's not that hard to give some attention considering the size of this place. It's tiny. Don't let the pics fool you:) On top of that, they didn't even open on time. omg Food was fine, something you would expect from place like this in NB. If I didn't know how much everything cost then I'd given them 3 stars. 1 star for the food, 1 star for the location. If this was located anywhere else, I'd imagine they will go out of business.
(2)
Filisha K.
This place has a great ambiance with mediocre food and crappy service. We ordered pancakes, eggs and a tomato basil pasta. I definitely make better pancakes myself and the eggs weren't anything special either. However the third star is for the pasta- it was very good! Also it's odd that they stress having reservations because the place was over half empty the whole time we dined from 12-2:30 which seems like prime brunch time.
(3)
Audrey L.
Brunch here is a winner. Sunday morning, outdoor seating on plush booths stuffed with oversized pillows right on the water, hence the name. I've spent many years in Cannery Village but never knew this tucked away secret existed. Met up with the girls around 10:30/45ish and there was no wait, maybe bc my friends had already grabbed our table, but there were plenty of empty tables and no serious crowd when we left. Looks like there is membership at The Dock with wine lockers, I am for sure a fan of this, not sure what the monthly/annual dues are though. Let's get to it- I ordered the smoked salmon eggs benedict and this benedict by far takes it all. Better than Coffee Cup and Tantalum. My eggs were poached perfectly. The fork test...just a tiny prick and pop, explosion of creamy yellow...bliss! Served with potatoes au gratin, normally I have no problem packing it away, maybe the reason I've never had that amazing stick figure...I digress....but anyway I was full after the first one but kept grazing until the server came and I had to ask her to take it away. Brunch would not be Brunch with out the medicinal cocktail or two. Order the Hibiscus: Champagne with combinations of hibiscus and other juices, so tasty! Over all, tres pleasant and relaxing experience
(4)
Olga F.
Awesome restaurant. The place does not look like anything special from the outside, being adjacent to a boat yard, and practically has no parking spaces. However, do not let the austere front deceive you, the Dock has truly delicious and spectacular food. Some of the things I've had there: caprice salad, sashimi appetizer, diver scallops entre, halibut entre. Littorai vino is good, too (I cannot find it anywhere else...not even Hi Times.) I highly recommend it.
(5)
Jennifer Y.
Great outdoor quaint lunch and dinner spot along the bay. You can pull right up to the dock from your boat or duffy hence the name "The Dock". Food is very good with an excellent wine list. Prices can be about $35. a plate. Lunch is slightly cheaper. Always order a side of risotto! You will see all the social ladies gathering, couples on a date, etc... It's a lovely setting. I love the quiet ambiance on the water. I love this place year around however a lunch in summer or early fall is amazing. This restaurant does pay attention to detail which I love.
(4)
Margaret Y.
great view of harbor, with front of restaurant out into harbor.
(4)
Dan K.
Wanted to treat out the GF to something nice this weekend. Found The Dock on Yelp and decided to check it out! The outside is unassuming and humble. I almost thought we came to the wrong "Dock" and surely there must be a more elegant looking building. However, once you step inside, the dining area is great. The waterfront patio has a very relaxing vibe. It doesn't help that the chairs have huge cushions. It's definitely a good sit down place to enjoy brunch on a Saturday morning. I got the Huevos Rancheros. The GF got the pancakes. All I have to say is, the salsa was incredibly fresh. The eggs were fluffy. The beans and rice were flavorful. I loved the spicy papaya salsa they spread on the plate. I tried the pancakes as well. Normally I don't like pancakes, but these were amazing! The only downside is that everything is very pricey for the portions. Coffee was 3.50. I glanced at the menu and saw soup of the day for 8.00. 8 dollars for soup? I don't know if I could ever justify 8 dollars for a tomato soup. Anyways, our bill luckily only came out to 26 for 2. But, we didn't get anything extra or too pricey. Make sure to bring coins for meter parking.
(4)
Marti C.
After finding all of the wonderful recommendations on Yelp we went for a friend's birthday. It is easy to find, the decor is spectacular, the hostess was friendly, the waitstaff was ok but slow, the food was delicious! I have to start with the views. They are amazing. You feel like you're eating on boat. The restaurant is small, inimate and cozy. The breeze off the water is great! The coffee is STRONG! What more can you want? We went for a Saturday brunch. We tried the omlette, huevos rancheros, and french toast. It was all great, very fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Portions are just right - not too big and not too small. Can't wait to go back for dinner.
(4)
Russell B.
Came here for a relaxing brunch before heading home from our little anniversary weekend trip. We got here as soon as they opened and were probably the only ones there for at least 30 minutes. So I guess get here early if there are any crowds later. The patio dining area is well appointed with large mirrors on either side, big cushy wicker chairs with cushions, large patio umbrellas, and a nice little view out onto the bay. I decided to go with the croque monsieur (which was also recommended by our waitress), since I don't see it pop up on menus elsewhere much I figured I might as well get it while I can. Overall the quality of the bread just let me down on it. It was just to dry and there wasn't enough sauce or a large enough egg to balance it out. However, the other elements were tasty including the simple side salad with a tart balsamic dressing. I also further regretted my decision after later seeing the french toast come out to the table next to us. The wife got the pesto chicken sandwich which came with plenty of pesto to her liking and some crispy herbed fries, which I kept snagging some from her. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for a little upscale brunch experience, but probably stay away from the croque monsieur. Expense wise it also wasn't too bad at under $40 for two dishes and two drinks considering the view, ambience, and general quality of the food.
(3)
P K.
I've been to the Raft, le Quai, and now the Dock. The food is okay; standard for a nice restaurant, but nothing more. There is an impressive wine list, but the Pinot we ordered was served chilled..... a little inappropriate. I am by no means a wine expert, but this is a faux pas I can't help but point out. The service was deplorable. It took 30 minutes just to get the check. Our waiter was much more interested in waiting on the other more snooty clients at the restaurant. It was ridiculously expensive considering the service and the lack of knowledge and experience reflected in the staff and menu.
(2)
Liza M.
My boyfriend found The Dock through Yelp, and it was absolutely delicious. We went for Saturday brunch, just after 11:00. There was hardly anyone else there, though, so we were hoping it wasn't a bad sign. It continued to get busier in the hour that we were there though, and it was a really nice atmosphere. You can walk onto the dock and look into the water below, which is really neat...there were huge jellyfish this morning! The semi-outdoor seating was really comfortable, and the whole ambiance made the experience even more enjoyable. The small staff was very attentive through out our entire meal, quick to refill waters and check to see if we needed anything. We were served complimentary mini-muffins that were really good. Moist without being greasy, and not too crumbly. Thankfully they didn't leave the whole basket otherwise I'm sure we would have eaten too many! ;) I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and was surprised at how large the serving size was. The eggs were really fresh, and their salsa was the perfect blend of spicy and flavorful without being overwhelming for breakfast. Pinto beans were served in a side cup--a little salty but equally delicious. My only (minor) complaint is that the rice could have been slightly more tender, but the flavor was still pretty good. My boyfriend and his mom both ordered the Eggs Benedict and both were extremely happy with their decisions. The eggs, again, were surprisingly fresh, and the Hollandaise sauce was creamy and rich without being too much. We were excited to learn that The Dock also serves dinner...this is definitely worth a repeat trip.
(5)
Symonty S.
Great personal resturant, small nice view and layout. Good personal service from staff and food was prepared like you were their special guest.
(5)
Crystal V.
I am so excited about this little gem of a restaurant. If you want great ambiance, excellent food and great price point then look no further. I had an amazing lunch at the Dock last week with a friend and enjoyed every second of it! The service was excellent too! I highly recommend dining here!
(5)
Nancy M.
Loved this spot for brunch. Went on 2 separate occaisions. Excellent service. Nice plating. Perfect portion size. I plan on trying it for dinner during the summer.
(5)
Rick H.
The Dock is a great restaurant with an excellent waterfront location, interesting menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner which is reasonably priced, and a setting that is oozing with charm. These were all the reasons we attempted to have our wedding reception here - and that ended up being an ordeal which never came to pass. Our experiences were exactly like one of the preceding reviews: we were invited to come off hours to discuss the event, were hosted to free drinks, set a date, and were excited to move forward. Then we were absolutely dropped. For weeks my fiance tried to communicate with the owners and staff to discuss a menu; at first their commitments to respond were missed time and again until they went silent and just left us hanging. I went by personally to pick up the interchange and put a deposit on the night and was subsequently just emailed a credit card authorization form to reserve one table. The bottom line is that we were led to believe that we could have our reception here but after months of wasted time we would have appreciated being told that they didn't want our business, rather than being led on and ignored for so long. Even after several phone and email requests to get to the next step, we were never able to discuss a menu or pricing. After some point the owner became rude with my fiance. We had to book another location. Management and owner have still not even attempted to apologize or otherwise remedy the situation. There has been absolutely zero communication from them and I am sure this will taint any future experiences we would have otherwise had at this fabulous restaurant.
(1)
Jennifer L.
This place is literally gorgeous. My boyfriend and I were trying to find a new cute little breakfast place and yelp told us to go here! The color scheme is light airy with creams, ivory, and mints which makes the place seem super classy. The seat cushions form perfectly to your butt and you are literally sitting on a dock facing newport's bay side. We did the prix fix 2 course menu and it was sooo amazing. I started off with a baby beet salad which was absolutely delicious. the beets were tiny as hell but each bite was incredibly flavorful. my boyfriend got the tomato gazpacho which was really tasty as well. But if you aren't fancy enough to know what gazpacho is I hope you know that it is a cold soup because he started complaining about how cold it was like an idiot. But anyways, for our second courses I got the french omelet and he got the egg's benedict. The french omelet had the best mushrooms I ever had and not to mention it was covered in truffle oil (my favorite!!) and the egg's benedict was good, but the salmon just didn't taste right. I'm not sure if it was old or what but it was definitely not right. Regardless, I would definitely recommend this place. It's a bit pricey but perfect for a sunday brunch with your parents, grandparents, boyfriends, or friends. Oh and another thing, the service is awesome!!! I was disappointed they didn't have a fresh fruit bowl or something of the sort but when I asked they came up with a side of fresh fruit and didn't charge me at all :) woohoo!
(4)
Julian C.
WOW, could not have had a better experience at this restaurant. First, i booked a reservation for brunch at this restaurant for a friends going away party, we were rather late and yet the service, food, staff, view, and overall dining experience was awesome. Tucked away on LaFayette Ave right on the docks left off of newport blvd (if you are heading south on the peninsula) this GEM is is ideal for any occasion- birthday, farewell, brunch, you name it. The outdoor patio area is quaint and romantic if you will. I have yet to go here for dinner but I'm sure it would be just as magical as a brunch. We took tons of pictures with our champagne, on the balcony of the dock, and had a great afternoon with awesome service. Our waiter even encouraged our festivities and helped pull one last prank on our friend before we sent her off. The food is delicious and will meet your expectations. If you are looking for a small bite the appetizers are great and the entrees could be shared. When dinning in class be prepared to spend a little more but other than that this is a lavish treat and you will leave with happy mouth and tummy. Thanks for reading, see you around the Yelp crowd :P
(5)
Adam B.
4.5 stars. I had the steak and it was near perfect. The chargrilled salad was one of the best salads I have ever tasted. I forgot what my girlfriend had and she thought it was very good but not quite a 5 star yelp worthy review. My meal was 5 and her's was 4.5 so we gave it a 4 (5 is difficult to get from me). I plan to go back very soon... so good.
(4)
samantha s.
This is an cute little restaurant right on the water in Newport Beach. It was formally the Arches and before that Le Quai. It has revamped its image and re-opened as an amazing place where you can relax for a perfect brunch or lunch. I suggest the country style omelettes with spinach, sun dried tomatoes and bacon yum! There is a dock where you can park your duffy or kayak, perfect location! My favorite part is sitting on the comfy couches with the blankets just in case it is a little cooler. Come and try The Dock, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Mark A.
Great ambiance and food. Service was a little stuffy. I had the roasted salad which was absolutely exquisite. The eggs Benedict with Salmon was perfectly done runny eggs and toasted English muffins. Excellent.
(5)
Omar M.
Great food and atmosphere with a definite high end culinary feel. A bit high price wise though. You'll easily drop $120 for a dinner for 2.
(3)
Joann H.
the food was mediocre, the service was absolutely horrible, and our waitress couldn't wait to literally throw us out at 9:30 on a Friday night! we reserved a "window" table and they said no problem. when we got there they sat us under a leaky roof and told us all other tables were reserved. problem is that by the time the restaurant closed the window tables did not get occupied even once. as a matter of fact, more than half the restaurant was empty from the time we got there, until we were rudely escorted out! never again will we spend $180 for 4 small plates and 4 glasses of wine... especially with the attitude our server kept giving us. there are plenty more good restaurants in Newport Beach that you shouldn't waste your money on this one.
(1)
Jennifer H.
Beautiful ambience. Right on the canal. I was really surprised by this jewel. Such a nice alternative to the Cannery down the street. Food, both presentation and taste were excellent. Great wine selection. Small place, so reservation is a must!
(4)
yo m.
A very tiny and plush patio style restaurant and easy to miss from the front. There are only 3 tables by the water (that's how small the place is), so make sure you call in for a reservation. The overall ambiance is peaceful, romantic and refreshing. We were looking for good brunch food and we were NOT disappointed by the food. We got the 2 item prefix brunch for $25, from which we chose eggs benedict, truffle omlette, and sliders. As starters, we chose beet salad, fried calamari and crab cakes. ALL dishes were beautifully plated, perfectly cooked and seasoned. As you dine, you can see the occasional paddle surfer or a little boat sailing by on the water.
(4)
Katie T.
Very romantic! Great menu! Excellent service! You must try the lamb chops...yum
(5)
Pam R.
My husband & I went to The Dock last summer. We took a daytrip to Newport Beach. This place was a total surprise. From the outside it looks like a dive bar. But when we walked in - WOW! You are sitting in this beautiful room overlooking the water. Draped curtains everywhere. Wonderful seating with pillows. Great separation of space between patrons. Menu was fantastic. We had the beet salad & foie gras appetizers. For dinner we had the scallops & rack of lamb. So delicious. Service was superb. Desserts were a chocolate concoction, as well as a fruit tart. Both excellent. Very romantic.
(4)
Kelly M.
The Dock is spectacular! My boyfriend and I love to Duffy there and we are always greeted with great enthusiasm. The staff is friendly and attentive, but most of all, they are extremely knowledgeable in regards to the food preparation and the wine list. I have food allergies so I really appreciate the wait staff knowing what is in the food they are serving. If you are into wine, they have an amazing wine list that is not priced ridiculously. The owners have a huge cellar and educate the staff on the various vintages. I highly recommend the Dock for all types of groups. My boyfriend and I find it to be a romantic venue for the two of us but we have an equally great time when we bring a group.
(5)
Kissy S.
Service is best of the best, as is the food!! Yum, yum & yummier!! Nothing like sitting under the stars on the water with fabulous food. Standout dish is the SHORTRIBS!!!!!!!!!!!! Buckle-up!
(5)
Rande J.
A nice little place tucked away on the bay. Down the street from the Cannery on a one way street. Overlooking the water. Great little brunch.
(5)
Richard N.
"the Dock" has 2 seafood entrees, Salmon and #2, scallops. The salmon tastes as though it came straight from the grocery store freezer section. Don't waist your time.
(1)
Deborah L.
The setting can't be beat- beautiful, on the water, comfortable, no loud echo-y noise anywhere. Food is really good. My only hesitation about going again is that it is pretty price-y. The wine list, which is impressive, doesn't have a bottle under $70. And their corkage fee is $35. For a special occasion it truly feels special. But my budget stops me from being a regular.
(4)
Cat C.
The two stars are for 1) nice outdoor space in Newport Harbor with a great patio and 2) Food is pretty good. What I'm not a fan of is the customer service. Especially for groups. As an event planner representing corporate groups, The Dock was unhelpful and unwilling to accommodate groups, design pre-set menus or want any group business. I'm sure its great for locals -- but definitely put a bad taste in my mouth when someone from the restaurant spoke down to me on the phone and has been twiddling their thumbs on getting a simple group menu to me. I'd hit up The Cannery over the Dock any day.
(2)
Jane T.
Update: Went back tonight. Still amazing food. Tasmanian trout was extraordinary (which is same dish I had last Tuesday. Price tonight was $26, whereas last Tuesday the "special" price was $18.50. That special was worth every penny!!!!). Hubbie had halibut with risotto- which is a hard fish to do right, but they nailed it. Staff is warm, receptive, friendly. We ordered Profiterroles for dessert, and 3 came with the dish. Since there were 3 of us, it was just perfect. Hess Chardonnay was a very good choice for us, for this. Adult crowd. Several people in blue jeans, but I thought they were under-dressed (but then again, many came off duffys). Nice restaurant design. Prior yelp: Really good food. Wish they'd let us bring our own wine (1 bottle on Tuesday nights just doesn't cut it). I had a special ($18.50) of a fish on a mousselline of butternut squash and asparagus. That was last Tuesday, and I am going back again tonight because it was soooo good. Service was very good...(even though we had a mishap of a water spill - everything was very nice).
(5)
Stacy C.
This location is amazing located right on the water. The food is delicious and service great!
(5)
Kristyn L.
I love the Dock! ... It is a perfect combination of Ambiance, Amazing Chef Prepared Food and Fabulous Service (Ask for Shannon). Day or Night... The Dock is a Great Place for Family, Friends or Business. Enjoy !!!
(4)
Mark S.
It was difficult to get a reservation. Not that they were full, it was that each of 3 phone calls went to voice mails, I left numbers and there was no return call. Finally I connected and was set. My wife and I found parking nearby. The ambiance is great. You feel like you are on a boat and people actually arrive by boat... there is a dock. The online menu , wine list and actual menu vary in items and price. I saw a wine I liked on the wine list at $65. The online per glass price was $12. At about 4 glasses per bottle , the bottle price should be about $45 to $48. It did not show on the wine list but when I asked it was available by the glass, I mentioned the $12 price and the server agreed. we ordered 2 appetizers, priced at $12 and $15, when the bill arrived they were charged at $15 and $16. I asked to see the menu and when I questioned the difference , they corrected it. No apology , no reason given. How does this even happen these days with computer price control entries in restaurants? Were the prices meddled with after entered? The server should check the bill before she brings it to make sure it is consistent. It just feels like you need to keep checking on a place that is already pricey. Not a trusting feeling. The food was good , not great. The sashimi was brought with no wasabi. I requested it... they don't have wasabi only horseradish. It would seem that if you are to attempt a Japanese dish you should have the typical condiments. It was prepared nicely , no illness, no reason to call "the Doc" or the Dock 3 times. We haven't returned. Not a great time...
(2)
misha n.
Gorgeous food! Gorgeous setting! These people really know what they're doing. We started off with a beautiful amuse bouche of a scallop ceviche, then a light, but flavorful salad and then my favorite braised short ribs. It was wonderful and I can't wait to come back!!!!!!
(5)
Cristie C.
The Dock is a quaint restaurant that serves phenomenal food. The venue is great and different than other restaurants in the Newport area. The Dock is always on our list of restaurants to go to for a special occasion.
(4)
Scott B.
Lived in Newport in 2009 and literally bumped into this place. If you can't get romantic with a loved one after a Sunday brunch here, you may want to consider breaking up. Reasonable prices, excellent drinks and the best part...the unhurried pace to remove you from their waterfront location after you have finished and the blankets to distributed to guest unprepared for cool breezes. The food is solid, the wine list extensive and the ambiance unparalleled. Parking is a bitch, but...welcome to Newport.
(5)
Matthew C.
I took a group of four people here on Saturday night and we all agreed it was one of the best dining experiences of our lives! When we arrived our table wasn't ready due to a large group overstaying their welcome, but the hostess immediately brought us a round of Champagne... this was more than necessary or expected, but really set the tone of the night. The staff was excellent, very knowledgeable and pleasant! I could understand some people thinking they're slow, but this is a beautiful restaurant with incredible food so the dining experience/process should be enjoyed. Anyway, the braised rib was the best I've ever had, the grilled romaine salad is amazing (I recommend sharing it) and the risotto side was excellent! I cannot wait to come back again and again.
(5)
John N.
Great little hide out. Food was top, Mai Mai was great and service was top notch.
(4)
Lindsay R.
I wish i could give this place some more stars but it wasn't all its cracked up to be. We came here for an anniversary brunch a few weekends ago. The hostess was a little snooty so that was a turn off :/ The restaurant is very small but beautiful. It is right on the water and the view is lovely. The seating is also very comfy! Our waitress was very nice and helpful but the food was not worth the price. First I had the tomato gazpacho; i didnt care for it, i wish i had ordered something else. My boyfriend ordered the potato leek soup, he enjoyed it and i also liked it. For the main course we both ordered the eggs benedict, mine with salmon and his with canadian bacon. Eggs were perfectly cooked and runny and the english muffins were nice and crispy. The hollendaise was ok, a little tart for my liking. Also on the plate was some kind of potato gratin. I didn't care for it; it was very greasy, too much butter. We also ordered the coffee which added $10 to the bill :/ ... All in all it was a nice brunch, i liked the atmosphere but the food was not worth what we paid. The total came out to about $80.
(3)
SM S.
Had an amazing brunch. Price was right, food & drinks were great, the service was fantastic and the decor was beautiful. It's a beautiful, quaint, comfortable little hideaway. Great for a date or brunch with the parents! There's really nothing like it in Newport. I was VERY impressed!!
(5)
suzanne T.
I have seen The Dock pop up on yelp searches when looking for brunch places or new dinner places. On a Sunday late afternoon we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we did, I didn't make reservations and we were seated right away it was 1 and brunch ends at 2 ... They were serving a pre fix menu, we both enjoyed mimosas I had the beet salad and caramelized onion and truffle omelet, he had the beef tartar and benedict. Both were very good and I felt portioned out well, not over stuffed put definitely full. I loved the seating, the patio is very comfortable and the wait staff was friendly. I can't wait to go back for a nice relaxing dinner. Will make a reservation as others have suggested just to be safe. I'm always trying to find a place in Newport the is low key and on the water and I have found my new fav!!!!
(5)
Ty A.
i took my girlfriend here on our first date and the staff made it a very very special evening the food was amazing the service was even better the view is amazing . let me break it down how the night went i called ahead said i wanted a reservation and told them it was a first date they pulled all the stops. when we arrived they had champagne chilled and waiting for us they took us to the best table in the restaurant they let us drink our drink then we ordered wine and they gave us our menus there was no rush at all as soon as we ordered the chef sent out a amuse which was amazing then my date got the tuna tartar which we shared and then she got the scallops with tapanod and i got the sea bass with braised leeks which both were done very well they brought out desert after we enjoyed more wine and watched the sunset this was a very awesome summer night i recommend this place highly
(5)
Nicole T.
Simple food done well. We had Sunday brunch here yesterday and everything was delicious. We had the grilled shrimp cocktail, chicken sandwich, grilled prawns with asparagus risotto and espresso creme brulee. Everything was delicious and service was great. It is such a gem. The vibe was really mellow, it felt like we were sitting in someone's elegant backyard. Definitely coming back soon!
(5)
chris s.
Has the super rude owner got any better. No she hasn't. My neighbors went recently and were talking about it. They were commenting on the rude manager etc. It was the owner. Again locals disappointed by her snotiness.
(1)
Jamie E.
I'm not too sure what the Newport Beach scene is like, but this is what I imagine it to be. Service is professional, though a little cold. Wines are extremely expensive, though not bad. No cocktails. Beer??? Food was not bad, but could be better. For $100 / plate, I think there are better places to go.
(3)
Master B.
i hope this place stays open....it was a Thursday night, at 6pm and we were the 2nd couple in the entire place and when we left, it was just 4 other peep in the place.....i hope you stay open because the food was pretty good. the Filet was a bit tasteless...but the braised short ribs made up for it...the pork belly was pretty solid as well. the wine list was impressive and the pricing not too too bad.....a split of the Romanee La Tour for $54 isn't too bad......but 2009...it needs another 10 yrs..
(3)
D G.
We absolutely love this place! Please don't get this mixed up with the Lido Deck (which is a horrible place). Get the scallops. They are most amazing and succulent scallops I ever had. The staff takes the time to get to know you. The atmosphere makes you feel that is a secret local place. The decor makes you feel at home with the cushy pillows and throws. Please give this place a shot. Reservations are recommended for Fri and Sat nights
(5)
Reed G.
Worst ever. Owner has a habit of berating staff during service. Great location doesn't make up for the bad vibe and so-so at best food. Go to Blue Water or the Cannery instead if you're in the neighborhood.
(1)
Monica M.
Fantastic ! Can't believe a place like this exists! Fabulous food, wine list, service, and romantic ambiance. Highly recommended!
(5)
John J.
I just ate here for the first time. Amazing place. It's on the smaller side but the decor, location and food are amazing. I started off with some crabcakes and calamari; both were delish! For my entree, I had the grilled prawns, which were amazing, and got a bite of my wife's sliders (mmmm!). I'll admit, I'm sorta bummed to be writing this review because I don't want the place to get over-crowded...but it definitely deserves a great review. Definitely worth checking out. Great food, great location.
(5)
Kevin H.
I received a gift certificate for Christmas for this place and didnt get to try out until a week ago. I reviewed the menu and wine list online and was very turned off by the costs of the wines. i put a call in to see what the cork fee was ans was told $30!! Are you kidding me!! We went early on a Friday night and there was just something about this place that charged for all the bells and whistles you'd expect at The Canery or Wildfish, but they came up short in every area. The girl who sat us didnt seem to understand that people came out to eat and would be spending at least $150 for 2, without wine of course, so please be more personable and smiling. Waitress knew food and the menu and was polite, but slow (not her fault) in delivering the goods to the table. Bread and water arrived after we had been sitting about 7-8 minutes. Hard to understand when there were only about 6 people in the place. The view of the bay is overrated. In my opinion, this is a wannabe Newport Beach restauarant getting away with charging the high prices on the menus and wine list. I will say the food is solid once you get it. I had a salmon done perfectly with veggies and my wife had the sea bass that was very tasty. Wedge salad was average but did "sound" good. I will not be going back. To expensive, the staff is not personnal and the parking is a joke. I did call my friend and asked him if he re-gifted that to me, but he denied it.
(1)
Lisa G.
Eating at The Dock is like being on vacation! I had the most relaxing lunch. All the stress of a busy week starting fading away as soon as walked in. Our delightful server Shannon welcomed us promptly and attended to our every need without hovering. I selected the Grilled Romaine Salad with Grilled Prawns, which I would recommend to anyone who loves salad. On an evening visit, I had the steak which was full of flavor and accompanied by two yummy side dishes. You must taste the bread, even if you are avoiding carbs, it is unbelievable. Everyone from the top down cares about the diners and works tirelessly to make their visit to The Dock a wonderful dining experience. You must give it a try!
(5)
Kamyar S.
nice and cozy environment. good food.
(5)
Deepa S.
We were in Newport Beach on Saturday morning looking for a place to have Brunch. This place really exceeded my expectations. It is quaint with beautiful decor, a nice view, good food, and good service. I'm looking forward to returning for brunch.
(5)
Nicole B.
wow, just called on a sunday to ask brunch hours, but i had to listen to a long message with many awkward pauses and mistakes, and no hours listed. according to their website, they're not open for brunch anymore?
(1)
Elizabeth G.
My husband and I loved this place. The setting is so beautiful, classy and romantic, the service was perfect and the food was great. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5 is because my water glass had lipstick remaining on it from a diner before me and there was food sticking to my husband's menu. Otherwise, though, it was a fabulous dining experience.
(4)
Leroy B.
We came in last night for dinner to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. From the get go the staff was right on top of us, making sure we were seated properly and making amazing wine recommendations. We ordered the tuna tataki, grilled romaine, halibut, salmon, lamb, and scallops. All dishes looked and tasted amazing. I'm still thinking about the risotto that came with the halibut. mmm mmm good. Not sure how this place is during the day, but in the evening it is really special and perfect for a special occasion. I liked how small and intimate it was, right on the water...a perfect setting to celebrate a birthday or other occasion with preferred privacy. Reasonably priced, but then again I live in inflated LA. I'd come back here again in a heartbeat for a romantic dinner with my girlfriend or with friends and family.
(5)
Alyssa H.
So my boyfriend found this place on Yelp and we decided to check it out for our date night. The location is tucked away in Newport Beach and is right on a dock, hence the name. You can park your boat and walk right in to the restaurant if you want to! The atmosphere was really laid back and the staff was very friendly. All seating is outside which concerned us at first since it was a cold night, but we were very comfortable since they have heat lamps. The seating was also very cozy with couch like seating on one side (which is where I got to sit) and chairs on the other. They also have blankets in case you get chilly. We walked in without reservations and luckily we got sat pretty quickly. Their menu is short and sweet. A bit pricier than the average college student might spend but we didn't mind. We got the calamari appetizer which was delicious. My boyfriend said it was the best he'd ever had (and he's a picky eater). For dinner I had the roasted chicken breast which was juicy and delicious and my boyfriend got the top sirloin which he enjoyed just as much. For dessert we shared the chocolate cake which was SO good! Overall we had a great experience at The Dock and would highly recommend it :-)
(5)
jennifer H.
The Dock is our favorite restaurant in Newport Beach. Since it opened, we have not been to any other restaurant in town. Why? There is no need! We have had breakfast, lunch and dinner there, and, have never been disappointed! Every time friends visit, we take them to The Dock. They keep wanting to go back!!! This afternoon, I had the Grilled Prawns and Risotto with asparagus and a yogurt emulsion. OMG! It was to die for. Oh, and I had one of the best Bloody Mary's ever! We love The Dock, we love the ambiance! It is so intimate and relaxing! At night it is so romantic! I can't wait for the next time! Love it! Love it!
(4)
Erik M.
Came here for bunch with my family last Sunday. The restaurant is small so make sure you have reservations if you have groups larger than 6. The brunch is 30$ for two courses and that doesn't include drinks. I had the cauliflower soup and the duck confit hash. I would easily recommend both dishes. The soup was creamy and delicious and just had a hint of curry flavor. The duck was cooked well but not perfectly. But everything combined together in the hash was absolutely delicious. I would order it again in a heartbeat. The service is kind of meh... It felt like it took forever for each course to come out and the waitstaff didn't seem that attentive. The four star rating is mostly based on the food. I'd give the service 3 stars. The 30$ brunch is a bit deceiving. After coffee, tea, or juice (6 bucks each). Tax, 20%tip on top of a service charge the bill came out to a bit more than 50 bucks a person. Do I think it's worth it? Yeah I do. However, all the extra charges and surprising cost of beverages seemed a bit sneaky and annoying.
(4)
Annie T.
It was one of my girls' birthday and she picked this place for brunch. We originally were six, but one couldn't make it so we were five. They were understanding even though the table was reserved for six. Brunch was 30 per person for a two course meal. We also had a bottle of chandon champagne which was 65 I believe. Mimosas are NOT bottomless (big bummer) here! The brunch menu isn't large, but it had some great looking stuff on it. We ordered: -Soup de Jour (Butternut Squash that day): I didn't get a chance to try it, but my friend said it was creamy and light. Very delicious. -Ahi Tuna Tataki: I order this and it was pretty good. The sauce it was in was great. I didn't quite like the passionfruit jelly but my friends said it tasted okay. -Potatoes Latkes: it came with smoked salmon. I thought this was yummy! I liked chive sauce that came with it! -Steak Tartar: I didn't get to try this one either, but my friend finished her plate.. so I'm assuming it was good.. or she wanted to get her money's worth! -Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon: I think 3 people in my group order this! It was definitely great. Some of the eggs were runny, while others not so much. It came with some potatoes too which weren't amazing, but still good. -Quiche: I had the quiche which had spinach and goat cheese in it that day. This dish was disappointing. There were two quiches, tiny tiny sized. I expected a little more.. and the taste wasn't there. It was bad because you still the goat cheese flavor, but I definitely thought this was pretty bland. -Prawn: My friend had this and liked it. It came with some risotto which was pretty good.. but you can't really go wrong with that. -Bottle of Chandon: This champagne is your typical champagne, but I thought the bottle was so cute! It has a nautical theme to it :) Overall, the service was great, the food was yummy, and we left full. The view was slightly disappointing, but we were more focused on catching than anything so it wasn't that bad. If the brunch menu changes over the seasons or something, I might just come back and give something else a try!
(4)
Bill W.
I have been here two separate times within the month. On the first Saturday night is was really fine dining with a casually elegant atmosphere. All the food was very, very good maybe even a Michelin One star event. (4 or 5 stars rating here) On Sunday night the starters were good, and 3 of the 4 mains were marginally OK, but we had to return the Duck breast. Not only was it not cook properly, it was the poorest part of the breast. And after returning the dish, you would think someone (a manager) would speak to us, but apparently, on Sunday's, both the manager and the real chef take the day off. (2 stars) It's to bad, because I live nearby and thought I had found a local restaurant.
(3)
Grace L.
Good food, Great view! I came for Sunday Brunch which is a Pre-fixe menu. The reason they didn't get a 5th star was 2 reasons. Portions are dainty. AND, they don't tell you that Mimosas (or bloody marys) are not bottomless yet continue to ask you if you want a refill. I think that's horrible service. Parking may be difficult, but there are a lot of metered spots. If you come early enough you'll score one right in front of the restaurant. Meters work on Sundays.
(4)
A W.
2 course pre fixe brunch... Would have loved to see a dessert at the end...since most brunch places include it as part of a pre-fixe. I had the steak tartare to start, and then I had the eggs Benedict with the Pork belly. Y girlfriend had the duck confit! All of them tasted fresh and was to die for. I would come back again during the fall bc it was way to hot in there. I hope they add fans as part of their fixtures. I was a little uncomfortable. My ratings are strictly based on the food. I loved the food and can't wait to try it again!
(5)
Loannie D.
We went for the Tuesday Special and it was worth it! Amazing service by Vincent! The eating area was very cute and conformable. I enjoyed arriving at 6 and experiencing the sunset as we ate. The potato leek soup and salad were EH... but the main course was great! In addition to the special, we ordered the calamari with the basil mayo. I usually hate mayo but this complemented the calamari extremely well. We cleaned our plates! The service here was AMAZING and the presentation added to the overall environment. Defiantly will come here again.
(5)
Dorothy H.
Pretentious Waiter and less than mediocre food made for a very unmemorable meal. Wont be returning!
(2)
Mat W.
Great atmosphere, great food, great service. I have had multiple items and have never been disappointed. It is a very small restaurant with a great view. Definitely the best spot on the peninsula!
(5)
Jason K.
My Wednesday date spot with the wife. It's one of the best kept secrets in Orange County. Fantastic wine selection. Above all else it's amazing that this chef can combine the best parts of European cuisine with a pacific rim undertones in his flavoring and seasoning. The location on the water is romantic and the decor is charming. I'd recommend a reservation and ask for Jordan, he's fantastic.t
Hidden Gem! Great location on the water and truly very peaceful with out all the (Sunday fun day) crowed. We were able to sit down and have a quiet brunch and talk simply just enjoy our food The staff is what really sets this place over the top to rate this staff a five star rating is an understatement. Great food, with a fantastic presentation on the dish. If you are looking for a great place to spend time and be able to talk to one another this is the place for you. I will be from now on a regular here. Crazy thing is I live not far from here and I never have seen this place before, until we were out on our paddle boards.
(5)
Justin B.
Pros: Grilled prawns, Sunday Prix Fixe Brunch $25 Cons: Street parking can get crowded Went here with the wifey for brunch last Sunday. It's kinda hidden off a tiny street heading toward the peninsula. There's really only metered street parking ($1 per hour). Luckily most of the meters in the area take credit card. The space itself isn't too big, but its right off a dock on the marina. All the seats are in a covered outdoor patio. Pretty nice decor. On Sundays, they have a $25 prix fixe menu. This includes a first course and a second course. I ended up getting a salad for my first and grilled prawns with risotto for my second. My wife got the calamari and a steak sandwich. The calamari was really good. The breading was just right. Not too heavy and nice and crispy. I also really enjoyed my prawns. They were pretty big and the risotto was delicious. Although we didn't get any drinks, they serve mimosas and bloody mary's for reasonable prices. Anyway, great place if you're looking for a new brunch spot.
(4)
Morgan S.
We came to the Dock for our 30th anniversary. It was a great choice. What an intimate place. Open to some private docks at the end of the building. We have not had such good service in a long time and the food was fantastic. We started with the mussels (in a great broth) and frites. My main course was scallops on gnocchi. I was worried that would leave me still hungry, but the portion was generous and delicious.
(5)
Sara G.
Brunch is served as two courses at a fixed price of $30 per person. For the first course, I ordered the Steak Tartar, my wife ordered the Pork Belly. Both dishes were AMAZING and well worth their half of the price. Each bite was packed with flavor and a joy to consume. The tartar was slightly more cooked than I'm used to, but not enough to make the taste any less enjoyable. For the second course, I tried the Benedict, while my wife opted for French Toast. These plates... were not terrible. Certainly above Denny's standard, but compared to the first course, we both felt let down and dissapointed by it. The ambiance felt like the place was trying just a little too hard to be more than it actually is, and the service was attentive, but clumsy. Honestly though, that's about par for the neighborhood. Would have rated a 4, but for the inconsistency between the first and second courses.
(3)
Shawna S.
Really lovely and quaint place. Had a great brunch here. The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate dining experience. I would recommend this place for 2 or a small party. I tried the steak tartar, shrimp riosotto, beet and goat cheese salad and, the truffle omelette which I have no complaints about. I would come back just for the ambience and nice service.
I took my Mom here for a Mother's Day brunch. We had a good time. They incorporated organic ingredients and the service are very good. We dropped by without reservation, but we weren't waiting for long before being seated. I'd love to eat here again for my next visit.
(5)
Jamie M.
I had my birthday brunch here and it was lovely. I so adored the fact that we were seated right next to the harbor with no windows obstructing our view and the warm Newport breeze passing through. Beautiful decorations and the service was attentive without being overly so. Champs were a-flowing and the food was delicious! 1) App: Steak Tartar - on the menu it said Violet Mustache (lol) but I do believe it meant to read Violet mustard which is a mustard enhanced with grape juice and/or wine. This made more sense since the meat had a purple tinge and the mustard seeds were abundant. The flavor was amazing with the mache lettuce giving it a fresh, buttery bite. Yum! 2) Smoked Salmon Benedict - The salmon was perfectly salty balancing well with the creamy eggs and hollandaise sauce. The potato gratin was just ok, a tad under seasoned compared to the salmon masterpiece it stood next to. On a side note, I was already full by the time the benedict came since the tartar was a pretty big portion. My only gripe is that it is a bit overpriced... $30+ for brunch is a bit excessive. If they would make the portions smaller and decrease the price, I would be a regular!
(4)
Melissa K.
"The Dock" was everything one could wish for in a dining experience. The first call was to book a table, for our anniversary. Christine answered, booked a special table, congratulated me and gave me driving instructions, and told me parking at the meters wouldn't require any money due to the reservation being past 6pm. Upon arrival the ambiance was beautiful, the wait staff exceptional, the food amazing. We also received 2 complimentary sparkling wines, and a dessert to add to the celebration. Traveling around the world for the past 35 years, I have eaten at many restaurants. I also recruit for an international company. It isn't easy to impress me, but "The Dock" did surpass my expectations. We enjoyed the entire experience. If you want a phenomenal experience, and wonderful food, this is the place. Thank you Christine, Eric, Madison, and of course, the Chef.
(5)
T S.
Great place to eat, steaks were wonderful, service was fantastic, we had a great seat right next to the water wonderful view, I don't find it to be overly expensive, it comes down to you get what you pay for. I look forward to going back.
(5)
Kelly R.
Beautiful location and atmosphere, but that's about the only thing that's positive about this place. The mediocre food is over -priced and the service sucks. $60 for brunch! If you have the budget and don't mind less-than tasty food and a lackadaisical wait staff, this place is for you. You can at least enjoy the ambiance.
(2)
Janie K.
Excellent service - very warm and knowledgeable staff who seen to genuinely enjoy the place themselves. Amazing food - gourmet all the way. Very elegant and refined atmosphere with a quaint and picturesque view of the dock/Newport Harbor. Such a pleasant and romantic time to spend with your loved one(s). At brunch, the quiche was wonderful - Next time I'll try the grilled Prawns over couscous and asparagus.
(5)
Phil W.
Wow. That was a great meal. Amazing chef. I can't wait to go back. Every course was delicious and special.
(5)
Allen Y.
I made reservation at 11:30am for Jan 11th and yes we were half hour late as it was a Sunday and we all wanna just relax. HOWEVER I got a call from the restaurant just around 11:30am and the lady on the phone started talking to me in a blaming tone: "Please make sure you give us a call if you are late as we are a small restaurant and we have been holding the table for you. Are you guys still coming?" Wait a second! Are we doing business or I am your customer? I almost wanna told her that we are not coming just because you said that but I didn't. The food was so so as well and my steak sandwich was just a steak on top of lettuce; tomato and piece of bread full of oil. To me I will not go back again. The two stars was given to the service and environment.
(2)
Nicole C.
It's a smaller place with tables that all sit waterfront (resos recommended). The prefix menu is a little pricey but the food is delicious and you can't beat the view. Classic breakfast foods with a costal twist. We had the eggs benedict and french toast. I would order again and we'll definitely be back. Oh, and the bloody mary's are homemade and full of goodies. Is it Sunday yet?
(5)
Jaclyn M.
I was going down to Newport for brunch so turned to Yelp to find a great spot and all reviews pointed to The Dock. This place was great. Gorgeous views right on the harbor. Amazing food! They have a price fix brunch with 2 courses for $30. The staff was amazing. Cannot wait to come back!
(5)
Julie Y.
Cute brunch spot with a nice view, and portion size is decent. Brunch is a prix fix menu with two courses for $30/pp, not a bad deal. We had the ahi tuna sashimi and the steak tartar for the first course and both were very good. The ahi is light and fresh, and the steak tartar is very flavorful (but more on the cooked side in case you were expecting it to be rare). For the second course we had the grilled prawns over risotto (good and light in flavor), eggs benedict with salmon lox (tasty but the bread underneath was very buttery), and the duck confit hash (very flavorful but a bit too salty for my taste). Mimosas are good, and because we were celebrating my birthday our server comp'd a chocolate ganache dessert (that was very sweet of her). Overall, a very pleasant experience and we will definitely go back again!
(4)
Clara B.
Thank you Yelpers for recommending this amazing restaurant for brunch while visiting Newport Beach! I love the atmosphere, amazingly delicious food and Danielle, my waitress was very gracious in recommending the right wine! I chose a lovely Savignon Blanc - Jacque Rouze, Quincy, from Loire Valley 2011 The had a pre-fix two course special for $30 which was really nice.... My potato latkes with salmon were truly special with caviar.... Risotto with artichokes and shrimp another great choice and coconut ice cream with a crispy wafer.... I almost forgot to mention how much I enjoyed watching the yachts and people coming in from their boats to enjoy a special meal. I felt like I was on vacation... well actually I was for a day.... This is the perfect way to end the closing of my art show in Newport Beach and celebrate with this special brunch.... Life is about celebrating small or large events in one's life and today was one of them for me... This is one of those romantic restaurants you wish your man would take you, well today I took myself and loved it....
(5)
Chris S.
GF took me here for my birthday. We were sat right at the edge of dining where you can hear the water lapping against the docks. Wine list is fantastic, much care was taken in putting it together. Great selection of new and old world wines. The food was outstanding. Kale salad and Korubuta were fantastic! Great first courses. Second course was Tazmanian sea trout, explained beautifully by our server, and the pork chop was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The sauces, starches, and veggies complimented the flavors of the proteins perfectly. The servers were knowledgeable about the food and wines and answered questions without pretense. Great location! Food and Wine are outstanding!! Definitely a gem and great for special occasions.
(5)
Lisa L.
Well, I would have to say this is the best restaurant I've been to in this year so far. Great service, nice bay view, high quality food! Every table set up with a pretty candle and beautiful flowers. Must try the crab salad, it's soooo fresh!!! The dock will be the top choice if anyone is looking for a restaurant for a dinner date!
(5)
Brooks J.
Top 5 restaurants in OC, no question. Every dish we had (party of 4) was extremely well executed and tasted wonderful. It was the best preparation of duck that I have ever had. Perfect setting with the water close by. Beer and wine only but that hardly mattered because their wine list is solid. Even includes some harder to find Napa Valley "cult cabs." Save up and make a reservation, well worth it!
(5)
Justin S.
Came to The Dock to experience Sunday Brunch service earlier in July. While the area surrounding the front of the restaurant wasn't the best to look at, once you enter, that thought immediately changes. The views open up very quickly to the beautiful area behind the restaurant filled with boats and picturesque views of the channel. Our hostess was very accommodating and we were greeted right away. The brunch is a pre-fixed two course menu with optional dessert following the menu so be prepared. The serving staff was very knowledgeable of the menu items. My guest had food allergies and the staff, particularly the chef, offered alternatives to cook the entree she had chosen without the ingredient that caused the allergy which I thought was very accommodating. You don't always find that willingness to offer such service. The dessert, while small, was fantastic and I think the only thing I wish could of been better for the price I paid would of been bottomless Mimosas. Overall a great place for a brunch date, family or friends gathering! Going back for sure!
(4)
Phil G.
My favorite restaurant in my hometown and one that not too many people know about. Everything is delicious and are always lucky enough to get tapas like plates with wine pairings for every dish. The best part about it is the servers due to their friendliness and knowledge of wines and the dishes. Every night is something new in the menu, and there are way too many good dishes to list. This is a very good place to take a date and entertain your family and good friends. They also are right on the water which makes it convenient if you have a boat in the Newport bay.
(5)
Denise R.
I attended their Sunday Brunch and was pleasantly surprised by the location (yes, on the dock, and a couple of boats did float past), great service and great food, tastefully and imaginatively presented. Very comfortable seating and surroundings and no wait to be seated. They have a Prix Fixe Sunday lunch which was a little expensive but excellent food that all four of us enjoyed. The appetizers seemed small when initially brought to our table but were very filling and loved the presentation. We all loved the entrees and wish we had room for dessert as we looked around the room at the variety of sweets that were offered but will have to wait for another time. Were were lucky to find a metered parking slot within a couple of blocks. Looking forward to trying their regular dinner menu.
(4)
Jackie H.
Went here a few weeks ago for their Sunday brunch. We had prior reservations and were seated promptly in one of the tables near the waterside. First off if you want to take someone special or even go with your family for brunch on one of those beautiful sunny California days with views then this is definitely a place to consider. The views and location hands down is what makes The Dock worth it. Yes the service and food were good but for the prix fixe prices it's more on the reviews vs this being the best food in OC. So as mentioned service was great, very attentive (though there were only about four parties when we were there so they weren't busy); but definitely quality you'd expect considering on location and price. Food likewise was enjoyable. Since we did the brunch the menu consisted of a prix fix allowing for your choice an appetizer for the first course and main item for the second. We each started off with mimosas to drink which were not lacking on the champagne which was nice. I ordered the granola and Greek yogurt (chef prepares his own flavor each time, this visit it was berry). I enjoyed the fruit that came with it as well, though I do wish the ratio of granola to yogurt was more granola rather than a soup of yogurt and a small spoonful of granola. My date ordered the red wine pear salad and noted that everything was prepared well. For the second course we ordered the petite pancakes and eggs Benedict respectively. Pancakes with the berry compote was delicious and more than enough food; not the best I've ever had but I did appreciate and enjoy it. I was able to try the eggs Benedict which were quite tasty and I probably preferred them to my own choice. I wouldn't say the meal was spectacular or the best food in the area but it was good and paired with the views and ambiance of the place I would recommend their brunch. If they didn't have the view I'd honestly probably give them 3/3.5 stars but the view gives a solid 4.
(4)
B D.
The Dock has a great ambiance with comfortable seating. We spent almost 3 hours there enjoying the great food, service and atmosphere. Every table has a view of the harbor. We started off with the crab beignets and the Kurobuta pork belly. The fried crab and avocado blended well and the pork belly was crisp and tender. I ordered the short ribs, which were incredible. The risotto and vegetables were perfect and the short ribs were very tender. My girlfriend chose the lamb rack that had a tasty herb crust. She really liked the ratatouille and hummus. It was her birthday so our server brought out a complimentary dessert. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Liz T.
Food was good but ambiance ruined it for me. Completely empty restaurant, OK 2 or 3 other tables, and we get a table with a flickering light...so annoying and the waiter never once asks us if we want to move. He said no one ever complains about it (have you read yelp?). You pay so much for this experience, why doesn't the help do everything they can to make it nice, instead of making the customer feel guilty. It was so distracting!! If you must go here (And I think there are better places), go at daytime or sit at a table without an overhead light. He said they all did that, (flicker) but none of us believed it as we watched the tables on either side and could not detect a flicker problem! Plus,I do not understand the hype. There were 4 of us and the food was good, but only one meal out of 4 was considered exceptional (halibut special). Perhaps you must go during the daytime. As far as price expect, to pay $50.00 +, per person for food and add wine on top of that!
(3)
Wendy H.
From the outside, The Dock looks like a tiny restaurant. Once inside there is an open view to the waters where boats can dock. The atmosphere of this place is amazing! Their foods do not disappoint and their wine selection is great. Best to come here and dine while watching the sunset! Not to mention the service is impeccable.
(4)
Philip G.
The Dock is perfect for a romantic evening down in Newport/Laguna Beach area. It's an open air restaurant and overlooks the open water way. Top of the line service, great wine and champagne menu and the food - delish! We started off with the heirloom tomato salad, which was sooo good. For our main course, we had the scallops and the pork chop - wow! Again, absolutely delicious. We polished it all off with some type of chocolate cake that was mouth watering good. Highly recommend this place for a date night spot, and even for families looking for a nice evening.
(5)
MONICA Y.
Location, food, wine, and service was on point. Perfect if you're trying to impress someone.
(5)
Talisha M.
Great brunch! Cute place with amazing view! The salmon potato latkes were to die for. The quiche was great...especially bc it was just pure egg with no crust!
(5)
CatLadyHon N.
I came here for dinner to celebrate my husband's birthday mid-week. It was quiet and relaxing. The do not serve any alcoholic spirits besides beer and wine which were overpriced in my opinion. But, I guess you pay for the location. It's a small restaurant and I can see that it would be very fitting for a private small party, so always call to make sure they don't have an event. The food was good, nothing exceptional. My husband ordered his steak medium-rare and it came out medium but he didn't complain b/c it was still juicy and flavorful. I ordered their braised short ribs which were dried. Overall, I had higher expectations for food but service was exemplar.
(4)
Chris A.
We showed up 45 minutes early for our Sunday brunch reservation, and they were kind enough to seat us right away at a table by the water. Scrumptious food. Excellent staff. (The waiter brought us our fourth round of mimosas on the house :) It's a beautiful restaurant, and true to its name one of the other customers arrived by boat!
(5)
Vivian L.
The pictures on yelp look so good and decided to give it a try. Came here on Saturday for dinner. Was able to call and made a reservation for the same day. Overall, the food was ok. however, we do feel like the waitress is inexperienced. We had eaten half portion of the dish and found there's a worm like bug on the dish, we told the waitress and she said "I'll take it away". We still have half portion of the dish unfinished. She never came back with the other portion. We then being charged for the full price of the dish. It is just not right. Probably this is our first and last try at this restaurant.
(2)
Tracy N.
Wow, what a perfect place for Sunday brunch!! Absolutely beautiful view with a very open atmosphere. If you have guests from out of state that want to experience something "Californian", definitely take them here! The food also exceeded my expectations, being light and tasty! I will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Adam S.
The ambiance could not be better, and the food is always a treat. The service is also really great. I haven't been here for brunch, so I can't comment on that. However, my girlfriend and I love The Dock for dinner so much that we have begun coming here every year for our anniversary. This year, Trevor helped us for a second time; he remembered us, which really made the dinner a little extra special. We feel we have our first tradition and we look forward to coming to The Dock for years to come.
(5)
Amber Elizabeth M.
DISCLAIMER: I did not pick up the bill. Half indoor, half outdoor. Right on the dock, (imagine that!) The heaters are fantastic for keeping you warm and still enjoying the fresh air. Erik offered fantastic service. My wine glass was full the entire time. Maybe a little too full. :) Pork belly and tuna apps knocked my socks off. Unfortunately I had already eaten earlier so I went went with the endive salad, which in fact, was fantastic. I have a crush on goat cheese. And I don't eat a ton of meat so it was nice and light. That being said, I also got to taste the lamb (amazing!) and the steak (out of this world). I kind of have a crush on this place. Unfortunately it's not in my zip code. But watch out Dock, because next time I'm in town I'll be bringing my dingy around!
(5)
Kelly N.
Where do I start? We had dinner her w a few other friends and I had no idea what to expect. I did see pictures of the restaurant and it looked pretty cool and I was right. It's almost as if you are having your meal out on the deck if a boat. It's charming yet elegant and wow what a great place to enjoy our California weather! The service was outstanding ... Friendly , knowledgeable, and professional ! The food was Ah-mazing!!! My husband had the pork chops - to die for! I had the sea bass - excellent!!! Everyone's meals was fantastic. Our new favorite restaurant!!!
(5)
Nida K.
Such a cute, classy restaurant located right on the... DOCK! Who would've guessed?? 10 of my girl friends had lovely Sunday brunch here. Brunch is around $25 and you get an appetizer and an entree. I ordered the Steak Tartar for my appetizer and The Grilled Prawns for my entree. I was expecting my Steak Tartar to be like seared ahi tuna, but it was more like a mush. It was really good in a surprising way... very flavorful and it had the texture of raw fish at a sushi restaurant. Haha, that might not sound too great, but I really enjoyed it. The Grilled Prawns were an excellent choice for me. I love shrimp, asparagus, and risotto, so it was a great combination. The restaurant itself is partially indoor and partially outdoor. It's open air overlooking the docks. It was a foggy morning when we went, but if the sun was out it would've been a lot better. They have an extensive selection of wines. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try any since I partied a little too hard the night before. The sight/smell of it would've sent me running to you know where. Overall, The Dock is a great place to go if you're in ever in the area. It's classy, trendy, and modern. Looks like it could be a great spot for a dinner date too. Oh yea, watch out for parking. Put enough money in the meter and put in more if you need to. I got a ticket! :(
(4)
Alice M.
What a find!!!! Arriving when they opened at 10:30 on Sunday morning, parking was NOT a problem and $2 for two hours on meter right in front of restaurant was far less than any valet charges. The meals were well worth the price! Husband is a steak tartare AND Egg Benedict aficionado. Both he found totally to his satisfaction. I had the duck confit hash which like my pork belly first course was worth every one it's many calories. Service was wonderful. Will be back.
(5)
Gary S.
Truly remarkable! My wife and I went for our anniversary. We had visited many years ago when it was L'quay and It was every bit as good if not better. The ambiance was cozy and romantic . The service was outstanding with Eric and his sister teaming up to make our dinner special. The food was perfectly prepared and the presentation was beautiful. For wine lovers please note the wine list was outstanding with some very difficult to find wines and Eric was helpful in selecting something we had never tried before which turned out to also be marvelous. Every course of the dinner was wonderful, from the appetizers ( roasted beets for my wife and seared Foie Gras for me ) to the main courses (John Dory for the fish lovers or Rack of lamb for those who prefer meat). The entire evening was finished off with a phenomenal chocolate dessert. All in all a very memorable night at a wonderful hidden gem of a restaurant.
(5)
E. B.
Great food and service! The staff was friendly and the view of the dock is beautiful. I had the short ribs as my main course and it was delicious. I had a wonderful experience at The Dock, I would suggest this place to anyone looking to have great food with an amazing ambiance!
(5)
Funglin W.
Delicious food, great service, amazing view, cute restaurant, and reasonable pricing! Food: The lettuce wrap is delicious, with really powerful flavors. The fish and chips were really delicious and amazing! View: This restaurant is right on the dock. It is such a gorgeous place and sitting right by the dock on a warm summer is amazing. Oh, their bathroom door is ADORABLE! It's not a bad idea, by the way, to walk from The Dock to newport beach!
(5)
Alex G.
The Dock is a great place to take a date for a romantic dinner, or brunch. It's in one of my favorite spots of Newport Beach, tucked away from traffic and crowds. From the outside this place looks very nondescript, but once you get inside you quickly realize that this is a beautiful high-end restaurant, just like the photos. It's not cheap, but the food and service and very good. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's very good, and definitely worth a trip.
(4)
Svetlana S.
Little slice of Heaven!!! This place was just Amazing! The food was so beautiful, exquisite flavors and perfect size portions. But what really put it over the top was the service. Our server was so attentive, gave us little compliments of the chef surprises, and constantly brought us hot bread one at a time. Their attention to detail is top notch. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Nadia T.
I just love this place! The atmosphere is amazing, view of the harbor. The food is delicious and amazing Bloody Mary. Will definitely be adding this to the rotation.
(5)
Natalie B.
Went for dinner. The best salmon I've ever had! Boyfriend got the lamb chops and it was amazing. Our waiter was very stuffy and cold, but the view of the water and boats was nice, place is pretty, and food is good. Be prepared to splurge, everything is pretty pricey, at about $30-$40 a plate.
(4)
Joe R.
Bomb Food, GREAT VIEW! Great service! Small place tho.
(5)
Roberto R.
The ambiance is great, and the service couldn't be better. However I ordered the short ribs and was sorely disappointed... extremely dry and very tough to eat. I would have been better off eating a flank steak. I had about 2 bites before giving up. Save money and DO NOT order the short ribs. Also, I wouldn't recommend bringing anyone here for a birthday dinner, I made a note of it in the reservation and they completely ignored my note.
(2)
Evelyn B.
I love this place. A peaceful haven from the crowds. Great food, great view.
(5)
David F.
Nice place, ok brunch, terrible service! We weren't given a choice of table on arrival (even though we were the first ones in) and forced to sit in the direct sun. Eventually we asked to move but were told the several other empty tables around us were being used (although it turns out they weren't used the whole time we were there!). Also, we were told the small curtain could not be pulled by our table as that would spoil the 'ambience' and so we pretty much had to just deal with being uncomfortable! Won't be coming back!
(1)
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Address :2816 LaFayette Ave
Newport Beach, CA, 92663
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jay P.
So, this is a delayed review of the prix-fixe brunch I had here with my mom for, you guessed it, Mother's Day. Once you manage to find parking (come early for a reservation, you won't regret it), you'll find that beyond the small and unassuming entry way lies a well-decorated dining area right on the waterfront. It's got that upscale beachy vibe without being too uptight, and they really make the most of the small space. I had a mimosa before tucking into a very appropriately sized three course brunch. Between my mom and I, we tried 4 different types of seafood (lobster, tuna (?) tartare, salmon, eggs benedict) and they were all fantastic. As far as dessert here goes, if I were ordering off the regular menu, I'm not sure that I would order it again, because the upside-down pineapple cake and the chocolate thing that my mom had (chocolate ganache on top of some sort of crispy crust?) were just, O.K. My disclaimer here is that I'm picky about dessert and I think it paled in comparison to the first two courses we had there. The bill was not cheap (Approx $65/person + tax, tip), but it was a very well-rounded dining experience with good service for a special occasion and my mom was very happy (they even gave small bouquets of roses to each table towards the conclusion of the meal). I'd say you should come here when you're feeling a little more generous with your wallet so you can sip on an extra mimosa while enjoying the view and an awesome seafood brunch with your ___________ (insert: date, mother, girlfriends, etc.).
(4)Brett F.
Tiny on space, HUGE on charm. Love the implied feeling of being on someones lavishly decorated, private, waterfront patio. Turn your face toward the sun and overlook the channel while sipping on ice cold Veuve... Mmm, heavenly! Personal touches like cute throw pillows, fancy mirrors, unfussy floral arrangements (hydrangeas, gorg!), rattan chairs and billowy curtains make this the idyllic spot for Sunday brunch, or brekkie any day of the week, really. Specialties like Croque Monsieur, Brioche French Toast and Filet Sliders - yes, for brunch - are well executed, mighty in portion and plated beautifully to aptly compliment the striking scenery already enveloping you. My personal fav, the Buttermilk Pancakes with Brandied Bananas, however, were so darn tempting and delectable I could barely take my eyes (or mouth) off of them long enough to even realize there was scenery to see. A testament to tasty, indeed. Lunch and Dinner are also served up in style at The Dock (what a great evening date spot this would be), though I've yet to experience either. Hint Hint, boys! Really though, Sunrise + Sunglasses + Sunny Side Up Eggs = All This Ray-Lovin' Bird Needs
(4)Jay C.
A quaint place with great food and a wonderful view. My wife and I had dinner here, and we loved the food, the wine, the views, and the ambience. Our waiter, Jordan, was wonderful. He gave us excellent suggestions (both food and wine pairings), and he certainly enhanced our dining experience. We are definitely looking forward to going back there.
(5)Minkkwan W.
Tucked away in Newport Beach is this wonderful spot my boyfriend took me to for Easter brunch. Started off the meal with a nice mimosa and the delicious cornbread muffin. Off the prix fixe menu, We ordered the Japanese hamachi and the salmon potato latkes. Such amazing flavor for both appetizers, I would go back just for those alone. Entree we ordered the fresh grilled salmon and the eggs Benedict. A great classic eggs Benedict, but the salmon with couscous was the star-- so fresh and perfectly grilled with moist flaky and flavorful meat. Finally we were so stuffed had to take the dessert courses home. Beautiful ambiance with beautiful food what else could you ask for? Happy Easter everyone!
(5)Angie M.
Came here yesterday to celebrate my husband's birthday with our family. It was just the four of us- brought along the little man (3 year's old) and I called ahead for reservations. I loved the inside of this place. We were seated right on the water. The dining room is well decorated and peaceful. The food was delicious. We had the two course brunch and each sampled something different. I had the romaine salad, hubby loved the potato latkes and mother in law had the pear salad. For brunch I had the prawns and rissoto and the others had the french omlette. Presentation was fabulous and the taste was incredible. Our server was perfect, she was the right mix of attentive and friendly without being overbearing. We really enjoyed ourselves and the meal. The only drawback is that the woman seating us was a bit weird about us bringing in our 3 year old. We came equipped with an iPad and with threats of no Mickey Mouse for days if he misbehaved, and he was wonderful. She gave us a bit of a lecture about him being in the restaurant and it made us feel uncomfortable. We are used to fine dining places and know our son's behavioral patterns and felt good with our decision to bring him along. After the meal she softened when she realized he wasn't going to start throwing silverware and running all over the tables and commended him on his behavior. It just felt forced and kind of took away from our nice brunch. I think some people just need to give parents the benefit of the doubt sometimes! Overall though- make a reservation and enjoy a great meal here. It is wonderful and you won't regret it.
(4)Jane W.
Perfect for a lazy summer morning brunch! I chose from a two course $25 per person brunch menu. I had an arugula salad with ham for my starter (definitely sounded more appetizing on the menu) as well as a grilled prawn dish, which was amazing. The prawn was super big and juicy and the plate was arranged very beautifully. The dining area isn't too big or overly fancy, but is right by the water and the ambiance is very relaxing. Will be back.
(4)Kristen G.
Food here was outstanding! They have an option for a Prix Fixe menu that is $30 and you get 2 or 3 courses, I had to tomato/watermelon/pesto salad with Burrata cheese which was delicious, 2nd course was the pork belly Benedict. So good. I also love a good Bloody Mary and theirs was wonderful. Beautiful scenery, right on the water overlooking the bay and boats. The Dock is a gem, and I love eating here. The best part is that we made a reservation via yelp at 9:45 am for an 11:15 brunch time and it went off without a hitch. The only drawback is that it's VERY quiet. I mean quiet in that you can hear you dining neighbors conversation and they're speaking softly. Some good music (turned up just a little! Would be even better) View and food is definitely worth it. Thank you for the great food and service!
(5)Amy C.
Came here because we made a mistake going somewhere else...somewhere that was absolutely horrible...and this place, was our saving grace! Amazing food Great wine list Friendly and knowledgeable staff What else could anyone ask for? Plus the view is pretty here...just a cute, boutique, and laid back place that is worth spending money at. To the owners, thank you!
(5)Linda B.
We were a party of 10 celebrating my sisters birthday. I do not recommend large parties here. I give it a 1 star for the atmosphere on the water but that's it! What a disappointment! Don't waste your time or money on this restaurant. The service was unacceptable and seriously lacking and the food was expensive and just OK! Nothing to rave about and overrated. Most of our group are big foodies and come from a bloodline of culinary experience...we know good food!! we all concurred the same substandard review. Most of the entrees in our party were lukewarm when they finally arrived, the meat sauces were bland and lacked flavor and the salmon was dry. Our server claimed to be the manager and was the worst! He clearly didn't want to be there and it showed in his service yet we were billed 20% gratuity regardless. The other staff members were slow and the same, we had to ask them to buss our table and refill our water glasses. The biggest faux pas of the evening was when the server delivered an appetizer to the wrong person who took a bite and realized it wasn't what he had ordered. The server simply passed it along down the table to the other person who ordered it with the fork still on the plate from the other person who had eaten off that plate instead of bringing a new one! We were all shocked and appalled that a restaurant of this status would even attempt doing that! I had to ask our server to bring a new one since he made the mistake! He was put out and not even sorry about it and reluctant but did exchange it after he saw that I was upset and annoyed. They frown on bringing your own preferred wine and will allow 1 bottle at a 40$ corking fee. Their selection is just OK and overpriced compared to the other restaurants in the area for the same brands. We do not recommend this place. It was a big disappointment to say the least. It could have been an off night but I would not waste your time on high prices for mediocre food & wine selections, but mostly the bad service!....Unacceptable!
(1)Richard P.
Not so great for groups over 6. I want to be fair, the food is great, the second best pork belly I have ever had! The location is very cool, anytime you can dine waterfront, I'm in. The service is very good my issue with the dock is their poor communication regarding their corkage fee, I was told it was $40.00 per bottle but was never told I was limited to just one bottle. I have dined here several times but this was the first time I had a group of over 6 and I left feeling, well not happy! Not the best feeling on your birthday....
(3)Mai T.
Such a lovely place! Located among some houses and stores, the dining area is a patio with an open side for a view of the dock. If you had a boat you could leave it outside and just walk into the restaurant. They have small heaters but it does get a bit chilly, and even though everyone is seated close together there is still a sense of privacy. The chairs are equipped with the comfiest pillows and the curtains give it a cozy feel. Ambiance is on point. For food you are started with some bread and salted butter, followed by a small appetizer/taster that changes frequently. I ordered the Alaskan halibut which was a bit flavorless after the first few bites, but the risotto was cooked perfectly. My dad ordered the salmon which had an amazingly crispy skin and small potatoes which kind of exploded in your mouth. I have a peanut allergy but all of the desserts had nuts in it, so they adjusted the creme brûlée for me and gave it to us on the house. A+ customer service and A+ desserts. I think it's definitely worth the splurge and a great place for an anniversary or birthday.
(5)mk h.
The fish is so fresh and prepared exactly as you request. I went with very picky people and all were very pleased with the whole dining experience!
(5)Shiva A.
Absolutely delicious brunch. Bring a date here for a more quiet, intimate meal. Their Sunday brunch is a two course prix fixe, $30/person. Their presentation was beautiful and the food was great too. Tasty coffee as well (must for me) and the service was outstanding. Great spot, will be back.
(5)Di L.
I'm a foodie & I love this place. Been treated for dinner here a few times. Very romantic and enchanting little place tucked away next to the water. Ambiance is beautiful esp in the evening. Lamb chops are divine. Even if you're not a lamb fan, this is a contender with its tantalizing flavor that's not heavy. The rib eye with bordelaise sauce is so flavorful. Diver scallops are sweet and tender. And I'm not an iceberg lettuce kind of gal, (I use cracked head of butter leaf at home) but their version of the wedge explodes w flavor. Yes, it's pricey, but if you have a special occasion or want to wow someone who appreciates fine foods, this place is on point.
(5)Joe G.
While on vacation in Newport Beach we tried dining in what we were told were the finest restaurants in town. We were so looking forward to a special evening and meal at The Dock because of it's location and famed ambiance. It was a BIG MISS!! The wine was warm bordering hot (both the red and white) and they don't serve cocktails. The food was beautifully presented but was VERY VERY VERY MEDIOCRE. My wife and I ordered our Salmon medium rare (bordering on rare), it came to us well done. In spite of trying to get the waiter to focus on our order, he was preoccupied and amused by some of his buddies dining there. The kitchen is open and extremely filthy and greets you when you open the front door, be careful though, the kitchen workers are always walking out rolling trash barrels, boxes and other disgusting dirty things. It was a week night, late and we were some of the last people in the restaurant, I believe there were only 4 or 5 full tables. While we were there, two VERY DRUNK young guys came in and roasted their friends (friends of the waiter) who were eating at a table nearby with non stop Loud over the top obscenities and turned the place into Animal House. Their language spared no offensive reference to males and females and various lewd acts. This went on for no less than 45 minutes and the manager never showed his face or did a thing! When we complained at the end, the waiter cringed, said the manager had left and said that the two jokers and diners were "friends and frequent guests". It was 2 hours and $250 I'll never get back!!
(1)Chelsea R.
This was my second time at the dock and the location was just as good as I had remembered. The hostess was very accommodating and nice and the owner came up to us to make sure everything was tasting good.. However- we had the same waiter as last time who was unfortunately not very friendly at all. I was also looking forward to eating the appetizer muffins served before brunch but he forgot to bring these out for us. We came for Mother's Day so it was a fixed three course meal for 75 a person which is too expensive for any meal, in my opinion. But you really are paying for the ambiance and the location and setting cannot be beat. When we left, the owner gave us Mother's Day cookies which was an added bonus :) love the owner!
(4)Cassie P.
I was lucky to attend a LOVELY bridal shower this past Saturday at The Dock. The venue looked so gorgeous! The food was as delish as possible. Service was on point. What a special place to hold a special event.
(5)Scott B.
I made a reservation online it was super easy, I also requested a seat near the water, and they put me in the BEST seat, I could literally lean over and touch the bay! The whole back is wide open so you can watch everyone on the boats go by and there's a nice breeze, just bring glasses it can get bright! The food is also DELICIOUS and our waitress was a sweetheart! Overall a great experience, very romantic, and have already suggested it to a few friends!!
(5)Rob H.
Wonderful two course Bunch. Yogurt fruit first course,then had two different Eggs Benedict, Salmon and Canadian Bacon. Great combo. Bloody Mary was yummy. Nice bay front/ dock view. Quick helpful staff.
(5)Aggie N.
My boyfriend took me here last weekend as payment for a bet he recently lost. I didn't look up the restaurant going into it since he made the plans and was pleasantly surprised. The place is quaint, but elegant. When we first got dropped off by our uber I thought it looked really quiet, only to be led to a buzzing, open air back patio right on the harbor. The seating is intimate and they have heaters and portable fire pits if you get cold. We chose a great bottle of wine, the only red under $100, and were pleased with our choice. Jonata Todos 2009. I'd recommend it and will look to buy it for home for sure. After ordering they even brought out an amuse-bouche on a spoon. It was some sort of cold fish with a jelly and was very tasty. I definitely appreciate the extra touches when you're paying so much for a meal. Elevates the experience. APPETIZERS: We are really into fois gras right now so we jumped on the chef special. It was served cold which we weren't used to but it was really like butter paired with a slice of bread and some fruits. Definitely recommend if you can handle the richness. Our waitress also brought out a sample of sweet wine for us to pair with it. Again, a really nice added touch. We also got the heirloom tomato salad, which I loved because the focus wasn't on the to stop at all. It was mostly burrata, watermelon, pesto, toasted crouton and some fresh tomatoes. Big win. ENTREES: I got the short rib. It was delicious and flavorful and melted in my mouth with every bite. It was a large portion (as it should be for the price) and came with risotto and mushrooms. My boyfriend got the duck two ways. He really enjoyed it but we agreed that my short rib took the cake. DESSERT: We almost passed this up but couldn't do it after we saw the table next to ours enjoying theirs. We got the creme brûlée with cinnamon beignets and it was to die for. I wonder if I can go back and just make a reservation for dessert. SERVICE: Excellent. Attentive but not annoying. Knowledgable but not pushy. Top notch. Overall, this was a pleasantly elegant dinner with delicious flavors and fantastic service. We definitely can't afford to dine this way every weekend (our check before tip was well over $200) but I'll be back for sure. Maybe after I win my next bet.
(5)Simone W.
This is a cute little restaurant, the seating area is out in a covered patio so you can see the beautiful bay and all of the boats passing by. Perfect place to relax on a Sunday. The brunch menu was fantastically creative. I can't wait to come back to try more food. The only thing that could make this Sunday Bruch perfect is to include bottomless champagne!!!
(4)Kellie L.
Beautiful place (other than the main entry by the kitchen), food was good but I've had much better for less at neighboring Blue Water Grill. A glass of chardonnay (and only chardonnay available) was Cake Bread for a whopping $28 a glass. A birthday party of 11 people and the bill was $1200.00 - just crazy to me!!!!
(2)Riannon M.
Ate at this place for brunch on a Sunday. Seems to be one of the best times to try this place out. The dining area is all open so it feels like you are outside. There are tables along the sides with couch seating, which was very comfortable. They have multiple different mimosas to choose from and a great yet small food menu. We had a very enjoyable time with fast service. We were in and out of there in a reasonable about of time. Highly recommend this place for Sunday Brunch!
(5)Joyce K.
2 course PRE-FIXE BRUNCH $30 There is just something about eating next to the water and watching boats sail by... ambiance is PERFECTION for a bridal shower/baby shower or a girls brunch! I would say the ONLY con was that PARKING IS HORRENDOUS and it is not AYCD Other than that, MUY BUENO (unlike other reviews, our service was attentive and on point!) The FOOD: I had the Steak Tartar and the Eggs Benedict. BOTH DELICIOUS (pictures posted). I have honestly never had steak tartar (always tuna tartar)-- super flavorful! Eggs Benedict is so boring usually..but this one comes with PORKBELLY and who doesn't love porkbelly!!! The eggs were poached perfectly and I felt very satisfied as I poked open my egg yolk and watched it flood my plate. I know people have commented that the portion sizes were small but I was SO FULL afterwards. The man had the Albacore Tataki and Grilled Prawns-- he is a SEAFOOD LOVER. He was 100% satisfied. I had a taste of his albacore Tataki and YUM it was SOO good! The grilled prawns came on a bed of risotto which was melt in your mouth. He was ALSO very full after his meal, even though it didn't especially look like a ton of food..he did eat more than a few bites of my food though :P I enjoyed 2 hibiscus Mimosas. Beautiful coloring and potent! Much more "sour" than sweet, sort of like a grapefruit--if you are into that. I could have drank hibiscus mimosas all day and sat by the water! But its okay..i'll be back!
(5)Mandy L.
Wow, The Dock is definitely a pleasant surprise: the nondescript front entrance is quite misleading as to how nice the interior is. It's decorated a bit like a cabana but instead of overlooking a pool, it overlooks the water. You get to enjoy your meal right on the dock while watching the boats and the occasional paddle boarder drifting on by. Sunday Brunch is a quiet affair, the restaurant was nearly empty, which was fine as there was plenty of people watching available on the water, but i can see how some people may find the emptiness a turn off. On the plus side, the waitress was very attentive. ( I would hope so given that there was not a lot of people to serve). They offer a pre-fixe two course brunch with an appetizer and main course. I feel like the portions were a bit small, but the quality is good. The ahi was delicious, drizzled in a creamy soy ginger sauce and came with a stuffed shishito pepper. We share the main course, so I was able to try the Eggs Benedict with gravlax and French Toast. Both were decent, but I definitely preferred the Eggs Benedict. Mostly because I love my salmon, and two...well...I've had pretty great French Toast with bigger portions. The french toast came with two slices of bacon though, so there's a plus for you bacon lovers. In all, it's a nice restaurant. It's a cute venue for a date, or a low-key brunch with the girls. I don't think I would come here with a large group unless you plan to consciously keep the conversational volume down.
(4)Deborah T.
Fabulous Atmosphere and love the Brunch. A well kept secret in Newport Beach. Loved the Service . Eric was an excellent Waiter. We will try dinner soon.
(5)Chelsy D.
Outstanding. Excellent service and excellent food. We had the halibut special, the salmon, the crab beignets, and the foie gras. All of which were amazing. I think we found our new anniversary spot!
(5)Tina I.
Our party of 5 was impressed and had a lovely dinner. Some of the dishes were salty, but beautifully presented. Unique and delicious combinations of flavors and textures. An excellent establishment worth trying. Service was excellent, though our server (Trevor) wasn't as warm and friendly as the other staff. The other staff made sure we weren't in need of anything, always there to provide water, clear our plates, help with a spilled glass of water and some friendly conversation. Even the staff who answers the phone was very polite and friendly. Great location, right on the water. Gets chilly, and though there are heaters, it's good to bring layers. A nice touch to have fresh floral arrangements on the tables and in the entry way. A bit pricey, but understandably with the care in the quality of ingredients, the presentation and unique flavors. The chef does an excellent job and is accommodating to vegetarians. $7 for a cup of (bagged) organic tea? That felt a bit extreme (like we were being taken advantage of), hence the 4 stars. Parking was easy to find. Free metered parking after 6pm. NOTE: a credit card is required for reservations. You'll have up to 4 hours prior to cancel. Otherwise you'll be charged. If you make a reservation thru Open Table, you're still required to call & confirm.
(4)Mickey H.
Brunch, yes, absolutely. I was solo in the SoCal area for a weekend between work trips and was very happy that I came across this spot. I was originally heading somewhere else, but as fate would have it, there was some race which closed part of PCH. This diverted me towards the Newport Beach area. The prix fixe menu was a great deal for $30, I was very happy with the options and the quality of food. I started with Tuna Sashimi which may have been the best pieces of raw fish I ever ate, the flavor combinations of the salad served with it were fantastic. As for the main course, I went with the omelette of the day which was as good as an omelette can get! I got a Bloody Mary with my brunch, which was the least impressive part of the meal. I didn't think it was all that great, especially with the $10 price tag. Overall, the service was good and food was fantastic for what you're paying, I can't wait to come back to this spot when I'm in the area!
(5)Andrew Z.
A interesting little gem. Definitely would not have found if it weren't for Yelp! I brought my girlfriend for our anniversary and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being right by the waterfront was a nice touch and because we came here for Sunday brunch, we had the 2 course pre fixe menu. Some dishes I would argue are better than others but I would still definitely recommend! The place is on the smaller side and arguably not great for larger groups. Lovely place, very cozy and homey.
(5)Oink A.
The best view and ambiance of any restaurant I've been to across the country in the last year - period. Our reservation was early, 6pm, we sat literally next to the 2 foot sea wall over looking the bay and bathed in moonlight. The food was grand champion, the spiced lamb was a great play on a dish that is frequently good but rarely wow, the steak was great, the sea bass special of the day was fantastic. The deserts and appetizers likewise were delicious with amazing presentation. Great restaurant. If up to spend some money on a meal in Newport beach, book here and mastros. You won't be disappointed
(5)Elaine N.
What a PERFECT place to celebrate my birthday on 12-13-14. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Upon arriving to the front door, my initial response was that the place was a small, local restaurant. When I arrived inside, the ambiance of the restaurant quickly swept me off my feet. Candles were lit, Christmas lights were up, and I saw the most gorgeous view of the dock from where I was standing by the hostess's table. Right when we told the person (who we believed was to be our host) the name of our party and that we had reservation, he gave a smile and a nod that he was expecting us. We were seated one table away from the dock at a booth. The booth had couch-like cushions that reminded me of couches you sit at when you come to your rich great uncle's home, and it even had comfortable back pillows. Fortunately for my boyfriend and I, the table right next to us and the dock finished their dinner right when we sat down. I asked the host if we can move to their table because I wanted to be closer to the dock. Without hesitation, the restaurant was able to clean up the table and sat us before the bread came out. The complimentary bread was hot and had steam coming out as we sliced it open. The butter couldn't have been anymore perfect to compliment with the warm and fluffy bread. For appetizers, we ordered the Soup du Jour, Crab Beignets, and Kurobuta Pork Belly. All three were enjoyable. The Soup du Jour had just the right amount of saltiness to my liking, the caramelized onions were not too empowering, and the remained gooey from beginning to end. The Kurobuta Pork Belly must have been prepared for days because the meat fell right off and was as soft as the butter we had. The Crab Beignet was definitely my favorite of the three appetizers that we ordered. Just the thought of them with the mango sauce is making me drool and crave for more. For the second course, my boyfriend ordered the Smoked Free Range Pork Chop, and I ordered the Fresh Market Salmon with risotto. I was surprised that I enjoyed the Pork Chop more than my salmon. The Pork Chop was infused with lemony herbs, and was very soft and tender, and full of flavor. The Pork Chop also came with this polenta cake that had anything like it before -- a cornmeal boiled into porridge, fried and sizzled on the outside. I can literally eat that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... My salmon was definitely fresh, and the risotto was so comforting to the stomach and soul. I also MUST MUST mention about my waiter, ERIC. The experience would have not been perfect without him. He brought out 2 complimentary wine glasses to pair with our dinner AND complimentary desserts. One glass of wine was because my boyfriend finished his too fast, and the second glass was for our dessert. Normally for birthday celebrations, restaurants bring out a small cupcake, or a scoop or two of ice cream. Well, The Dock Restaurant brought out upside down pineapple cake with a scoop of coconut ice cream, and this harden fudge placed over some graham-like cookie. The fudge also came with a scoop of a different flavor of ice cream that tasted like tiramisu. Not only that, that ice cream was also sitting on top of crumbled grahams. All was too perfect at The Dock Restaurant. Food, dessert, drinks were amazing, and so was the view. We even saw boats lit up with Christmas lights. Eric knew when to leave the boyfriend and I alone when we were having our romantic moments and enjoying the ambiance, and Eric also knew when to come to attend to our needs. We will definitely be back to celebrate many more occasions here!
(5)Nate M.
The Dock is a really nice, but pricy restaurant located on the harbor of Newport Beach. The dock is the right name for it because you literally feel like the restaurant is built on a dock - if you sit at one of the tables along the edge, you can look down and see water. For those of you with boats, you can dock and eat. The food is really well prepared. I got a venison platter while my wife chose the NY stake. Both were delicious and cooked perfectly. We also got a half bottle of wine. We would have gotten a full bottle but they only had one cab on the menu and it was well over $100!! So we settled for a half bottle, which was really good. My only complaint is that the wine was way overpriced relative to the food and there was no selection of cabs which is essential when serving red meat.
(4)Robert S.
We came here last night with high expectations, and our party of 5 was promptly seated and we were asked what type of water we wanted, I should have enjoyed this moment more as it was our best service of the night! We ordered wine and dinner and then the wait began...after the wine was poured the fun began...after 30 minutes we received our appetizers, which by the way were great (the hamachi especially). After our wine and water glasses were empty I had to ask the waiter to pour the wine and refill water. After waiting another 50 minutes and after seeing people who arrived 30 minutes after us being served dinner I asked where our dinner is and was told "5 minutes more it's a very small kitchen" finally our food started to arrive...first 2 plates, then full minute later 2 more, after another 2 minute wait the final person was served. In addition to terrible service the food was barely warm, the bronzino was very over cooked and the risotto was gummy, dry, and over cooked. When we were asked about desert I told the waiter we had plans the next day and couldn't wait... The only reason I gave them 1 star was that the hamachi was great...(and yelp can't give them no stars) This was a very expensive meal and definitely not worth the price or the 2 1/2 hours it took to complete the meal...There are much better choices, especially at this price point, needless to say I won't ever return, and anyone who is considering dinner here should spend big bucks where service and food is worth it.
(1)Jay M.
My wife and I went here on a whim 1 year ago right after we got married. We weren't really looking for a restaurant (we already ate) and fell upon this gem. It was a little pricier than we usually spend, but we only get married once. The service was great, wine delish, food was ri-donk-ulous. It was so amazing that we went back from our one year anniversary. We started with their Crab Croquettes, then dove into Duck and Scallops, and finished off with a chocolate treat. We will definitely be back next year.
(5)Annette T.
Best Resteraunt in Newport. Great location romantic, beautiful presentation, fantastic staff.
(5)Jonard T.
I made last minute reservations for Sunday brunch. I wanted to take a special friend of mine out for his birthday and decided on this place because other reviews said it was romantic. And yes it was. Literally right off the dock, every table has a view of the water. Even the restroom had fresh, wonderful smelling flowers inside. For the first entree, my friend and I shared the Steak Tartar and Kurobuta Pork Belly. Both were great choices. This was my first time having Steak Tartar. It was well seasoned and well minced. Paired with rye bread and topped with the violet mustard mayo (tasted like sour raspberry), this dish was delicious. Now I'm not a big fan of pork belly, but now I am. The pork was crispy on top and tender and juicy inside. I couldn't get enough of it. For the second entree, we split the Brioche French Toast and Eggs Benedict with Pork Belly. Again, both great options. I liked the subtle vanilla taste. The greatest part of that dish though was the bacon, but that's because I'm a big bacon lover. The Eggs Benedict were prepared perfectly and again, I can't get enough of that Pork Belly. The hollandaise was creamy and complimented the pork belly well. The potato gratin was a great addition to the dish too; it was soft and flavorful. Service was excellent. Our waiter made great recommendations (which we took!) and brought us complimentary mimosas while we were waiting for our entrees. I didn't even think the food was taking too long. Score! Now this restaurant is on the pricier side, so maybe this wouldn't be a good option if you're on a budget. The way I think about it: come here with someone that's worth the price.
(4)Mike R.
Went their a few weeks ago for my birthday Dinner. Be prepared to spend a lot. I'd only been there once previously for their Sunday Brunch. Food and Service are excellent. They had seared Foi Gras as their appetizer special, which was very good. My complaint is the wine list it is the highest in Orange County cheapest bottle is $65 (Red) corkage fee is ridiculous at $40, with a limit of 1 per table. This is outrageous, something must be done about it. I doubt I will return unless this is addressed.
(3)Jason S.
Food great!! Service absolutely terrible!!! Takes forever for anything. Not sure if I would come back based on the service.
(3)Ann J.
Do not dine at this restaurant, it was so disappointing to pay all this money for a large party and be treated by this wine manager that made you feel NOT welcomed, the food was just ok, there are far better restaurants in Newport Beach to spend your money on. the server made a mistake and gave an appetizer to one of the other guests, so he started eating it ,not knowing and we immediately told the server and he just switched it after the guest was eating off of it, would this be a health department issue?? from a restaurant as high priced as this , unacceptable?? on top of that they had the nerve to charge a 20% gratuity regardless..
(1)Kimberley S.
Came here on a Sunday for Sunday brunch around 10:30. Wasn't too busy. Ambiance is wonderful :) directly on the water. Dining area is very small and cold during the fall/winter so bundle up. They do have heat warmers. On Sunday's they have a pre fix menu ($30 each). The food was absolutely amazing! Can't wait to return.
(5)Anna S.
What a quaint find. We went for a joint family birthday and we were able to easily find metered parking right across the street and another car parked down the street. The street is also off to the side so there weren't a lot of people or cars along the street. We went in and it wasn't even that busy. It looks a bit dated from the outside. Hasn't anyone seen that "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" episode where they just wanted to banish those weird 80s looking glass walls? No one should EVER have that in their decor. Especially in a nice area like Newport. Anyways, the design looked a lot more modern inside. We were seated right in the middle and it worked out great. Our little one was a well behaved baby as long as he was fed. They have the pre fixe option for Sunday brunch which meant one side and one entree for $30 per person. I ordered the couscous salad (which I could feed to the little one) and the duck hash for my entree. The couscous salad was beautifully dressed with feta, olives and pomegranate seeds. It was delicious! The entree was a nice duck leg dressed with broccolini, potatoes, and a well poached egg. I made the mistake of eating all the sides around me, then the duck. If you don't eat the duck with the sides, the duck itself was way too salty. Guess it should've come with instructions. At the end, we all shared a delicious pineapple cake with fresh raspberries and a dollop of coconut ice cream on the side. There were also corn muffins being passed around at each table. Everyone including the little one really enjoyed it. Not too sweet and wonderfully moist. The wait staff was wonderfully patient and provided wonderful service. High recommended.
(4)Elaine K.
I would definitely come back here for the ambiance. Perfect for romantic dates, bridal showers, bachelorettes, birthdays, etc The restaurant is elegantly dec-ed out and is located right by the water. I came here on a Sunday morning for their pre-fixed 2 course meal ($30). I got the albacore tataki as my first meal and it was pretty good. For my second course, I got the omelet. I actually didn't really like it. The omelet was kinda tasteless and it comes with a kale salad which I personally don't like. I tried my friends eggs benedict and liked his dish a lot more. If you're looking for a relaxing peaceful brunch, this is the place for you. I loved watching boats sail by and people paddle boarding as I enjoyed my brunch :)
(4)M R.
I came here for my birthday and the service and food was absolutely delicious! We got seated quickly, and my husband had made a reservation with a request for the view but because of availability they sat us down initially at the table in the end, but because a table became available, they moved us. The food was absolutely delicious and unique! Enjoyed the lamb, the lobster first course, and the scallops and oxtail! Would come back!
(5)Alex P.
The food was so excellent, that I decided to give this place a second shot and bump up the rating to 5 stars. As during my first visit, every dish was a piece of art, both in flavor and presentation. The service was off the charts. And the atmosphere, well, amazing to put in one word. Getting a table next to the water is your best option, which has a small firepit next to it. To summarize, the atmosphere in this restaurant is as romantic and beautiful as it gets, the food is off the charts and gets complemented by top notch service.
(5)Elyse R.
I was pleasantly surprised with The Dock! My girlfriends and came here for Sunday brunch. Everyone knows you can't go wrong with mimosas and girl talk! But this restaurant is so cute and quaint inside! It lies right on the "dock." You can see people paddling by and boast passing through. The restaurant offers an awesome Sunday Brunch Pre Fix menu for $30... Steal! For my first course I ordered the Steak Tartar... Delicious! My second course was the Eggs Benedict... Classic favorite of mine for brunch... Hollandaise sauce was perfection! It was my first time trying a "hibiscus mimosa" and I really enjoyed it. It was more a tropical flavored mimosa and I really liked the twist! The atmosphere and vibe were perfect for brunch and being on the bay just made the afternoon an unforgettable one! I look forward to coming here again! The only reason why I didn't give The Dock 5 stars is because they don't offer BOTTOMLESS mimosas... I need that! Lol! And parking was a bit of a pain with the parking meters!
(4)Dave C.
Great Sunday Brunch! Even our finicky kids enjoyed this place, and the harbor view makes this place a nice escape!
(4)Robert M.
I have seen this place from a boat many times, but was not sure I could actually find it. But I did. The restaurant is not all about the location. The location is beautiful however. The view of Newport Harbor and boats going to and from is relaxing. You can dock here and be seated for a meal. The decor is almost all white, with nautical wood and portholes providing appropriate waterside decor. The food was amazing and every dish wowed the eyes with presentation, and wowed the tastebuds with perfectly balanced flavors. Service couldn't be better also, with our server making suggestions, relaying comments to the chef, and providing a complimentary amuse bouche for our table. I couldn't be happier that this restaurant exists in Newport Beach. It was worth the scavenger hunt to find it.
(5)Lilly L.
A really nice place to have brunch by the water! For $30 fix price you can choose 2 courses. The food presentation was beautiful! No bottomless mimosa or dessert includes. Sad sigh. So when you add these it easily becomes $50 per person.
(4)Jazzmin E.
Came here on a whim for brunch and was a little skeptical when I say down bc I'm usually a big traditional breakfast kind of girl and realized this was a 2 course set up. Well I was pleasantly surprised, I really enjoyed everything I got and would come again and the service was very attentive!
(5)Tom B.
Absolutely amazing, upscale breakfast dining on the water. Service was impeccable and the food was perfect. We came at 1 on Sunday and were seated immediately, wait staff was very attentive and food was served quickly. Will definitely come back.
(5)Eunice L.
"Waterfront alfresco patio dining with an infused continental menu and outstanding wine list of domestic and imported." The Dock lives up to its description and is a gem hidden amongst warehouse-looking buildings! VENUE: The Dock is a little hard to find because it blends in with its warehouse surroundings! Once you enter, you'll be escorted past racks of wines into a beautiful dining room surrounded by an open wall streaming in views of the Newport Bay and the blue California skies. We were seated at the prime table in the house, directly adjacent to the water and truly dining waterfront alfresco. In fact, our table was such prime real estate that other parties would come and stand next to our table for a picture. Guys, make sure you request this table if you're looking to impress your lady friend! AMBIANCE: We arrived before around 6:30PM and viewed the sunset from our seats as we dined! As the moon comes up, the restaurant was transformed into a warm, intimate patio with candlelight gracing each table and bouncing off the white walls and furniture. Absolutely stunning and elegant! SERVICE: From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, service was impeccable. Our server had memorized an extensive four dishes being offered that night that weren't available on the menu, made great recommendations for wine pairings, and had a contagious friendliness that made our experience that much more pleasant! As soon as we had finished ordering, he even brought out two complementary bite-sized appetizers that was apparently being tested by the chef -- so good! In addition, we finished eating in around 2 hours but our server came by and told us that we had the table for the rest of the night so we could stay longer and finish our wine and conversation... that we did and ended up staying for 4 hours total! FOOD: You know how there's some places with amazing ambiance but disappointing food? This is definitely not one of them! I had the ASPARAGUS SALAD with frisee and a fried quail egg which was perfectly seasoned, fresh, and light -- just what I was looking for! For my entree, I had the RED WINE BRAISED SHORT RIBS with saffron risotto wild mushrooms, candied bacon which was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I took one bite and was in seventh heaven. I'm not too sure what wine we had but it perfectly complemented the short rib! Not too dry, not too sweet... just perfect. For dessert, we shared the BANANA BREAD with pistachio(?) ice cream. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of anything banana but the bread was so warm, rich, and soft that it melted in your mouth along with the ice cream! TIPS: -Download the ParkMobile app! Most of the meters around the restaurant let you pay by phone. That way, if your time runs out, you can add more time from the comfort of your seat like we did! -I figured out too late but there's two restrooms in the hallway: one unisex and one female. Don't be like me and use the unisex restroom when there are guys waiting. All in all, I love fine dining every now and then and The Dock delivers on its FINE views and interior as well as the amazing DINING options it offers. If you're looking for an classy, intimate restaurant to wine and dine with excellent food, impeccable service, and fabulous company, come to The Dock!
(5)Cat H.
One of my dearest friends had a bday so I decided I was going to take him to dinner. A short yelp later, I figured this place sounded pretty nifty. I didn't realize this place is literally on the water. From our table, I literally could've tossed bread to fish below, had there been any. The restaurant was open air, so thankfully I had a jacket as it was very cold. The rocks on fire was a nice heater too. The restaurant was small and intimate but not once do I think I heard other diners' conversations, perhaps partly because my own is always entertaining, but I think mainly because it's not a loud crazy place. It's just perfect for a relaxed dinner. Our server was very kind and very sweet and I think he understood but laughed sweetly at all my ridiculous substitutions. Hey, a girl's gotta' keep a slim figure and it's not going to be by eating risotto. Food wise, the halibut was divine. And I think the steak was too because all I saw was a blur above my friend's plate. Coupled with some nice wine which I'll have to remember the name of, and we had ourselves an enjoyable little evening. I'll have to make it a point to come back.
(5)G B.
-The food was great. -Atmosphere was great. -The lights kept flickering off and on which was a distraction. -Our waiter gets a D grade. He was barely around and kept giving attention to the table next to us and wouldn't even look our way. We got through o
(4)Eileen P.
My husband and I stumbled upon this gem, purely by chance last night. Pricey? Yeah, but sooo worth it! Everything from the service, to the understated, yet elegant ambiance, to the dockside location and the artfully presented courses was outstanding. You should definitely check out their menus. Our waiter was extremely knowledgable regarding the wines, (It's likely he was trained as a sommelier as well.) He knew every intricacy of food prep as well as every last ingredient of our meals. This place is NOT "snooty" as I read in some of the other reviews. The entire staff was very welcoming, despite the fact that we showed up just before the kitchen closed. I would highly recommend this one for special occasions, or just a luxuriously romantic evening with someone very special. E. Parker Hollywood Riviera
(5)Nicole T.
I have had almost everytihng on the menu and loved each dish. Chef Pablo is very talented and the staff here is well educated. Can never go wrong with anything on menu. If you havent tried brunch it is amazing! A must try would be the tuna tar tar and the beef carpacio. The brunch is $25 per person but you re getting 2 entress which it makes the $25 completly worth it. The only thing i would complain about is the food takes awhile. So be prepared to sit and relax for a little bit. If you are looking for something a little cheaper try the Porch which is literally across the street. This is their sister restaurant and is just as good.
(4)Brooke P.
The heat wave hit The Dock hard. Ambiance is great until you are sitting outside in the sun and melting. Only true orange county locals can complain that it is too hot if the temp reaches 85 and we are eating. Oh well, on to the review. I really like the ambiance here and may use a few ideas in my own home. It has a light airy feel and great views. We saw people coming and going on Duffy boats, stand up paddle boards and motor boats. Such a great way to recover from a rockin' Jason Aldean concert the night before. We had brunch from the set menu, which included a first course and an entree. I went with spicy tuna on eggplant tempura. It was very fresh and delicious, plus they topped it with tobiko which added a salty crunch. Husband had the grilled romaine which was a more substantial option. He liked it too. For an entree I had the sliders. Big juicy patties and dripping with aioli, caramelized onion and blue cheese. It came with two, which was more than enough. I should have subbed out the shoestring fries for pomme frites. The potatoes were cut so thin you couldn't really even pick them up let alone dip in ketchup. Oh well, next time. I also got a hibiscus champagne cocktail. Ok, but not anything to write home about. Two course brunch was $25 per person. For that I am subtracting one star. Not the least expensive brunch by any means, especially without including any alcohol. Charlie palmers is the same $$ for a two course brunch but includes bloody Mary bar. May want to try again with girlfriends.
(4)Rho L.
Charming little spot for sunday brunch! Came here with the fam, all 12 of us, and we were seated with no problem. Parking can be difficult since there's no actual lot, and the street parking here can be arduous during peak hours. Definitely higher end breakfast joint, but it's newport beach, so that's almost expected. Make sure you try their muffins, and while you're at it dab a pat (or two) of butter on 'em. Mmmmm sooo good. I ordered the croque monsieur, quite honestly because I have an affinity for spittin out words en francais. No, joke. Luckily, the dish itself was as savory as the sound of its name. Oh I ordered a side of bacon as well, because..well....I have a soft spot for fatty pork. . I tried a little bit of everything as well. Smoked salmon benedict was A-OK, great for trying, but not nearly enough food to fill me. Wasn't too much a fan of their omelets though. The beef sliders, nomnomnom. A bit pricey relative to the food that appeared on your plate though. Our coffee cups were consistently filled, so I appreciated that. My favorite plate was definitely this white chocolate bread pudding thing. Omfg. I was so disappointed I didn't get one all to myself. So I had to pout for more forkfuls of it..
(3)Penny F.
It was good. I will give it that. It is a terrific setting and quaint. However, comma, it is far too snooty for my taste. I am not cheap but if I am paying $25 per person for very small portions of food I am not going to be happy about spending $5.00 on a Diet Coke. Oh, and another $5.00 on coffee. Seriously? It is a pre-fixe brunch and you have to charge such enormous prices because we would like to have a drink, simple albeit, but a drink-seems kind of poor to me. As in, poor taste. I won't be returning. It is hard to talk yourself into small portions, $5.00 drinks and sub-par service that doesn't reflect the pricing. Also, they will basically harass you about the reservations. 3 times within 12 hours they called. Message to the owner: When a person is on vacation or has people in town calling them repeatedly is kind of annoying.
(3)Steven P.
Fabulous dining experience on two separate occasions! For a comprehensive review, see my blog post at: wineandfoodpairings.net
(5)Dina P.
Excellent food, service and atmosphere. I had the paella and it was enough for two and the price was fair. The service was very good with the waiter being knowledgable in the menu with great suggestions
(5)Yuri V.
You can ride up to this cool, little restaurant in your duffy boat. The food is exceptional and so is the service. Everything is designed like you are on a ship, but it is done in a classy way. The wine list is impressive.
(4)Brandon T.
We came to The Dock for Father's Day and it was a wonderful venue to celebrate at. The atmosphere is really unique for the area with the small size and waterside view. We probably saw fifteen boats go by in the first few minutes we we there. Food quality was outstanding. For the holiday it was a fixed menu and I had the hamachi with watermelon for an appetizer and the lamp chops for the entree. The hamachi was fresh and light with high quality ingredients, but the real show stopper was the lamb. The smokey flavor they infused in the meat was one of a kind and something I'd go back for. They also had a killer bloody mary if you're into such things ;) The only downside was the price which I think was a little inflated. I usually think a nice fixed menu brunch should be around $40 with mimosas or something included...and The Dock's was $50 with no drinks. The price brings the rating to a 4 instead of a 5 star affair.
(4)Jennipher C.
The lady who is the owner was selectively friendly. Not worth the trip again. Food was ok. Nice ambiance.
(2)Chantel M.
Love this spot whether its a romantic dinner or cozy brunch. Unique setting, great service and food.
(5)Julian Q.
Excellent food! Great waterfront location, although probably better in the day time.
(5)Nicole R.
We went there for the happy hour - sitting in the bar area. The restaurant was too warm that we had too leave after half an hour. The crab cakes were good.
(3)Diane B.
This was a wonderful surprise today! Every one of my brunch companions who are well traveled was overwhelmed. The selection of the food, presentation and quality were top notch. I probably had the best eggs benedict. My boss had shrimp on top of risotto. She went on and on about their sauce. My other friend had yummy garlic soup and french toast. And even the plates were unique. A two course brunch was only $25 in Newport Beach. And the food servings were very generous. Amazing deal. You also sit right next to the water. Service was perfect. Unpretentious. Perfect meal. This will be one meal I won't forget.
(5)Fig O.
THESE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING A RESTAURANT!!!!If it wasn't for the food and the view this place would be 0 stars. We went there for Valentines Day and this was my second time there. The first time we went the service was really bad so we thought we would give it another chance to see if they were just having a bad day...Not the case. We arrive and were seated upstairs with a great view of the bay to our right and this beautiful full bar to our left(I'll get back to this). We sat and waited for someone to take our drink order.............Finally waters came and we asked the man if we could order a drink.......no exaggeration an hour and a half later the waitress comes over and asks us if we want to order a drink. Ummm yes I think we would. No apology nothing. I let it go. We decide to opt out of the 1 bottle maximum corkage fee being we had a lot of people and not wanting to pay an outrageous fee of $55 a bottle. The problem is the wine list is obnoxiously overpriced and their cheapest bottle is garbage for about $100. Keep in mind there is a full bar to your left but NO they don't serve hard alcohol. That bar is for the jerk owner who let's his guests look at his full bar that they aren't allowed to order from being they don't serve hard alcohol. Who does that? So back to the dinner....We decide to go with the pairing and finally by hour two they poured our first drink and take our order. About 2.5 hours later still no apps. they bring bread. hahah. Now our whole table is just getting pissed and it's 10:45 at night and we had an 8:15 dinner reservation. So I flagged the waitress down and asked her what was going on. She presumed to look at me as if something was wrong with me for asking what the hell is taking so long. She wouldn't even admit to me there is a major issue and they are obviously understaffed. She pretended like it was part of the night and the pairing. I've been to tons of pairings from Montage to French Laundry and let me tell you they stuff you full of food and drinks from the moment you get there to the moment you leave. This is not how a pairing goes. Hour 3 still nothing. I told her we wanted to leave that this was ridiculous. She finally admitted the kitchen was running a little slow. "A little slow" I don't think so. Keep in mind we are paying $250 a head. She said the first course is coming soon and for me to just wait. No check. We are starved at this point and don;t want to just walk out and find a new place to eat. SO we wait and finally the first course comes and from then on the rest of the meal came out. We left the restaurant at 12:30 and our reservations was 8:15. I love to dine and 4 hours of dining would be fine if we were fed a bunch of apps/drinks or something during the first 3 hours. The service here is awful and they won't admit when they are wrong. And guys the bar has got to go or you need to serve hard booze. Finally our check game nd they didn't comp a single thing! The food is actually good not great but good. It's not much better than cannery next door though. Overall the view and food are good but the prices aren't justified. The service is horrendous, the corkage fee is comical, the bar that no one can drink from is arrogant, the wine prices are over the top and you are forcing people to order from that list because there is nothing else to drink!!!! As a Newport local I will never go back to this place and think this place is a tourist trap. Don;t be fooled!
(1)Lynn H.
One of the best brunch places that I have ever been to. Location: from the outside, it looks like a small place tucked away in an even smaller street. From the inside, it is a gorgeous space with a serene, relaxed atmosphere. The eating area opens out into the water for a beautiful view. Price: for Sunday brunch, they had a prefixed menu of 2 courses for $30/person. A little on the pricier side for brunch, but it was totally worth it. Food: I tried the fried calamari, steak tartar, eggs Benedict, and quiche du jour, and everything was delicious. The calamari was crisp, steak tartar was fresh and flavorful, and eggs Benedict was rich and runny. The quiche was probably my least favorite since it didn't come with that buttery crust that makes a quiche, but it was still very satisfying. Service: attentive yet relaxed and not overbearing like a lot of upscale places tend to be. To summarize, if you want a nice relaxing brunch in a beautiful setting with delicious food, I would definitely recommend checking out The Dock!
(4)James P.
Visited here while in Newport for the weekend, decided to try it for brunch. I'm giving 2 stars, not because it was a horrible experience or because I have any single major complaint. Rather, it was a pretty average experience rather steeply priced (especially for brunch). The view was nice, but I think it looked better in the pictures. They open it up toward the water, and there are a few flies; annoying, but bearable. Ordered the Greek yogurt with fruit and the eggs benedict. Both were ok. If presented with the food and asked what I would expect to pay, I would have said $15, or $20 on the high end to account for the location (brunch was $35). The coffee was good, but again, I did not expect to pay $5 for a black coffee. Service was decent to above average. Anyway, brunch for two plus two coffees (no cocktails) is $80, ends up being $95 with tax and tip. My honest feeling is that at half the price, it would still be too expensive, and I do not consider myself a particularly price-sensitive customer. I don't recommend it.
(2)Georgia C.
BEST sunday fancy but relaxed sunday brunch for a GREAT price!!!!!!!!!I took my new boyfirend there to meet my best friend and it was ideal. GREAT food, GREAT service, on the water. Very romantic if you want. But I plan on taking my parents there when they come to town as well. couldn't say more jsut go
(5)V V.
Great food, beautiful scenery, romantic vibe. Beer and Wine only (limited by the glass selection) but an extensive bottle list . I had the halibut and risotto and hubby had scallops, both D-lish!
(4)Kristina G.
This is a quaint little restaurant overlooking the Newport marina. They have tasty food if you are willing to spend a little more for quality. I've been here both for lunch and dinner with a girlfriend and we love the food and the ambiance of this place. The service is superb, very attentive and friendly. The best time to go here is at sunset on a summer night, it makes for a wonderful evening. Heck, I think this a date-nite kind of place! Just a note on their hours, its kinda random...so double check the hours and make a reservation if you can.
(4)Monte R.
So I read the review by Raymond A from a few weeks back. I hate to play the race card. BUT, we are latinos and we were denied the window table like Raymond A. We felt like Raymond A. We were not treated very well by the hostess (tall blond lady) and despite my LV purse and not too bad attire I was unnecessarily told I could not take the dipping sauces' stoneware with my left overs. Could it be that race had to do with the way we were treated? If so, this GOTTA stop... or the next latino lawyer that shows up to this place (because yes, we do exist) may have more time than my husband and I and may do more research and writing than just a yelp review. We are on August of 2013! Wow! So here we go... I would have given this place a 3 maybe even a 4 stars review, but for the tall blond hostess who "helped" us in and totally ruined the experience (and in fact motivated me to write this review). At $40 for a brunch 2 entry menu, you are in for the experience, not so much for the food, since I am used to much better food at half the price, and I did not have a good experience. I asked the hostess if we could sit closer to the window and she said the table was reserved for 4 people. Less than 15 minutes later I saw her sit another 2 person party (like mine) in that same table and I realized she could have in fact made the effort to sit us where I would have been happy, but instead insisted in sitting us where she wanted us to sit. The waitress was nice, although at the end when I asked her if I could take the dipping sauces with my left overs she told me: "I can't give you the containers", are you serious? I guess I look like the kind of person who needs an explanation on how you cannot take a restaurant's stoneware home. I don't know, I just didn't feel at ease, I did not feel "welcomed". The space is just some made up old boat house (that could use some better upgrades), nothing especial, definitely not up to many other 4 or 5 other restaurants I have been to. And I am giving it a 1 star so others don't make the mistake I did. I saw the 4 stars on yelp and decided to give it a try. I should have tried another place. I won't go there again. Oh! And good luck finding parking.
(1)Loren N.
Worth every penny!! My husband and I had dinner here on our honeymoon. This place is a hidden gem among all of the regular fancy places in Newport. Lobster & ravioli starter was off the charts delicious. I ate the Atlantic salmon for my main course which had such great flavor and sides. In addition to all of that the fish was very fresh and fluffy. My husband had the fish special of the night Halibut, equally delicious and fresh. The best part of our night was the salted chocolate ganache!! We will definitely be back to enjoy the outstanding food, intimate and romantic ambiance. A special thanks to the waiter who took care of us. What a memorable night!
(5)Asm A.
went here for breakfast with the hubby and i have to tell you it was a great place to go, one of the best, actually. small, cozy place, great atmosphere and super super friendly service. i love how the place is decorated with canopies and the seating is so comfortable! the view was nice as well, you're next to the beach, what more do you want?! it's a great place to dine with friends, family, or your loved one! would def love to go back for lunch/dinner as their menu changes and i've heard they change up the decor a bit as well!
(5)lisa a.
I was brought here by a friend as a surprise birthday dinner, and I was truly surprised by this hidden gem ! Everything from the service to the ambiance was truly wonderful. The chef sent us a tasting of some kind OC tuna tartar wonderful ! I started with the pork belly appetizer just melted in my mouth and had a wonderful crunch on the top just sublime. My friend started with the Cesar salad she was very happy. For entree I had the seared scallops just wonderful! Cooked to perfection with potato Gnocchi and heirloom tomatoes in a basil emulsion delicious !!! My friend had the Red wine braised short ribs w/saffron risotto , wild mushrooms and Candied Bacon!!!! Wow I tasted it and it was spectacular ***** ! We had a wonderful bottle of Rosé and a special chocolate dessert not very exciting but the dinner was just wonderful as was the service! I forgot to mention we were offered a prime table in the center front with a perfect view but decided on a more intimate sofa style seat in a corner with a Lovley view! Parking was very easy.
(4)Tin N.
They say there are three things that make a restaurant, food, ambiance, and customer service. I would say the dark covers all three of these departments very well. Located deep in Newport in a quaint little neighborhood, the Dock probably isn't a place that will stand out very much. Even upon first entering it still seems like a humble place. But then as you proygress towards the rear of the establishment you are introduced to a breath taking view of the dock where your adventure will begin. I was hear for my sister's baby shower (Which is a-ok in my book). There were several appetizers and entrees offered during the meal and everything was exquisite. I almost want to make a very bold statement and say that this was some of the best calamari that I've had, but I'm going to hold back because that's just too bold. On a humorous note, the only complaint that I have is that I thought it was bottomless mimosas so I was going buck wild on it but it ended up being not =( Sorry sister!
(4)Mymy L.
Came back for brunch this past Saturday with some friends and sadly The Dock failed to live up to first impressions. The bloody marys which I touted as the best bloody mary I've ever had were absolutely horrible. I'm not sure if it was just very bad vodka but each sip left the nastiest aftertaste. I opted for the chicken sandwich with roasted tomatoes, mozarella and pesto sauce. Sadly, the tomatoes were not roasted and the chicken was a tad dry and bland. My boyfriend had the lamb chops with couscous and this was a surprisingly good dish. I've never been a fan of lamb but this was prepared quite well and had no gamey taste. Our friends had the croque monsieur and the eggs benedict which were thankfully just as good as my first visit. I'm docking The Dock one star for the disappointing bloody mary and my dry chicken sandwich. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and knock it up to a difference in wait and kitchen staff... perhaps brunch is just better on Sundays.
(2)Ned F.
The Dock was a Disappointing . I had the soup, and if was not good, I think they used can tomatoes. My wife did not even eat all of it because it was cold, and it tasted like it was from Ihop. The food is expensive, Not good at all.
(2)Alex V.
Wow! What a gem. We were hoping we could find some good food that was actually on the water. The front looks like it's going to be run of the mill pub food. Walk inside and it's like you've stepped into a European Bistro. Great service. Elegant and casual at the same time. Excellent service. Nice views of the water. Absolutely fantastic food. Loved the crab cakes and ahi salad niciose. The warm bread made it well worth eating bread. Only warning is that it is fairly expensive. Well worth it compared to other restaurants in the area but check the menu online before going so that you know what you'e getting into.
(5)Kelly M.
Wonderful restaurant! Very romantic and cozy! Wine list is over the top amazing and the food is five star! Highly recommend this place for a special night out!
(5)Kara P.
food: some friends and i took our duffy boat to the dock for sunday brunch. how fun! and the food was good too. i really recommend the spicy ahi tuna as a starter...the asparagus salad is also light and delicious. as for the main course, i recommend the grilled prawns risotto - the corn potage sauce is delicious!! my friends also liked the eggs benedict and chicken sandwich. pain perdue (french toast) and french omelet were pretty good too. service: nice service. the ambiance is nice and the decoration is clean and cute. love the fresh flowers everywhere. final thoughts: great place for a nice, upscale sunday brunch. fyi, 2-course sunday brunch is $30 now. ps - GREAT coffee!
(4)Kara M.
One of the best meals of my life! Went here on Friday for a work Christmas dinner. Everything about this place is spot on...the decor, ambience, serve, food...couldn't be happier. Loved the intimate feel and the open air which allowed us free seats to the boat parade. Every single item that was ordered smelled and tasted amazing and also was served at the perfect temperature. I was lucky enough to get to taste both the pork belly and poached pear salad for first course. Then for 2nd course I got to try the halibut, scallops and lamb. The scallops were out of this world and the other entrees were amazing too. Dessert was fantastic and the wine was excellent as well. The server Jordan was knowledgable, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Hopefully the Christmas dinner will be there next year!
(5)Ron U.
Nice joint! Pricey but worth it. 5 diners- all pleased. Great service. Waiter kept wine flowing- at times i didn't know where it came from. Nice kid (Carson?) not sure clean cut handsome type. Ask for him and ask him to show you the wine corks trick. Hehe...deserts were good but not memorable. Negatives- no cocktails!?! Don't know why. Beer/Wine only. Maybe wine their forte- great selection. No crema on the espresso!! Tsk, tsk, Picky, picky.
(4)Vianca D.
My compliments to the chef at The Dock! The food was prepared to perfection and the array of flavors with each dish was intriguing, exciting and delicious. We started off with the tuna tartare appetizer and it was PERFECT! The best part was the wasabi sorbet? Is the only way I can describe it. The marrying of hot (spice) and cold (temperature) was truly unique. That mixed with the saltiness in the sauce (soy?) and richness of the tuna, my taste buds where going crazy! For my entree I selected the halibut which was cooked to absolute perfection. It melted in my mouth! My date ordered the braised short ribs and he really enjoyed it along with the creamy mashed potatoes. The wine selection is also exceptional at this place which was very nice. My favorite thing though, was the micro herbs (I think that's what the waiter called them?) that were sprinkled here and there among all of our dishes. So fresh and unique and bursting with flavor! For dessert my date ordered the white peach served on a crusty pastry and vanilla bean ice cream. Delectable and light! Our waiter was attentive and articulate and when he was describing the menu he was very excited about what the chef had to offer us! I wanted to publicly thank him but I can't remember his name? Tall, blond, young man.....we were the couple snuggled up in the left corner near the water with the 7:30p reservation Friday night. Thank you again for helping to make our special night perfect!
(5)Stephan Y.
a beautiful place to have breakfast/brunch/lunch when the sun is shining. The scenery doesn't get any better than this place, where you are actually seated at an outdoor patio on the dock. The food is averaged price. ONE IMPORTANT THING...DO NOT GET THE SOUP...dont get me wrong, the soup is very good, but if you are one of those people who wants the most for your buck...do not get it. From what Ive heard, their chicken sandwich is one of their most popular items. Another cool thing about this place is their selection of champagnes and wine. Great service, great view, good food, highly recommended for an escape from the normal brunch spots. UNTIL THEN ^-^
(5)Stevie W.
Absolutely my favorite brunch spot in Newport Beach. The Dock is situated at a dock, who woulda knew? Its a small restuaurant that holds about 50 people (eyeball guesstimate). All seating is covered outdoor seating with a view of the Dock. I have only been for brunch but it is awesome. So far I have ordered, the french omelete with wild mushroom and truffle oil, steak tartare, beet salad, eggs benedict with smoked salmon and spicy tuna. All were very tasty and very well plated. My favorite brunch spot in Newport Beach.
(5)Elissa T.
We went here for the first time last night. What a great find! Water view from every table and amazing food and wine. The 5 of us tried the sweet pea soup, the artichoke salad and the hamachi as first courses, then the lamb, chicken, & scallops as second courses, then chocolate ganache and banana bread pudding deserts. All were superb. One of the best restaurants I have ever been to and we will definitely return.
(5)Emily P.
This place has a unique location and concept as boats are able to dock from around Newport Harbor and walk right into the restaurant. No matter where you are seated you pretty much will have a view of the harbor and boats going by. I went here a few days ago with my husband and the ambiance, service, and food were all fantastic. This is one of those places that no matter what you choose from the menu you cannot go wrong. When the menu is smaller and specialized like this one is, you know that a lot of attention and care is going into making the food great. We recommend the red wine braised short ribs, they were fantastic. My only concern is the lack of price range on the wine list, if you want anything good you have to pay at least $20 a glass which is pushing it anywhere. There are plenty of fantastic wines out there that do not cost $20 a glass. Besides that, everything was perfect. Would definitely recommend.
(4)Bob C.
We have been to this restaurant several times before and always enjoy going back and sharing the experience with our friends. The atmosphere is romantic and intimate. The presentation of the food is beautifully done. Our only disappointment is their wine selection by the glass. It is very limited and I mean limited. And the glasses they do offer are very high in price $15 - $18. I would not mind paying the price if the selection was more varied.
(4)O R.
Great atmosphere. Was there recently on a Saturday, 8pm reservations. Waiter was just a bit too pushy...made me feel a bit rushed. The place was half empty. Don't get me wrong though, the waiter was on it and responsive. Small and cozy, really loved it. Romantic. A bit pricey but worth it. Food was good. Wine list spectacular. I'll be back for sure. Waiter kept pouring and filling the wine glasses before they ever got empty...loved it.
(4)Denise A.
My fiancé and I came in for our first time today for brunch. Awesome experience all around, our server Erik was the best, he was extremely knowledgable and passionate about the food! We had the calamari- best in town in our opinion and the steak tartar- again best in town. For our entrees we had eggs benadict which they allowed us one with salmon and one with Canadian bacon and also the prawns with asparagus risotto. Both dishes were excellent!! We also tried the hibiscus mimosa and the bloody Mary also delicious!!! The ambiance was so cozy we didn't want to leave. Needless to say we can't wait to return. I highly recommend The Dock, they really know just what they are doing!! Cheers!!
(5)Brooke B.
Sunday Brunch at The Dock was everything I hoped it would be and more. After walking through the restaurant to the patio and getting a view of what our Brunch entailed a smile crept across my lips. It was perfect. Beautifully set tables, linens, and flowers. A floating patio sitting directly on the harbor with a beautiful view of the yachts and sailboats. There was also a small dock that stretched out to the water where boats would come dock and their owners would walk up and onto the patio for lunch. My friend and I ordered both the Eggs Benedict and the French Toast. Both were good but the French Toast was absolutely amazing. It was covered in blueberries, injected with a custard/creme and was perfectly cooked. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be that French Toast. The service was amazing. There was always someone watching and checking in with us. Our glasses were always full, our check was on the table just as we finished. This was nothing less than a 5 star experience (with the exception of my friend getting hit in the head with the sun umbrella by the server, no serious injuries)
(5)Jodi L.
1 star only because I have to pick a star! RUDE!! Is the word I'll use to describe this restaurant. I asked the waitress if one of the items was gluten free ( I have Celiac disease). The reply floored me. "It can be gluten free but the chef WON'T change the preparation! WON'T!! Well Chefy, I WON'T spend another dime or minute in your restaurant. FYI, we went to the Cannery where the Chef WILL make me anything I want to accommodate me, and our bill was over $1000.00!! I should also add the wine we were going to order at the Dock was $20.00 more a bottle. So, rude, and a rip off! The Dock and the Porch ( same chef) are now off the approved vender list!! Anyone who suffers from Celiac or any other condition BEWARE...
(1)Bette M.
I went to The Dock on September 16th for their set lunch menu. I have a hard time giving the restaurant 2 stars because they cross contaminated my food even though I informed the waitress before we ordered that I had a shellfish allergy. Thankfully I was just sick the rest of the day and didn't have to go to the hospital. However, it did make the remainder of my day horrible. How they still got 2 stars after the cross contamination is the following: Ambiance - They earned I would say 4 stars on ambiance. This place is beautifully decorated with light colors and lots of pillows. Very romantic and I bet it looks amazing at night. Location - Right on the water and I believe you can park you boat at their dock however just make sure to call ahead and make reservations. Service - The waitress was polite. She did mess up our order however apologized and brought us the correct appetizer. Food - If it didn't get me sick I would say it was decent. It is priced a little on the high end as you would expect for the décor and location. I waited to post this review in hopes I would hear from the restaurant in some kind of an apology. I had to rush out of the restaurant because I was sick however I called and spoke to our waitress about the cross contamination. She said the owner was out of town but wanted my email and phone number so she could have her follow up. Never received a call or email.
(2)Michelle M.
We LOVED brunch here this past Sunday. The food was excellent and the view and location is amazing. I love how the restaurant is indoor/outdoor. We can't wait to go back.
(5)Grace C.
Expecting this place to be packed during Labor Day weekend, I made reservations the day before just to be safe. I was surprised that it was pretty empty during my entire visit (12 - 1:30). Anyway, this place is hidden in an alley way and only has street parking. The decor of the restaurant had a resort-feel to it and was very relaxing to dine at. The view wasn't necessarily the greatest - it was mainly the dock. Alright, let's get to the food. Here's what we ordered: - French toast - Croque monsieur - Smoked salmon benedict I got the French toast and thought it was delicious. It was made with brioche bread and didn't feel heavy or oily at all. I liked that it wasn't overly soft (I don't like soufflé-like textures...) and that the blueberry compote and maple syrup wasn't super sweet. The croque monsieur, which came with a side of salad, and the smoked salmon benedict were equally tasty. I also liked the "muffins" they served......and the mimosa wasn't bad either. As we sat and talked, the table next to us had food being served to them. Maaaaan, it (sliders and calamari, namely) smelled so good that we joked about staying for lunch. The staff was very friendly but not to the point where it became annoying. The prices were pretty reasonable. Will definitely return!
(4)Bryan Z.
Brought a date here. Our food was perfect and the service could not have been any better. My date had a salad and sliders, and I had crab cakes and fish and chips. We dined right against the waterfront. The ambiance is perfect for a date. So why four stars? It cost over $100 for lunch for the two of us. Yeah, it's pricey.
(4)Salman S.
Very fine private and casual place to have breakfast. The French omelette's and pancakes are amazing. Private and right by the cannal for an awesome view.
(5)Lauren L.
I was the lucky 1 to pick the brunch destination this week. I found this place on Yelp. Despite living in the OC for numerous years, I never knew this existed. It's tucked away from the main drag of Newport Blvd. You have to park at the meters which only give you 15 minutes per quarter and they run 7 days a week. We arrived at 10:45ish and even though the place is tiny, there was hardly anyone in there. The view is amazing as you can watch the Duffy boats and kayaks go by. The whole place is decorated in a classy coastal chic that is comfortable without being stuffy. The service was great from the front desk, to the waitress, and support staff. I ordered the $12 tuscan chicken sandwich from the brunch menu. It was good, but I should have trusted my instincts and had a breakfast item. The rest of the party ordered breakfast and I felt oh so left out. I thought the drinks were pricey! Who do we talk to about going bottomless? Yum.
(4)Cambria B.
Great ambiance, great food and service. The presentation was also lovely. We will definitely go back.
(5)Jason T.
I never give 5 stars to a restaurant..but this one deserves it. We started with appetizers - they said there are 5 of you, but you can certainly share 2 or 3 and it will be a plenty...so from the start there was no ' up sell'. My fish was the best meal in Newport Beach - ever. Really - ever !There was great thought given to each flavor and how the flavors interacted with each other. It's not up-tight; it's not lavish; it's just amazing food & service that you won't find elsewhere in Newport Beach. 6 Stars
(5)Zubin I.
Cute cozy brunch spot that I totally found by chance. Beautiful atmosphere, food was amazing, service was spectacular.
(5)J L.
5 stars for the location and ambience, 3.5 stars for the food. We came here for brunch on Sunday, and the star of this restaurant is the ambience! The restaurant is located right on the water, so you have constant views of the docked boats, as well as paddleboarders and other boats. The restaurant was tastefully decorated and had a romantic and intimate vibe to it. We agreed that it would be a great place to have a bridal shower or similar party. As for the food, they have a 2-course prix fixe for $25/person. We got the steak tartare & calamari as appetizers, and the eggs benedict (w/ smoked salmon) and the pain perdue for our main course. We both agreed that the calamari and steak tartare were good, but a tad bit too salty for our tastes. The eggs benedict were pretty standard fare - not bad, but not spectacular either. Lastly, the pain perdue was moist and prepared just right, though I felt it lacked flavor. Overall, we loved the charm of this place and would come back again.
(4)Bill S.
I was looking for a waterfront brunch location in the Newport Beach, Laguna, Dana Point area that had highly rated food. Many restaurants on ocean or waterfront property tend to price the food more for the view than the quality of the food itself. The online reviews of The Dock turned out to be genuine. My wife and I drove from an hour away for the exerience. We were seated right next to the water so had an unobstructed view of the inlet with all of its yacht traffic. The two course brunch is a nice feature. For the main course we both had eggs benedict. The hollandaise sauce rated with the best I've had. The quality of the brunch was comparable to that of the Saddle Peak Lodge in Malibu Canyon. The service is polished, but quite friendly. My only negative is that their website listed the fixed price at $25 per person but when presented with the menu this morning it was $30 per person. All beverages are extra as well.
(4)Lydiann C.
Too expensive for what you get. Only Chardonnay is $22 per glass and not that great. Steak was over $40 and tough.
(1)Kira S.
Excellent and friendly service. I never needed to even think about the level of water in my glass. Food is amazing! Menu is updated seasonally and I love it! Atmosphere is really enjoyable in the summertime. Portions are perfects. Special accommodations were made for my friend who barely eats anything and she was happy.
(4)Richard O.
First, the food and presentation is outstanding. On that they get five stars. However, they get marked down on two counts. First, the wine corkage at $35, one bottle limit, is not in line with other top-tier restaurants. Second, the prices on the wine list are outrageous. My wife and I will probably not go back, although it is worth going to once.
(3)Jessie T.
this is one beautiful place! It reminds of being on vacation eating yummy foods with a view in front of us... Must try restaurant ---very creative and good to eat too.
(4)Katie A.
Went here for brunch on Sunday. Was about 30 minutes late for reservation. Hostess was kind enough to squeeze us in still. Had espresso and juice to drink. Kind of wish they did French press. Enjoyed the mango infused yogurt and the beet salad for appetizers. The yogurt was AMAZING. For main course shared the mushroom omelette with truffle oil (my favorite), salmon eggs benedict, and a shrimp & risotto dish. Everything was good. Had chocolate ganache for dessert, compliments of the chef. Can't wait till the next time I can go!
(5)Virginia T.
My family just had Sunday brunch at The Dock to celebrate my birthday. They brought us to a table over looking the bay. The ambiance is hip, laid back and comfortable. The service was exemplary and the food even better. All five of us in our party were blown away with the flavor, creativity and beauty of the food. It is our new favorite place in Newport. Bravo to the chef and servers for making my day so extraordinarily special
(5)Michelle L.
This place is adorable! I love the setting. It's small, but so cozy and beautiful! Comfy couches, fresh flowers, and mirrors that actually help light the place up more. I came here for brunch and loved it! I want to see what it looks like at night too! First of all, the first appetizer meal was actually a lot! It was to the point by the time the main meal came I was 2/3's full! I ordered the Steak Tartare and loved it! The Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon was decent. The presentation is beautiful and the food is excellent! So with the amount of food given and the good quality, I think the set is decently priced! (Coffee is good too by the way) All in all, I love this place, and since it is small they need to have reservations. I would have given 5 stars but the male server had a cold & stiff attitude. Especially if you compare it to the darling lady that refilled our water/coffee with such a pleasant friendly smile...
(4)Brittany C.
What an amazing night! I had my birthday dinner here with a few of my friends and couldn't have asked for a better night. The restaurant itself is beautiful! Such an amazing view and the decor is great. I love everything about this place. Eric was our server and he was awesome. All of the food was great as well as the wine. I can't say enough good things about this place. Everyone I was with was super impressed and we all agreed we would come back. So glad I celebrated my birthday here. Everything was PERFECT!
(5)Melanie C.
Gorgeous airy space right on the water, literally the most posh dock I've ever been on. Delicious, perfectly cooked food as far as we had for their prix fixe two-course brunch. I'd guess this is some of the best food in the area as far as menu, execution, vibe, service, view. Totally civilized. :)
(5)Lish H.
4 stars for the service and 3 stars for the Sunday brunch menu. I celebrated my baby shower here and service was very attentive and nice, they even cut the cake for us. Very relaxing ambiance and cozy too, just right by the water. As for the food, I don't really care, just a very nice presentation. One day, I'll come back and try their regular menu.
(4)Allan J.
Very nice atmosphere. Quaint harborside seating. Excellent food.
(4)Danielle D.
This is the sister restaurant to my other favorite but more casual and inexpensive The Porch. The atmosphere at this tiny little restaurant is beautiful daytime or nightime. It's right on the bay and has big tall white linen curtains, candles, rock firepits and lots of romantic ambience. The food is great and especially in the springtime, the spring rolls on the lunch menu are amazing. This is a great place for a romantic meal for sure.
(5)Kelley K.
The male server (tall with short brown hair) during brunch needs to get a life. I came here for my 21st birthday brunch, and he served me a mimosa. He asked to see my ID five minutes later and says, quite rudely, "If you're not 21, I'm going to take your drink away" and proceeds to quiz me on my birthdate and birth year. Seriously? I thought that only happens at clubs, not a "fancy" dockside restaurant in Newport. I'm fine on having people check my ID, but not if you're rude about it. Anyway, on Sundays they only have a $25 two-course brunch prix fixe, and surprisingly they allow you to split it with another person if you wish. I called a few days ahead to make sure they would have vegan options for brunch, and the hostess checked with the chef and assured me they would. I got the grilled romaine salad without bacon for my first course, which was quite good. The chef had to conjure up something off the menu for my entree, and it was really sad. Plain cous cous with slices of green and red tomatoes drizzled with some sweet dressing. That's it. Literally. :( My friends' dishes were all pretty small, but they didn't have any complaints about the food. I recall them enjoying the prawns best. The view is fun and you can walk down to the actual dock from a ramp connected to the restaurant, but it's really nothing that great.
(3)Kari L.
Amazing! Brunch!!! A must go. Had so much fun. The food is 5 star, the setting is great and the staff makes it such a great experience. Want to go back for dinner.
(5)Vincent M.
Beautiful place! A bit pricey, but great service!
(5)Kathy S.
Just celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary at The Dock. Really disappointing. Unseasoned and fatty duck was a sad entrée. And then they served us a complimentary celebratory dessert of coconut ice cream. We hate coconut. Would much rather have paid for something good, but that wasn't even an option from the wait staff. Service was fine, but the food was flat. Should have had a first course(butternut squash was amazing and the crab salad was also great) and then left.
(2)J O.
Brunch was amazing. The view is gorgeous, watching the boats and kayakers go by. Started with the tuna tartare, which is a small appetizer but absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Had the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon for an entree- wow, was I impressed. Super delicious. Definitely would come back.
(5)Robert B.
$40 corkage fee. The highest in OC and LA. And only one bottle to a table. Two couples can't enjoy their favorite wines. Too many other good restaurants that have a realistic wine policy. They've lost 3 couples forever. But I guess management doesn't care. Go somewhere else
(2)Raymond A.
Bigotry is alive and well in Orange Country. I had the opportunity to dine there twice in the last few weeks. On the evening before Mother's Day, we dined with my parents. When we were seated, we asked if we could sit at the table on the water. We were told it was reserved. We had our whole meal at a leisurely pace, and no one was ever seated at the table. I thought it was odd. We had another reservation for this morning for brunch. Our initial reservation was for 10:30 am. Last week, we received a call and asked if we could move our reservation to accommodate a large party of 30 guests who were also to be seated at the same time. Seemed reasonable, we agreed. The evening before or reservation, we were contacted and asked to change the reservation to 11am again to accommodate the large group. We were also informed we would need to order from a limited menu. We were there at our time,and were seated. 3 guests we running late, as they were traveling from Northern California. When they arrived, were told they could not be served because they needed the table. I was shocked. I left the table and asked to speak to the waiter. He stated they could not be served and he was very upset. I informed him of all the changes we made at the restaurants request. He still refused. I asked to speak to the manager, he stated he was the manager. I told him serve them brunch, we would leave and never be back. If there was a limit on the time we should have been informed on one of the 3 calls from the restaurant. Also. The other party who was there at least 30 minutes prior to us, we're still sitting there. If our table was to expire, theirs surly would have expired. These 2 occurrences lead me to believe we were targeted based on our ethnicity. It was obvious we were not the typical customers. Both recent visits, it was noticeable we did not fit the profile of the diners . We have dined there on several occasions, and suggested it to several friends. We loved the view, loved the food, but we won't be back.
(1)Tanya B.
The Deck is a little gem hidden away in Newport Beach. We came here with another couple in the middle of the week for dinner. At one point, we were the only table dining at the restaurant. This place must get most of its business during the warmer months and on the weekends. The ambiance is definitely a romantic one and we were commenting on how this would be a great proposal dinner. The restaurant is right on the water with an open air feel. Don't worry--there are heat lamps and they also offer blankets if it gets too chilly. The food was wonderful. I had the salmon which was well-cooked (although I like mine a little more rare). They have a great assortment of appetizers as well like the goat cheese salad. Overall, the food was great. I would say the only downside is that they only serve wine and beer. Another plus is that the service here is wonderful. I don't know if it's because it wasn't busy, but our server was very attentive. I would say the only downside is that this place is a bit on the expensive side. Nonetheless, this is a great spot for a special celebration. I am looking forward to coming here for brunch to enjoy the beautiful view and sun.
(4)Dusky E.
Staff is so nice. Great ambiance. Dinner is great but I really really wish they offered more of a variety for breakfast. It's so hidden but yet so popular. Really cool spot!
(4)Danielle R.
Unfortunately, this was a HUGE disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the views are great but I took my mom here for her 60th birthday and the server we had was rude, unhappy, and completely ruined our experience. Earlier in the week, I had called and asked if they could give us something for my mom's birthday like a little dessert and they said no problem. Well, it never came and when we finally ordered a dessert I asked if our server would put a little candle in it and he said they ran out. First off, I called and told them I would be there that night for a birthday and second, who runs out of birthday candles? VERY FRUSTRATING. Bottom line is that I would not recommend and would not go back. It's funny how much service can change your opinion of a place.
(1)F T.
This place is definitely hidden but thanks to Yelp I was able to discover a cute little place tucked away on the Newport Peninsula. It has a casual atmosphere. Came here for breakfast on a Sunday morning and the place was pretty empty. It seemed like a very friendly place where a lot of locals go because everyone was chit chatting it up. There are TVs by the bar so you can watch games. I think if more people knew about this place it would definitely get crowded. Food was good for the price. Portions are just right. No leftovers to take home.
(4)K S.
I love this place! We take our Duffy here. Beautiful interior, fabulous wine list (with excellent wines by the glass) and the food is innovative, fresh and delicious. Totally enjoy coming here. Very small so make reservations.
(5)Rob S.
The ambience is amazing. waterside, literally right on the dock. eating on comfortable couches with pillows. a ver nice, relaxing setting. I started with the rolls and tuna tartar. that was the best food of the night (not that the main course as bad). the roll was like a fresh,hot bagel and the tuna was delicious. For a salad, I had a grilled romaine wedge with bacon and pumpkin seeds. also very good. I was disappointed with my main course of the night's special, bone-in veal. it was very fatty and very tough. The sauce, which I don't know exactly, tasted good. it was a dark glaze of some kind. overall, not bad, but my dinner companions enjoyed their meals of pan seared scallops more than I liked mine. On a final note, How did this place get only $$ ? it's not outrageously expensive, but the meal for three of us, including 2 glasses of wine and 1 dessert was over $200.
(3)Lanna K.
Yay! I love this place! To be honest, not particularly because of the food but because of the ambiance. It is a perfect place to enjoy brunch. I'd love to see what The Dock is like for dinner. Went to brunch with sister and hubs on a Sunday morning a few months ago. The place is small, cozy and beautifully decorated. The service was very good- attentive and friendly but not overbearing. I ordered the cesar salad which was good but way too rich- the dressing was a little too intense. My sister and hubs both had the beet salad which was good but not out-of-this-world. Then, I had the grilled prawns, hubs had the omelette and sister had the pain perdue. All were good but not super memorable. All in all, still a great experience and would definitely go back! :)
(4)suzanne d.
The food here is uniquely prepared and delicious. They serve beer and wine, no hard liquor. I would say 3 $$$. We visit the Newport Beach area once a year and always look forward to eating here.
(5)Craig C.
Everything about The Dock is fantastic. Perfect setting and probably the best restaurant in OC at the moment. Service by Jordan was excellent and above and beyond. Food is amazing and especially great to see chefs trying to set a new standard rather than just serve the same fare. It does need a liquor licence though as you can only get beer and wine but the wine list is excellent. Desserts are especially worth waiting for. Thanks again for a great night and service.
(5)Sarah M.
I eat here often with my girlfriends because it is one of their favorites. It is not really one of mine. Although the food is pretty good, the menu and wine list is limited and the wines are way over priced. You will not find a wine lower than $60 a bottle. The service if they are busy is very inattentive. Mostly because they are understaffed. And, don't think about staying past 9:30pm. They make it very obvious they want you out of there so they can go home.
(2)Zhong Z.
This place is PERFECT. Great food at a beautiful restaurant (elegant, airy whiteness...love it), what more could you want? Oh you're gonna give us free appetizers and wine? Okay, I'm comn' back :) Had the lamb and it was GREAT. Only thing that would make this place better are hot waitresses :)
(5)Anne P.
Wow. The good experience started with the reservation; I called to ask about dress code and if my 92-year-old mother would have a hard time getting around. I was called back, and told the good news -- dress code was very casual, and Mom would find a nice table. When I arrived, I was able to drop my mother and her helper off, park less than 50 feet away, and come back to the restaurant to find them seated at a great table with a harbor view. The food was exceptional, from the salads (we tried the asparagus, beet, and carpaccio) to the second courses (grilled prawns risotto and the beef sliders). The servers were very attentive to Mom's needs, but were equally attentive to everyone in the restaurant. Beyond five stars. It was a great experience, and I look forward to going there again.
(5)Paula V.
After reading so many wonderful reviews on Yelp I was excited to finally have an opportunity to try The Dock. On Sunday my husband and I headed to Newport Beach specifically to have brunch at The Dock. Being someone who likes to be prepared I made sure to do my research before going! Reviews by Yelpers on 8/10/2010 and 8/8/2010 both mention that there were plenty of empty tables. So I was very surprised to find that when I arrived at The Dock that they were not going to be able to sit me, because they had too many large parties with reservations. Was I offered an opportunity to wait and be seated upon availability? NO! Was the restaurant actually full when I arrived? NO! In fact just as others had mentioned it was somewhat empty. I did speak with the hostess and express my disappointment in finding that apparently their restaurant required reservations. She informed me that reservations were recommended, which is stated on their website, but recommended and required are two very different things. Which I politely pointed out to her. I also pointed out that Yelp gives a very different impression and that if they do not plan on trying to accommodate customers without reservations then they need to say so on Yelp and online. With an economy that is somewhat precarious my expectation of any restaurant is customer service that excels. The customer service at The Dock leaves much to be desired! Instead of finding the wonderful secret hideaway that many a Yelper had written about I found an establishment that was unaccommodating, did not appreciate new business and raised some questions and concerns in my mind about why I was not seated despite the restaurant not being full. What happens if a party doesn't show up and they do not try accommodate guests that are already there? My thought is that they lose out on business? The Dock doesn't seem very business savvy to me. Definitely make reservations if you do go!
(1)Harrison M.
If you want to find our just how good food can taste, this is a must enjoy kind of place. It doesn't matter what you order, I guarantee you it will be wonderful. The courteous staff can pair their offerings with wine that is just perfect for your food selection. Danielle and Erik are perfect servers with their in depth knowledge of the ingredients that go into each dish. Can't wait to go back. Harrison & Lynn Manell, Irvine
(5)Ryan Y.
Everything about this place is anything but standard. If you weren't looking for the place, you'd probably never notice it. From the outside, its just a small sign on a small street, in a small block of businesses by the docks [finding parking isn't the easiest, even at 8:45pm]. Going in, its a small foyer with a nice dark decor and wine lockers for the lucky customers with healthy wallets that can eat up the rather high-end wine list. The place is small - very small. If you have a party of 30, you might as well rent out the entire place, but it's a very elegant semi-casual environment. Large rattan chairs complete with a small back cushion, clear (glass?) ceilings to see the night sky and an open end facing the water. It literally is a dock - two parties climbed out of the restaurant, down the docks and to their small motorboats, and drove away down the quiet channel to Newport Bay. Next to our table was a small gas brazier with glass stones for ambiance and warmth, supplemented with overheat heat lamps. My girlfriend and I didn't go all out on food, just entrees and wine. I had seared scallops with roasted tomatoes and a white butter sauce - pretty much some of the best scallops I've had, perfectly tender with so much flavor and not a bit chewy or overdone. My girlfriend got the braised short ribs, which was even more tender. She said she thinks they included the bones just to show how fall-off-the-bone they were. Presentation was nice as well. Wines were good as well. The wines by glass list is very small, but if you're willing to spend more, they have an extensive bottle list. I was kind of sad they didn't have any syrahs open by glass, but the waiter kindly suggested a good substitute, which ended up being a slightly lighter but still good wine. I forgot the name... started with an E.... The food was great, the atmosphere is unlike anything I've seen before, service is good, but the cost is a bit much. It is a small place, deep into Newport, so it probably would be the casual nice lunch or dinner for residents of healthier wallets. If this were located elsewhere I'd give it a 4 for price, but I like it otherwise.
(5)David S.
My wife and I were looking forward to this place based on the great reviews. I feel it is my Yelply duty to inform people about our negative experience. In fact, so negative was our experience that my wife wanted me to post this ASAP to warn others. :) We came here for my wife's birthday, which happened to fall on Father's Day. When I made the reservation, I inquired if they did anything special. The hostess said that they did not serve any kind of dessert or sing any song (which was fine), but that they would acknowledge her birthday with some warm wishes. They did, however, tell us that we had a two-hour time limit and that if we didn't finish by then, we'd be kicked out. How nice. Also, the hostess tried to get my credit card number over the phone to "hold the reservation." I said absolutely not, and she held the reservation anyway. I hope nobody else fell for that scam. When we showed up at 10:30a for our reservation, we found a long line of people waiting to get in. Apparently, the restaurant didn't feel it necessary to be prepared to accommodate their patrons on a busy holiday (with a 2 hour time limit) and open on time. After almost 15 minutes of waiting, they finally let us in and started seating people. Unfortunately for the first couple in line, the hostess had screwed up their reservation, and made the excuse that she "left a message" telling them she changed it to a time much later in the afternoon. The couple, furious at having waited 15 minutes for nothing, just left. This is an example of the horrible service that is given here. (On a side note, there were a few tables that sat empty for the 1.5 hours we were there, so the hostess could have let the couple wait for any reservation no-shows and then seated them there. Instead, she turned them away, and they'll probably never return). Other patrons were wondering that since they were let in late, if that counted against their 2 hour time limit! Oh, the absurdity of it all. The only good part of the brunch happened at this point. We were seated at a nice table overlooking the water. However, even though we were finally seated, it took an eternity for anyone to come and greet us, much less take our drink order. This theme of extremely slow service permeated the entire meal. Our server never came by when we needed her. As for the food, it was tasty. However, it was horribly overpriced. I don't mind paying for great food, but it better be GREAT. This, while tasting good, left us feeling ripped off. The portions were tiny, yet expensive (2 small sliders and a shot glass of fries for $14, french toast for $12, a mimosa that was more orange juice than champagne for $9). The food was certainly not out of this world, either. The biggest insult, however, was the fact that the server did not once recognize my wife's birthday. She couldn't be bothered to even say 2 measly words: happy birthday. As for other negatives, parking is sparse and is not free (you must use the meters). The place is tiny and you can't help but overhear other diners' conversations as they are so close to your table. We didn't share food, but this place has the audacity to charge $6 if you elect to split one of their $14-$20 entrees (not that anyone should split an entree, since the portions are so miniscule). The immense size of the testes on whomever came up with that policy is impressive. The bottom line is this: with so many restaurants out there, why would you want to come here? The food isn't anything so special or delicious that you wouldn't be able to find it at other restaurants. The service is so bad that if you wanted to be treated poorly, you could just go to Ed Debevics (if it's still around) or an S&M parlor (at least you expect to get whipped). The pricing is outlandishly high. The ambiance? Well, it is next to the water. But I have to say, the view really isn't that great. It's not like you have a nice ocean view. You are literally looking at a bunch of docked boats, some houses across the way, and people zooming by on their watercraft. I hate to say it, but this place fails on every single count. My wife and I try to console ourselves by saying, well, at least we experienced it once so we'll never wonder if we were missing out. My only goal is to save others the cost of finding out how mediocre this place is by just telling them here. Dine here at your own peril!
(1)Lauren C.
We had a really nice dinner here last night. Contrary to what another Yelper wrote recently, the service was friendly and attentive. The timing of our dinner was very good, and we left happy...and the 2 servers made the evening even better with their nice personalities. The setting was very comfortable, with pillows everywhere. Even the ladies room looked and smelled nice! My beet salad was very good, although diminutive next to my husband's (very good) romaine salad. I had the filet mignon, and my only complaint was that my serving of (very wet style, delicious) mashed potatoes was far too skimpy. The filet was tender and perfectly seasoned. Hubby had the short ribs with gnocchi. The gnocchi seem pan fried, so not the light and fluffy type - but good. He loved the dish. I thought it was a bit salty, but the husband disagreed. We both had the $40 three-course option, so we both had dessert as well. Ideally, I'd like to be asked about coffee before I get dessert, so I waited for it before eating dessert. I'm just hoping those desserts were smaller as part of the 3-course meal. They were very good (chocolate tart with a great salted caramel and 1 cannoli with a berry sauce). And, by then we were quite full. I know Valrhona chocolate is $$, but my cute (= puny) tart portion would have been a great disappointment if ordered a la carte. I'm not expecting Cheesecake Factory gluttony, but just not the smallest dessert I've been served in years. Still, it was very smooth, and the coffee was better than most. We'll be back!
(4)Darcy G.
This is my favorite date night place. Its an adult only type place, right on the water, with exceptional food. Its tucked deep in Newport and a bit hard to find, but worth the search. My favorite dishes are the grilled romaine salad (to die for) and the halibut. My family loves the salmon and the beef short ribs (when they have them).... but go Halibut.... you won't be disappointed :-) But, don't try to go without a reservation.... its small and requires planning ahead if the weather is nice.
(5)Elizabeth B.
FANTASTIC atmosphere! On the water in a sort of indoor/ outdoor space that is decorated with pillows, mirrors and curtains in soft neutral tones. At night the lighting is truly delightful, making everyone look great. The food is excellent and after 5 times I have NEVER been disappointed. I always order the fish, which is always different, fresh and amazing. I also love the wine selection. Nothing I have ever heard of but always delicious. The servers are very knowledgeable and very professional. It is however quite pricey so we save it for special occasions. If you have a small boat or duffy you can reserve the dock out front and arrive by boat, which we have done.
(5)Maria N.
Love the ambiance and delicious food!
(4)Courtney B.
Great Sunday Brunch! We didn't have a reservation, but they sat us right away in the perfect for two corner. I had the (forgive the spelling) croque monsuer, it was soooo good. Hubby had the huevos rancheros, also great. They were rich but light. The coffee was amazing. The service was also nice.
(4)Joy B.
I found The Dock through Yelp for a work team dinner and Yelp certainly didn't disappoint! Wonderful meal, though I have to admit I'm glad I didn't have to pay that bill. The location, decor and overall ambiance of the restaurant are wonderful. The restaurant is half indoor, half outdoor but it appears as though the entire back wall is missing between indoor and out so you feel outdoors regardless of where you choose to sit. Heat lamps aplenty, there were no complaints of being cold even though we were there for dinner. Loved the banquette seating and pillows along either wall, I was tempted to take a nap during the meal. As far as the food goes, I had a beet salad and the Halibut which were both fantastic. The halibut was perfectly cooked, not dry or bland as I often experience when ordering fish. Service was wonderful. This is a great restaurant for a small group or couples night out. Will be back!
(5)Kathi K.
My new favorite place for Sunday Brunch! The patio is amazing. It feels like you're in your own backyard looking out over the harbor. It's relaxing and inviting. The staff is attentive and friendly and not overbearing. The food was great: I had the mushroom/truffle omelet (yummy). I recommend The Dock if you'd like to spend your Sunday morning relaxing with friends over a great meal. A+++
(5)Lee J.
The Dock is my favorite restaurant in Newport! It is the PERFECT spot for a romantic dinner or other special occasion. It truly is the ultimate hidden gem on Lido. The decor is classy, with large white curtains draped along the walls and an enclosed dining patio that faces the dock. It was very warm on the patio even in the middle of winter. You sit on comfy couch-like booths with large pillows that let you snuggle the person next to you. The staff members are very friendly and professional. Each time I have gone there I have left more happy than the next. We have ordered most items on the menu and each dish is delicious. They have a white wine that I absolutely love...the waitress suggests it every time I ask...a chardonnay...cant remember the name though! I highly recommend it for a date to impress. I also think it would be the perfect backdrop for a bridal/baby shower brunch. Oh and if you are there for dinner, I would also suggest stepping across the street to their sister bar called The Porch. Very different vibe but just as cool!
(5)Annika Jo L.
This place is such a gem! My husband and I had dinner here with some good friends. It was the first time dining here for all of us and we were all very pleased. The service was great and the food was fantastic. To start, a few people had ordered appetizers. My friend had the grilled romaine and I had a few bites. It was very flavorful and much larger than I thought it would be. Another friend ordered a salad with a poached egg and she seemed to enjoy it. It looked delicious. My husband had the seared ahi and enjoyed it too. For our main course, four of us ordered the salmon while other friends had the braised short ribs, filet, and my husband had the scallops. Our server explained that the salmon was cooked in a special way that's like poaching, but the salmon ends up with a smooth texture like sashimi. It sounded interesting and tasted like no salmon I've ever had. It was so delicious with the coulis and the tempura mushrooms. I can't wait to go back to try their something new from their menu (or just order the salmon again since I can't stop thinking about it). The ambience was great. It was a really windy night, but it was still comfortable inside the covered patio. This place is great and we will definitely be back!
(5)Lexi L.
It was ridiculously expensive! I can't believe how they can stay in business considering the high price and horrible customer service. Our waitress was nice but so SLOW on everything. It's not that hard to give some attention considering the size of this place. It's tiny. Don't let the pics fool you:) On top of that, they didn't even open on time. omg Food was fine, something you would expect from place like this in NB. If I didn't know how much everything cost then I'd given them 3 stars. 1 star for the food, 1 star for the location. If this was located anywhere else, I'd imagine they will go out of business.
(2)Filisha K.
This place has a great ambiance with mediocre food and crappy service. We ordered pancakes, eggs and a tomato basil pasta. I definitely make better pancakes myself and the eggs weren't anything special either. However the third star is for the pasta- it was very good! Also it's odd that they stress having reservations because the place was over half empty the whole time we dined from 12-2:30 which seems like prime brunch time.
(3)Audrey L.
Brunch here is a winner. Sunday morning, outdoor seating on plush booths stuffed with oversized pillows right on the water, hence the name. I've spent many years in Cannery Village but never knew this tucked away secret existed. Met up with the girls around 10:30/45ish and there was no wait, maybe bc my friends had already grabbed our table, but there were plenty of empty tables and no serious crowd when we left. Looks like there is membership at The Dock with wine lockers, I am for sure a fan of this, not sure what the monthly/annual dues are though. Let's get to it- I ordered the smoked salmon eggs benedict and this benedict by far takes it all. Better than Coffee Cup and Tantalum. My eggs were poached perfectly. The fork test...just a tiny prick and pop, explosion of creamy yellow...bliss! Served with potatoes au gratin, normally I have no problem packing it away, maybe the reason I've never had that amazing stick figure...I digress....but anyway I was full after the first one but kept grazing until the server came and I had to ask her to take it away. Brunch would not be Brunch with out the medicinal cocktail or two. Order the Hibiscus: Champagne with combinations of hibiscus and other juices, so tasty! Over all, tres pleasant and relaxing experience
(4)Olga F.
Awesome restaurant. The place does not look like anything special from the outside, being adjacent to a boat yard, and practically has no parking spaces. However, do not let the austere front deceive you, the Dock has truly delicious and spectacular food. Some of the things I've had there: caprice salad, sashimi appetizer, diver scallops entre, halibut entre. Littorai vino is good, too (I cannot find it anywhere else...not even Hi Times.) I highly recommend it.
(5)Jennifer Y.
Great outdoor quaint lunch and dinner spot along the bay. You can pull right up to the dock from your boat or duffy hence the name "The Dock". Food is very good with an excellent wine list. Prices can be about $35. a plate. Lunch is slightly cheaper. Always order a side of risotto! You will see all the social ladies gathering, couples on a date, etc... It's a lovely setting. I love the quiet ambiance on the water. I love this place year around however a lunch in summer or early fall is amazing. This restaurant does pay attention to detail which I love.
(4)Margaret Y.
great view of harbor, with front of restaurant out into harbor.
(4)Dan K.
Wanted to treat out the GF to something nice this weekend. Found The Dock on Yelp and decided to check it out! The outside is unassuming and humble. I almost thought we came to the wrong "Dock" and surely there must be a more elegant looking building. However, once you step inside, the dining area is great. The waterfront patio has a very relaxing vibe. It doesn't help that the chairs have huge cushions. It's definitely a good sit down place to enjoy brunch on a Saturday morning. I got the Huevos Rancheros. The GF got the pancakes. All I have to say is, the salsa was incredibly fresh. The eggs were fluffy. The beans and rice were flavorful. I loved the spicy papaya salsa they spread on the plate. I tried the pancakes as well. Normally I don't like pancakes, but these were amazing! The only downside is that everything is very pricey for the portions. Coffee was 3.50. I glanced at the menu and saw soup of the day for 8.00. 8 dollars for soup? I don't know if I could ever justify 8 dollars for a tomato soup. Anyways, our bill luckily only came out to 26 for 2. But, we didn't get anything extra or too pricey. Make sure to bring coins for meter parking.
(4)Marti C.
After finding all of the wonderful recommendations on Yelp we went for a friend's birthday. It is easy to find, the decor is spectacular, the hostess was friendly, the waitstaff was ok but slow, the food was delicious! I have to start with the views. They are amazing. You feel like you're eating on boat. The restaurant is small, inimate and cozy. The breeze off the water is great! The coffee is STRONG! What more can you want? We went for a Saturday brunch. We tried the omlette, huevos rancheros, and french toast. It was all great, very fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Portions are just right - not too big and not too small. Can't wait to go back for dinner.
(4)Russell B.
Came here for a relaxing brunch before heading home from our little anniversary weekend trip. We got here as soon as they opened and were probably the only ones there for at least 30 minutes. So I guess get here early if there are any crowds later. The patio dining area is well appointed with large mirrors on either side, big cushy wicker chairs with cushions, large patio umbrellas, and a nice little view out onto the bay. I decided to go with the croque monsieur (which was also recommended by our waitress), since I don't see it pop up on menus elsewhere much I figured I might as well get it while I can. Overall the quality of the bread just let me down on it. It was just to dry and there wasn't enough sauce or a large enough egg to balance it out. However, the other elements were tasty including the simple side salad with a tart balsamic dressing. I also further regretted my decision after later seeing the french toast come out to the table next to us. The wife got the pesto chicken sandwich which came with plenty of pesto to her liking and some crispy herbed fries, which I kept snagging some from her. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for a little upscale brunch experience, but probably stay away from the croque monsieur. Expense wise it also wasn't too bad at under $40 for two dishes and two drinks considering the view, ambience, and general quality of the food.
(3)P K.
I've been to the Raft, le Quai, and now the Dock. The food is okay; standard for a nice restaurant, but nothing more. There is an impressive wine list, but the Pinot we ordered was served chilled..... a little inappropriate. I am by no means a wine expert, but this is a faux pas I can't help but point out. The service was deplorable. It took 30 minutes just to get the check. Our waiter was much more interested in waiting on the other more snooty clients at the restaurant. It was ridiculously expensive considering the service and the lack of knowledge and experience reflected in the staff and menu.
(2)Liza M.
My boyfriend found The Dock through Yelp, and it was absolutely delicious. We went for Saturday brunch, just after 11:00. There was hardly anyone else there, though, so we were hoping it wasn't a bad sign. It continued to get busier in the hour that we were there though, and it was a really nice atmosphere. You can walk onto the dock and look into the water below, which is really neat...there were huge jellyfish this morning! The semi-outdoor seating was really comfortable, and the whole ambiance made the experience even more enjoyable. The small staff was very attentive through out our entire meal, quick to refill waters and check to see if we needed anything. We were served complimentary mini-muffins that were really good. Moist without being greasy, and not too crumbly. Thankfully they didn't leave the whole basket otherwise I'm sure we would have eaten too many! ;) I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and was surprised at how large the serving size was. The eggs were really fresh, and their salsa was the perfect blend of spicy and flavorful without being overwhelming for breakfast. Pinto beans were served in a side cup--a little salty but equally delicious. My only (minor) complaint is that the rice could have been slightly more tender, but the flavor was still pretty good. My boyfriend and his mom both ordered the Eggs Benedict and both were extremely happy with their decisions. The eggs, again, were surprisingly fresh, and the Hollandaise sauce was creamy and rich without being too much. We were excited to learn that The Dock also serves dinner...this is definitely worth a repeat trip.
(5)Symonty S.
Great personal resturant, small nice view and layout. Good personal service from staff and food was prepared like you were their special guest.
(5)Crystal V.
I am so excited about this little gem of a restaurant. If you want great ambiance, excellent food and great price point then look no further. I had an amazing lunch at the Dock last week with a friend and enjoyed every second of it! The service was excellent too! I highly recommend dining here!
(5)Nancy M.
Loved this spot for brunch. Went on 2 separate occaisions. Excellent service. Nice plating. Perfect portion size. I plan on trying it for dinner during the summer.
(5)Rick H.
The Dock is a great restaurant with an excellent waterfront location, interesting menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner which is reasonably priced, and a setting that is oozing with charm. These were all the reasons we attempted to have our wedding reception here - and that ended up being an ordeal which never came to pass. Our experiences were exactly like one of the preceding reviews: we were invited to come off hours to discuss the event, were hosted to free drinks, set a date, and were excited to move forward. Then we were absolutely dropped. For weeks my fiance tried to communicate with the owners and staff to discuss a menu; at first their commitments to respond were missed time and again until they went silent and just left us hanging. I went by personally to pick up the interchange and put a deposit on the night and was subsequently just emailed a credit card authorization form to reserve one table. The bottom line is that we were led to believe that we could have our reception here but after months of wasted time we would have appreciated being told that they didn't want our business, rather than being led on and ignored for so long. Even after several phone and email requests to get to the next step, we were never able to discuss a menu or pricing. After some point the owner became rude with my fiance. We had to book another location. Management and owner have still not even attempted to apologize or otherwise remedy the situation. There has been absolutely zero communication from them and I am sure this will taint any future experiences we would have otherwise had at this fabulous restaurant.
(1)Jennifer L.
This place is literally gorgeous. My boyfriend and I were trying to find a new cute little breakfast place and yelp told us to go here! The color scheme is light airy with creams, ivory, and mints which makes the place seem super classy. The seat cushions form perfectly to your butt and you are literally sitting on a dock facing newport's bay side. We did the prix fix 2 course menu and it was sooo amazing. I started off with a baby beet salad which was absolutely delicious. the beets were tiny as hell but each bite was incredibly flavorful. my boyfriend got the tomato gazpacho which was really tasty as well. But if you aren't fancy enough to know what gazpacho is I hope you know that it is a cold soup because he started complaining about how cold it was like an idiot. But anyways, for our second courses I got the french omelet and he got the egg's benedict. The french omelet had the best mushrooms I ever had and not to mention it was covered in truffle oil (my favorite!!) and the egg's benedict was good, but the salmon just didn't taste right. I'm not sure if it was old or what but it was definitely not right. Regardless, I would definitely recommend this place. It's a bit pricey but perfect for a sunday brunch with your parents, grandparents, boyfriends, or friends. Oh and another thing, the service is awesome!!! I was disappointed they didn't have a fresh fruit bowl or something of the sort but when I asked they came up with a side of fresh fruit and didn't charge me at all :) woohoo!
(4)Julian C.
WOW, could not have had a better experience at this restaurant. First, i booked a reservation for brunch at this restaurant for a friends going away party, we were rather late and yet the service, food, staff, view, and overall dining experience was awesome. Tucked away on LaFayette Ave right on the docks left off of newport blvd (if you are heading south on the peninsula) this GEM is is ideal for any occasion- birthday, farewell, brunch, you name it. The outdoor patio area is quaint and romantic if you will. I have yet to go here for dinner but I'm sure it would be just as magical as a brunch. We took tons of pictures with our champagne, on the balcony of the dock, and had a great afternoon with awesome service. Our waiter even encouraged our festivities and helped pull one last prank on our friend before we sent her off. The food is delicious and will meet your expectations. If you are looking for a small bite the appetizers are great and the entrees could be shared. When dinning in class be prepared to spend a little more but other than that this is a lavish treat and you will leave with happy mouth and tummy. Thanks for reading, see you around the Yelp crowd :P
(5)Adam B.
4.5 stars. I had the steak and it was near perfect. The chargrilled salad was one of the best salads I have ever tasted. I forgot what my girlfriend had and she thought it was very good but not quite a 5 star yelp worthy review. My meal was 5 and her's was 4.5 so we gave it a 4 (5 is difficult to get from me). I plan to go back very soon... so good.
(4)samantha s.
This is an cute little restaurant right on the water in Newport Beach. It was formally the Arches and before that Le Quai. It has revamped its image and re-opened as an amazing place where you can relax for a perfect brunch or lunch. I suggest the country style omelettes with spinach, sun dried tomatoes and bacon yum! There is a dock where you can park your duffy or kayak, perfect location! My favorite part is sitting on the comfy couches with the blankets just in case it is a little cooler. Come and try The Dock, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Mark A.
Great ambiance and food. Service was a little stuffy. I had the roasted salad which was absolutely exquisite. The eggs Benedict with Salmon was perfectly done runny eggs and toasted English muffins. Excellent.
(5)Omar M.
Great food and atmosphere with a definite high end culinary feel. A bit high price wise though. You'll easily drop $120 for a dinner for 2.
(3)Joann H.
the food was mediocre, the service was absolutely horrible, and our waitress couldn't wait to literally throw us out at 9:30 on a Friday night! we reserved a "window" table and they said no problem. when we got there they sat us under a leaky roof and told us all other tables were reserved. problem is that by the time the restaurant closed the window tables did not get occupied even once. as a matter of fact, more than half the restaurant was empty from the time we got there, until we were rudely escorted out! never again will we spend $180 for 4 small plates and 4 glasses of wine... especially with the attitude our server kept giving us. there are plenty more good restaurants in Newport Beach that you shouldn't waste your money on this one.
(1)Jennifer H.
Beautiful ambience. Right on the canal. I was really surprised by this jewel. Such a nice alternative to the Cannery down the street. Food, both presentation and taste were excellent. Great wine selection. Small place, so reservation is a must!
(4)yo m.
A very tiny and plush patio style restaurant and easy to miss from the front. There are only 3 tables by the water (that's how small the place is), so make sure you call in for a reservation. The overall ambiance is peaceful, romantic and refreshing. We were looking for good brunch food and we were NOT disappointed by the food. We got the 2 item prefix brunch for $25, from which we chose eggs benedict, truffle omlette, and sliders. As starters, we chose beet salad, fried calamari and crab cakes. ALL dishes were beautifully plated, perfectly cooked and seasoned. As you dine, you can see the occasional paddle surfer or a little boat sailing by on the water.
(4)Katie T.
Very romantic! Great menu! Excellent service! You must try the lamb chops...yum
(5)Pam R.
My husband & I went to The Dock last summer. We took a daytrip to Newport Beach. This place was a total surprise. From the outside it looks like a dive bar. But when we walked in - WOW! You are sitting in this beautiful room overlooking the water. Draped curtains everywhere. Wonderful seating with pillows. Great separation of space between patrons. Menu was fantastic. We had the beet salad & foie gras appetizers. For dinner we had the scallops & rack of lamb. So delicious. Service was superb. Desserts were a chocolate concoction, as well as a fruit tart. Both excellent. Very romantic.
(4)Kelly M.
The Dock is spectacular! My boyfriend and I love to Duffy there and we are always greeted with great enthusiasm. The staff is friendly and attentive, but most of all, they are extremely knowledgeable in regards to the food preparation and the wine list. I have food allergies so I really appreciate the wait staff knowing what is in the food they are serving. If you are into wine, they have an amazing wine list that is not priced ridiculously. The owners have a huge cellar and educate the staff on the various vintages. I highly recommend the Dock for all types of groups. My boyfriend and I find it to be a romantic venue for the two of us but we have an equally great time when we bring a group.
(5)Kissy S.
Service is best of the best, as is the food!! Yum, yum & yummier!! Nothing like sitting under the stars on the water with fabulous food. Standout dish is the SHORTRIBS!!!!!!!!!!!! Buckle-up!
(5)Rande J.
A nice little place tucked away on the bay. Down the street from the Cannery on a one way street. Overlooking the water. Great little brunch.
(5)Richard N.
"the Dock" has 2 seafood entrees, Salmon and #2, scallops. The salmon tastes as though it came straight from the grocery store freezer section. Don't waist your time.
(1)Deborah L.
The setting can't be beat- beautiful, on the water, comfortable, no loud echo-y noise anywhere. Food is really good. My only hesitation about going again is that it is pretty price-y. The wine list, which is impressive, doesn't have a bottle under $70. And their corkage fee is $35. For a special occasion it truly feels special. But my budget stops me from being a regular.
(4)Cat C.
The two stars are for 1) nice outdoor space in Newport Harbor with a great patio and 2) Food is pretty good. What I'm not a fan of is the customer service. Especially for groups. As an event planner representing corporate groups, The Dock was unhelpful and unwilling to accommodate groups, design pre-set menus or want any group business. I'm sure its great for locals -- but definitely put a bad taste in my mouth when someone from the restaurant spoke down to me on the phone and has been twiddling their thumbs on getting a simple group menu to me. I'd hit up The Cannery over the Dock any day.
(2)Jane T.
Update: Went back tonight. Still amazing food. Tasmanian trout was extraordinary (which is same dish I had last Tuesday. Price tonight was $26, whereas last Tuesday the "special" price was $18.50. That special was worth every penny!!!!). Hubbie had halibut with risotto- which is a hard fish to do right, but they nailed it. Staff is warm, receptive, friendly. We ordered Profiterroles for dessert, and 3 came with the dish. Since there were 3 of us, it was just perfect. Hess Chardonnay was a very good choice for us, for this. Adult crowd. Several people in blue jeans, but I thought they were under-dressed (but then again, many came off duffys). Nice restaurant design. Prior yelp: Really good food. Wish they'd let us bring our own wine (1 bottle on Tuesday nights just doesn't cut it). I had a special ($18.50) of a fish on a mousselline of butternut squash and asparagus. That was last Tuesday, and I am going back again tonight because it was soooo good. Service was very good...(even though we had a mishap of a water spill - everything was very nice).
(5)Stacy C.
This location is amazing located right on the water. The food is delicious and service great!
(5)Kristyn L.
I love the Dock! ... It is a perfect combination of Ambiance, Amazing Chef Prepared Food and Fabulous Service (Ask for Shannon). Day or Night... The Dock is a Great Place for Family, Friends or Business. Enjoy !!!
(4)Mark S.
It was difficult to get a reservation. Not that they were full, it was that each of 3 phone calls went to voice mails, I left numbers and there was no return call. Finally I connected and was set. My wife and I found parking nearby. The ambiance is great. You feel like you are on a boat and people actually arrive by boat... there is a dock. The online menu , wine list and actual menu vary in items and price. I saw a wine I liked on the wine list at $65. The online per glass price was $12. At about 4 glasses per bottle , the bottle price should be about $45 to $48. It did not show on the wine list but when I asked it was available by the glass, I mentioned the $12 price and the server agreed. we ordered 2 appetizers, priced at $12 and $15, when the bill arrived they were charged at $15 and $16. I asked to see the menu and when I questioned the difference , they corrected it. No apology , no reason given. How does this even happen these days with computer price control entries in restaurants? Were the prices meddled with after entered? The server should check the bill before she brings it to make sure it is consistent. It just feels like you need to keep checking on a place that is already pricey. Not a trusting feeling. The food was good , not great. The sashimi was brought with no wasabi. I requested it... they don't have wasabi only horseradish. It would seem that if you are to attempt a Japanese dish you should have the typical condiments. It was prepared nicely , no illness, no reason to call "the Doc" or the Dock 3 times. We haven't returned. Not a great time...
(2)misha n.
Gorgeous food! Gorgeous setting! These people really know what they're doing. We started off with a beautiful amuse bouche of a scallop ceviche, then a light, but flavorful salad and then my favorite braised short ribs. It was wonderful and I can't wait to come back!!!!!!
(5)Cristie C.
The Dock is a quaint restaurant that serves phenomenal food. The venue is great and different than other restaurants in the Newport area. The Dock is always on our list of restaurants to go to for a special occasion.
(4)Scott B.
Lived in Newport in 2009 and literally bumped into this place. If you can't get romantic with a loved one after a Sunday brunch here, you may want to consider breaking up. Reasonable prices, excellent drinks and the best part...the unhurried pace to remove you from their waterfront location after you have finished and the blankets to distributed to guest unprepared for cool breezes. The food is solid, the wine list extensive and the ambiance unparalleled. Parking is a bitch, but...welcome to Newport.
(5)Matthew C.
I took a group of four people here on Saturday night and we all agreed it was one of the best dining experiences of our lives! When we arrived our table wasn't ready due to a large group overstaying their welcome, but the hostess immediately brought us a round of Champagne... this was more than necessary or expected, but really set the tone of the night. The staff was excellent, very knowledgeable and pleasant! I could understand some people thinking they're slow, but this is a beautiful restaurant with incredible food so the dining experience/process should be enjoyed. Anyway, the braised rib was the best I've ever had, the grilled romaine salad is amazing (I recommend sharing it) and the risotto side was excellent! I cannot wait to come back again and again.
(5)John N.
Great little hide out. Food was top, Mai Mai was great and service was top notch.
(4)Lindsay R.
I wish i could give this place some more stars but it wasn't all its cracked up to be. We came here for an anniversary brunch a few weekends ago. The hostess was a little snooty so that was a turn off :/ The restaurant is very small but beautiful. It is right on the water and the view is lovely. The seating is also very comfy! Our waitress was very nice and helpful but the food was not worth the price. First I had the tomato gazpacho; i didnt care for it, i wish i had ordered something else. My boyfriend ordered the potato leek soup, he enjoyed it and i also liked it. For the main course we both ordered the eggs benedict, mine with salmon and his with canadian bacon. Eggs were perfectly cooked and runny and the english muffins were nice and crispy. The hollendaise was ok, a little tart for my liking. Also on the plate was some kind of potato gratin. I didn't care for it; it was very greasy, too much butter. We also ordered the coffee which added $10 to the bill :/ ... All in all it was a nice brunch, i liked the atmosphere but the food was not worth what we paid. The total came out to about $80.
(3)SM S.
Had an amazing brunch. Price was right, food & drinks were great, the service was fantastic and the decor was beautiful. It's a beautiful, quaint, comfortable little hideaway. Great for a date or brunch with the parents! There's really nothing like it in Newport. I was VERY impressed!!
(5)suzanne T.
I have seen The Dock pop up on yelp searches when looking for brunch places or new dinner places. On a Sunday late afternoon we decided to give it a try. I'm so glad we did, I didn't make reservations and we were seated right away it was 1 and brunch ends at 2 ... They were serving a pre fix menu, we both enjoyed mimosas I had the beet salad and caramelized onion and truffle omelet, he had the beef tartar and benedict. Both were very good and I felt portioned out well, not over stuffed put definitely full. I loved the seating, the patio is very comfortable and the wait staff was friendly. I can't wait to go back for a nice relaxing dinner. Will make a reservation as others have suggested just to be safe. I'm always trying to find a place in Newport the is low key and on the water and I have found my new fav!!!!
(5)Ty A.
i took my girlfriend here on our first date and the staff made it a very very special evening the food was amazing the service was even better the view is amazing . let me break it down how the night went i called ahead said i wanted a reservation and told them it was a first date they pulled all the stops. when we arrived they had champagne chilled and waiting for us they took us to the best table in the restaurant they let us drink our drink then we ordered wine and they gave us our menus there was no rush at all as soon as we ordered the chef sent out a amuse which was amazing then my date got the tuna tartar which we shared and then she got the scallops with tapanod and i got the sea bass with braised leeks which both were done very well they brought out desert after we enjoyed more wine and watched the sunset this was a very awesome summer night i recommend this place highly
(5)Nicole T.
Simple food done well. We had Sunday brunch here yesterday and everything was delicious. We had the grilled shrimp cocktail, chicken sandwich, grilled prawns with asparagus risotto and espresso creme brulee. Everything was delicious and service was great. It is such a gem. The vibe was really mellow, it felt like we were sitting in someone's elegant backyard. Definitely coming back soon!
(5)chris s.
Has the super rude owner got any better. No she hasn't. My neighbors went recently and were talking about it. They were commenting on the rude manager etc. It was the owner. Again locals disappointed by her snotiness.
(1)Jamie E.
I'm not too sure what the Newport Beach scene is like, but this is what I imagine it to be. Service is professional, though a little cold. Wines are extremely expensive, though not bad. No cocktails. Beer??? Food was not bad, but could be better. For $100 / plate, I think there are better places to go.
(3)Master B.
i hope this place stays open....it was a Thursday night, at 6pm and we were the 2nd couple in the entire place and when we left, it was just 4 other peep in the place.....i hope you stay open because the food was pretty good. the Filet was a bit tasteless...but the braised short ribs made up for it...the pork belly was pretty solid as well. the wine list was impressive and the pricing not too too bad.....a split of the Romanee La Tour for $54 isn't too bad......but 2009...it needs another 10 yrs..
(3)D G.
We absolutely love this place! Please don't get this mixed up with the Lido Deck (which is a horrible place). Get the scallops. They are most amazing and succulent scallops I ever had. The staff takes the time to get to know you. The atmosphere makes you feel that is a secret local place. The decor makes you feel at home with the cushy pillows and throws. Please give this place a shot. Reservations are recommended for Fri and Sat nights
(5)Reed G.
Worst ever. Owner has a habit of berating staff during service. Great location doesn't make up for the bad vibe and so-so at best food. Go to Blue Water or the Cannery instead if you're in the neighborhood.
(1)Monica M.
Fantastic ! Can't believe a place like this exists! Fabulous food, wine list, service, and romantic ambiance. Highly recommended!
(5)John J.
I just ate here for the first time. Amazing place. It's on the smaller side but the decor, location and food are amazing. I started off with some crabcakes and calamari; both were delish! For my entree, I had the grilled prawns, which were amazing, and got a bite of my wife's sliders (mmmm!). I'll admit, I'm sorta bummed to be writing this review because I don't want the place to get over-crowded...but it definitely deserves a great review. Definitely worth checking out. Great food, great location.
(5)Kevin H.
I received a gift certificate for Christmas for this place and didnt get to try out until a week ago. I reviewed the menu and wine list online and was very turned off by the costs of the wines. i put a call in to see what the cork fee was ans was told $30!! Are you kidding me!! We went early on a Friday night and there was just something about this place that charged for all the bells and whistles you'd expect at The Canery or Wildfish, but they came up short in every area. The girl who sat us didnt seem to understand that people came out to eat and would be spending at least $150 for 2, without wine of course, so please be more personable and smiling. Waitress knew food and the menu and was polite, but slow (not her fault) in delivering the goods to the table. Bread and water arrived after we had been sitting about 7-8 minutes. Hard to understand when there were only about 6 people in the place. The view of the bay is overrated. In my opinion, this is a wannabe Newport Beach restauarant getting away with charging the high prices on the menus and wine list. I will say the food is solid once you get it. I had a salmon done perfectly with veggies and my wife had the sea bass that was very tasty. Wedge salad was average but did "sound" good. I will not be going back. To expensive, the staff is not personnal and the parking is a joke. I did call my friend and asked him if he re-gifted that to me, but he denied it.
(1)Lisa G.
Eating at The Dock is like being on vacation! I had the most relaxing lunch. All the stress of a busy week starting fading away as soon as walked in. Our delightful server Shannon welcomed us promptly and attended to our every need without hovering. I selected the Grilled Romaine Salad with Grilled Prawns, which I would recommend to anyone who loves salad. On an evening visit, I had the steak which was full of flavor and accompanied by two yummy side dishes. You must taste the bread, even if you are avoiding carbs, it is unbelievable. Everyone from the top down cares about the diners and works tirelessly to make their visit to The Dock a wonderful dining experience. You must give it a try!
(5)Kamyar S.
nice and cozy environment. good food.
(5)Deepa S.
We were in Newport Beach on Saturday morning looking for a place to have Brunch. This place really exceeded my expectations. It is quaint with beautiful decor, a nice view, good food, and good service. I'm looking forward to returning for brunch.
(5)Nicole B.
wow, just called on a sunday to ask brunch hours, but i had to listen to a long message with many awkward pauses and mistakes, and no hours listed. according to their website, they're not open for brunch anymore?
(1)Elizabeth G.
My husband and I loved this place. The setting is so beautiful, classy and romantic, the service was perfect and the food was great. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5 is because my water glass had lipstick remaining on it from a diner before me and there was food sticking to my husband's menu. Otherwise, though, it was a fabulous dining experience.
(4)Leroy B.
We came in last night for dinner to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. From the get go the staff was right on top of us, making sure we were seated properly and making amazing wine recommendations. We ordered the tuna tataki, grilled romaine, halibut, salmon, lamb, and scallops. All dishes looked and tasted amazing. I'm still thinking about the risotto that came with the halibut. mmm mmm good. Not sure how this place is during the day, but in the evening it is really special and perfect for a special occasion. I liked how small and intimate it was, right on the water...a perfect setting to celebrate a birthday or other occasion with preferred privacy. Reasonably priced, but then again I live in inflated LA. I'd come back here again in a heartbeat for a romantic dinner with my girlfriend or with friends and family.
(5)Alyssa H.
So my boyfriend found this place on Yelp and we decided to check it out for our date night. The location is tucked away in Newport Beach and is right on a dock, hence the name. You can park your boat and walk right in to the restaurant if you want to! The atmosphere was really laid back and the staff was very friendly. All seating is outside which concerned us at first since it was a cold night, but we were very comfortable since they have heat lamps. The seating was also very cozy with couch like seating on one side (which is where I got to sit) and chairs on the other. They also have blankets in case you get chilly. We walked in without reservations and luckily we got sat pretty quickly. Their menu is short and sweet. A bit pricier than the average college student might spend but we didn't mind. We got the calamari appetizer which was delicious. My boyfriend said it was the best he'd ever had (and he's a picky eater). For dinner I had the roasted chicken breast which was juicy and delicious and my boyfriend got the top sirloin which he enjoyed just as much. For dessert we shared the chocolate cake which was SO good! Overall we had a great experience at The Dock and would highly recommend it :-)
(5)jennifer H.
The Dock is our favorite restaurant in Newport Beach. Since it opened, we have not been to any other restaurant in town. Why? There is no need! We have had breakfast, lunch and dinner there, and, have never been disappointed! Every time friends visit, we take them to The Dock. They keep wanting to go back!!! This afternoon, I had the Grilled Prawns and Risotto with asparagus and a yogurt emulsion. OMG! It was to die for. Oh, and I had one of the best Bloody Mary's ever! We love The Dock, we love the ambiance! It is so intimate and relaxing! At night it is so romantic! I can't wait for the next time! Love it! Love it!
(4)Erik M.
Came here for bunch with my family last Sunday. The restaurant is small so make sure you have reservations if you have groups larger than 6. The brunch is 30$ for two courses and that doesn't include drinks. I had the cauliflower soup and the duck confit hash. I would easily recommend both dishes. The soup was creamy and delicious and just had a hint of curry flavor. The duck was cooked well but not perfectly. But everything combined together in the hash was absolutely delicious. I would order it again in a heartbeat. The service is kind of meh... It felt like it took forever for each course to come out and the waitstaff didn't seem that attentive. The four star rating is mostly based on the food. I'd give the service 3 stars. The 30$ brunch is a bit deceiving. After coffee, tea, or juice (6 bucks each). Tax, 20%tip on top of a service charge the bill came out to a bit more than 50 bucks a person. Do I think it's worth it? Yeah I do. However, all the extra charges and surprising cost of beverages seemed a bit sneaky and annoying.
(4)Annie T.
It was one of my girls' birthday and she picked this place for brunch. We originally were six, but one couldn't make it so we were five. They were understanding even though the table was reserved for six. Brunch was 30 per person for a two course meal. We also had a bottle of chandon champagne which was 65 I believe. Mimosas are NOT bottomless (big bummer) here! The brunch menu isn't large, but it had some great looking stuff on it. We ordered: -Soup de Jour (Butternut Squash that day): I didn't get a chance to try it, but my friend said it was creamy and light. Very delicious. -Ahi Tuna Tataki: I order this and it was pretty good. The sauce it was in was great. I didn't quite like the passionfruit jelly but my friends said it tasted okay. -Potatoes Latkes: it came with smoked salmon. I thought this was yummy! I liked chive sauce that came with it! -Steak Tartar: I didn't get to try this one either, but my friend finished her plate.. so I'm assuming it was good.. or she wanted to get her money's worth! -Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon: I think 3 people in my group order this! It was definitely great. Some of the eggs were runny, while others not so much. It came with some potatoes too which weren't amazing, but still good. -Quiche: I had the quiche which had spinach and goat cheese in it that day. This dish was disappointing. There were two quiches, tiny tiny sized. I expected a little more.. and the taste wasn't there. It was bad because you still the goat cheese flavor, but I definitely thought this was pretty bland. -Prawn: My friend had this and liked it. It came with some risotto which was pretty good.. but you can't really go wrong with that. -Bottle of Chandon: This champagne is your typical champagne, but I thought the bottle was so cute! It has a nautical theme to it :) Overall, the service was great, the food was yummy, and we left full. The view was slightly disappointing, but we were more focused on catching than anything so it wasn't that bad. If the brunch menu changes over the seasons or something, I might just come back and give something else a try!
(4)Bill W.
I have been here two separate times within the month. On the first Saturday night is was really fine dining with a casually elegant atmosphere. All the food was very, very good maybe even a Michelin One star event. (4 or 5 stars rating here) On Sunday night the starters were good, and 3 of the 4 mains were marginally OK, but we had to return the Duck breast. Not only was it not cook properly, it was the poorest part of the breast. And after returning the dish, you would think someone (a manager) would speak to us, but apparently, on Sunday's, both the manager and the real chef take the day off. (2 stars) It's to bad, because I live nearby and thought I had found a local restaurant.
(3)Grace L.
Good food, Great view! I came for Sunday Brunch which is a Pre-fixe menu. The reason they didn't get a 5th star was 2 reasons. Portions are dainty. AND, they don't tell you that Mimosas (or bloody marys) are not bottomless yet continue to ask you if you want a refill. I think that's horrible service. Parking may be difficult, but there are a lot of metered spots. If you come early enough you'll score one right in front of the restaurant. Meters work on Sundays.
(4)A W.
2 course pre fixe brunch... Would have loved to see a dessert at the end...since most brunch places include it as part of a pre-fixe. I had the steak tartare to start, and then I had the eggs Benedict with the Pork belly. Y girlfriend had the duck confit! All of them tasted fresh and was to die for. I would come back again during the fall bc it was way to hot in there. I hope they add fans as part of their fixtures. I was a little uncomfortable. My ratings are strictly based on the food. I loved the food and can't wait to try it again!
(5)Loannie D.
We went for the Tuesday Special and it was worth it! Amazing service by Vincent! The eating area was very cute and conformable. I enjoyed arriving at 6 and experiencing the sunset as we ate. The potato leek soup and salad were EH... but the main course was great! In addition to the special, we ordered the calamari with the basil mayo. I usually hate mayo but this complemented the calamari extremely well. We cleaned our plates! The service here was AMAZING and the presentation added to the overall environment. Defiantly will come here again.
(5)Dorothy H.
Pretentious Waiter and less than mediocre food made for a very unmemorable meal. Wont be returning!
(2)Mat W.
Great atmosphere, great food, great service. I have had multiple items and have never been disappointed. It is a very small restaurant with a great view. Definitely the best spot on the peninsula!
(5)Jason K.
My Wednesday date spot with the wife. It's one of the best kept secrets in Orange County. Fantastic wine selection. Above all else it's amazing that this chef can combine the best parts of European cuisine with a pacific rim undertones in his flavoring and seasoning. The location on the water is romantic and the decor is charming. I'd recommend a reservation and ask for Jordan, he's fantastic.t
(5)Christopher B.
First of all, it is clear that The Dock has structured its wine list (and corkage policy) with the sole intention of making the most money possible (as opposed to enhancing the customer's experience). Likewise, the beer list is embarrassing (one microbrew) and the cocktail list is nonexistent. More importantly, when you are paying top dollar for a meal, you should expect top dollar service. This means more than having a waiter that is familiar with the terms "reduction" and "purée". We were initially seated at the wrong table and subsequently waited over an hour for our entrees, with little to no interaction with the staff. I found this unacceptable. All the above aside the scallops and lamb were quite impressive. The meal, in a vacuum, was worthy of 5 stars; unfortunately, the experience was not. The charm of the facilities and quality of food is lost on a management team that appears not to value the customer experience. For these reasons, I will likely not be returning.
(2)Keith F.
Hidden Gem! Great location on the water and truly very peaceful with out all the (Sunday fun day) crowed. We were able to sit down and have a quiet brunch and talk simply just enjoy our food The staff is what really sets this place over the top to rate this staff a five star rating is an understatement. Great food, with a fantastic presentation on the dish. If you are looking for a great place to spend time and be able to talk to one another this is the place for you. I will be from now on a regular here. Crazy thing is I live not far from here and I never have seen this place before, until we were out on our paddle boards.
(5)Justin B.
Pros: Grilled prawns, Sunday Prix Fixe Brunch $25 Cons: Street parking can get crowded Went here with the wifey for brunch last Sunday. It's kinda hidden off a tiny street heading toward the peninsula. There's really only metered street parking ($1 per hour). Luckily most of the meters in the area take credit card. The space itself isn't too big, but its right off a dock on the marina. All the seats are in a covered outdoor patio. Pretty nice decor. On Sundays, they have a $25 prix fixe menu. This includes a first course and a second course. I ended up getting a salad for my first and grilled prawns with risotto for my second. My wife got the calamari and a steak sandwich. The calamari was really good. The breading was just right. Not too heavy and nice and crispy. I also really enjoyed my prawns. They were pretty big and the risotto was delicious. Although we didn't get any drinks, they serve mimosas and bloody mary's for reasonable prices. Anyway, great place if you're looking for a new brunch spot.
(4)Morgan S.
We came to the Dock for our 30th anniversary. It was a great choice. What an intimate place. Open to some private docks at the end of the building. We have not had such good service in a long time and the food was fantastic. We started with the mussels (in a great broth) and frites. My main course was scallops on gnocchi. I was worried that would leave me still hungry, but the portion was generous and delicious.
(5)Sara G.
Brunch is served as two courses at a fixed price of $30 per person. For the first course, I ordered the Steak Tartar, my wife ordered the Pork Belly. Both dishes were AMAZING and well worth their half of the price. Each bite was packed with flavor and a joy to consume. The tartar was slightly more cooked than I'm used to, but not enough to make the taste any less enjoyable. For the second course, I tried the Benedict, while my wife opted for French Toast. These plates... were not terrible. Certainly above Denny's standard, but compared to the first course, we both felt let down and dissapointed by it. The ambiance felt like the place was trying just a little too hard to be more than it actually is, and the service was attentive, but clumsy. Honestly though, that's about par for the neighborhood. Would have rated a 4, but for the inconsistency between the first and second courses.
(3)Shawna S.
Really lovely and quaint place. Had a great brunch here. The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate dining experience. I would recommend this place for 2 or a small party. I tried the steak tartar, shrimp riosotto, beet and goat cheese salad and, the truffle omelette which I have no complaints about. I would come back just for the ambience and nice service.
(4)Claire S.
I came here with my roommate for Easter brunch, and we were both blown away by the food (both in taste and presentation). The restaurant itself is beautiful, with all the tables on an outdoor patio, overlooking the waterfront. It was a gorgeous Sunday to be out there, although I wish our table had been slightly closer to the view. We started with the hamachi tartar, in a creamy yuzu emulsion with seaweed salad - fresh, exquisitely flavored, and a true pleasure to eat (the only disappointment being that there wasn't more to enjoy). We also had the smoked salmon potato latkes - crispy, potato rounds of goodness with dollops of delicious crème fraiche and a sprinkling of capers, superb! My entrée was the brioche french toast, an incredible dulche de leche mousse, and brandied apples. The entire dish was quite sweet but delectable, and saved by the sides of applewood bacon and a hearty slice of potato gratin, an excellent salty/savory addition to the dish. I should have known better than to have ordered a sweet entrée and then get dessert after, but I regret nothing. I went with their jaw-dropping chocolate tart, served with a side of salted caramel and berry coulis. It was positively decadent, rich and creamy, and left me wanting more. It certainly isn't kind to your wallet, and the servings aren't large, but the quality of the food, ambience, and service, has me eager to return!
(4)JING J.
I took my Mom here for a Mother's Day brunch. We had a good time. They incorporated organic ingredients and the service are very good. We dropped by without reservation, but we weren't waiting for long before being seated. I'd love to eat here again for my next visit.
(5)Jamie M.
I had my birthday brunch here and it was lovely. I so adored the fact that we were seated right next to the harbor with no windows obstructing our view and the warm Newport breeze passing through. Beautiful decorations and the service was attentive without being overly so. Champs were a-flowing and the food was delicious! 1) App: Steak Tartar - on the menu it said Violet Mustache (lol) but I do believe it meant to read Violet mustard which is a mustard enhanced with grape juice and/or wine. This made more sense since the meat had a purple tinge and the mustard seeds were abundant. The flavor was amazing with the mache lettuce giving it a fresh, buttery bite. Yum! 2) Smoked Salmon Benedict - The salmon was perfectly salty balancing well with the creamy eggs and hollandaise sauce. The potato gratin was just ok, a tad under seasoned compared to the salmon masterpiece it stood next to. On a side note, I was already full by the time the benedict came since the tartar was a pretty big portion. My only gripe is that it is a bit overpriced... $30+ for brunch is a bit excessive. If they would make the portions smaller and decrease the price, I would be a regular!
(4)Melissa K.
"The Dock" was everything one could wish for in a dining experience. The first call was to book a table, for our anniversary. Christine answered, booked a special table, congratulated me and gave me driving instructions, and told me parking at the meters wouldn't require any money due to the reservation being past 6pm. Upon arrival the ambiance was beautiful, the wait staff exceptional, the food amazing. We also received 2 complimentary sparkling wines, and a dessert to add to the celebration. Traveling around the world for the past 35 years, I have eaten at many restaurants. I also recruit for an international company. It isn't easy to impress me, but "The Dock" did surpass my expectations. We enjoyed the entire experience. If you want a phenomenal experience, and wonderful food, this is the place. Thank you Christine, Eric, Madison, and of course, the Chef.
(5)T S.
Great place to eat, steaks were wonderful, service was fantastic, we had a great seat right next to the water wonderful view, I don't find it to be overly expensive, it comes down to you get what you pay for. I look forward to going back.
(5)Kelly R.
Beautiful location and atmosphere, but that's about the only thing that's positive about this place. The mediocre food is over -priced and the service sucks. $60 for brunch! If you have the budget and don't mind less-than tasty food and a lackadaisical wait staff, this place is for you. You can at least enjoy the ambiance.
(2)Janie K.
Excellent service - very warm and knowledgeable staff who seen to genuinely enjoy the place themselves. Amazing food - gourmet all the way. Very elegant and refined atmosphere with a quaint and picturesque view of the dock/Newport Harbor. Such a pleasant and romantic time to spend with your loved one(s). At brunch, the quiche was wonderful - Next time I'll try the grilled Prawns over couscous and asparagus.
(5)Phil W.
Wow. That was a great meal. Amazing chef. I can't wait to go back. Every course was delicious and special.
(5)Allen Y.
I made reservation at 11:30am for Jan 11th and yes we were half hour late as it was a Sunday and we all wanna just relax. HOWEVER I got a call from the restaurant just around 11:30am and the lady on the phone started talking to me in a blaming tone: "Please make sure you give us a call if you are late as we are a small restaurant and we have been holding the table for you. Are you guys still coming?" Wait a second! Are we doing business or I am your customer? I almost wanna told her that we are not coming just because you said that but I didn't. The food was so so as well and my steak sandwich was just a steak on top of lettuce; tomato and piece of bread full of oil. To me I will not go back again. The two stars was given to the service and environment.
(2)Nicole C.
It's a smaller place with tables that all sit waterfront (resos recommended). The prefix menu is a little pricey but the food is delicious and you can't beat the view. Classic breakfast foods with a costal twist. We had the eggs benedict and french toast. I would order again and we'll definitely be back. Oh, and the bloody mary's are homemade and full of goodies. Is it Sunday yet?
(5)Jaclyn M.
I was going down to Newport for brunch so turned to Yelp to find a great spot and all reviews pointed to The Dock. This place was great. Gorgeous views right on the harbor. Amazing food! They have a price fix brunch with 2 courses for $30. The staff was amazing. Cannot wait to come back!
(5)Julie Y.
Cute brunch spot with a nice view, and portion size is decent. Brunch is a prix fix menu with two courses for $30/pp, not a bad deal. We had the ahi tuna sashimi and the steak tartar for the first course and both were very good. The ahi is light and fresh, and the steak tartar is very flavorful (but more on the cooked side in case you were expecting it to be rare). For the second course we had the grilled prawns over risotto (good and light in flavor), eggs benedict with salmon lox (tasty but the bread underneath was very buttery), and the duck confit hash (very flavorful but a bit too salty for my taste). Mimosas are good, and because we were celebrating my birthday our server comp'd a chocolate ganache dessert (that was very sweet of her). Overall, a very pleasant experience and we will definitely go back again!
(4)Clara B.
Thank you Yelpers for recommending this amazing restaurant for brunch while visiting Newport Beach! I love the atmosphere, amazingly delicious food and Danielle, my waitress was very gracious in recommending the right wine! I chose a lovely Savignon Blanc - Jacque Rouze, Quincy, from Loire Valley 2011 The had a pre-fix two course special for $30 which was really nice.... My potato latkes with salmon were truly special with caviar.... Risotto with artichokes and shrimp another great choice and coconut ice cream with a crispy wafer.... I almost forgot to mention how much I enjoyed watching the yachts and people coming in from their boats to enjoy a special meal. I felt like I was on vacation... well actually I was for a day.... This is the perfect way to end the closing of my art show in Newport Beach and celebrate with this special brunch.... Life is about celebrating small or large events in one's life and today was one of them for me... This is one of those romantic restaurants you wish your man would take you, well today I took myself and loved it....
(5)Chris S.
GF took me here for my birthday. We were sat right at the edge of dining where you can hear the water lapping against the docks. Wine list is fantastic, much care was taken in putting it together. Great selection of new and old world wines. The food was outstanding. Kale salad and Korubuta were fantastic! Great first courses. Second course was Tazmanian sea trout, explained beautifully by our server, and the pork chop was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The sauces, starches, and veggies complimented the flavors of the proteins perfectly. The servers were knowledgeable about the food and wines and answered questions without pretense. Great location! Food and Wine are outstanding!! Definitely a gem and great for special occasions.
(5)Lisa L.
Well, I would have to say this is the best restaurant I've been to in this year so far. Great service, nice bay view, high quality food! Every table set up with a pretty candle and beautiful flowers. Must try the crab salad, it's soooo fresh!!! The dock will be the top choice if anyone is looking for a restaurant for a dinner date!
(5)Brooks J.
Top 5 restaurants in OC, no question. Every dish we had (party of 4) was extremely well executed and tasted wonderful. It was the best preparation of duck that I have ever had. Perfect setting with the water close by. Beer and wine only but that hardly mattered because their wine list is solid. Even includes some harder to find Napa Valley "cult cabs." Save up and make a reservation, well worth it!
(5)Justin S.
Came to The Dock to experience Sunday Brunch service earlier in July. While the area surrounding the front of the restaurant wasn't the best to look at, once you enter, that thought immediately changes. The views open up very quickly to the beautiful area behind the restaurant filled with boats and picturesque views of the channel. Our hostess was very accommodating and we were greeted right away. The brunch is a pre-fixed two course menu with optional dessert following the menu so be prepared. The serving staff was very knowledgeable of the menu items. My guest had food allergies and the staff, particularly the chef, offered alternatives to cook the entree she had chosen without the ingredient that caused the allergy which I thought was very accommodating. You don't always find that willingness to offer such service. The dessert, while small, was fantastic and I think the only thing I wish could of been better for the price I paid would of been bottomless Mimosas. Overall a great place for a brunch date, family or friends gathering! Going back for sure!
(4)Phil G.
My favorite restaurant in my hometown and one that not too many people know about. Everything is delicious and are always lucky enough to get tapas like plates with wine pairings for every dish. The best part about it is the servers due to their friendliness and knowledge of wines and the dishes. Every night is something new in the menu, and there are way too many good dishes to list. This is a very good place to take a date and entertain your family and good friends. They also are right on the water which makes it convenient if you have a boat in the Newport bay.
(5)Denise R.
I attended their Sunday Brunch and was pleasantly surprised by the location (yes, on the dock, and a couple of boats did float past), great service and great food, tastefully and imaginatively presented. Very comfortable seating and surroundings and no wait to be seated. They have a Prix Fixe Sunday lunch which was a little expensive but excellent food that all four of us enjoyed. The appetizers seemed small when initially brought to our table but were very filling and loved the presentation. We all loved the entrees and wish we had room for dessert as we looked around the room at the variety of sweets that were offered but will have to wait for another time. Were were lucky to find a metered parking slot within a couple of blocks. Looking forward to trying their regular dinner menu.
(4)Jackie H.
Went here a few weeks ago for their Sunday brunch. We had prior reservations and were seated promptly in one of the tables near the waterside. First off if you want to take someone special or even go with your family for brunch on one of those beautiful sunny California days with views then this is definitely a place to consider. The views and location hands down is what makes The Dock worth it. Yes the service and food were good but for the prix fixe prices it's more on the reviews vs this being the best food in OC. So as mentioned service was great, very attentive (though there were only about four parties when we were there so they weren't busy); but definitely quality you'd expect considering on location and price. Food likewise was enjoyable. Since we did the brunch the menu consisted of a prix fix allowing for your choice an appetizer for the first course and main item for the second. We each started off with mimosas to drink which were not lacking on the champagne which was nice. I ordered the granola and Greek yogurt (chef prepares his own flavor each time, this visit it was berry). I enjoyed the fruit that came with it as well, though I do wish the ratio of granola to yogurt was more granola rather than a soup of yogurt and a small spoonful of granola. My date ordered the red wine pear salad and noted that everything was prepared well. For the second course we ordered the petite pancakes and eggs Benedict respectively. Pancakes with the berry compote was delicious and more than enough food; not the best I've ever had but I did appreciate and enjoy it. I was able to try the eggs Benedict which were quite tasty and I probably preferred them to my own choice. I wouldn't say the meal was spectacular or the best food in the area but it was good and paired with the views and ambiance of the place I would recommend their brunch. If they didn't have the view I'd honestly probably give them 3/3.5 stars but the view gives a solid 4.
(4)B D.
The Dock has a great ambiance with comfortable seating. We spent almost 3 hours there enjoying the great food, service and atmosphere. Every table has a view of the harbor. We started off with the crab beignets and the Kurobuta pork belly. The fried crab and avocado blended well and the pork belly was crisp and tender. I ordered the short ribs, which were incredible. The risotto and vegetables were perfect and the short ribs were very tender. My girlfriend chose the lamb rack that had a tasty herb crust. She really liked the ratatouille and hummus. It was her birthday so our server brought out a complimentary dessert. We will definitely be back.
(5)Liz T.
Food was good but ambiance ruined it for me. Completely empty restaurant, OK 2 or 3 other tables, and we get a table with a flickering light...so annoying and the waiter never once asks us if we want to move. He said no one ever complains about it (have you read yelp?). You pay so much for this experience, why doesn't the help do everything they can to make it nice, instead of making the customer feel guilty. It was so distracting!! If you must go here (And I think there are better places), go at daytime or sit at a table without an overhead light. He said they all did that, (flicker) but none of us believed it as we watched the tables on either side and could not detect a flicker problem! Plus,I do not understand the hype. There were 4 of us and the food was good, but only one meal out of 4 was considered exceptional (halibut special). Perhaps you must go during the daytime. As far as price expect, to pay $50.00 +, per person for food and add wine on top of that!
(3)Wendy H.
From the outside, The Dock looks like a tiny restaurant. Once inside there is an open view to the waters where boats can dock. The atmosphere of this place is amazing! Their foods do not disappoint and their wine selection is great. Best to come here and dine while watching the sunset! Not to mention the service is impeccable.
(4)Philip G.
The Dock is perfect for a romantic evening down in Newport/Laguna Beach area. It's an open air restaurant and overlooks the open water way. Top of the line service, great wine and champagne menu and the food - delish! We started off with the heirloom tomato salad, which was sooo good. For our main course, we had the scallops and the pork chop - wow! Again, absolutely delicious. We polished it all off with some type of chocolate cake that was mouth watering good. Highly recommend this place for a date night spot, and even for families looking for a nice evening.
(5)MONICA Y.
Location, food, wine, and service was on point. Perfect if you're trying to impress someone.
(5)Talisha M.
Great brunch! Cute place with amazing view! The salmon potato latkes were to die for. The quiche was great...especially bc it was just pure egg with no crust!
(5)CatLadyHon N.
I came here for dinner to celebrate my husband's birthday mid-week. It was quiet and relaxing. The do not serve any alcoholic spirits besides beer and wine which were overpriced in my opinion. But, I guess you pay for the location. It's a small restaurant and I can see that it would be very fitting for a private small party, so always call to make sure they don't have an event. The food was good, nothing exceptional. My husband ordered his steak medium-rare and it came out medium but he didn't complain b/c it was still juicy and flavorful. I ordered their braised short ribs which were dried. Overall, I had higher expectations for food but service was exemplar.
(4)Chris A.
We showed up 45 minutes early for our Sunday brunch reservation, and they were kind enough to seat us right away at a table by the water. Scrumptious food. Excellent staff. (The waiter brought us our fourth round of mimosas on the house :) It's a beautiful restaurant, and true to its name one of the other customers arrived by boat!
(5)Vivian L.
The pictures on yelp look so good and decided to give it a try. Came here on Saturday for dinner. Was able to call and made a reservation for the same day. Overall, the food was ok. however, we do feel like the waitress is inexperienced. We had eaten half portion of the dish and found there's a worm like bug on the dish, we told the waitress and she said "I'll take it away". We still have half portion of the dish unfinished. She never came back with the other portion. We then being charged for the full price of the dish. It is just not right. Probably this is our first and last try at this restaurant.
(2)Tracy N.
Wow, what a perfect place for Sunday brunch!! Absolutely beautiful view with a very open atmosphere. If you have guests from out of state that want to experience something "Californian", definitely take them here! The food also exceeded my expectations, being light and tasty! I will definitely be coming back!
(5)Adam S.
The ambiance could not be better, and the food is always a treat. The service is also really great. I haven't been here for brunch, so I can't comment on that. However, my girlfriend and I love The Dock for dinner so much that we have begun coming here every year for our anniversary. This year, Trevor helped us for a second time; he remembered us, which really made the dinner a little extra special. We feel we have our first tradition and we look forward to coming to The Dock for years to come.
(5)Amber Elizabeth M.
DISCLAIMER: I did not pick up the bill. Half indoor, half outdoor. Right on the dock, (imagine that!) The heaters are fantastic for keeping you warm and still enjoying the fresh air. Erik offered fantastic service. My wine glass was full the entire time. Maybe a little too full. :) Pork belly and tuna apps knocked my socks off. Unfortunately I had already eaten earlier so I went went with the endive salad, which in fact, was fantastic. I have a crush on goat cheese. And I don't eat a ton of meat so it was nice and light. That being said, I also got to taste the lamb (amazing!) and the steak (out of this world). I kind of have a crush on this place. Unfortunately it's not in my zip code. But watch out Dock, because next time I'm in town I'll be bringing my dingy around!
(5)Kelly N.
Where do I start? We had dinner her w a few other friends and I had no idea what to expect. I did see pictures of the restaurant and it looked pretty cool and I was right. It's almost as if you are having your meal out on the deck if a boat. It's charming yet elegant and wow what a great place to enjoy our California weather! The service was outstanding ... Friendly , knowledgeable, and professional ! The food was Ah-mazing!!! My husband had the pork chops - to die for! I had the sea bass - excellent!!! Everyone's meals was fantastic. Our new favorite restaurant!!!
(5)Nida K.
Such a cute, classy restaurant located right on the... DOCK! Who would've guessed?? 10 of my girl friends had lovely Sunday brunch here. Brunch is around $25 and you get an appetizer and an entree. I ordered the Steak Tartar for my appetizer and The Grilled Prawns for my entree. I was expecting my Steak Tartar to be like seared ahi tuna, but it was more like a mush. It was really good in a surprising way... very flavorful and it had the texture of raw fish at a sushi restaurant. Haha, that might not sound too great, but I really enjoyed it. The Grilled Prawns were an excellent choice for me. I love shrimp, asparagus, and risotto, so it was a great combination. The restaurant itself is partially indoor and partially outdoor. It's open air overlooking the docks. It was a foggy morning when we went, but if the sun was out it would've been a lot better. They have an extensive selection of wines. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try any since I partied a little too hard the night before. The sight/smell of it would've sent me running to you know where. Overall, The Dock is a great place to go if you're in ever in the area. It's classy, trendy, and modern. Looks like it could be a great spot for a dinner date too. Oh yea, watch out for parking. Put enough money in the meter and put in more if you need to. I got a ticket! :(
(4)Alice M.
What a find!!!! Arriving when they opened at 10:30 on Sunday morning, parking was NOT a problem and $2 for two hours on meter right in front of restaurant was far less than any valet charges. The meals were well worth the price! Husband is a steak tartare AND Egg Benedict aficionado. Both he found totally to his satisfaction. I had the duck confit hash which like my pork belly first course was worth every one it's many calories. Service was wonderful. Will be back.
(5)Gary S.
Truly remarkable! My wife and I went for our anniversary. We had visited many years ago when it was L'quay and It was every bit as good if not better. The ambiance was cozy and romantic . The service was outstanding with Eric and his sister teaming up to make our dinner special. The food was perfectly prepared and the presentation was beautiful. For wine lovers please note the wine list was outstanding with some very difficult to find wines and Eric was helpful in selecting something we had never tried before which turned out to also be marvelous. Every course of the dinner was wonderful, from the appetizers ( roasted beets for my wife and seared Foie Gras for me ) to the main courses (John Dory for the fish lovers or Rack of lamb for those who prefer meat). The entire evening was finished off with a phenomenal chocolate dessert. All in all a very memorable night at a wonderful hidden gem of a restaurant.
(5)E. B.
Great food and service! The staff was friendly and the view of the dock is beautiful. I had the short ribs as my main course and it was delicious. I had a wonderful experience at The Dock, I would suggest this place to anyone looking to have great food with an amazing ambiance!
(5)Funglin W.
Delicious food, great service, amazing view, cute restaurant, and reasonable pricing! Food: The lettuce wrap is delicious, with really powerful flavors. The fish and chips were really delicious and amazing! View: This restaurant is right on the dock. It is such a gorgeous place and sitting right by the dock on a warm summer is amazing. Oh, their bathroom door is ADORABLE! It's not a bad idea, by the way, to walk from The Dock to newport beach!
(5)Alex G.
The Dock is a great place to take a date for a romantic dinner, or brunch. It's in one of my favorite spots of Newport Beach, tucked away from traffic and crowds. From the outside this place looks very nondescript, but once you get inside you quickly realize that this is a beautiful high-end restaurant, just like the photos. It's not cheap, but the food and service and very good. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's very good, and definitely worth a trip.
(4)Svetlana S.
Little slice of Heaven!!! This place was just Amazing! The food was so beautiful, exquisite flavors and perfect size portions. But what really put it over the top was the service. Our server was so attentive, gave us little compliments of the chef surprises, and constantly brought us hot bread one at a time. Their attention to detail is top notch. We will definitely be back.
(5)Nadia T.
I just love this place! The atmosphere is amazing, view of the harbor. The food is delicious and amazing Bloody Mary. Will definitely be adding this to the rotation.
(5)Natalie B.
Went for dinner. The best salmon I've ever had! Boyfriend got the lamb chops and it was amazing. Our waiter was very stuffy and cold, but the view of the water and boats was nice, place is pretty, and food is good. Be prepared to splurge, everything is pretty pricey, at about $30-$40 a plate.
(4)Joe R.
Bomb Food, GREAT VIEW! Great service! Small place tho.
(5)Roberto R.
The ambiance is great, and the service couldn't be better. However I ordered the short ribs and was sorely disappointed... extremely dry and very tough to eat. I would have been better off eating a flank steak. I had about 2 bites before giving up. Save money and DO NOT order the short ribs. Also, I wouldn't recommend bringing anyone here for a birthday dinner, I made a note of it in the reservation and they completely ignored my note.
(2)Evelyn B.
I love this place. A peaceful haven from the crowds. Great food, great view.
(5)David F.
Nice place, ok brunch, terrible service! We weren't given a choice of table on arrival (even though we were the first ones in) and forced to sit in the direct sun. Eventually we asked to move but were told the several other empty tables around us were being used (although it turns out they weren't used the whole time we were there!). Also, we were told the small curtain could not be pulled by our table as that would spoil the 'ambience' and so we pretty much had to just deal with being uncomfortable! Won't be coming back!
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