Balboa Island Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Balboa Island

April 15, 2018 Jana Sager

Discover the best restaurant in Balboa Island, United States including The Cheesecake Factory, Wilma's Patio, Rose Bakery Cafe, Mama D's Italian, Dad's Donut Shop & Bakery, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee, Panini Cafe, Crocker's, Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens, Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill
Things to do in Balboa Island

1. The Cheesecake Factory

1141 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660-6950 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 28 - SGD 39 +1 949-720-8333
Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 248 reviews

The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory offers something for everyone featuring a wide variety of over 200 menu items prepared fresh to order each day, plus over 30 legendary varieties of the Finest Cheesecake.

Reviewed By Drbinoche - Dublin, Ireland

My boss and I ate at the Cheesecake Factory at Fashion Island on our last evening in California.

She had always wanted to eat at the Cheesecake factory and as I knew the food would be reliable it made sense.

The service was good with friendly and chatty staff. We only ordered mains to leave room for a cheesecake slice at the end. The mains were massive; easily enough to feed for starter and main course with the result that we ate as much as we could and the rest went into a doggy bag.

The cheesecake selection is extensive and you really should ask the server for suggestions as they can normally steer you in the direction of a good one. As with the mains, the cheesecake slice was huge and went into a doggy bag.

Definitely worth dropping into if you are at the Fashion Island - its dependable, decent food.

2. Wilma's Patio

203 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, Balboa Island, CA 92662-1203 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 949-675-5542
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 347 reviews

Wilma's Patio

Reviewed By Lasa88 - Los Angeles, California

This restaurant is very friendly and therefore very much a fun place to be with friends and family (friends in my case). We had a lovely lunch, as it was a bit cooler I had an incredible soup, one of my friend's had an amazing crab salad, the other one a burger. The restaurant is very homey and everything was well done and we were very grateful this friendly place exists.

3. Rose Bakery Cafe

3536 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625-2451 (Formerly Rose Donuts) Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 949-675-3151
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Rose Bakery Cafe

Reviewed By DawgBuzz - Athens, Georgia

We were in Corona Del Mar for a few days, and this quickly became our go-to restaurant spot. We tried it all, and everything we had was great! The first day, I tried a breakfast sandwich on a toasted croissant. YUMMM!!! It was honestly one of the best croissants I have ever eaten. The next day I tried a muffin, which was also delicious. Of course we also tried a few different donuts as well (of course across different days - haha). They had several varieties of coffee. I stuck with the hazelnut version each day because it was so good. The service was quick and friendly, and the food was top-notch. I would highly recommend this place!!!

4. Mama D's Italian

3012 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3810 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 949-675-6262
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 599 reviews

Mama D's Italian

Reviewed By Stuart S

I just have to say that ll of the reviews does not give this restaurant then recognition it deserves. We had the pleasure of talking to the restaurants owner who told us his story. It was incredibly inspiring and showed through within each and every one of his workers. The food was amazing and we were fortunate to not have to wait too long (no reservations). A quick tip, see if there are any seats at the front counter and say hello to Keith, you will not be disappointed.

5. Dad's Donut Shop & Bakery

318 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, Balboa Island, CA 92662-1280 Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food +1 949-673-8686
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Dad's Donut Shop & Bakery

Reviewed By SoCal_kz - Newport Beach, California

Whether you live on Balboa Island, or are stopping by for a walk around the Island, always stop by Dad's Donuts! You will find the locals here in the early morning standing around visiting with their coffee, or we will stop by anytime throughout the day. This is a family run business with top-quality treats, and very pleasant and happy people.

Imagine this: trays of fresh donuts with their fantastic aroma available all day, adorable hand-sized and colorful animal sugar cookies, a kids' favorite, plus ice cream, coffee, treats, and
⭐️the BEST frozen bananas and Balboa Bars⭐️ anywhere in Newport Beach!

As a native of Newport, my brothers and I grew up with "Dad" and his treats, and for the past 30 years Yam and their family have been continuing with the same recipes and wonderful California hospitality! We find any reason to drive by Balboa Island now and then, to visit and get a frozen banana.... and our kids do the same.

The tradition continues.

6. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

270 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3845 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American Breakfast +1 949-873-5424
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 202 reviews

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

Reviewed By MandC0218 - Riverside, California

Outstanding unique donuts! We went here today around 10ish on a Saturday morning. The line was long but moved quickly. Service was very friendly and efficient. This is a small doughnut store with very few outdoor small tables and chairs and no indoor seating. We had the following flavors: Basil Egg Benedict, Maple Bacon, Butter & Salt, Southern Honey Cornbread, and Passion Fruit Matcha. Very innovative donuts with a creative flair. The shop is located inside 17th Street Promenade in Costa Mesa, and is between Pie-Not Bakery and Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant. Don't miss this decadent doughnut place!

7. Panini Cafe

2333 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625-2033 Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Seating, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Delivery, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 52 +1 949-675-8101
Excellent
61%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 102 reviews

Panini Cafe

Reviewed By jd068 - Boston, Massachusetts

This diner-like restaurant offers quick service, huge portions, and good food, all at a very reasonable price. Can't beat it!

8. Crocker's

211 Marine Ave, Ste A, Newport Beach, Balboa Island, CA 92662-1295 Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible American Lunch, Dinner +1 949-572-9293
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Crocker's

Reviewed By Goodness4you - Newport Beach, California

There is a tiny table outside the place that seats two. Go on a sunny morning and sit outside. Order whatever you like...my wife and each had oatmeal, which was quite good. It's delightful, and the price was fair.

9. Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens

2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625-1113 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 949-640-1415
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens

Reviewed By markinRB - California

I met my daughter and her husband for brunch / lunch on a Sunday around noon. I have liked Roger's Gardens for many years, and a restaurant there seems perfect. All tables are outdoors, and it was comfortable (in February) because of the heaters. I had a lunch entree, my daughter had a fusion taco meal, and my son-in-law had brunch food. All were delicious and well presented. Good value - I will go back.

10. Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill

2304 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3405 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television American, Bar, Seafood, Soups, Pub, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks +1 949-673-8400
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill

Reviewed By travelgal617 - New York, New York

Walking along the waterfront we found this wonderful restaurant with delicious new england clam chowder and oysters to start. Followed by a delicious and ample fish stew that came with great bread to "Sop" up all of the delicious juices! Great spot and friendly staff added to the great experience!

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