I had lunch at Light House Water Front Dining on Balboa Blvd and was really disappointed with the experience. We ordered several items from the menu, including a Bloody Mary. Unfortunately, the drink came with a fruit fly floating in it. When we mentioned it to the server, she laughed and said, "You're funny, it's just a fly, you'll be fine," before walking away. That response was completely unprofessional and dismissive. Mistakes can happen, but how staff handle them makes all the difference. I expected at least an apology or a replacement, not sarcasm. Definitely not the kind of service I'd return for or recommend to others. read more

Everything here is phenomenal, from the food to the drinks to our server Mary's exceptional hospitality. Ordered an aperol spritz, crispy calamari, seared ahi tuna burger, and a spaghetti cioppino which were delicious. The tuna steak was very thick and seared very well and paired well with the coleslaw and avocado. However, the highlight was definitely the spaghetti ciopinno. There was a nice mix of seafood: clams, mussels, shrimp, and mahi mahi. The sauce is very flavorful and paired really well with the aperol spritz. Definitely coming back again soon. read more

Lighthouse - Crispy Calamari - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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This was our second time having breakfast at Lighthouse Cafe. The view of the harbor is lovely and the service is good. Parking is plentiful, but it is metered (use pay station or app) but only a few dollars an hour. We've tried the blueberry lemon pancakes, the breakfast burrito, and the steak chilaquiles. All were very good. There were several tables open so we didn't wait to be seated despite it being Sunday morning brunch time. read more

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Everything was standard--nothing was bad, but nothing stood out for an average American breakfast. However, the view was amazing!

All the staff was super friendly and supportive for my family who are visiting us from Korea. They celebrated our nephews birthday with suprising dessert. Their lobster roll is the best all time! read more

Lighthouse - Lobster Roll, Crispy Calamari, Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Lighthouse Cafe is okay, not bad. They don't take reservations on the weekend, so my tip is to join the Yelp waitlist. If you are parking at the restaurant, my tip is to download the ParkMobile app beforehand. Note which zone you're in (there are signs around the parking lot), and then add your license plate number and car model via the app. For 3 hours, we paid $11.25. Service was meh for our party of six adults and two kids. It also took quite a while to get our food, a little too long, to be honest. We got there at around 12:30 p.m. on a Sunday, and ordered around 12:40 p.m. and didn't get our first appetizer until 1:00 p.m. Our meal came around 1:15 p.m. I ordered the Steak Chilaquiles, which was all right. Views are beautiful, of course. You're mostly coming for the ambiance, lol. read more

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We hosted a sweet 16 for 16 young ladies and they were very accommodating! Gary, the GM was very attentive and it was a beautiful location for photos, the food was fantastic in this service was stellar, highly recommended! read more

Came here recently for a bday party. It was kind of hard not being able to sit down until everyone was there but I get why they have that policy. The calmari and oysters were really good. I also liked their roasted artichoke especially with the dipping sauce The view here is beautiful. read more

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Cute little brunch place with horrible service but good food. Came here on a Saturday with me and 5 other friends. We had reservations so we were seated pretty quickly. Ignacio was our server and he brought us our waters very quickly but didn't come back for 20 minutes to take our orders. I ordered the lobster mac, which was really delicious and lots of chunks or lobster. 5 of my friends didn't get their food until more than 30 minutes after my meal came. We flagged Ignacio down at the 30 minute mark and he simply said the food was coming and with no apology. Tables that placed their orders much later than us received their food before us. We were seated under the ac and water was dripping on one of our friends and almost landed in his drink. We waived down a server and didn't really seem to care. After a while everyone's food arrived. The female servers and the hostess were really nice but the male servers kinda sucked. I have a lot of patience for servers and would've totally understood if they were packed, but it was towards the end of brunch with not a lot of customers. I'd come again for the beignets but other than that I would pass just from the service. read more

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Hadn't been here in about 10 years and went to grab breakfast on a weekend and was promptly seated an hour after opening. Our servers were prompt when needed and food was still of great quality and extremely filling as I remembered. Can't wait to put this spot back on regular rotation for weekend breakfasts now! read more

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We really enjoyed the food, view and service. The beignets were amazing too and the kids loved their meals.

Came for brunch with my girls while visiting. Got the lobster roll and it was delish! Had a mango margarita too and it was good. Service was great! Our server was nice and funny! The vibe was nice specially it being by the beach! read more

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08/10: It was dad's bday and he wanted to celebrate at the Lighthouse. So how did it go.... After the parking challenge everything was a breeze. We were a party of 12 and everyone was running late. Upon check-in, I informed the hostess and she was very understanding. They started to prep our table as our party made their way in. The hostess was very accommodating and just had a great vibe about her. Without the full party being present we were seated, which is not a common practice nowadays. For the few of us that were there, our server Sophie made her way over, introduced herself and got us started with a round of drinks. Sophie was awesome from beginning to end. We all enjoyed having her as our server. She was cheerful, helpful, and very accommodating. My family can be all over the place and Sophie provided excellent service. Whether our drinks required 10-ice cubes, 1-ice cube, or no ice cubes, we never felt a cold vibe from Sophie. Additionally, the staff that brought our food and drinks over, helping Sophie, were equally awesome and added to the experience. Let's not forget Franciso, who was also very accommodating, helpful and shared a few laughs with us. Although I do not recall everyone's order, I can say that there was not a single complaint about a dish. The food was well presented and served in good time with no one waiting for their food. Thank you Lighthouse and thank you Sophie for the memorable experience. /gr Check 184 Table 44 read more

Lighthouse - Sunday Celebration - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Had LOW expectations of this place due to the yelp ratings and a previous customer's experience. However, the mahi mahi fish tacos were possibly the BEST fish tacos I've ever had in my life. And I've had a lot of fish tacos !!! (Taco nazo, Ensenada fish grill, Oscar's in San Diego, you get the point). The fish was big and juicy and the sauce had a bit of a kick to it. Wow, I might return JUST for the tacos. Our server Carlos was also so much fun and provided great service to us. For a large party, the reservation required a $25 pp minimum and while the food items were reasonably priced, the drinks were SO overpriced ($10 for a non-alcoholic watermelon drink that was decent at best). I'd rather pay more for the food so I don't have to order a drink to reach the minimum! Anyway, don't sleep on the fish tacos and maybe order an appetizer to share to meet the required minimum :) read more

Lighthouse - Mahi Mahi Tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My family finished up a whale watching tour and decided it was time for breakfast. At 10am on a Friday, it was quick seating. We sat outside facing the harbor. Our server, Ignacio, was top notch! Quickly obtained our beverage orders and delivered just as fast. Breakfast followed shortly after. I ordered the chicken and waffles. Holy moly! Appearance wise, it was stunning! Chicken, savory, tasty, and filling. Waffles, BIG let down. They were not like normal waffles. They were like the waffle cookie dessert things you get at Costco. They were extremely dense and had these toffee-like nuggets inside. I couldn't finish them so my daughter took care of them. Breakfast burrito was also delicious according to my daughter's dad. We let our server know, who provided some feedback. We understand that they take time to make, but for $22, I expected waffles, not waffle cookies. read more

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Headed back to the High Desert but we were hungry so we decided to stop here at LightHouse for Brunch/Early Lunch & it was a great decision. We ordered the Lobster Roll & omg was it phenomenal. The Lobsters were fresh & caught this morning. Seasoned perfectly toasted Roll highly recommended ! Service is top notch ! Kept the our table clear made sure our drinks were topped off & all this with a warm smile and pride for her job. Ambiance was low lighting candles on the table tops & outdoor dining where you can bask in the sun enjoy the sea air & watch the boats come in and out. If you're at the Beach I recommend you stop by the Lighthouse & grab a bite to eat you will be thanking me later read more

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First time trying this place out. Came on a Saturday around noon and was surprised there wasn't a wait. We were seated outdoors and you get a nice view of the boat docks. It was a nice day too . Parking can be hard to find because there's a small beach area right next to this place and parking will have to be paid for in advance , I paid around $11 for 3 hours. We were sat and greeted by Carlos, who was attentive and provided us good service. Kept our drinks filled and made sure everything tasted good. Burger: 4/5 Coconut shrimp: 3.8/5 Lobster Roll: 4/5 Definitely will be back read more

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A hidden gem in Newport! I have been wanting to check out this cafe. Love the outdoor seating by the water. Bloody Mary's were tasty and all the seafood was fresh. Range of comfort dishes worthy of an upscale restaurant is so hard to find. Service wasn't the best. Not uncommon for wait staff to switch mid-way during service. Our replacement waitress wasn't super and sort of left us near the end. She made us pay the bill early, mumble some sort of excuse so she wouldn't forget us later, and forgot our to-go coffee. Would definitely come back and try again! read more

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Wow and wow again!! What an incredible evening we had the other night with friends. The food was off the charts incredible and we all had to share bites because each one of us thought we had the best meal, that was fun! From the appetizers to the main course it was fabulous! The service was impeccable and we felt so relaxed and never hurried! The view and the low lights made the evening so beautiful. We everyone raved about the perfect dining experience! Thank you, we will be back! read more

The food was excellent and the service was good. Enjoyed the marina view even with the rain.

Dog-friendly breakfast with a view? Yes, please! Lighthouse Cafe is the perfect spot to start your day in Newport Beach. The view of the harbor is stunning, and the staff are incredibly friendly -- we felt welcome the moment we walked in (and so did our fluffy little Pomeranian!). We ordered the Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, and those dreamy cinnamon sugar pastries -- crispy outside, soft inside, and just the right amount of glaze. I highly recommend trying them -- they're not your usual dessert! The coffee was smooth and came with rock candy for stirring -- cute and tasty touch. Dog-friendly patio, peaceful atmosphere, great food and service -- we'll definitely be back. read more

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Petite place. Be sure to make a reservation. Beautiful views. Unique building. Restrooms are easily accessible, they are a walk outside through another building. Food is super yummy! Everyone there is very kind! read more

Lighthouse - Birthday surprise - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I looked at the photos online, and the food looked great. I looked at the food around me, and it looked good, but the chicken picatta I ordered, was a mess. It looked more like chicken noodle soup, and was just about as bland. There was at least an inch of liquid, and I had to the fish the spagetti noodles out of the soup bowl. It was obviously the wrong thing to order as it looks like there were much better options, but it shouldn't even be on the menu if this is what they serve. It was something I would expect at a retirement home. Soooo much liquid, and not much flavor. I should have taken a photo, and I should have said something, but I was starving and just ate it - that's on me. Really disappointing. The Monster brownie dessert was great, the atmosphere and view were great, and the service was wonderful. read more

My boyfriend and I went here for Valentine's Day tho a year and we had the best experience. The service made us feel like VIPs. They continued to check on how our meal was going throughout the evening- enough to show they cared, but not an intrusive amount. Andrew the manager was amazing and according, even going as far as moving a heater to keep us warm and giving us clean blankets. The view and atmosphere is worth it in of itself, never mind the yummy food. read more

I wanted to share my recent experience at The Lighthouse. We paddled over from the aquatic center for brunch on Labor day. Unfortunately, the entire experience was quite disappointing. From attempting to get a table to ordering our food to go and eating outside, it was a complete disaster. The food was particularly bad; I honestly believe I could make better eggs, bacon, and sausage myself. The bacon wasn't crispy at all, and the sausage was undercooked. While the location is fantastic, I would only recommend this place to someone who doesn't prioritize the quality of the food. read more

Staff were nice. The manager was extremely welcoming, I believe his name was Andrew. The food on the other hand... just not good. Driest lobster roll I've ever had. Even the taste of the lobster was off. My girlfriend's fish tacos were bad as well. But we're not the type to act like Karens and send food back. Was worth trying but sucks how disappointing the food was. read more

Let me first off say our Server Mary was THE BEST!! She was very attentive and made our visit there amazing! The food was delicious! The beignets are to die for and paired nicely with Mimosas We will definitely return read more

Lighthouse - Our view of the inside of the Lighthouse from our table - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Quick, friendly service in a comfy location with great views of the water (especially from the second floor). Good celebration spot especially. Did the mimosa brunch special with a group of 4 and highly recommend. Restaurant also has a designated parking lot and access to public restrooms in the same building. Thank you Ignacio for making our experience great! read more

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One of the best breakfast brunch spots in Newport! Homemade beignets, spicy jalapeño poppers, and the Fried Chicken (on point!!)

I happened to have lunch with a colleague as we had both finished teaching a kids camp in the community center right next to the Cafe. My colleague said that she was in love with the Coconut shrimp and I agreed to have lunch with her. She ordered a small bowl of the clam chowder and the coconut shrimp and I had Mahi mahi tacos with a micro greens side salad. The service was great and the atmosphere of hanging out on the patio was amazing!! Super, duper chilled out vibes. I can see why they also take reservations. If everyone got word about how incredible Lighthouse Cafe is, it would have much longer lines. The wait isn't at all bad. There are plenty of seats and tables upstairs and down on the ground floor. The fish is absolutely delicious, fresh, and prepared beautifully. Truly, it was one of the best lunches I have had while on a break from work!! I would highly recommend the Lighthouse Cafe if you find yourself on the Balboa Peninsula. I heard that the weekend brunch is wonderful. They offer a Mimosa brunch all you can eat/drink deal too. read more

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Came here for brunch. Key points.... Nice vibe/atmosphere with a great view of the bay Exceptional menu with a lot of variety Mimosas are made with fresh juice and good champagne Service was attentive We made reservations and were seated immediately. Mary was our server, she was friendly, engaging, and did a great job. Mimosas are among the best I've ever had at a brunch. They offer a few different juices; I stayed traditional with freshly squeezed OJ. Had the clam chowder - Excellent Thai chicken wings - Really good Lobster Roll - Very good, but this is a traditional New England lobster roll (not sushi style) with fresh lobster in a bread roll. Just lobster, melted butter and bread. Yum! This place is highly recommended for brunch! read more

Great meal. Excellent service. Excellent location you can't beat the views!! We definitely recommend this place for a meal. read more

Lighthouse - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The Lighthouse is a perfect spot for brunch. We decided to sit outside to enjoy the scenery. Our server offered us the cinnamon sugar beignets. We decided to try the clam chowder, mahi mahi tacos & a lobster roll. We also had a pitcher of mimosas. The food was so delicious but those beignets were to die for. Our server was super friendly & helpful. It's always to get good service. I suggest putting your name on the waitlist prior to arriving since they get busy. read more

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Amazing experience from start to finish! The food was fantastic, but what really stood out was the service. Manager Andrew runs a great team, and you can feel it in the atmosphere. Our server Stephanie was outstanding--attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel special. She had great recommendations and made the whole night so enjoyable. We'll definitely be back and will be asking for Stephanie again! read more

Lighthouse - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

finally made it to lighthouse after almost a year i had saved this restaurant back when we were here at the marina park to watch the newport christmas boat parade i mean, who doesnt love a lighthouse! just like my girl laurel, i came here to kick off my birthday month! made rez via open table for sat brunch at 2pm after the manager checked us in, he said "happy birthday" and walked us to our table in the patio area. our table was in the back which was perfect, bc ofc i had my dog stroller! ignacio, was our waiter during our visit. he was nice and friendly. the service did seem a bit slow, it looked like he was manning the entire patio section. regardless, he was present and attentive. ordered: CRISPY CHICKEN SANDWICH Spicy Slaw, Sambal Aioli, Pickles, Spring Salad, Fries MAHI MAHI TACOS Cilantro Lime Coleslaw, Chili Aioli, Queso Fresco, Spring Salad i really wanted to order the calamari but we were kinda still full from our light breakfast the food was really tasty. the chicken sandwich was def different, it had like a sweet and sour spin. delicious! welp, then it started to sprinkle then rain .. we took all our stuff and moved to the table over we were kinda done eating anyways so it was fine so glad they had the patio heaters on! beautiful views, def recommend this place! parking: i believe there is street parking but we parked in the lot across the way. its a paid lot. you can pay by using the app or the use the pay machines read more

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Brought my parents here for their Anniversary Lunch and I'm so happy that I did! Plenty of parking beautiful marina. Greeted right away fast service . This review is for Ignacio R. He was absolutely fantastic! Best service to make my parents day special. Ignacio was delightful. Thank you so much. I got the lobster roll $29 tasty My mom got the fish and chips she kept saying it's so yummy. My Dad got the mahi tacos which was best one on menu. Restrooms located outside of the restaurant and no it's not a real lighthouse but feels like you're dining in one. Fire pits and outdoor seating available but I sat inside with beautiful views. Will definitely be back read more

Lighthouse - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Vibes were literally perfect. All the staff have A+ service and are very personable. The food was great, just what I wanted for brunch. Light and flavorful. read more

Lighthouse - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Great food, fresh garlic bread, and nice burgers the great view of the Bay the servers were very nice and attentive. All the workers in this place are cool especially Sarah read more

Love the location & atmosphere! Enjoyed breakfast on a cloudy day but it still didn't disappoint! Bloody Mary's were good & the lobster / shrimp omelette w/ home fried potatoes was delicious! read more

Lighthouse - Seafood omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Service was excellent. Very attentive and helpful. Everyone loved the food. Will def come back again. read more

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