Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures, but the food was outstanding. We had the crispy chicken sandwich and the seared ahi salad. Both were beautiful, fresh, abundant and delicious. Atmosphere was cozy, and slightly dim. We sat at the bar. Bartenders were friendly and really helpful with cocktail and food. Location is fantastic. It is in fashion Island and really fun to walk around and shop and then take a break from activity and have a great meal. Highly recommended! Would definitely go back. read more

My most recent experience at R&D Kitchen in Newport Beach was sadly disappointing. As a member of the National Restaurant Association, I advocate for the restaurant industry and have a deep appreciation for dining experiences. While our waiter provided good service and the food was wonderful, the experience was ruined by your reservation policy and poor management. We had a family party of five and were informed of your policy restricting reservations to four people or fewer. We were instructed to come in and sign up for seats around 5:00 PM to be seated around 6:00 PM. However, we were not seated until 7:00 PM. Making a family wait for almost three hours to accommodate a party of five is unacceptable. Furthermore, when we addressed this grievance with the manager on duty, our concerns were dismissed without empathy or concern. Due to the poor handling of this situation and the lack of professional customer service from management, I am leaving a 1-star review of this experience. read more

7:30: Still waiting after being told our table was ready at 6:50. 7:40. Still waiting...... Finally seated. Only got a sorry for the wait. read more

One of the places to eat at the Fashion Island. They accept walk ins but wait time is needed as there are plenty of diners on weekends. The flat Iron Steak, Carnitas Sandwich, Charbroiled Filet, Asparagus are 10 out of 10! Ambience had a welcoming and dynamic vibe as the place was alive with positive energy from every customer who were enjoying their time. This place is worth checking. read more

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I'm really surprised this place doesn't have better reviews because I had such a pleasant lunch here. I came on a Wednesday afternoon and it was packed, so I was glad I made a reservation since the wait without one was around 45 minutes. I really enjoyed the fried chicken sandwich. The chicken was seasoned perfectly, super tender, and the bread was soooo soft. I also got an unsweetened iced tea and it was the perfect combo for an afternoon lunch. The service was also amazing. Our server and the host was really friendly and attentive. Would definitely recommend! read more

R+D Kitchen - Fried chicken sandwich was so good! - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We came here the other day for cocktails only. There was a bit of a weight, but we did get in. We sat at the bar they do make pretty good drink drinks. As we were enjoying them, they brought fresh new cold, martini glasses, and put our existing drinks in them .. very classy. It's a very busy place. It's fun to people watch.. Next time I have to try the food . read more

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R+D Restaurant is my go-to whenever I'm at Fashion Island. The service is always great, and the food consistently comes out perfectly every time. It's such a great spot to grab a meal solo after a long day of shopping--comfortable, reliable, and never disappointing. The au jus prime rib sandwich is a must, and their cheeseburger is just as good. The fries are perfectly done, and the deviled eggs are absolutely delicious. Definitely one of the best places to stop by when in the area. read more

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Unless You have a lot of money you won't get seated. I waited an hour. 8 seats came up at the bar but they didn't seat me because I was not a couple. I was alone. I've been going here 20 years. It's not worth it. The young manager was condescending. Never will I give them my money again.They could have seated me but the couples got seated not because they were there before me but because they spend more than a single spends. read more

Food - today, am gonna try the skirt steak with chimichurri sauce. I love their Lamb sando, their Dings crispy sando, tuna tartare, dip duo, and othe goodies. Service - service is good here. Usually attentive and helpful. Ambiance - i consider this a mature refined environment Verdict - if your expectations are on par with the crowd, then visit this place. If you like to complain and are needy, then maybe not the place for you. Most of the time, we loved this place! Some hits and misses every now and then, but mostly good. read more

R+D Kitchen - Amaretto sour with egg whites - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Was recommended this place by a friend and I was not disappointed. It was a very cute restaurant very clean. The staff was amazing. They recommended us to try different things and I was not disappointed. Everything was delicious. It was fast and efficient. And it's at a beautiful location got to walk the food off after everything was great. read more

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I'm gonna start off why saying why it doesn't get a 5 star review like the other 3 hill stone restaurants in OC. It's quite simple and obvious. I'm not the only one with gripes about it: why the hell are sides like fries, salad, coleslaw or whatever EXTRA? The French dip, dings crispy chicken etc should come with it, not be some stand alone BS. I get it, fashion island rent do be crazy Spencey but still, it's the principle. Whatever. The cool thing about it is they have a few extra things and items you can't get at Houston's, bandera or gulfstream but they aren't spectacular enough to make it a 5 or like be on par with the others. The drinks and cocktails are just as good though. So great place for fancy drinks and Apps. Salud. read more

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Great experience and R+D that is a family favorite. We put our name down and were seated about 20 mins later in a cozy booth. I had their cheeseburger which is now $23. Was delish as always. We also go ther coleslaw and fries as appys. My son had ther fish and he enjoyed it very much. Wife loved her cocktail which was delish but also very strong. Best thing about this was the first server that sat us down. She was very friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and food prep and recommended a few items. Our main server was ok but the first young lady made this a 5 star review. read more

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I want to preface this review with the fact that it's my birthday and we walked in after shopping in fashion Island, just looking for an appetizer and a beverage and in completely good spirits radiating positive energy. As soon as we entered we asked if we could sit at the bar, the lady immediately rudely said to ask the hostesses...in my opinion, bar seating should always be open...I digress; the hostesses, then sat us at the exact bar spot that I pointed at, and said of course. After we sat down, they asked that I remove my hat, because of the quality of the establishment. I complied, reluctantly; and excused myself to the restroom. Upon further investigation of the restaurant, which I would place a step above Applebee's and a step below Lazy Dog...I encountered a disgusting bathroom with urination, feces in the toilet, as well as toilet paper all over the floor. I thought wow a place like this that asked me to remove my hat; but it's disgusting. Meanwhile, the night before we were at Maestro's, they let me wear my hat and we spent $700...I digress again..after re-entering the dining room from the repulsive experience of the bathroom, I found that multiple people were wearing hats. When I inquired, they said that's just for the men....I felt sexually targeted as the fact that she does not know my pronouns, nor ever asked. We closed our bill, tipped our bartender...the one who was not rude to me; a very nice gentleman, very well and we excused ourselves. I recommend not going to this place as they're very rude. It's very Applebee's and I would just suggest going to Applebee's because at least you can wear a hat. P.S. Don't get the guac...have a good day! read more

Years later, as I upload 2 photos, I see that I'm still enjoying the same R & D items. (I need to branch out!) Well I have had the veggie burger and Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich a number of times. Everything I've had here is good. read more

R+D Kitchen - Asian Chicken & Noodle Salad - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

The host does not set realistic expectation for waiting time. When we put our name down, it's say 30 mins. We ended up waiting for 1 hr and 15 mins when we have kids with us. read more

I am writing this review because of the way my wife, a cancer patient, was treated at R+D Kitchen in Fashion Island, Newport Beach. On August 10, after leaving my wife's cancer treatment center, we stopped at Fashion Island to have something to eat. Before we were seated, I specifically explained to the hostess that my wife has serious dietary restrictions because of her cancer treatment and asked whether the restaurant could accommodate her. We were told we could come in. My wife ordered the lamb sandwich and simply asked for it without the bread because she cannot eat it. To our disbelief, our server told us that the kitchen would not serve it that way. We explained that this was not a preference or an attempt to redesign their menu. My wife is battling brain cancer and has dietary restrictions. We were asking for something incredibly simple: leave the bread off the plate. Instead of showing compassion and trying to find a reasonable solution, the situation became uncomfortable and humiliating. The manager, Chris, came to our table, refused to provide his last name, and rather than making a reasonable accommodation, we were ultimately made to feel that we should leave. My wife is already going through something no cancer patient should have to endure. She should not have to feel embarrassed, unwanted, or discriminated against while simply trying to have a meal with her husband after cancer treatment. What makes this especially upsetting is that we asked about her dietary restrictions before we were seated. If the restaurant was unwilling to accommodate such a simple request, we should have been told at the door instead of being seated and then treated this way. We were not asking for special treatment. We were asking for basic compassion, dignity, and a simple dietary accommodation for a cancer patient. Our experience at R+D Kitchen Newport Beach was deeply disappointing. Management should seriously review how employees handle guests with medical conditions and dietary restrictions. No person battling cancer should leave a restaurant feeling humiliated or unwelcome because they asked for bread to be removed from their meal. read more

Love R+D. Their Dang's crispy chicken sandwich and deviled eggs are my fav. The burgers are nice too. All the food items are delicious! Outdoor patio is nice and indoor vibes are cool too read more

Here's a polished version that keeps your original sentiment and details: Great service and amazing food! We shared the deviled eggs and the tuna sandwich. The deviled eggs are always a must-order. It was our first time trying the tuna sandwich, and honestly, we didn't expect much since it's just a cold tuna sandwich--but we were both shocked by how good it was. It reminded me of the way my grandma used to make tuna salad, which was the best I've ever had and impossible to recreate. They normally cut the sandwich into three pieces, but when they saw we were sharing, they automatically offered to cut it into two instead. It's those little thoughtful touches that make the experience even better. read more

R&D is one of my favorite spots in Santa Monica, so it was a very pleasant surprise to find out they have a location here as well. Newport Beach is one of the most beautiful and clean cities in California, so it's no surprise that every major restaurant brand wants to have a presence here. R&D is definitely one of those names, as it's part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group which is amazing! As for the food, their crispy chicken sandwich is hands down the best you'll ever have guaranteed! Every bite is perfectly crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. If it's your first time here, that's the one to order. read more

I had a frustrating and honestly disappointing experience with management at R&D Kitchen specifically with Kelly. At around 5pm, I was seated on the patio with the sun directly on my back. I was dressed appropriately in a collared shirt, tucked in, and overall well put together. The only issue? I had my hat on backward to block the sun. I was approached and told I couldn't wear my hat that way, which felt completely unnecessary and, frankly, a bit selective. There was nothing disruptive, inappropriate, or disrespectful about my appearance. It seemed like a rigid enforcement of a rule without any consideration for comfort or context especially given the outdoor setting and time of day. What made it worse was the tone and lack of flexibility from Kelly. Instead of creating a welcoming environment, it felt more like being policed over something trivial. It's hard not to question whether this kind of enforcement is applied consistently to all guests. For a place that prides itself on atmosphere and hospitality, this interaction missed the mark. Guests should feel comfortable and respected, not singled out over minor, situational things like how a hat is worn especially when seated outside in direct sunlight. I expected better read more

R+D Kitchen - Still took care of our wonderful server. As she was just as shocked as I was - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We arrived for our lunch reservation quite early, but the accommodating staff seated us immediately and our server was knowledgeable and attentive. The food was delicious and the space delightful. We started off with the dip duo (guacamole and queso) and the rock shrimp. I shared the lamb sandwich and one of my table mates enjoyed the tuna salad sandwich while another said his French dip was tasty. All in all, a great meal was had by everyone at the table. read more

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I arrived to Fashion Island for lunch and shopping. My favorite hostess Christine and outstanding bartender Angela were there which made me feel very welcome and delighted. I selected Ahi Tuna Tartare and Deviled eggs. Paired well with Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc. The photo I present was from years past when things were done beautifully and presented the same at each visit. Much has changed ... Noah, the fairly new manager was very inappropriate when he rudely asked me to take my phone conversation outside in the middle of an important call. Now mind you, I was brief and there was only one other candidate reading a newspaper across from me at 11 am on a Thursday. Nobody was seated in the bar area yet, much less next to me on either side. I would disturb nobody. For 20 minutes I watched as they briefed a new hire where everything was in the bar as she was in training. Normally that wouldn't bother me. But because I was handled with no grace, I felt like my 30 minute dining experience at $60 a pop was wasteful and regrettable. Please review the insane policies and put more emphasis on the food and portions. Thank you! read more

R+D Kitchen - Ahi Tuna Tartare. - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Bury me at a Hillstone... the best American food in the west is here. Deviled eggs, dip duo & a Thai salad is 10/10 and the crush cocktail the service is wildly helpful & attentive. read more

Had drinks and appetizers yesterday and I wish I had planned my meal here! The staff are friendly and the whole place is chic. The drinks came fast and the appetizer in a timely manner. I had the jack rabbit and the tuna tartare. Definitely coming back ! read more

R+D Kitchen - Jack rabbit - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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R and D used to be "Customer Centric" . Their management has let success go to its head. By that I mean, you don't take takeout orders on the phone, you don't do takeout for seafood OR French fries (wtf!), and worst of all, you discontinued your once great Reubenesqe sandwich.. While I was waiting for my takeout order, no less than 3 different people wanted to speak to a manager to complain about a variety of issues. I've been dining at this once great restaurant, for 22years or more, but no longer. They've forgotten how to build loyalty and now focus on what's most cost efficient and easiest and profitable for them. Portions are smaller, prices are higher, services all about them. Too bad. I WONT BE BACK! read more

What a wonderful location for an American style restaurant in Fashion Island. The inside is modeled after a royal yacht. The service is fantastic, and the menu is limited but very tasty. They specialize in sandwiches and salads. I came for the best French Dip sandwich around. Fresh cut beef right off the prime rib. The real deal. We spilt two sandwiches and ordered a side salad and fries. With two iced teas, we had just enough food for three of us. The only negative was our bill with tax and tip was over $100 for sharing two meals. I loved everything about R&D Kitchen except the amount of food for the price. It just put us out of the market for this place. Maybe we are paying for the real estate being in Newport Beach? In summary, this place is just Okay with me. read more

R+D Kitchen - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Food, service, and ambiance were good and consistent as always. It was busy on a Saturday, but the vibe was still great. The real 5-star highlight was our server, Adrianne. She was incredibly attentive and thoughtful, even changing our glasses twice to keep our drinks cold. That level of care is rare and really made the night feel special. read more

R+D Kitchen - Shout to our server, Adrianne!! She has elevated our dining experience and brought such a positive vibe to our table. - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Wow! The Veggie burger is off the chain, I think even meat eaters would appreciate a handmade meatless burger. I would come back just for this. Service was great and with it being a packed place during the peak holiday season. read more

R+D Kitchen - Table - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Very nice ambiance with tasty food. The service was fine - not bad, not outstanding. The deviled eggs appetizer and crispy chicken sandwich were very good, definitely recommend. 50-minute wait for a table for two on a Monday night, so make a reservation ahead of time unless you want to walk around the mall for a while. read more

R+D Kitchen - Front entrance - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Great spot in Fashion Island. The tuna tartar was a perfect dish and something I can't get back home in Nebraska. Service was a little slow, but they were also packed full with people waiting for tables, so staff were stretched thin. read more

The cheeseburger was SO juicy. It had a really yum aioli on it and the cheese was perfectly semi melty just how I like it. read more

R+D Kitchen - Cheeseburger - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Really weird experience...sat at the bar and listened to the waiter/waitresses talk poorly about their various customers. One waiter (man with glasses) said he can tell when someone is going to pay debit vs credit. The food was mediocre--French dip was a C+ at best and the fries are almost identical to In-N-Out fries so you might as well go there. Overall poor experience 0/5 read more

Although I love the food from R&D kitchen... Their takeout policy is not great... You can't get fish, they won't give you french fries, and they don't give you utensils because they feel like you should eat it at home... I call this BS!!! read more

Decided to give this place another chance after a good friend encouraged me, but it only confirmed that R&D Kitchen has gone downhill smh.. The food quality is inconsistent and overpriced, the hostess/management are rude with certain guests receiving preferential treatment, and there are much better options in Newport Beach. read more

The food was delicious - unique and fresh. We sat at the bar with full, attentive, service and enjoyed the open air vibe.

Came here on a Monday for lunch and I can honestly say, this place was really good. If you've ever been to Houston's in Irvine it's a lot like that (menu style, waiter dress code and ambiance). You would think Monday during the week should not be too busy, but when we got there there was a decent sized wait. Luckily I made a reservation. I got the Flat Iron steak ($39) which was cooked perfectly and seasoned well, also a daily good size. We also got the omelet (not pictured) but a lot smaller than we thought it was going to be. Our server was Page who was friendly, nice and very attentive. Will definitely be coming back here in the future read more

R+D Kitchen - Flat iron steak - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Pretty place, i like the ambience and decor, is a big place, the bar area was very nice, even the waiting area is a nice and pleasant spot, our waitress was very helpful and friendly, she explained the menu to us, food was fast and it was very good, my favorite was the ahi tuna tartare, it has a devil egg on the side that everything combined was delicious. Price is really good we spend like $60 per person (everything including) and we also order a bottle of wine. I like it a lot. Also! They do have vegan options which is a plus. read more

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This R+D kitchen is a must from the delicious food to the top tier Drinks with freshly squeezed juices for you mixer and the flavors from the food is like a Party in itself. I will be definitely be back with friends to show them the goodness of it. The service was fast and friendly. We had a lil wait so I ordered from the Bar top it was lunchtime and it was busy but still managed to get a couple drinks while we waited for our table. They have a patio area and inside seating both are very nice and comfortable. From the front desk to the staff everyone was friendly as well were the other in the restaurant. It's an all around great time. read more

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One of the best things about any restaurant under the Hillstone group is the consistency! You will never be disappointed. The food is always excellent. service always on point, and they run their restaurant like a military op! R&D in particular is one of my favorite places in fashion Island. I always get the veggie burger in a lettuce wrap with no cheese or onions, I love it. Whether you're sitting at the bar, at a high top or on the patio, it never disappoints. It's a great spot to go with girlfriends, on a date, or even on your own to people watch and meet others. R+D is a great meeting spot and you will always be guaranteed to have a great experience. Very easy to book online reservations too. If you go as a walk and they will do your best accommodate you, but on the weekends when it's busy, expect to wait anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. If you have things to do around the mall, it is worth the wait. read more

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Came here for lunch with a friend. This time, we were able to get seated right away with our reservation. The waitress was friendly and checked on us a few times. The table was a little awkward as it was half a booth and half stools so there was no backrest. One downside for coming here is the menu is quite small so I wouldn't recommend for picky eaters. I do think it's seasonal though which is nice. Some of the options looked different from the last time I was here which was 6 months ago. For our starter, we got deviled eggs which came with 3 to share. They were filled nicely and I topped mine with the hot sauce that was on the table. I got a seared tuna salad for my entree. The description on the menu was quite limited but it was basically 4 pieces of cajun tuna next to a green salad and 1 deviled egg. On the smaller portion but I could finish it for lunch. Definitely not a dinner entree. The tuna cut easily and I could taste the Cajun seasoning. The salad had some veggies I didn't initially recognize for some reason but were potatoes and beets which was different. Overall a good dish. read more