Fable & Spirit

"With its velvet curtains and floor-to-ceiling windows, Fable & Spirit in Lido Marina Village could be mistaken for a West Elm showroom. Expect to see dates at the bar, younger crowds dressed up to hit the Newport bars after dinner, and families toasting to birthdays. The move? Get a cocktail in your hand and hit the small plates. We’re fans of the Guinness brown bread (like the one at Cheesecake Factory, except better) the beet agnolotti, wood-fired octopus, and pork belly served with creamy couscous. Dishes arrive hot and fast, so your table might have to stack plates like you’re at a conveyor belt sushi spot." - cathy park

"With its velvet curtains and floor-to-ceiling windows, Fable & Spirit in Lido Marina Village could be mistaken for a West Elm showroom. Expect dates at the bar, younger crowds dressed up to hit the Newport bars after dinner, and families toasting to birthdays. The move? Get a cocktail in your hand and hit the small plates. We’re fans of the Guinness brown bread (like the one at Cheesecake Factory, except better) the beet agnolotti, wood-fired octopus, and pork belly served with creamy couscous. Dishes arrive hot and fast, so your table might have to stack plates like you’re at a conveyor belt sushi spot." - Cathy Park

"A meal at Fable & Spirit, almost by default, starts with warm Guinness brown bread with European butter and Jacobsen sea salt. From there, the Lido Isle restaurant weaves between European meat and potato influences to pure Californicana, like citrusy salads loaded with cara cara and blood oranges, chevre, and crispy quinoa. Chef David Shofner and the Coyle family are also known for popular Mission Viejo restaurants Wineworks for Everyone and Dublin 4 Gastropub." - Jenn Tanaka

"One of Newport Beach’s biggest hits is Fable & Spirit, an upscale dinner and brunch spot that leans into Irish, Italian, and California flavors. There’s Guinness brown bread to start, fish and chips, wood-fired pizzettas, and lots of vegetables and salads to go along with cocktails and wine." - Jenn Tanaka

"With its elegant design and backdrop of the sparkling sea, this "fabled" spot doesn't have to try very hard to win fans. And yet, it never rests solely on its good looks. The room is packed with an unmistakable hum of happy diners diving into delicious pub grub. The comprehensive menu offers up a handful of delicious, inventive vegetable items such as the roasted cauliflower with green harissa, curry caramelized onions and almonds. You'll want to order everything, but don't skip the ambitious but well-executed 12-hour Kurobuta porchetta with polenta, romanesco, Calabrian chili, chimichurri, and textbook-perfect smoked braising jus. Dessert is worth a look, especially when brioche bread pudding with blueberry compote and crème anglaise is on offer." - Michelin Inspector