Orange County Restaurants

The crown jewel of Newport Beach’s new 10.4 acre Marina Park, the Lighthouse Café will join the community and sailing center in opening on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. With expansive 180-degree harbor, mountain and city views, the Lighthouse Café is destined to be a neighborhood gathering place for delicious food, shared with friends.

Lighthouse Café is nestled in the middle of a 24,000-square foot sailing and community center, complete with park and picnic areas next to a 23-slip marina. Marina Park will also feature dock space for boaters to access the park from the water.

The décor is pure Southern California with an industrial flair that intersects with Newport’s coastal chic. Large glass windows capitalize on the view, steel beams underscore a sense of naval strength and coastal touches like lanterns, driftwood tabletop planters and rope-knotted chairs complete the look.

Lighthouse Café’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is the main attraction and debut of talented 25-year-old executive chef and Orange County local Ryan Sumner. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles, Sumner grew up around fresh produce while working at his parent’s grocery store.

“Ryan represents a new breed of creative chefs who have a fresh perspective on meals their parents enjoyed and what their contemporaries would find appealing,” said Doug Cavanaugh, owner of the Lighthouse Café. “We know Newport Beach will welcome him and the Lighthouse Café with open arms and eager appetites. We look forward to serving this community for years to come.”

Menu highlights include bouillabaisse, pan seared Dover scallops, sea bass, with tomato concasse and ginger nage, and manila clams served over angel hair pasta with ginger chili butter sauce. Appetizers highlights include ahi tuna wonton tostadas and beer-infused mussels marinieres.

Lighthouse Café also has an upstairs patio that flows around a lighthouse structure. Heaters will keep the air warm while guests enjoy the view.

There is also be a walk-up window serving a limited menu for those enjoying park and picnic visits. For boaters, Lighthouse Café features a special to-go menu, offering perfect bites while entertaining guests on your next Duffy or boat journey. The Lighthouse Café also extends special events catering services for those who rent Marina Park community rooms.