Wow. This is about all I could type last night after getting home from my 4-hour dinner at the brand new “JOEY Newport Beach.” I was completely at a loss for words that were going to fully explain and describe what an incredible experience I had just had with my good friend, Fia, as we dined the night away. It was like I was transported to another universe where you completely loose track of time because you are never met with a dull moment.

Waking up this morning, I could not wait to get to my laptop as the words begin flying out. Honestly, “Joey” completely surprised me and far exceeded my expectations. Upon first arrival, I was a bit intimidated by the crowds, the noise, and how much stimulation was going on around me. This quickly changed when we were met with friendly faces, care, and even complimentary champagne as our table was prepared!

For having just opened 2 weeks ago at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, I could tell that word had quickly got around about the latest hot spot and become a favorite by many. The design is breath-taking, captivating, and suits the whole experience extremely well. When you visit, I highly recommend asking to be seated outside, then move inside, because each has such a unique vibe. We started outside on the perfectly heated patio and I was glad to feel like we had our own little bubble, despite all of those around us. Multiple servers took care of us to make sure we felt right at home, and each one of them was upbeat, happy, eager to help, and I could easily tell how genuine they were. As the night went on, I was so intrigued by the open glass kitchen awaiting inside that the team more than willingly moved us inside to a cozy booth right in front of the action. Just like outside, I was surprised to feel like we were far away from all of the people surrounding us – despite their near proximity. Seated right at the clear glass, I was like a kid, completely enthralled and captivated by the nonstop action and structure going on between all of the chefs in the kitchen. The care and attention they all seemed to have was definitely reflected in each and every one of the dishes we decided to try that night.

Speaking of the dishes, I’m sure you are wondering about the food by now. “Handcrafted, locally and globally inspired menu offerings by a team of celebrated Executive Chefs,” boasts the Joey Restaurants website. During our visit, we tried the Hummus, Korean Fried Cauliflower, Truffle Fries, Steak & Ravioli Bianco, Herb Crusted Salmon, and Sake Glazed Chilean Sea Bass (yes, we had leftovers. yes, we were indecisive.) Every dish embodied flavor, detail, quality, freshness, and a unique taste that you would not find anywhere else. Of everything, here are my most notable, “menu must-haves”…..

• Hummus – I know what you’re thinking. Hummus? Really? What could be so special about hummus? I was thinking the same thing, and to be honest, I’m not a hummus-crazy person. But this was so highly talked about and recommended, that I figured I had to try it. First reaction: did I just die and go to Heaven?? It was love at first bite. This was easily one of the best things I have ever tasted and 100% the best hummus I have ever had. I wouldn’t even call it hummus. I would just call it magical goodness with perfectly crisp pita chips and garden-fresh veggies. The type of dish that makes you unashamedly lick the plate.
• Korean Fried Cauliflower – As a fried cauliflower fanatic, I almost always order this whenever I spot it on a menu. Joey’s version was also probably the best I have ever had. It was crispy, flavorful, perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, fresh, and most importantly, did not take like every other Korean Fried Cauliflower out there. There was something wonderfully unique about it that kept Fia and I wanting more.
• Sake Glazed Chilean Sea Bass – God bless Fia for really wanting to order this dish, because it is not something I would have ever picked out myself – despite the fact that I love Sea Bass. Yet again, best Sea Bass I have ever had (no, I swear I am not exaggerating or just saying this). I think that fish must have come from a sea of liquid gold or something, because it was SO fresh, flavorful, and melted in my mouth better than butter on a warm summer day. The dish as a whole was extremely intricate and almost like a puzzle. With every bite, I felt myself thoroughly thinking through the flavors and all of the components. Bell peppers, snow peas, cabbage, broth, little gold potatoes… each one telling its own story when paired with the fish. A lot of praise to the Chefs who put this dish together – such a luscious, mouthwatering treat.

When we (sadly) finished our meal, Fia and I were in a joyous daze as we reflected on the delectable dishes, sublime service, and surprisingly serene setting. We could not believe that 4 hours had passed as we smiled, chatted, and dined the night away. As we got ready to depart, I finally made sense of the whole night. Timeless. Unique. A journey. I realized that whether it was a different section of the restaurant or another hour passing, there was a feeling of a new chapter and slightly different story. Each dish had that same feeling. Because of this, I really just cannot speak highly enough of JOEY Newport Beach and the experience I had. These guys definitely have something incredible and commendable going for them.

“A TEAM OF AWARD WINNING CHEFS. GLOBALLY-INSPIRED DISHES. UNPARALLELED HOSPITALITY. EXCEPTIONAL DINING EXPERIENCES” – 10000% can approve this description found on the JOEY Restaurants website. If you are looking for somewhere new, fresh, fun, and different to dine, this makes my MUST-visit list for sure.