I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at R+D was so upsetting that I feel obligated to share it. I arrived on time for my reservation (for myself and my baby, with a friend possibly joining later). Before I even checked in, an older couple cut in front of me, claimed they also had a 4:30 reservation, and were seated immediately -- while I was still left waiting. That already felt unfair and disrespectful. Then the hostess moved me multiple times -- first to a cramped table right next to the server station with constant foot traffic, which is not suitable when you have a stroller. I clearly explained that I needed space to keep my baby safely next to me. She acknowledged that and relocated us again. I was already feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed being shuffled around the restaurant like an inconvenience. But the worst part was the manager. He came to the table as soon as I sat down, telling me I "can't be on my phone," even though I was speaking to my husband because I was upset and needed support. Without any empathy, he insisted we had to move yet again because now the stroller wasn't allowed where they had just seated us. It felt humiliating -- like I was being singled out and treated as a problem simply for being a mother with a baby. Once finally seated, the experience didn't improve. I ordered an appetizer and a Coke, and from that moment forward, I felt constant pressure to hurry up and leave. Staff repeatedly asked if I was ready to order, even after I ordered two main courses and drinks for my friend they continued to rush us throughout the meal. We were not even there for two hours -- in fact, they didn't actually seat us until after 5 PM -- yet at about an hour and a half in, they came over and told us we had to give up the table. I've never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant I had booked a reservation for. The final insult was when my friend paid -- the server only thanked her, looking right past me as if I wasn't even there. After everything that happened, that small gesture summed up exactly how we were treated the entire visit: like second-class citizens who didn't deserve common courtesy. I left almost in tears. Dining out with a baby is already hard -- being dismissed, rushed, embarrassed, and made to feel unwanted is unacceptable. I hope R+D reflects on how they treat paying customers, especially parents. No one should leave a restaurant feeling the way I did. read more

Came here for dinner after church and we had. Lovely time. Make sure you make reservations as this place gets packed. Good older crowd and more sophisticated. Bathrooms are super clean and parking is super easy. . Got the veggie burger and must say the best I have gad so far. Better than Joeys!! Will be back here again. Trust!! read more

I've always been a fan of R+D Kitchen--it's got that rare combo of a simple, well-executed menu and a consistently great atmosphere. It's the kind of place that doesn't need to try too hard, because it already gets it right. Now, I've read some of the negative reviews, and honestly... this is one of those times where the customer is not always right. Some folks just don't know the difference between "not my style" and "not good." R+D knows what it's doing, and it does it well--clean, fresh, and intentional. That's why I keep coming back. read more

The outside of this restaurant is very cozy and inviting, with warm lighting and an attractive outdoor patio. I have always been drawn to try R+D, but in the many years of shopping and dining at Fashion Island, have not gotten around to it. My last visit to Fashion Island was on a cold, rainy day and the option of R+D was brought up by those in my party. I decided to pull up their website to see if I could join a waitlist or check out the menu, and instead of being pulled in by a great menu or welcoming landing page, I was surprised to read that this restaurant prefers to host smaller, more intimate parties of two. Their website also states that if a reservation is not available for three or more guests, that they may not be able to accommodate. While I completely understand if a restaurant chooses to serve smaller parties, I would expect maybe an explanation as to why on the website. The way this is communicated is not done graciously, and is an immediate turn off to someone looking for a warm and inviting atmosphere. I would not risk the chance of walking over to the restaurant with more than two people to be told that they would not be able to accommodate my party. In my opinion, this is a huge miss....there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in and around Fashion Island that graciously accommodate any size party, and don't make it awkward for the guest. If that isn't bad enough, their website also states the following: "R+D Kitchen brings sophisticated and fresh cuisine to a smart and convivial crowd" Well, apparently smart and convivial does not describe the very atmosphere of this restaurant, even though it assumes this is who they are serving. There are far too many amazing restaurants in the area that gladly serve everyone and don't put a "not welcome" sign up when we don't fit their requirements. read more

The Food is fantastic and always consistent! The service is wonderful and they make you feel special.

Always great service. Great drinks. Fabulous fries with a wonderful special sauce that goes great on sandwiches too. Very disappointed that they took the veggie burger off the menu. Unfortunately we will probably be looking for a new place to go to lunch. We were there this week and it was so noisy we couldn't converse inside. read more

Dined here for the first time. Food was excellent, my cocktail was tasty and the service was really friendly. At one point, our server brought over another chilled glass and transferred my cocktail into it. I hadn't even asked but it's little touches like these you don't forget. read more

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

My favorite place to eat at Fashion Island. I love the French Dip Sandwich. The bread is excellent and meat is juicy and tender. Great horse radish spread. The other sandwich are great too including the chicken sandwich. Downside - sandwich are a la carte so it doesn't come with a side. For a $25 sandwich, you'd think they would give you a side of French fries, but no. Not here! read more

I've eaten at R+D several times and it's always a great experience. The service is consistently good. The food is fresh and delicious. I usually order the tuna sandwich or the Asian noodle salad... both are very tasty. R+D is located in Fashion Island where there is beautiful weather and great people watching. Grab a table on the patio to enjoy the scenery! read more

Disgusted is the only word I can come up with for getting served RAW CHICKEN. First of all they gave my food to the wrong table so I waited an hour for my food i don't know if they were trying to rush to make up for the mistake they made but serving raw chicken is for sure not the way to do it. Also I was dining by myself so naturally when I'm waiting an hour on my food I was on the phone very quietly taking a call mind u I was outside patio the last table to the end really nobody around and the manager comes and asks me to put my phone away. So I sit there looking into the horizon waiting for my raw chicken. I stormed out of that place so fast you will not catch me with salmonella today no thank you. And through out all this manager manages to give ME attitude read more

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We had the most amazing experience due to our incredibly kind and helpful server named Allie. Allie was fantastic and made us feel appreciated as she checked on us often with a big smile on her face. The food was delicious as usual!! The ambiance is always very nice. Their food is worth it and I look forward to coming back for the most delicious carrot cake!! read more

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My wife loves this place so whenever we're around fashion island we tend to gravitate towards here. But it is very popular so unless you have a reservation or come at opening it's going to be a considerable wait time. We usually try to get there at opening and within say 20-30 minutes it's already filled up inside. The food is pretty consistent and they don't really make adjustments to menu items. It's not a space to accommodate large parties like I think the max would be 6 people. This last visit we experienced another level to their amazing service. We brought our 7 month old and were able to keep her in her stroller next to our high top. She was pretty good but is starting to get a little fomo when she sees us eating so we like to have a little teething cracker or something to keep her occupied. We have brought her before but wasn't eating solids yet. We didn't bring any crackers this time and asked if they had just a small piece of bread she could hold and suck on/nibble that'd keep her occupied while we enjoyed our food. They gave us some small toast points no charge and I'd say after that we got at least 3 separate offers for some avocado, mango, etc something to accommodate our kid. I felt like that was a level of service we haven't really experienced elsewhere and whether or not it was because she was getting too loud and they wanted to make sure the ambiance wasn't tainted or just great hospitality, we'll take it! Haha why not a mutual reason. I imagine they get kids every now and then but when I thought back to our previous visits, we haven't seen too many kids. Overall I'd say they were very accommodating and attentive to the needs of parents and baby to have a pleasant dining experience. read more

R + D is so good that it's become a regular spot for my friend and I. We have a monthly dinner calendared (and often go even more than 1x a month) to indulge in our favorite menu items. Food: I have not tried one thing on the menu that I haven't liked! Classic favorites are the crispy chicken sandwich. The thin, crispy chicken filet makes for the perfect bite. The kale coleslaw really brings it together. Another notable menu item is the Asian chicken noodle salad. And I never, ever pass on a side of fries. The carrot cake is an absolute must try - pro tip: order at the beginning of your meal to bring out later (It will sell out!). My drink of choice is the bees knees. Just sweet enough, especially if you like gin. Service: always impeccable. The staff at R + D is always so elevated, so helpful, and really bring the dining experience to the next level. I never have any complaints. The vibe: feels like I am tucked away in an intimate old time restaurant. Absolutely adore it. So much so that I am hesitant to review, I want to keep this place all to myself!! read more

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I wasted ten years avoiding R+D Kitchen, and I regret every one of them. A decade ago, a forgettable meal paired with lackluster service soured me on the place, and despite the chorus of friends swearing by it, I never gave it another shot. Until now. Last-minute Christmas shopping at Fashion Island left us starving and too tired to venture elsewhere. Against our better judgment, we wandered back in. Five minutes later, we were seated at a high-top outside, overlooking a hedge and a fountain. A pleasant enough view, but it was Abigail, our server, who made the real first impression--welcoming, attentive, and the kind of person who makes you feel like the afternoon could go very, very right. We started with the house Negroni, and let me tell you, this was no ordinary cocktail. The gin--Nolet's, if I remember right--packed a punch, but it was the citrus, perfectly balanced, that stole the show. 10 out of 10, easily. Then came the French dip sandwich. I've had plenty in my time, but this? The gold standard. A crusty bun that gave way to roast beef so tender it practically dissolved on contact. Abigail suggested Gruyère next time, and I'm taking that advice. My wife ordered the chopped salad, which she loved, but honestly? It's a salad. It couldn't compete with the sandwich that rewrote my mental list of go-to comfort foods. As we lingered over our meal, both of us couldn't help but curse ourselves for the decade-long boycott. R+D Kitchen didn't just redeem itself; it made us question why we'd ever doubted it in the first place. read more

VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED in the way we were treated by a young lady at the hostess booth!! We were waiting for at least 5 minutes for a table after putting our name on the list when 2 young people came and they were walk ins because hostess ask them and she proceeded to seat them!!! Not COOL!! NEVER have we been so openly rudely treated!!! read more

I know my rating is a bit blasphemous to the die hard R+D fans but seriously folks, it is 2024, offer a hot, healthy vegetarian dinner item. It's awkward to sit there and try and make a meal out of sides. Great for a cocktail and app with a friend, great vibe, great service. Getting a table is a bit bananas and a pretentious but I have always liked this spot, unfortunately there is very little to eat - oh there is one very rice / wheat forward veggie burger if you are craving a bellyache. read more

Yummmmmmmmmmm Come back here again and again Crispy chicken sandwich so good Dip duo Tuna tartare Fries ofc Service can be slow at times but generally good service. read more

I came on a Saturday afternoon to celebrate my Birthday with my husband. It has been several years since I have had lunch here and I remember their burgers being amazing. Pros: great location at the mall, incredible waiting staff, fun outdoor patio to watch people, lively bar setting, easy reservation. Their menu is very simple, thus you would expect that the quality/concept of each dish would be excellent but unfortunately it was just "meh". Cons: serving sizes are small (for price), the appetizer choices were lacking, flavor on main dishes that we ordered were sadly bland. I enjoyed my Bee's Knees martini which is similar to a Lemon Drop, but it didn't have a sugar rim. I ordered the Chicken Meatball with Polenta appetizer and it was served lukewarm & undercooked, not sure if that was intentional. I was too embarrassed to ask. I was so unimpressed with the food that I opted to skip ordering a Birthday dessert and told my husband I would rather get a cookie from the mall's food court. I would only return to R+D for a glass of wine with a friend... not coming back for the food. Don't order the Pan-Fried Sole unless you are craving a mushy fish stick from your school cafeteria days. read more

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OK so this is a review based on limited exposure. Stopped in on Christmas eve for a cocktail. The place was packed. Hostess said nothing available at the bar but i could order a drink at the bar and either stand there or sit outside. Friendly bartender with a lovely smile walked over and made me a lovely grape vodka cocktail from scratch. Sitting in the patio writing this. Comfy adirondack chairs with a teak drink stand to the side. Perfect day, perfect cocktail, lovely service. read more

R+D Kitchen - Sipping on an R+D classic cocktail while chilling in their patio. - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My whole experience was 10/10 the food service 5 star highly recommend come dressy or office work dressy read more

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long wait so be prepared but the ambiance is amazing. beautiful wood decor, soft lighting and light jazz. the food was expensive, but great. we got the deviled eggs and it was very surprising to find celery in there, not a bad thing, just surprising. i got the tuna tartare, very fresh. the steak was so so tender. the carrot cake was rich, and the chocolate mousse was dark and rich as well. read more

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

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Came here for lunch on a Saturday and loved it. We made reservations on open table and thankfully we did because the wait for lunch can get long! It was almost 1.5 hours. We sat outside and started off with drinks. We ordered the carnitas sandwich and their newporter salad. I absolutely loved their salad and it is one of my favorites. I will definitely be coming back regularly! Great spot for lunch especially if you are shopping at fashion island and want to grab lunch! read more

Had a cheeseburger that was greasy, had a few pieces of gristle and very average. Never got the ketchup. The server never checked on how the food was. The burger was not worth $23. Ambiance was good though. read more

I went to R+D Kitchen with my friend to have drinks there, and I had a baseball hat they told me you should take of your baseball hat if you want to sit inside at the bar. And there were 2 ladies there, with baseball hats on. And they sat at the bar, wow. read more

I visited on a Wednesday afternoon around 12:30 PM and was seated at the bar almost immediately. We started with the chicken meatballs, which were incredible, and the thin-cut fries seasoned with Cajun spices, served with a side of spicy mayo. The fries were so good that we ended up ordering a second round. My friend and I shared the French dip sandwich and the fried chicken sandwich, both of which were absolutely delicious. The servers were exceptionally friendly, and the service was quick. The atmosphere was relaxed yet classy. Overall, this place was fantastic! read more

Consistency in both food quality and service. Vibe is excellent whether you sit at the bar or the tables....and their martinis are excellent. I don't know what more to say except go and have fun! read more

For many years this has been a very steady go to restaurant for good food and service. It can get very packed very quickly though so come early and make reservations. Food wise, they do a good meatless burger, their deviled eggs are diving, their ahi tuna tartare is super yummy and I once had a specialty breakfast sandwich they had as a special that haunts my dreams. They possess top shelf wine and pour liberally. Enjoy. read more

Great vibe among the Douglas fir and the OC beautiful people............................ read more

Enjoyed the open space and the people watching! I was visiting OC from LA for a work meeting. I stopped by for a late lunch on a Monday. The bar was nearly full already and people were also enjoying the glorious Newport Beach weather on the patio! I got a two top indoor without a problem. I ordered the seared tuna salad. It was well composed with beets, goat cheese, tomatoes, deviled egg and nicely dressed greens. The tuna was high quality. Overall, I thought the salad was well priced at $25. Service was efficient. read more

R+D Kitchen - Mediterranean Seared Tuna Salad - New American Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Wow, for what I came with the thought this was a reg whatever mall restaurant need frills just food surprised!! Food was excellent the chick has a kale and cabbage almost almost like slaw but no Mayo but ooooh with parm so good but light my deviled egg was good but no need to get an app for them the ahi was delish and bonus sat next to Adam sqnfler and wife but hubby told me no pics respect their privacy so I got one has they left lol hubby those NOT KNOW I took. Best of the night . read more

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I had the cheeseburger but plain. Medium cooked. It was probably one of the best burgers I've ever had. Great for picky eaters. The waiter i had was nice read more

Service is fantastic. Must make reservations. Most tables are two-tops, so our party of three ended up in a massive booth. The food was excellent; portions are small for the price. We shared the best deviled eggs I've ever eaten in a restaurant, French fries, and each got a Mediterranean salad or Asian chicken salad. Delicious. Small menu but everything we had was great. read more

My go-to spot for lunch at Fashion Island. Terrific apps and mains. Excellent cocktails, including one of the best martinis in Orange County. read more

Food and service is 5 star here. quality of food is with everything always being fresh. My fav is the french dip. Lean and flavorful. Save room for dessert. Carrot cake is delicious. read more

Small menu, decent food. The dip duo was good. Chips with a firm cheese dip that was flavorful but a guacamole that was kind of blah. The deviled eggs were too sweet. There's no reason to blend sugar into deviled eggs. The burger was nice and light due to the airy shredded lettuce and fresh ingredients. The coleslaw was pretty good. The Rotisserie Chicken was good and tender. The fries were excellent, we ended up getting a second order of them. read more

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This Newport Beach gem is part of the Houston's group. R+D has the best food, best ambiance and service! I love meeting friends here. The menu is more compact than its sister restaurants but packed with delicious favorites. There's also a full bar and a great wine list. See you soon R+D! read more

Rude lady at the front enough said said no tables and bam their was also condescending

My dining experience at R+D Kitchen was excellent! My best friend and I were shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and decided to stop in for a bite to eat. The wait was long (1.5 hours), but well worth it. The hostess texted us and we were seated in a small booth just behind the bar area. The restaurant has a steakhouse feel - a bit dim and rather swanky. Corinne, our server, took care of us. In fact, she came to check on us several times to ensure that my friend was satisfied with a drink she was initially unsure about. We ordered the dip duo (guacamole and queso), a French dip, and the Newporter salad. Everything looked and tasted great! read more

Very nice vibe walking in... open, fresh, inviting, busy af Waited at the bar for our table to be ready. Drinks never came as we stood there waiting. They called our table and the bartender said... wait for it... " what did you order?" I politely , yet fully irritated as there were four bartenders working, said never mind and turned to go. She made it up to us and personally brought the comped drinks to our table. The food is outstanding! Many chefs in the kitchen... The Peruvian chicken meatballs were delicious. The tuna tartare with toast, yum! And our favorite the Newporter Rotisserie chickensalad! We could eat this all day... We will be back . Make a Rez, they are crazy busy! read more

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Still remains a favorite after many years. Lots of great options but the Mediterranean seared tuna salad as well as the chicken sandwich are so good. We love the fries too. Service is always great. read more