Absolute perfection. We drive 1 1/2 to 2 hours just to come for their amazing food and service not to mention fabulous ambience. Spot on every single time. We are honor bar Montecito die hards... I must say R+D Newport has them up a good notch. Worth the drive and then a nice stroll in Fashion Island great shopping. The Managment for sure amplifies their excellence. Special shout out to Holly thank you for your amazing hospitality. read more

My husband & I came mid week @11:30 for lunch. We had been shopping and we were ready for a bite! After checking in we were told it would be 30-45min., 45min later we got the text and returned back to the hostess, from there she sat us at the bar. Ok, that was fine, minutes later we were told my husband had to remove his hat, they have a dress code. My husband was wearing nice jeans, a linen long sleeve, flip flops and a Costa ball cap. Sitting across from us, also at the bar was a lady in a hat, kinda like a train conductor hat. When my husband pointed this out, they told us its company policy, and if he refused to take off his hat, we'd have to wait until a table opened up outside as there is no sitting in the restaurant w/a hat, even tho another lady came in and was sitting at the bar in a ball-cap Needless to say, my husband was not happy. We were told they would sit us outside as soon as they could, probably in 30min.. Respectfully I told them that upon my husband checking us in initially, they should have told him about the hat policy & if he wasn't willing to remove the hat, we should have been placed outside from the beginning, not waiting another 30min.. She apologized & told us she'd do her best to get us in sooner. We were seated 20min., later. Food was good, their policy seems to be for some but not others & that's just not ok. While waiting I looked at their website, dress code was last and although they say they have a "island vibe" they also said no flip flops allowed & no hats Now we know‍ read more

The service here is great. Go early or make a reservation, as they are always busy. They are busy because the food is as great as the service. Even though it was crowded, it wasn't noisy and we got to talk with our long time friends that we hadn't seen in 5 years. We all had something different, the Carnitas sandwich was amazing on the most wonderfully homemade roll. The omelette was enjoyed by another and another loved the tuna sandwich. Last but not least the 4th person enjoy the fried chicken sandwich. Definitely no complaints and a great big round of applause for the great food and service. read more

They have the best cheese burger! Service and ambience was great, would definitely come again.

Service is always great at R+D...if you read their online info you see that the service "experience" is a primary goal of all the Hillstone Restaurants. Is there a disadvantage to being so large and looking at business from 50,000 feet? Their approach to service in all their fine restaurants is standardization...good processes are standardized...the dress and look of the servers, the way you're greeted, the way they deploy labor...someone takes your drink order and server follows to take your order...and everything about their service is standardized. They even attempt to control what you see by providing a dress code and standards for noise, small parties, limiting children, etc. They seek to control how guests interact with other guests although I really doubt most guests stop to read their instructions. Excellent menu and the kitchen is highly skilled and executes each menu item consistently the same every time. If you liked it last time, you'll feel the same this time. You can count on it. What's missing? when you read about their history, they talk about how they grew and acquired more restaurants. Only a few words about their quality standards for food...not easy to do across many properties, many chefs, and many menus. But missing is any commitment to food quality...no mention of sourcing which is the mainstay of all of the great chefs...where does the chicken come from?, where does the kitchen source beef and their vegetables? is there a commitment to local sourcing? how do they ensure freshness and quality of seafood? How does the kitchen ensure an absence of GMOs? how does the kitchen treat seed oils? What have they told you about quality? Michelin restaurants have chefs who spend 50% of their time in sourcing...what does R+D do? no mention of this at all. R+D is certainly on the right track but will a focus on absolute service excellence take them to where their customers want them to go? What's next to ensure excellence in a population that demands food that has been selected from a sea of deteriorating supply chains? Will the Hillstone group be a enabler of this or will the leaderships focus on the value of their history and their name obscure them from taking on the next improvement demanded by their customers? read more

Maybe for the deep pockets locals. Menu was ok but expensive. My problem: Pretentious and sexist. My buddy and I sat down and the waitress told us we need to remove our hats. I don't recall the last time that ever happened. It's not a suit and tie joint, people are in there in shorts. I look accross to the bar and women are sitting there, one wearing a sparkly cowboy hat and another a sun hat. So yeah, the rule is against guys, im not having it. Won't be going back. read more

My husband and I have been coming to R+D for nearly 20 years - we love this place !! The people who work here are exceptional - the food is absolutely delicious, fresh and consistent ! Special kudos to Tammy who has the utmost grace in navigating reservations like a pro !!! We love seeing her smiling face and hope when we come she is the one who greets us !! Thank you R+D for exceeding our expectations !! read more

I've had a great visit. I was seated immediately, served an excellent French Dip with one of the best horseradish sauces I've ever had, and finished off with a chocolate mousse with an espresso. Service has been top-notch. It's a perfect lunch spot. read more

My wife and I recently grabbed a couple of burgers here on a Wednesday afternoon when we were in the area. Casual but classy atmosphere with a large, cozy interior/bar and outdoor seating. We were seated immediately; looked like a good cocktail menu, but we had a couple of cokes as we were starting a long drive home. Menu included a mix of sandwiches, burgers, seafood, salads, etc. Burgers and fries are a la carte. Fries came out first and were fun to nibble on. The cheese burgers were a work of art - cut in half with juices dripping down the side of the bun and loaded with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard and onion, on a very fresh tasting (brioche?) bun. Service was outstanding throughout and akin to a fine dining experience. Pricey, $20 for the burger + $6 for fries, but to be expected for the area and quality of food and service. Great experience overall. read more

Always a solid hillstone staple in Newport Beach! The chicken sandwich is my favorite and you can't go wrong with a martini and fries. Be sure to make a reservation, though, because it's loved by many and can be tough for walk ins. R+D has a great vibe, and welcomes anyone after a shopping day at Fashion Island or for a fun celebration. read more

Phenomenal French dip sandwich and so so delicious. Great food great service and amazing atmosphere Recommend that you make reservations as this place is popular for a reason So happy today with lunch read more

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

We sat at the bar and had exceptional service! Our bartender/server was Nicolette! Although it was super busy being days before Christmas she was so friendly and never appeared flustered. The food was exceptional, as always! 5 + stars! read more

I like them a lot better during COVID when they were hurting for business and were much kinder, both in service and attitude. For to go orders, you HAVE to come in and wait at the bar to place your order which could take a while. You can't call in and pay ahead. There's no option on Yelp or website to order and pay ahead. There's just no easy, simple way for takeout. Ugh! read more

Nice cozy restaurant, we went on a Thursday night and the place was busy, there was a small wait and got seated right away. Our server was nice and took care of us. Menu was mostly sandwiches, wished they had more options but still good. Portions are big and filling. read more

See all

Every time I come or Orange County, I attempt to come here to eat because I love their food. Unfortunately, they will not allow parties of greater than 5 people to sit together. We had 5 adults and one child. I spoke to the manager Luis and begged him to allow us to get a table. He was nice enough to make an exception. The wait was over an hour, but well worth it. First off, the booth was perfectly comfortable for 6 of us. As for their food and service, excellent. The service is as if you're at a high end steak restaurant. Very professional. The staff knows exactly how everything is prepared and are fully knowledgeable of their menu. Kayla and Taylor were absolutely wonderful. They provided the best service. The food here is just excellent. We ordered the following: - Ding's chicken sandwich - French dip sandwich - Cheeseburger - French fries The best fries ever. They are perfectly seasoned. They are crispy, skinny and so flavorful. The quality of the cheeseburger is amazing. It literally melts in your mouth. So extremely flavorful. The bun is buttery and soft. Condiments are fresh. You can't go wrong if you order this. The chicken sandwich and French dip sandwich are equally as good. Very flavorful and perfectly seasoned. They have multiple locations. You gotta try it. read more

See all

Went here on a dinner date and enjoyed the openness and open yard entrance which gives a breath of fresh air. Ordered a glass of wine and realized this place doesn't offer much of a sweet moscato so definitely need to recommend different selections to accommodate those with a sweet tooth on wine. We ordered plenty of dishes and all came out nicely and well prepared. (Devilish eggs, meat loaf, ahi tuna and sandwich). Service will need some attention since we are outside but understandable to give us some privacy. Overall will return read more

See all

This is a more expensive version of an American chain restaurant, but with better lighting, friendlier staff, and higher food quality. Excellent spot for dates, special occasions, or if you want to watch a sports game at the bar. read more

I waited 30 days to write this, hoping management would follow through on their promise. Guess what? They did not...read on: On 9/20, my husband and I, with another couple visited R & D for our first time. We had a 6:45 reservation for a party of four. We were seated and had a round of drinks & appetizers and then ordered dinner. No issues, good food. My husband used the bathroom & came back telling us there was an obvious plumbing issue in the kitchen. There was a plumber trying to snake a floor drain that was overflowing with greasy-looking water. We watched as a female employee wiped the floor with a towel when employees left the kitchen area. We ordered a second round of drinks with dinner and I went to use the restroom. I was stopped by a male employee who told me they were closed and I could use the public bathrooms outside of the restaurant, a few stores down from the restaurant. I decided to go back to our table and finish my glass of wine before leaving to use the restroom. As I sat back down, we were approached by a male employee (manager?) who asked how our meal was. We told him everything was good but were disappointed the bathrooms were closed. He told us "you picked the wrong night to visit". He then proceeded to let us know he needed our table for a party waiting. I was shocked and looked at my watch because I didn't think we had been there that long...it was 8:30pm. We got up and left and I did not finish my second glass of wine. I was very upset were asked to leave after less than 2 hours at our table. I emailed the restaurant and on 10/1 received a return phone call from Holly, one of their managers. She apologized for the male employee and I was told we should never should have been asked to leave our table. She assured me the male employee was spoken to so it would not happen again. She then offered to send a gift card so we could come back to R & D for a better experience. I gave her my address and Holly said I should receive the card in the next week or so. As you may have guessed....30 days later, nothing in the mail. I hope R & D finds a better way of treating their guests. In business, reputation and customer service is everything to create repeat business and positive word of mouth. We will not be visiting any of the restaurants owned by Hillstone Restaurant Group, as it is apparent they do not put their guests first. read more

First time dining here. As a vegetarian, the veggie burger was pretty good. The chopped almond gives it a crunch that makes you thankful they created this and not just given us the Fake Meat burger as our only option. Their fries are good with their seasoning. They are ordered a la carte and the veggie burger would not be as good eaten alone. The deviled eggs were nice; my grandmother said she's never had such good deviled eggs. There were three ahi tartare ordered at the table and everyone LOVED it. The service was great. There was a a bit of a hard hearing when my grandmother ordered her salmon. The waitress thought she said "same" (as ahi tartare) but she was super nice about it came back with the plate of salmon quickly. One less star - We arrived shortly after they opened on a Sunday. The menu listed sole (fish) as "limited", but it turned out they didn't have it all that day. My grandmother had to change her mind to the salmon. Also, heading to the restroom was very dark. It was actually a little hard to see in the restaurant, which doesn't match the mood of a Sunday Funday. read more

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

See all

Hospitality. It's what keeps people coming back and frequenting your establishment. I was a once a week regualar back in the day, but things changed so I stopped going. My wife and I were really hungry while shopping so we decided to spend our dining dollars with R&D. Mistake!!!! Nothing has really changed. Very mechanical service, no personality, everyone is just trying to rush you out. Food was just so so and 100% not woth what we spent. They could not even get the most popular drink right...An aperol spritz served in a rocks glass??? Simplest drink to make and it was awful. Never again. So many more options in NB that understand what hospitality actually stands for. 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 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

See all

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

See all

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

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

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

See all