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A quaint spot in Newport, we went to starfish to enjoy their happy hour, and were quite impressed! The chicken satay was super flavorful and saucy, which I highly appreciated as I guzzled down my nicely sweet and fruity Lychee Martini. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a quick place to get the party started for the night, service was excellent! Seating is pretty small inside and they only have one restroom, so please be aware :)
My boyfriend and I wanted to try a new restaurant on our Saturday date night, and we both hoped to find a restaurant that offered seafood based cuisine and a few vegetarian options. After pursuing some options in the Newport/Huntington Beach area, I decided to make 8:30 pm reservations for Starfish in Newport Beach! I have driven past this location so many times, and was excited to finally try it out! Upon entering, I was impressed by the moody interior with beautiful lighting and a gorgeous wooden door. The hostess was kind and quick to offer us a two-top bar style seating table that was close to the kitchen. We appreciated that we were sat so promptly, and we actually enjoy sitting close to the kitchen so we could see all of the deletable food options! We began our meal with two rolls as appetizers - the Buddha roll and the Sushi Nigiri Plate. The Buddha roll was a tofu-based vegan roll with a fun touch of toasted coconut flakes and two delicious sauces layered on top. Both my boyfriend and I loved the roll and would absolutely order it again. My boyfriend loved the sashimi plate and stated that the seafood was fresh and was higher in quality compared to your average sushi restaurant. Moving onto our main course, I ordered the Thai Green Vegetable Curry with coconut rice (which our server mentioned was different from the regular white rice because they cook it with coconut milk instead of water) and my boyfriend was craving another sushi roll, so he opted for the Shrimp Tempura Roll. The Shrimp Tempura Roll was pleasantly different from regular shrimp tempura rolls, because it contained crab meat and shrimp tempura. We noticed at this point, that all three of the sushi rolls that we ordered used rice paper instead of seaweed, and this unique twist to the sushi rolls enhanced them! I LOVED the presentation of the Thai Green Vegetable Curry. Something about a large stem of basil cascading over my food makes it extra fun to eat! In all seriousness, this was one of the best curry's I have had, and the coconut rice enhanced the entree. For our beverage selection, the cold sake that we hoped to try was out of stock, so we requested hot sake instead, which we sipped on through the meal. Pro Tip: the hot house sake was only $10 which is an amazing price point! Finally, it came to my favorite part of the meal, dessert! My boyfriend was leaning towards the Scratch Cheesecake, and I was leaning towards the Mango Pudding. We asked for our server for her recommendation, and she stated that the Banana in Fillo Dough or Scratch Cheesecake were her top two options. Based on this, we opted for the Scratch Cheesecake. It was good, but I probably wouldn't get it again. In my mind, I think of a cheesecake and immediately crave a thick slice of a classic New York style cheesecake. However, this was served in a glass with a graham cracker crumble as the base, and a cheesecake-style mousse layer above, with poached asian pears as a topping. While this wasn't my favorite part of the meal, it was still a fun twist on a classic dessert with a lovely presentation. Next time, I think I'll follow my heart and try the Mango Pudding. Between the food, ambiance, wonderful service, and elevated experience for an affordable price point, we will definitely return!
The hostesses are so welcoming, the bartenders really know how to mix a great drink and the servers are friendly & don't miss a thing. The food tastes as great as it looks.
Perla amazing customer service on point very clean always has a great smile amazing drinks five star customer service does the work of three people never forgets so important on a great team great manager five stars definitely recommend
Clean environment, great with celiac disease and the food was delicious. While they had boosters for kids and a kids menu- it was more of an upscale restaurant and I would recommend the Laguna beach location for younger families as they have an open outdoor grass space and outdoor seating.
We wanted to come try the green curry sea bass with green beans and it was definitely buttery and delicious! Does not disappoint! The cantaloupe martini was refreshing on a hot day. Only downside was as soon as we got there, we were told there was a reservation an hour and a half later which I thought was odd. We usually stay an hour at a restaurant the latest unless we're with a group of people and it being just the two of us was rather odd. I took away a star just for that from the hostess but our server was great! Would still come back in the future but that comment from the hostess was a little off putting.
We were craving Peking Duck this evening. I had been wanting to try Starfish for years so we merged the two desires and made plans to get the tail end of "Happy Hour". The reviews on Yelp looked very good and let me assure you we were delighted with the experience! The service was friendly and efficient. The menu is large and exciting, with many Asian fusion options. We ordered the small Plate Peking Duck which comes with three healthy appetizer portions. The buns were toasted but soft the duck was creamy and nestled tasty greens with a wonderful plum sauce. The shrimp tempura roll was excellent, and the Saigon Summer roll was fresh and delicious. There are many custom cocktail Options, and the happy hour prices were really fair. The ambiance is very happy and chill. Kind of hip but comfy! We enjoyed our evening very much. I think you will too!
Excellent service, loved the happy hour calamari and pork rice paper rolls. Shout out to the lovely hostesses!!
Hip hip hooray starfish all day. My favorite Asian fusion restaurant. I always start with some sushi rolls then finish off with the stars chicken and a beef dish. The eggplant was good too. You really can't go wrong with anything here. The servers treat you like family and you can tell they take pride in their job. Always clean and good vibes there.
The food was 10/10--everything was delicious and came out perfectly. Kylie gave us such great customer service and made the whole experience even better. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of the entire time. Highly recommend Starfish, and definitely ask for Kylie!
From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome! (We stopped in on a whim and weren't dressed for an evening out..so we were a tad apprehensive) The vibe is so comfortable--unlike a lot of places in Newport Beach. It isn't pretentious at all; it's just warm, inviting, and genuinely friendly. (I've been to their Laguna beach location and also felt super welcomed) The food is fusion with a beautiful presentation. We had the lobster macadamia roll, soft shell crab sliders, wok fire mussels and a lychee martini. All so unique-I feel like sushi gets monotonous..but not here!! The lobster macadamia roll was a tad spicy- but ohh Soo good and fresh. The muscles were a comfort with the coconut soup-so satisfying. Loved the sliders-was a fun take on a bahn mi style sandwich. And the lychee martini is the best in town-wow!! ALL the staff truly made us feel welcomed and we really enjoyed our night!
Starfish hits the spot every time! Whether it's Newport or Laguna, you cannot go wrong. Delicious sushi that comes out fresh. The beach vibe is always a fun time. Thank you tons for your help Kylee & Joe!
Very few places to eat near Treasure Island this is across the street from it and up the stairs in the lone shopping center if you will. Very diverse menu but all is Hawaiian / Asian food. Ordered a few things sitting in the patio on opening at 11:00 a.m. since we didn't have any breakfast coming in from the valley. Macadamia nut crusted lobster roll= C Fish fresh but very weird sauce that I did not like and the macadamia nut on top just doesn't work with this. To each their own but not for me and an easy regret Coconut curry wok'd mussels -B Usually completely run away from anything Curry, and this was kind of ordered by mistake as I did not recall seeing anything curry-wise when I read the description but I must have missed it however it was a pleasant surprise and a very unique dish presented wonderfully. It goes great with a coconut white rice which our server brought. Pork ribs with half =dry rub and half= wet B+ (full rack) The ribs are fall off the bone and both the dry rub and wet with delicious barbecue sauce very tasty, but they came out lukewarm at best so they did not do a good job of reheating or else it would be close to an A. I didn't expect them to prepare a fresh rack of ribs for me at 11:00 a.m. on opening so I knew a reheat was coming but it tasted good. They were just not hot. The purple cabbage slaw is masked as Asian on the menu but its nothing but a heavily doused with vinegar cabbage to the point its mushy. I must say, ribs made a great reheat a couple days later, even after transportation/ long periods in the car. Crispy mahi mahi wok'd with veggies.B- Very creative dish but it was over sweetened to death to the point where it affected the crispiness of the fish pieces. Waay over-sauced, literally swamped in glaze. If it was dryer the fish chunks would be much crispier and it would taste a lot lighter and better. In a nutshell this restaurant is not for the risk adverse and has very unique pairings and sauces and preparation methods which you will either love hate or not be sure as I still am not, but it was good to try once. 3.5 Stars rounding up to four for the good service.
3 years ago
Drive up to Newport Beach for the weekend and originally was looking for sushi found this place based on the ratings and the food was delicious We showed up at 6:30 on a Saturday night and it was pretty packed. I checked open table before we went and it showed no available reservations but husband said no we can just go. We were put on waiting list for the bar but received a call that a reservation was canceled I am sure glad it was. We sat down, it is pretty tight in there but everyone is friendly and understanding the staff is very attentive. We had crab wontons, lobsters macadamia roll, mushroom garlic noodles, and crab fried rice. Everything was delicious and fast!! read more
2 years ago
Oh my gosh! This spot is heavenly! I arrived very underdressed for this restaurant but was immediately welcomed by the restaurant host that seated us and a very enthusiastic and welcoming waiter that took care of us for the evening. This spot right away is great for a girls night out to a date night to a group dinner. My partner and I had drinks to start, I with a blackberry thai basil mojito and he with a Polvanera red wine. My drink was mixed very well and was actually refreshing in fact! Next we had 3 sushi rolls to share between us. The ingredients were fresh and my favorite had to have been the lobster macadam roll (which the waiter serving us highly recommended to order). We ended the evening with the best dessert I've ever had, the chocolate chip bread pudding! Served with sweet bread, fresh bananas, chocolate chips (of course), cinnamon ice cream, and caramel sauce, everything was hot and tasted divine! The dessert was devoured in seconds and I have to go back (almost) solely just for that dessert and I'd be okay with it! From the drinks to dinner to dessert, I was very satisfied with Starfish and will be coming back when in the area. read more
3 years ago
This place you have to try. I have been here several times and it has never disappointed me. The food, atmosphere and service are always amazing. I had the Chilean Sea Bass for dinner and the Affogate Martini for dessert. read more
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi Wendy! Thank you for the 5* review! We look forward to seeing you…
3 years ago
10/10 would come here again. The seating area was surprisingly tiny but we made a reservation and had plenty of time and space to enjoy our meal :) Servers are attentive, friendly and helpful. The food is so yummy! We came during Opium Hour so we could try out some of the dishes before we commit to a full dinner. Definitely recommend. read more
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Business owner information
Archie And Gretchen M.
Thank you so much Ronnie!! Looking forward to having you back!
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Not the best but not the worst either. I came with my grandma my mom and my brother and the hostess didn't say anything for like a minute so I asked her if we could sit anywhere and she said to give her a moment cus there was reservations but we got a table right away so that was cool I guess. The waiter was nice tho. read more
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi! Thank you for visiting Starfish and we appreciate the feedback.…
2 years ago
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Business owner information
Archie And Gretchen M.
Hi Felicia! We use fresh 13-15oz warm water carribean lobster tail…
3 years ago
Great location, beautiful atmosphere. Excellent service and tasty food! A little on the pricey side but hey, welcome to Newport beach. read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi! Thanks so much for the kind words and so happy to hear you…
3 years ago
Details is what separates great from good! Great detail added .....purse hooks under the bar makes it so much easier to enjoy the incredible service & delicious food in this new establishment!! read more
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Business owner information
Jenn P.
Love this pic!
3 years ago
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi Steve!…
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Have been here multiple times since it's opened and has consistently been amazing! The ambiance makes you feel like you're on a lovely patio (but inside) on an elegant getaway. The decor is very Beachy yet contemporary and elevated. The food and drinks are so delicious and well prepared and the service is always amazing despite how busy they get. The staff and bartender are always so attentive and efficient. I have tried many things from there and plan to eventually try most of the menu! A few things I've had: Food: 1.aloha poke is very light and fresh. and the taro chip its served on completely surprises you but in a good way! 2.The naked buddha roll is vegan ( i enjoy vegan food) but have friends who arent vegan that enjoyed the roll very much! 3.The spicy tuna roll has kick to it but doesnt overwhelm or take away from the flavor at all. 4.Edamame is a delicious starter and has the perfect amount of garlic and flavor. 5.The banh mi beef sliders are a delightful Asian take on a slider with the pickled veggies and sriracha aioli. 6.I had a bevy of dumplings and all were soo amazing but my favorite would have to be the chili fire wontons! The sauce they're in was soo delicious and has a good kick to it. 7.The Szechuan prawns were another favorite i would recommend! the cocnut rice paired with it cools the spice but combined is a spicy tropical flavor in your mouth. As for their cocktails, all i can say is yum! The bartender Bryn definately puts together some not only delicious drinks but theyre beautiully presented as well! Coctails: 1.Their espresso martini, was luscious especially with the espresso they use, it was very smooth. 2.Butterfly samba turns purple and not only is soo pretty and picture worthy but is very light and tasty 3.My favorite, their cantaloupe martini! So delicious and fresh since they use fresh cantaloupe juice in it. 4. Maui water transports you to a beach on a tropical getaway with the coconut in it My overall take away, the food and drinks are a pleasure for not only the eyes but for the palate as well. I havent been to the Laguna location yet but definitely plan to. i would suggest getting here early or making a reservation since they fill up very quickly! read more
3 years ago
First of all- their Frosè is the best I've ever had! The service was incredible, every employee was extremely attentive and helpful. Our bartender- Brin recommended great appetizers, was very professional, funny and knowledgeable! The ambiance was inviting, casual but classy, and open. It is also walkable from a where in newport heights. 5 stars from us on every aspect! Thank you Brin! read more
2 years ago
Food, service and aesthetics were amazing! Ty to Danielle who tended to us! We had edamame and a roll...delish!! read more
3 years ago
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Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi Kim! Thanks so much for the 5* review. We appreciate you taking…
3 years ago
I went at 4pm on a Saturday, which was really busy but we were able to get seated right away. The place is super small, but the service was great. I really enjoyed my cocktail and the Thai Coconut Chicken Satays. The dumplings were okay, but I'd recommend trying something else on their menu. All the other tables around us were getting the Chili Fire Wontons, so will be trying that next! read more
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi Samantha! Thanks for taking the time to review Starfish. I will…
3 years ago
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Thank you!
2 years ago
Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hello,…
2 years ago
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Business owner information
Archie And Gretchen M.
Hi Victoria, we have no control over who the center choses to tow if…
3 years ago
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Business owner information
Jenn P.
Hi Johnny,…
More info about Starfish
191 Riverside Ave
Ste A
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Directions
(949) 570-3990
Call Now
Visit Website
https://starfishcalifornia.com
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Ask the Community - Starfish
Is happy hour all day on Saturday and Sunday Newport location?
Happy Hour is from 3-6pm on Saturday and Sundays
Does Star Fish in Newport have full-bar?
Hi, We consider it a full bar! Our liquors, specifically vodka and tequila are distilled from rice rather than grain. We use premium Soju and Sake in addition to our…
Is there outdoor seating and like the Laguna Beach location pet-friendly?
There is limited seating (4 tables) and yes, it is pet friendly.
Can they accommodate for a gluten allergy?
Thank you for your inquiry. Many items on the menu are gluten free and just let your server know and we are happy to make modifications as needed.
Are you open yet? Best way to make a resy?
Hi! We open in 2 weeks, we can’t wait! We are taking names, emails & phone numbers for our inquiries and will be reaching out with a priority reservation link as soon as we have a firm date!! If you’d like to send over your contact information wile…
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17 reviews that are not currently recommended
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