I recently had the pleasure of dining at Starfish in Newport Beach, and I must say, it was an extraordinary culinary experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the restaurant's well-designed interior, which perfectly complemented its inviting atmosphere. The interior of Starfish was truly a sight to behold. The tasteful decor, sophisticated lighting, and modern furnishings created an ambiance that was both chic and comfortable. The attention to detail in the restaurant's design was evident, showcasing a thoughtful blend of contemporary and Asian-inspired elements. It was clear that great care had been taken to create a space that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to a memorable dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food. The Mongolian beef at Starfish was a standout dish that left me craving more. The beef was tender, succulent, and bursting with flavors. The rich sauce, with its perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, elevated the dish to another level. Each bite was a delightful explosion of taste, and I found myself savoring every morsel. In addition to the Mongolian beef, I also indulged in the pork dumplings, and they were nothing short of amazing. The dumplings were exquisitely prepared, with a delicate yet substantial texture that melted in my mouth. The filling was a harmonious blend of seasoned pork, herbs, and spices, resulting in a burst of deliciousness with every bite. Served alongside a tantalizing dipping sauce, these dumplings were the epitome of culinary perfection. Beyond the incredible flavors, the presentation of the dishes at Starfish was a feast for the eyes. Each plate was carefully arranged, showcasing the chef's attention to detail and commitment to delivering a visually stunning experience. The attentive and knowledgeable staff at Starfish further enhanced my dining experience. From the moment I arrived, they provided warm and friendly service, ensuring that I felt welcome and attended to throughout the evening. Their passion for the cuisine and dedication to exceptional customer service were evident in every interaction, making the overall experience all the more enjoyable. In conclusion, Starfish in Newport Beach is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. With its well-executed interior design, inviting ambiance, and a menu that boasts delectable dishes such as the Mongolian beef and pork dumplings, it is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Newport Beach, I highly recommend paying a visit to Starfish and allowing yourself to be immersed in its culinary delights. read more

Definitely a Newport Gem MUST TRY! I stumbled upon Starfish in Newport Beach, and it's safe to say I've struck culinary gold. This place has become a staple in my dining routine, and here's why: Divine Cocktails: The crafted cocktails at Starfish are nothing short of heavenly. The "Butterfly Samba" (absolute fave of all time) and "Wild Lychee Martini" have secured spots among my all-time favorites. They are impeccably balanced, not overly sweet, and pack a sneaky punch--two of these are just right for those with a higher tolerance. Flavors That Dance on the Palate: The food at Starfish is a symphony of flavors, with the Crab Mango Noodle Salad being a standout. It's a burst of taste bud delight. For appetizers, the Braised BBQ Pork Buns and Shao Mai are a must-try, setting the stage for a culinary journey. Lunch Bites to Savor: My go-to lunch bites are the Macadamia Lobster and Sunset Roll--absolute perfection on a plate. The Chilean Sea Bass, a dinner special, is not only well-balanced but also a masterpiece in terms of presentation and taste. And the curry? It's an explosion of aroma and flavor that keeps me coming back for more. Intimate Setting, Impeccable Service: Starfish's small boutique space adds to its charm, but given its popularity, reservations or a quick call ahead are highly recommended. The hosts are consistently sweet and accommodating, proving that this place truly has its "ish" together. A Well-Crafted Menu: Kudos to the entire staff, from the kitchen wizards to the management, for crafting a menu that's nothing short of delicious perfection. It's evident that passion and skill go into every dish, making Starfish a standout in Newport Beach. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, the delightful cocktails, flavorful dishes, and warm hospitality make this a must-visit spot. Highly recommended for those who appreciate culinary excellence read more

Really disappointed with our experience at Starfish. Before coming, we called twice to confirm that dogs were allowed and specifically asked for seating with enough space for our dog. At no point did anyone mention restrictions or ask whether he was a service animal, so we made a reservation expecting they could accommodate us. When we arrived, we were first told we'd have to tie our dog to a tree outside, and the reserved table they had for us was somehow right in the middle of this very small restaurant. The Yelp photos are also pretty deceiving -- there's no real outdoor seating area and the inside space is much smaller than it appears online. To their credit, they did move us to a high-top table near the door, which actually worked fine and we were able to settle in and order. Unfortunately, shortly after, two young women arrived almost two hours before their reservation and were seated immediately at the high-top directly next to us, practically on top of our dog despite there being barely any space. Unsurprisingly, he became uncomfortable and started barking. At that point we had to leave and scramble to find another restaurant that was actually pet friendly, despite really looking forward to happy hour and trying the food at Starfish. Overall, the biggest issue was the lack of communication and consistency among staff about their policies and accommodations. It felt like nobody was on the same page. What made it worse was that when we left, there wasn't even an apology or any attempt to make things right or welcome us back another time without our dog. Just a very disappointing experience overall. read more

From the moment I walked in, I knew this place would be something special--the rich, elegant aroma of garlic alone set the tone. I'm beyond thrilled to have discovered this gem. The bold flavors and aromatic depth of the food were truly impressive, and the presentation was equally outstanding. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully served. Our server, Serenity, was incredibly friendly and attentive. She genuinely admired all the dishes we ordered and even shared her brief thoughts on a few of them--which turned out to be just as amazing as she described. Her warmth and enthusiasm added a personal touch to the dining experience. What made the visit even more memorable was the genuine hospitality from everyone--host, waitstaff, and bartender alike. It felt like being welcomed into a place where people truly care about what they do. This restaurant exceeds expectations and, in my opinion, rivals the experience of dining at a Michelin-starred establishment. The passion and attention to detail are clear in every part of the experience. Kudos to both the front-of-house and back-of-house teams--you've created something truly special. If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would. read more

Starfish Coastal Catering truly outshone themselves at the Laguna Beach High School's Class of 2003 20-year reunion. With a crowd of 150 alumni, the atmosphere was buzzing, and much of that energy can be credited to the exceptional service provided by Eric and Jayson, the bartenders whose mixology skills kept spirits high and drinks flowing. The servers, Carrier and Riley, matched the vibe with their warm and efficient service, making each attendee feel like a VIP. Paige, the mastermind behind Starfish Coastal, orchestrated the food and bar service flawlessly, ensuring the night went off without a hitch. Her meticulous planning and ability to cater to such a large group without breaking a sweat was the cornerstone of the event's success. The food was the talk of the night, with many alumni still reminiscing about the flavors that took them right back to their coastal roots. If you're looking for a catering company that delivers not just amazing food but an unforgettable experience, Starfish Coastal Catering is the one you want for any event, big or small. Their commitment to quality service and delectable cuisine is unmatched. read more

Recently my wife hosted a private event for about 40 women at Starfish Newport for her 50th birthday, and it was absolutely amazing! From months of planning to the actual luncheon, everything came together beautifully. Paige, the event coordinator, was incredible to work with -- super responsive and on top of every little detail, from the menu to the music to the decorations. Katie Joy, a manager, was also so welcoming and made sure everything ran smoothly. She checked in on my wife and her guests throughout the day and truly went above and beyond. The food was delicious, the service was top-notch, and her friends kept raving about how great the staff and the vibe were. She couldn't have asked for a better experience. If you're thinking about hosting a private or semi-private event, I 100% recommend Starfish Newport -- they made the day unforgettable! read more

Strike up the neon lights, Starfish in Newport Beach is a scene! Forget the white tablecloths, this place is all about casual cool. The minute you walk in, there's this warm glow and funky music that sets the mood just right. People are chatting and having a blast, but it's not so loud you can't hear yourself think. Definitely a win in my book. But the real MVP of the night (besides yours truly, of course) was Kylee, the bartender. This gal knew her drinks! I threw some flavors at her, and she mixed up this concoction that was straight-up magic. Plus, she was super chill and made sure my night was smooth sailing. Seriously, if you're in Newport and looking for a spot with a cool atmosphere and killer drinks, Starfish is the place to be. Ask for Kylee, she's the real deal. read more

Amazing First Visit to Starfish Newport Beach I came to Starfish Newport Beach for a birthday dinner, and it was an incredible experience! Danielle, our waitress, was an absolute gem. She made us feel so welcome and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best first visit. Her recommendations were spot on, and everything--from the food to the cocktails--was fabulous. The flavors were exceptional, and the presentation was beautiful. We're already looking forward to coming back for another amazing meal. Thank you, Danielle, and the Starfish team for making the night so special! read more

If you're looking for a restaurant that combines exceptional service with a remarkable dining experience, look no further. This establishment went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my visit was perfect. The menu showcased a fusion of flavors that tantalized my taste buds, and the presentation of each dish was a work of art. This is a dining destination worth experiencing. read more

My advice to the owners: have a serious talk with the man in the 'Boardwalk' jacket in your parking lot. He is harassing and stalking YOUR customers and threatening to tow their car. He's obviously running a scam with the tow truck company. Tsk tsk. This man will ruin your business. read more

I've been servicing this place for years, and always seen them grow, and I couldn't be happier to give them a great , well deserved 5 star review! Keep it up Starfish , and your entire team!! read more

Sat at the bar and had excellent service and amazing, flavorful food. Great atmosphere. Wonderful staff. Great date night or just solo. Highly recommend. read more

Great food and service! It was my first visit but I'll certainly be back. Highly recommend.

I want Kylee every day ! Coming here for her only ! She needs to be here on weekends!!!

Loved the food, drinks and services! Will definitely comeback. Amazing staffs too!!!!.