JOEY Newport Beach’s dining room includes a glass-walled kitchen, giving diners a peek at all the culinary action. PHOTO BY CHRISTINA GANDOLFO, CGANDOLFO PICTURES INC.
As much as Fashion Island is beloved for its retail offerings, its restaurant options continue to draw gourmands across Orange County to its hallowed grounds. The latest attraction comes courtesy of Canada’s JOEY Restaurant Group, which opened its fourth California location at the shopping destination in late January. “The natural beauty of the area and luxurious feeling of Fashion Island, that is so unique to Newport Beach, lends itself to be the perfect backdrop for our newest location,” says regional manager Darin Getty. “We’re inspired by the high-quality fresh produce available at your fingertips in the great state of California, ensuring an elevated experience for our patrons every time.”
The popular seared salmon sushi is a combination of fire-torched salmon, umami sauce and shaved serrano peppers PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY RESTAURANT GROUP
Housed in the former Roy’s space, adjacent to True Food Kitchen and Fleming’s, the 1,992-square-foot restaurant features a sophisticated dining room filled with sumptuous leather booths, warm wood tables and an expansive wraparound bar. “Each JOEY is custom built by our in-house teams, often from the ground up, and no two restaurants are ever the same,” notes Getty. “The restaurant interior flaunts a Bocci light installation spanning over the dining area, and presents guests with a showcase kitchen that sits adjacent to a stunning stone bar with retractable TVs and a custom bronze ceiling fixture above the bar.” Outside, guests will find a sprawling patio, tucked beneath a retractable roof, that includes an inviting outdoor fire pit and lounge area.
Much like its design, the restaurant’s menu also offers an eclectic experience, drawing flavors from around the globe. Crafted under the direction of JOEY executive director of culinary Matthew Stowe, the cuisine will take diners from Greece to Asia to Italy through its appetizers, entrees and desserts. “One of our most popular fan favorites is our hummus appetizer, a housemade hummus with tzatziki, dill and olives that’s served with warm, crispy pita,” says Getty. “Trust us, this is not your everyday hummus; it is packed with flavor and texture, and exemplifies our globally inspired menu.” Getty also advises guests to explore the robust sushi program featuring unique rolls, handheld cones and pressed sushi. “Our seared salmon sushi—with fire-torched salmon, umami sauce and shaved peppers—is a must-try,” he shares.
JOEY’s sushi cone is stuffed with tempura prawn, avocado, spicy mayo and tobiko. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY RESTAURANT GROUP
As for the chef, Stowe is all about the ravioli bianco. “It features French black truffles both in the ravioli and the sauce. The combination of the rich, luxurious filling and the acidity from the truffle butter sauce, combined with the naturally sweet prawns, makes this dish the ultimate decadence, perfect as an entree or shareable starter.”
And since JOEY is also aiming to attract the late-night crowd—hours range from 11AM to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and 11AM to 1AM Friday and Saturday—the beverage menu is equally thoughtful. “You must try one of our JOEY Super cocktails: the Supersonic gin and tonic or the Supernova vodka soda. These signature drinks are a twist on a classic highball, with lemon-lime slush,” reveals Getty. Oenophiles will also enjoy their imbibing experience. Adds Getty, “Unique to JOEY Newport Beach is our Reserve wine list, curated by our in-house sommelier, Jason Yamasaki, which features an elevated selection of bottles, as well as top-shelf tequila.”
The Supersonic gin and tonic includes New Amsterdam gin, Fever-Tree Indian tonic, lemon-lime slush, lime, cucumber and rosemary. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY RESTAURANT GROUP
Beyond the beautiful interiors and delicious fare, JOEY hopes to deliver an experience that will have you returning time and time again. “From the moment they enter JOEY Newport Beach, guests are treated with genuine warmth and care. Our model isn’t to repeat formulas but create spaces perfectly suited to the locale and its clientele,” says Getty. “Each JOEY restaurant is unique, but they all have plenty in common: great food, lively environments and exceptional dining experiences.” Yes, Orange County, we have a winner. 949.826.5699, joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-newport-beach
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