Newport Beach Restaurants:
The Pelican Grill

That is the sign we were watching for.  It is the entry for one of Newport Beach's most spectacular restaurants:  the Pelican Grill.

Kingsley promptly leaped out the window and started exploring the lush bushes and trees, so Ken and I were left to our own devices to discover this most amazing place.

Don't let the large "Golf Club" sign dissuade you.  This is NOT a Guys' Club.  On the contrary, the perfection of the Grill lies in the attention to each and every exquisite detail, all designed to create a memorable, warm experience.

This is a large restaurant.  In fact, everything about Pelican Hill is expansive.  the road leading in is wide and winding; the views reach forever in all directions; the walkways encourage slow meandering.  Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Pelican Hill

The Private Dining Room

There are several equally enchanting places to lunch or dine at The Pelican Grill.  Here is the Private Dining Room.  The tables and booths are all spacious and very inviting.  Off to the left is a huge walk in fireplace, a perfect spot for chilly days. 

There is a matching fireplace at the other end of the restaurant in the lounge area.  The lounge area tends to be a bit more casual, so you might prefer it.  We chose the Private Dining Room because we enjoy the understated elegance of everything in this room, like the wall of exquisite plates that you see on right hand side of the photo.  Light spills in from everywhere.  It is simply lovely.

The Private Dining Room is the spot for the VIPs of the Newport Coast area.  In fact, one day that we were there, a whole table of real estate magnates sat next to us, planning strategy for the development of some of their properties.

 

The Outdoor Balcony of the Pelican Grill

 Stepping outside the doors in the picture above brings you into a wonderland of a balcony.  There is one long row of private tables, each one with a view more spectacular than the other.

The mountainside is awash in hundreds of shades of greenery.

The Pacific Ocean is awash in hundreds of shades of azure.

The sky's moods range from bright blues to subtle greys.

It is all breath taking.

Did We Mention the Munchies?

No?  Well, it is not because we weren't captivated by the cuisine.  We were.  The menu changes from time to time, reflecting the seasons and what the chef can harvest from his personal gardens, but it is bound to be memorable.  We have tried the grilled shrimp louie, the red wine braised beef short ribs, the BBQ beef prime rib sandwich, and even a sea bass.  Each and every dish was absolute perfection.  There is no other word for it.

The Pelican Grill -- A Personal Experience

Above all, the whole Pelican Hill resort is an adventure to be treasured forever.   Reluctantly, we gathered up Kingsley, our wandering lion, and headed back home.  The drive home was nearly as beautiful as the drive there.  [sigh]

For other romantic Newport Beach dining, visit:

Discover other great Newport Beach restaurants too!  Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say.
	Back Bay Bistro brings the glorious outdoors inside for your dining pleasure.
	5 Crowns Corona del Mar. On the edge of Newport Beach is the finest prime rib on the face of the earth. Romantic setting and splendid food ... what a restaurant!
	Gulfstream Restaurant in Newport Beach. Just a great fish restaurant, both for old favorites, and discovering new favorites.
	The Island Hotel Newport Beach Restaurant -- splashes of exotic flowers and palms create a romantic aura, with lots of room for two.
	Pelican Grill at Pelican Hill Resort.  Perfection from start to finish, especially the Afternoon Tea Time!
	The Ritz Restaurant and Garden has lots of private corners and a very elegant, rich decor.  This is our very favorite lunch spot.  Discover The Garden and The Ritz at Christmas too!
	Rothschild's Restaurant.  An elegant restaurant in Corona del Mar for many decades, with lunches and dinners and other delights.
	Rusty Pelican Newport Beach has lots of pleasures, upstairs and down.

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