Newport Beach Welcomes Starfish, a Sexy Little Wine Bar With Asian-Inspired Coastal Cuisine
Embracing Newport Beach’s vibrant culinary scene, Starfish, a beloved establishment from Laguna Beach, brings a decade-long legacy of top-notch hospitality and pan-Asian culinary mastery to its new, cozy seaside haven. Nestled just off the bustling PCH, this local gem effortlessly suits a myriad of occasions, from post-sailing dinners to business lunches, and those enchanting summer date nights. Starfish invites patrons on a gastronomic tour along Asia’s coastline, offering a cornucopia of delicately curated dishes, each beautifully presented and passionately prepared. Quickly emerging as a local hotspot, this approachable locale is a celebration of community-centric hospitality, where the allure of pan-Asian cuisine converges with the charm of the coastal neighborhood.
Starfish first opened in Laguna Beach in 2011. Over time, owners Gretchen and Archie McConnell developed unbreakable customer loyalty that had patrons waiting on bated breath for the new location. Reflecting on the brand’s expansion, Gretchen explains, “Our synergy with the community is what really made this happen”.
The loyalty of the staff that remained onboard over the years is cited as another reason for the restaurant’s success. Archie says, “Their momentum fostered a desire in us to create something bigger because everyone kept growing with us.”
The McConnells began looking for a second location in 2018. With patience came the perfect fit—something intimate and elevated with a touch of Nikki Beach’s care-free luxury.
“We didn’t want anything too big,” explains Gretchen. “We wanted a quaint, neighborhood, sexy little wine bar!”
And Starfish Newport Beach is just that. It’s refined yet fit for any occasion, and its proximity to the water makes it easily accessible by any and all means: boat, foot, e-bike or car.
Arriving here feels like stepping onto Asia’s lush coast. A wooden Buddha greeter awaits at the light-washed entrance, inviting guests into the sunlit dining room. Inside, the coastal kitchen features rattan chairs and a sleek blue-tiled bar. Guests can put their name in and grab a seat around the colorful portrait of Thailand’s island-spotted gulf and order drinks at the full-service bar.
Gretchen recommends Starfish’s signature Thai Me Down Martini. Combining housemade Thai tea, sweetened condensed milk and rum, the Thai Me Down Martini puts a boozy spin on a Taiwanese classic. Unique to Starfish’s Newport Beach cocktail lineup is the subtly spiced Butterfly Samba. Butterfly pea powder gives this elevated sake martini its rich purple hue, while pineapple, jalapeño, cucumber, and mint add a refreshing twist.
9/9
Menu
The main menu highlights cuisines from across the Asian coastline. Artfully plated sushi and Indonesian-inspired shareables are refreshingly satisfying. Traditional pork and shrimp Silk Road Pot Stickers are a must-try. Meanwhile many don’t know that the dumplings are rolled in-house every morning at 5 a.m. by the women who have been creating these beloved dumplings for over a decade.
The Thai Coconut Chicken Satay skewers are a must-try. They come with a lemongrass marinade, island chutney, and peanut sauce. On the sushi side, the Sunset Roll is always a winner. But if you’re craving something classic, the shrimp tempura roll never disappoints. Served with Starfish’s cayenne honey and fresh crab, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Also a plus, produce is delivered seven days a week for the brightest flavors possible! Save room for dessert (and another cocktail) and order the Affogato Martini. Espresso vodka, vanilla bean gelato, hazelnuts, and chocolate shavings come together for the perfect sweet finish to any meal!
8/21
Come with a small group to order up and share small plates, some of which are on Starfish’s Opium Hour. The Opium Hour menu features midday favorites and half-off libations every day from 3-6 p.m.
So the next time you’re craving a taste of Asia, avoid the take-out cartons and head over to Starfish in Newport Beach!
Starfish Newport Beach
191 Riverside Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92659
949.570.3990
@starfishnewport
