Wilma's Patio
Family restaurant popular among locals for breakfast on Balboa Island not the peninsula!, although they also serve lunch and dinner. The wait can be as long as an hour on summer weekend mornings.
Ho Sum Bistro
The Combo Salad will fill you up and is very well priced for how much you get $4-6. A nice option if you are stuck on the peninsula.
Memphis Cafe
Tasty and fairly authentic gourmet southern fare in a casual roadhouse-style diner with fantastic ambience. Service is excellent, but informal. For lunch, try the 1/2 pulled pork sandwich and bowl of gumbo. Parking is sometimes a problem between 12pm and 1pm on weekdays.
Mi Casa
Terrific mexican food, in nearby costa mesa
Sage
Creative gourmet fare. Excellent service. Quiet surroundings.
Tradition by Pascal
Serves lite French cuisine with provençal flair.
Wild Fish
Perfectly prepared fish and shellfish. A bit noisy. Open for dinner only.
Gelato Paradiso
Many flavors of very good quality Italian-style gelato and sorbetto. Try the bacio chocolate and hazelnut.
Gina's Pizza
Located in UC Irvine, just north of Newport Beach. Its delicious pizza, pasta, and salad is considered some of the best in Orange County. Popular with local UCI and UHS students.
Taco Mesa
In nearby costa mesa. award winning mexican food. located on 19th street across from the dmv.
Sugar 'N Spice
For an inexpensive and tasty treat, order a frozen, chocolate covered banana.