Villa Nova - Newport Beach, CA
 

As SweetWillie is trying to boost the dining reviews...I wanted to help http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/wink.gif

One of our favorite restaurants is Villa Nova in Newport Beach, CA. It is on the harbor in Newport -- on Pacific Coast Hwy, with a lovely view.

It dates back over 40 years but since it had a fire at one point, the building is newer, but made to look original. It looks like a small faux villa in Newport Beach, within walking distance of the Chart House and other seafood places on 'restaurant row'.

They are old fashioned in a good way. Waiters have been there for ages and wear suits. They have a small bar and also upstairs rooms available for booking.

The service is great, the location is great, and the FOOD IS GREAT. What more could you ask for? They have twi-light dining from 5-6 pm (not on Saturdays) and they are in the Entertainment Book (this cannot be combined with the early dining specials). You must be seated by 5:45 for the early dining menu.

We have taken family there and been several times on our own. Everyone has always been happy.

http://www.villanovarestaurant.com/
3131 W. Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, Ca 92663
(949) 642-7880

Here is a menu link --

http://www.villanovarestaurant.com/menu.htm

My favorite pasta is Paglia E Fieno, but my husband and relatives have also enjoyed their fresh salmon, steak entrees, and chicken dishes.

It was also mentioned on Oprah last year when they were talking about the world's most expensive martinini. Apparently some liquor dating back to Napoleon is owned by Villa Nova and goes into this extravagant concoction -- which I was unaware of until it was on TV!

Great restaurant for a casual dinner or special occasion.