Buddha's Favorite

buddha's favorite newport beach

For those in California with a passion for exceptional sushi and a desire for a unique dining atmosphere, Buddha's Favorite in Newport Beach stands as a noteworthy destination. This establishment positions itself as more than just a sushi restaurant; it aims to provide a memorable experience where the quality of the food meets a captivating setting. While the landscape of sushi restaurants in California is vast, Buddha's Favorite has garnered attention for its distinctive offerings and the potential for an outstanding culinary journey. It presents a blend of traditional sushi craftsmanship with innovative touches, catering to a diverse range of palates.

Buddha's Favorite has built a reputation, in some circles, for delivering what some customers describe as "hands down the best sushi" they've ever experienced. This high praise often comes with specific mentions of its incredibly fresh wasabi and the "absolutely delicious" salmon carpaccio, indicating a commitment to both premium ingredients and creative execution. What truly sets this place apart for many is its willingness to customize, allowing patrons to request "custom roles made the way I want it," such as with salmon skin and gobo. This level of personalized service, combined with a menu that blends traditional sushi with Asian fusion elements, promises an intriguing and satisfying meal for locals and visitors seeking something beyond the ordinary. The experience is further elevated by the promise of stunning views and a charming ambiance, aiming to create a complete sensory delight for every guest.

Buddha's Favorite is uniquely located at 634 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA. This address places it directly on Lido Isle, offering a picturesque setting that contributes significantly to the dining experience. Its position on Lido Park Drive means it boasts charming views, often overlooking a finger of Balboa Bay, which can make for a romantic or simply serene backdrop to your meal.

Accessibility to Buddha's Favorite is generally convenient for those in Newport Beach. For parking, the restaurant offers multiple options, including street parking (metered until 6:00 PM daily, so remember to pay the meter!) and a valet service for $7, which is a convenient amenity in a busy area like Lido Isle. This flexibility ensures that patrons have various choices for getting to the restaurant with ease.

The restaurant's operating hours are designed to cater to both lunch and dinner crowds throughout most of the week. For dinner, they are open Monday through Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM. On Sundays, dinner service is from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Additionally, Buddha's Favorite offers lunch on weekends, specifically Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak times, larger parties (7 or more), or for those interested in "Dock n' Dine" service if arriving by boat, which requires a direct call to the restaurant. This prime waterfront location, coupled with convenient parking and flexible hours, makes Buddha's Favorite an attractive and accessible dining spot in Newport Beach.

• Dine-In Service: Buddha's Favorite offers a unique indoor and outdoor dining experience. The indoor setting is often described as having a cozy and casual atmosphere, while the outdoor patio provides stunning views of the bay.

• Heated Outdoor Seating: A significant advantage, especially for cooler evenings, the restaurant provides heated outdoor seating, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the bay views year-round.

• Customizable Rolls: Patrons can request custom rolls tailored to their preferences, such as a salmon skin and gobo roll, showcasing flexibility in their sushi preparation.

• Diverse Japanese and Asian Fusion Menu: The menu features a wide array of options including fresh sushi and sashimi, unique rolls (e.g., OMF, Paradise, Salmon Lemon, Stinky, Tornado, Tuna Tango, Twin), appetizers (e.g., Edamame, Garlic Spicy Edamame, Tempura Rock Shrimp, Shishito Kobachi), and hot dishes like Black Cod "Saikyo Style" and Tempura Halibut.

• Takeout and Delivery: Buddha's Favorite offers takeout services, and online ordering is available through platforms like DoorDash, making it convenient for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.

• Weekend Lunch Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, a special Bento Box lunch is available, including miso soup, crispy rice spicy tuna, shrimp and veggie tempura, ginger salad, crispy sesame chicken, and a choice of roll (California, Crunchy, or Spicy Tuna).

• Loyalty Program: The "Buddha Family" loyalty program allows customers to earn points for every dollar spent, with rewards such as double points during certain hours and free items like Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice for accumulated points.

• Dock 'n' Dine Service: For boat owners, Buddha's Favorite offers a unique "Dock n' Dine" service, allowing guests to enjoy their meal without having to leave their boat, requiring a call to the restaurant for arrangements.

• Valet and Street Parking: The restaurant provides valet parking and also has metered street parking available nearby.

• Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating: The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, allowing guests to dine with their dogs while enjoying the bay views.

• Exceptional Fresh Wasabi: A standout feature that sets Buddha's Favorite apart is the availability and quality of its fresh wasabi, which is highly praised by customers for enhancing the sushi experience significantly.

• Delicious Salmon Carpaccio: This dish is frequently highlighted as "absolutely delicious," indicating a mastery of flavor and presentation in their carpaccio offerings.

• Custom Roll Options: The flexibility to get "a custom role made the way I want it," such as with salmon skin and gobo, is a major highlight, demonstrating the restaurant's willingness to cater to individual preferences and create unique culinary experiences for its patrons.

• Stunning Bay Views and Heated Outdoor Seating: Located directly on the water, Buddha's Favorite offers picturesque views of Newport Bay. The availability of heated outdoor seating ensures that guests can comfortably enjoy these romantic and scenic views year-round, making it ideal for dates and special occasions.

• Highly Praised Service (Specific Staff): While some experiences vary, many customers, like the one who praised "Nicole and her staff" with "2 thumbs up," have received excellent, welcoming, and attentive service, contributing positively to their dining experience. The restaurant also touts "attentive service" and "friendly service" as core values on its website.

• Unique Asian Fusion Flavors: Beyond traditional sushi, the menu incorporates innovative Asian fusion dishes like the "Black Cod Saikyo Style" and the "Tempura Rock Shrimp with spicy mayo," offering a broader culinary adventure.

• Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna: This appetizer is a must-try item, described as perfectly browned crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, eel sauce, and sriracha, offering an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

• Yellowtail Jalapeno: Another popular starter, featuring thinly sliced yellowtail with fresh jalapeño, ponzu, and sriracha, praised for its delicate sweetness and spicy kick.

• Accommodation for Dietary Preferences: The restaurant aims to cater to various dietary needs, offering vegan, pescatarian, and other options, ensuring there is something for everyone, which is particularly beneficial for groups with diverse preferences.

• "I Like It Raw" Stickers: A quirky and memorable detail mentioned by a customer, these free stickers add a touch of fun and branding that can create a lasting impression.

Buddha's Favorite offers a clear and appealing loyalty program, designed to reward its returning customers and enhance their dining experience. This program is a fantastic way for locals in Newport Beach to maximize their visits.

• "Buddha Family" Loyalty Program:

  • Earn Points: Members earn 1 point for every $1 spent at the restaurant.

  • Double Points Promotion: Customers can double their points (earning 2x points) when they order from 5 PM to 9 PM, Monday through Wednesday. This is a great incentive for weekday evening dining.

  • Redeem Rewards: Accumulated points can be redeemed for free items. For every 250 points, members can unlock a Free Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, a popular appetizer.

  • Birthday Rewards: The program also offers exclusive birthday rewards, encouraging celebration at Buddha's Favorite.

• Weekend Lunch Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant offers a Bento Box lunch special for $22. This includes miso soup, crispy rice spicy tuna, shrimp and veggie tempura, ginger salad, crispy sesame chicken, and a choice of a California, Crunchy, or Spicy Tuna Roll. This provides a great value option for weekend diners.

• Special Events: As part of their loyalty program and community engagement, Buddha's Favorite aims to keep members "in the know for special events like Sake Tastings and Wine Dinners." While not regular discounts, these events offer unique culinary experiences that provide added value and reason to visit.

These structured loyalty benefits and weekend lunch offerings provide clear incentives for locals to become regular patrons and make the most of their visits to Buddha's Favorite.

To connect with Buddha's Favorite for reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, here is their contact information:

• Address: 634 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA

• Phone: (949) 723-4203

For reservations, especially for larger parties or specific requests like "Dock n' Dine" service, it is highly recommended to call the restaurant directly. Online ordering is available through platforms like DoorDash for takeout and delivery.

For residents of Newport Beach and the surrounding California communities, Buddha's Favorite offers a compelling and multifaceted dining experience that makes it highly suitable as a local favorite. Its prime waterfront location on Lido Park Drive, offering charming bay views and the sought-after option of heated outdoor seating, caters perfectly to the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. Locals often seek out dining spots where they can enjoy the pleasant climate and scenic beauty, and Buddha's Favorite delivers exactly that.

Beyond the ambiance, the restaurant’s commitment to providing "incredibly fresh" fish, alongside unique offerings like fresh wasabi and the "absolutely delicious" salmon carpaccio, speaks directly to the discerning palates of Californians who appreciate high-quality ingredients and culinary innovation. The ability to customize rolls, satisfying individual preferences and dietary needs, further enhances its appeal to a diverse local clientele. While some isolated service issues have been noted, the overarching positive feedback regarding the staff and the consistent quality of food suggest that the restaurant generally strives for excellent customer satisfaction. The presence of a clear loyalty program and weekend lunch specials also provides tangible benefits for repeat visits, fostering a sense of community and value. For a memorable sushi experience that combines exquisite flavors, a beautiful setting, and a flexible menu, Buddha's Favorite presents itself as a true gem for locals in Newport Beach looking for their next go-to Japanese dining spot.

Buddha's Favorite

634 Lido Park Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA