Buddha’s Favorite
634 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949-723-4203, buddhasfavorite.com
Relax in the softly lit, romantic patio overlooking a finger of Balboa Bay from Lido Park Drive, or tuck into the cozy sushi bar and you are already on your way to a date night to remember.
Opened in 2000 by Masaki “Yoshi” Yoshitsuka, Buddha’s Favorite quickly drew a reputation as a hidden gem in the Newport Beach dining scene.
In 2019, former president of the Newport Harbor Culinary Foundation Nicole Paskerian, and her husband, Matt, bought the restaurant and have continued its reputation as a “favorite.”
The restaurant continues the traditions brought over by Yoshitsuka, who became a master chef in Japanese Kaiseki cuisine.
The restaurant bills itself as “a place where traditional and authentic Japanese cuisines merge with innovative and creative dishes not found anywhere else.”
It also continues as an entertaining spot where the tight quarters can’t help but draw people together.