THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Lark Creek Newport Beach

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Lark Creek Newport Beach Restaurant Review:

This Fashion Island venue is the first foray into Orange County for the San Francisco-based Lark Creek Restaurant Group. Aesthetically, it’s clear they did their homework, as the warm woods, earthy banquettes and colorful stone bead work in the bar convey a chic ambience that suits the neighborhood. The restaurant sticks to the group’s philosophy of seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, and chef de cuisine Ryan Pitt uses this mindset as a base for his contemporary cooking. Begin your dinner with the partially deconstructed white rockfish ceviche, chickpea fries with harissa aïoli, or the rustic mushroom and kale soup. Mains are highlighted by an array of smoky almond wood-grilled steaks and chops, though other options like the intriguing barbecue chicken tamale pancake are also rather good. Desserts are split between seasonal items and signature delights such as the butterscotch pudding with Chantilly cream. Area businessmen flock here for lunch to enjoy the scaled down dinner menu, as well as a few sandwiches, while weekend shoppers can drop by and partake in the brunch. The serviceable wine list primarily consists of Pacific Coast labels and includes several by-the-glass options that are served on tap.