Light, bright, welcoming, inviting, refreshing, delicious, the newly revitalized Tommy Bahama Newport Beach evokes each of these sensations and more. The new look is a welcome change to the former rustic island decor. Today’s Tommy Bahama is completely open allowing for a true al fresco dining experience no matter where you are seated.
Tommy Bahama has been a popular Newport Beach restaurant and shopping destination since 1998. This new architectural design approach is part of the Corona del Mar Plaza remodel endeavor set to attain full completion later this year.
“We’re excited to debut a new architectural concept that has been completely reimagined for Newport Beach and coastal California,” said Doug Wood, CEO of Tommy Bahama. “We worked to develop just the right look and feel for this new restaurant-retail design. We’ve revitalized the menu and created an open, inviting shopping experience that we know our guests will enjoy. Newport Beach is a community that has always been important to Tommy Bahama; we are pleased to debut this new concept here.”
Capturing the essence of California coastal living, the restaurant and bar have been completely opened up from inside and out and given a “blondes have more fun” kind of style. From the blonde wood beam ceilings to the honey blonde paneling, the expansive rectangular center bar and surrounding area allow for ease of flow and engaging conversation. Said one guest, “I love the new Tommy Bahama. The design and style definitely encourage conversation in a relaxed, elegant style.” Ocean-worthy blue and ecru tile add dimension to the bar and a tiled floor that resembles wood flows through the entire space. The bar has been repositioned as a focal point of the space with seating on all four sides and at adjacent high top tables. On the patio, inviting fire pits with lounge seating are available for specialty drinks, cocktails and tantalizing bites. Outdoor, the patio has been redesigned with a glass door facade that extends to the glass encased raised terrace that offers a clear view of the surroundings. A glass enclosed private dining room was also added which is a welcome addition to the stylishly-chic elegance of the entire space.
The aforementioned elegance extends to the retail store, as well. The honey blonde design theme is carried throughout the store which is open, allowing for an ease of shopping experience. Having personally fallen in love with their unparalleled swimwear (bikinis included!) line, Tommy Bahama offers a full year-round selection for both women and men which is ideal for the nearby California beaches or warm holiday destinations. The Camp Shirt Cabana, in particular, showcases a display of the signature men’s camp shirts in a variety of fabrics from silk, cotton, stretch cotton and linen, in both prints and solids. Tommy Bahama fashions have always imbibed a resort-casual style and one addition to the retail offerings is their alliance with Maui Jim sunglasses. Store personnel are happy to assist in personal sunglass fittings which are highly recommended. Maui Jim’s feature a patented PolarizedPlus2(TM) technology that block out harsh rays and provide ultimate eye protection. From classic aviator wire-rim styles to fashion forward looks, Maui Jim sunglasses are a natural fit for the Tommy Bahama collection.
The Tommy Bahama store also offers home décor and accessories. From candles to bar and glassware to speciality foods, sauces, shortbread cookies and coffee, the home decor items and accessories make perfect gifts for special occasions and everyday living.
We’ve talked about restaurant design, fashion and home decor, now let’s talk food! Formerly of establishments such as Kona Grill, Chef Jon Claus joined the Tommy Bahama Newport Beach restaurant team about a year ago. Playing a key role in the development of the new menu, Chef Claus shares, “We kept many of the favorites yet did give about 70 percent of the menu a refresh.” Among classics and added menu items are the Coconut Shrimp, Beef Sliders, “Nashville Hot” Chicken Sliders, Crab Cakes, Halibut Ceviche, and Avocado Miso Toast. New entrees include the Spaghetti Squash Bowl with roasted mushrooms, lemon garlic broth and roasted corn salsa and the Za’atar and Herb Crusted Ahi Tuna with Beluga lentils, chili oil, roasted carrots and romanesco, avocado green goddess. For dessert, the very well-loved Key Lime Pie is a timeless favorite and the Piña Colada Cake Vanilla Cake with Myers Dark Rum, diced pineapple, white chocolate mousse and toasted coconut.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store
Corona del Mar Plaza
854 Avocado Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Restaurant Hours
Phone: 949.760.8686
Open: 11:00 AM daily
Store Hours
949.760.1886
10 AM-9 PM Mon-Thu
10 AM- 10 PM Fri-Sat
10 AM-9 PM Sun