Let’s be honest: Newport Beach is known for a lot of things—sun, surf, insane real estate—but quick, delicious, and affordable lunch spots? That’s a local’s secret weapon. Between showings, design consults, and staging marathons, I’ve developed a very refined radar for where to grab food to go in Newport Beach that hits the spot without eating up your whole afternoon.
If you're a busy bee like me (or just hate waiting in line when you're hangry), here are five Newport Beach restaurants I swear by when I want fast dining, flavorful food, and a little joy in my mouth. Discover the top lunch spots in Newport Beach that locals rave about! From quick bites to satisfying meals, we're counting down the fastest lunches in Newport Beach that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a foodie, a busy bee, or just looking for a delicious meal on-the-go, we got you covered. Get ready to drool over the most popular lunch spots in Newport Beach, from sandwiches to salads, and everything in between!
1. Burger Lounge- The Newport Beach Inexpensive Hidden Gem
If you’re searching for a fast casual lunch in Newport Beach that delivers on both taste and convenience, Burger Lounge on 17th Street is the hidden gem you've been missing. It’s so underrated it hurts, but those in the know are loyal for good reason.
🌟 What Makes It Shine
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Grass-fed, grass-finished beef: This isn’t just marketing fluff—the patties are juicy, flavorful, and among the best in SoCal Tripadvisor+11Birdeye Reviews+11Reddit+11.
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Location perks: Right off the 73 freeway and near MacArthur, making it a prime quick burger spot in Newport Beach for those with tight schedules. I love it because it is just a golf cart ride away to grab a quick, inexpensive, and delicious lunch.
🍔 Tried-and-True Favorites
Your go-to? Absolutely. I love the Jalapeño Bacon Burger—spicy, bacon-forward, and bold. Grass-fed beef always hits, but they also offer a Turkey Burger and even plant-based options that Reddit users praise for delivering flavor without compromise Reddit+10Yelp+10Yelp+10Yelp.
🍟 The Side That Steals the Show
Okay, if you decide to be bad—you better add the onion rings. Reviewers describe them as “pretty good” and worth every bite Tripadvisor. Trust me—they deserve their own zip code.
Fast and fuss-free: No lines, friendly staff, and food ready fast.
Premium ingredients at reasonable prices: Quality you can taste without sticker shock.
Better-than-basic vibe: With grass-fed beef, creative toppings, and a laid-back patio, it balances casual and polished.
If you're looking for a quick burger spot in Newport Beach that doesn’t skimp on flavor or quality, Burger Lounge on 17th Street deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Juicy patties, delicious sides, and a spot that locals keep to themselves—until now.
2. CAVA – The Mediterranean Chipotle of My Dreams
If you’re searching for Mediterranean takeout in Newport Beach, you’ve got to know about CAVA on 17th Street. It’s basically Greek food’s fairy godmother — customizable, flavor-packed, fast, and downright fun.
Why CAVA is Your Go-To Lunch Fix 🥙
1. Speedy and Upscale
Walking in feels like a Mediterranean version of Chipotle. You build your bowl or pita with endless options: grains, greens, proteins, dips, and vibrant pickled toppings. What’s wild is how fast casual it is—yet it tastes way more gourmet than any grab-and-go spot around.
2. Flavor That Lasts
Recent reviews highlight its consistent deliciousness: “Always delicious!! Love the food!! They have a lovely patio to sit out on too! I always feel healthy and full with their bowls.” Tripadvisor+13MapQuest+13DoorDash+13
DoorDash ratings reflect a solid 4.6 stars from over 3,000 customers, with one happy diner saying: “can never go wrong with their salads. Toppings are delicious.” Uber Eats
3. Quality Beyond the Bowls
Their menu isn’t limited to bowls. The Harissa Avocado and Steak + Harissa bowls are crowd-pleasers, offering heat and depth of flavor typical of Mediterranean cuisine Reddit+3CAVA+3Uber Eats+3. And don’t sleep on the Crazy Feta®, Red Pepper Hummus, or Hot Harissa Pita Chips — they elevate your meal and are easy to toss into any takeout container.
4. Local Praise & Occasional Reality Check
While most love it, not every day is perfect. Some DoorDash users mentioned “skimpy ingredients” or missing toppings. But those who visited in person described both the service and food as “amazing” and “super clean” Uber Eats. On Reddit, locals compare it to other fast-casual Mediterranean spots, noting its value:
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Convenient location on 17th Street (Costa Mesa), perfect for grab-and-go Mediterranean in Newport Beach
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Personalized bowls and pitas mean you get exactly what you want—no fluff
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Healthy, fresh, bold flavors that don’t taste like the typical fast-casual fare
So yes, double tzatziki or we riot—but also, don’t skip the harissa options, pickled toppings, and house-made dressings. Whether you're on a Mediterranean lunch run in Newport Beach or craving something fresh and satisfying, CAVA consistently delivers.
3. The Stand in Newport Beach
When you’re darting from listing appointments to staging walkthroughs with barely enough time to breathe, you need a lunch spot that’s fast, reliable, and actually satisfying. That’s exactly why The Stand, conveniently located on the corner of MacArthur Blvd and Bison Ave near the 73 Freeway, has become one of my favorite midday pit stops.
This isn’t your average fast-casual restaurant. The Stand in Newport Beach offers a variety of crave-worthy options, from fresh salads and wraps to juicy burgers and indulgent shakes. I always sit down and eat here—it’s quicker than you think, and far better than juggling a takeout box while answering client texts in the car.
My go-to orders rotate depending on the day and the craving. When I’m keeping it light and low-carb (hello, keto life), I love their Seared Ahi Salad, the Cobb Salad, or the Kale Quinoa Crunch—each one packed with flavor and generous portions of fresh ingredients. If I’m in the mood for something heartier but still bunless, the Southwest Chicken Wrap is always a winner. And let’s just say if I weren’t watching carbs, I’d be all over their Jalapeño Bacon Burger—spicy, savory, and the kind of burger that ruins you for all others.
While I haven’t tried one myself (keto rules!), their Cookies and Cream shake is legendary. It’s practically kid bait, making this a great spot for families too. The Stand is one of the most kid-friendly Newport Beach restaurants, offering a casual, comfortable vibe where everyone leaves happy.
For locals looking for healthy lunch ideas in Newport Beach or just somewhere to grab flavorful takeout near the 73 freeway, The Stand checks all the boxes. It’s quick, it’s consistent, and it doesn’t feel like you’re compromising on quality just because you’re short on time.
I like to call it “lunch with my life semi-together.”
4. C’est Si Bon – French-Inspired Sandwiches in Newport Beach (Worth the Wait)
There’s a reason locals form a line around the block for French-inspired sandwiches in Newport Beach to‑go—C’est Si Bon promises pastries and sandwiches that feel like a Parisian morning, even in sunny Orange County. This bakery-café, a Newport Beach classic since 1979, is beloved for its crisp baguettes, buttery croissants, and a menu that reads like a love letter to French comfort food Restaurant Guru+14MapQuest+14DoorDash+14.
Inside, the mood is charmingly chaotic: orders fly out fast, the aroma of fresh bread fills the air, and regulars chat animatedly about their favorites. Reviewers consistently rave, calling it “the best baguettes EVER” and praising the chicken tarragon and curry salad as standout creations. With a 4.5‑star reputation on Yelp and Tripadvisor, it’s clear C’est Si Bon delivers both quality and crowd appeal Yelp+8Tripadvisor+8Tripadvisor+8.
Why it’s a foodie must-visit:
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The baguettes – golden-crisp on the outside, pillowy within.
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Sandwich variety – from brie and salami to their life-changing chicken curry.
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Pastries & sweets – flaky croissants, chocolate croissants, and berry scones that keep customers coming back .
And then there’s the pièce de résistance—the Belgian Chocolate Bombe. Locals whisper about it like it’s forbidden fruit, and yes, it’s worth every carb. Even the most disciplined keto eater (me included) will cave after one decadent bite.
C’est Si Bon: worth the carbs, the line, and the parking hustle. You’ll leave with your arms full and your taste buds doing a French jig. Make sure to go on a long walk after you indulge!
5. Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria – Bright, Bold, and Fresh Mexican Food to Go
For modern tacos and quick Mexican food in Newport Beach (okay, technically Costa Mesa!), look no further than Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria. Reviews describe it as “bringing a bit of Tulum to Costa Mesa” Uber Eats+8WhatNow+8Yelp+8. This chef-driven spot, led by local OC talent Zach Ficke, offers bright flavors and unexpected combinations, all wrapped in house-made blue-corn tortillas.
Yelp doesn’t disappoint—many give it a stellar 4.5‑star rating, calling it a “great find” with “excellent and creative” food, even highlighting the eggplant and salmon tacos DoorDash+2saltandlimetacos.com+2WhatNow+2. DoorDash and UberEats reviewers echo the praise: the slow-braised short rib tacos are “melt‑in‑your‑mouth” perfect, and the guacamole and margaritas get special shoutouts Uber Eats.
Why it stands out:
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Innovative taco lineup – think citrus-marinated chicken, tempura halibut, grilled salmon, and even vegan mushroom confit Uber Eats+1WhatNow+1.
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Seasonal salads & sides – the Grilled Caesar Salad and esquites grill corn sides bring freshness to every meal Uber Eats+1WhatNow+1.
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Craft cocktails – tropical margarita flavors like spicy mango or watermelon bring the beach vibes WhatNow.
Locals love it not just for dine-in but especially for fast Mexican take‑out in Newport Beach—the food is vibrant, quality-driven, and feels like a celebration in every bite.
Final Bites: Newport Beach Lunch Ideas for Busy Days
If you're searching for quick lunch ideas in Newport Beach, now you’ve got five gems in your pocket. Whether you're running between meetings or just need to grab takeout food in Newport Beach that won’t disappoint, these spots are tested, tasted, and totally trusted by yours truly.
Got a favorite Newport Beach restaurant I should add to my fast-lunch rotation? Let me know—because no one should suffer through a sad salad when you live in one of the tastiest zip codes on the map.
