Whole Foods Is Coming to Westcliff Plaza—and Newport Beach Locals Are Very Excited

If you live in Newport Heights or Dover Shores, your grocery routine is about to get a serious upgrade: Whole Foods Market is officially coming to Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach!

The new Whole Foods is planned for the current Ralphs location at 1150 Irvine Avenue, near 17th Street and the intersection of Westcliff Drive and Irvine Avenue. It will join neighborhood favorites like Ace Hardware, CVS, Orangetheory Fitness and The Chicken Shop—making an already convenient local shopping center even better.

And yes, Newport Heights and Dover Shores homeowners are understandably very excited about this one.

A Whole Foods Closer to Home

Until now, local residents wanting to visit Whole Foods have typically headed to Fashion Island. That may not sound far on paper, but anyone who lives in Newport Beach knows that a “quick trip” can become a full production once traffic, parking and a few extra errands enter the chat. Especially at Fashion Island.

Having a Whole Foods at Westcliff Plaza will give Newport Heights and Dover Shores residents a much more convenient option for fresh produce, natural and organic groceries, prepared foods and those lifesaving last-minute dinner ideas.

The real headline, of course, may be the Whole Foods salad bar, my favorite! Sometimes dinner is homemade, and sometimes it is beautifully assembled into a compostable container five minutes before everyone asks what we are eating. Both count.

Why Westcliff Plaza Is the Perfect Location

Westcliff Plaza already functions as a neighborhood hub for residents on this side of Newport Beach. Its location near 17th Street places it close to Newport Heights, Dover Shores, Cliff Haven, Eastside Costa Mesa and several surrounding communities.

It is the kind of shopping center where you can pick up a prescription, squeeze in a workout, grab lunch, stop by the hardware store and shop for groceries—all without driving across town.

Adding Whole Foods Market strengthens that everyday convenience and gives local families another high-quality grocery option close to home.

For nearby homeowners, easy access to desirable shopping, dining and daily services is part of what makes a neighborhood feel especially tight-knit and livable. A well-known grocer like Whole Foods coming to Westcliff Plaza is not only exciting because of what will be on the shelves; it is another amenity that adds to the lifestyle appeal of Newport Heights and Dover Shores. The community surrounding Newport Heights and Dover Shores keeps getting better with so many additional restaurants like Flecha Cantina, Bear Flag Fish Company, and other new restaurants in this blog.

What We Know So Far

Irvine Company officially announced in May 2026 that Whole Foods Market will open a new location at Westcliff Plaza. The company described it as a future addition to the center, but an official opening date has not yet been released.

So, we may have to wait a little longer before making that first salad-bar run—but it is officially on the horizon.

Another Reason to Love Living in Newport Beach

One of the best things about living in Newport Heights and Dover Shores is having a true neighborhood lifestyle while remaining close to the beach, Back Bay, local restaurants, schools and everyday conveniences.

The arrival of Whole Foods at Westcliff Plaza adds one more reason these Newport Beach neighborhoods continue to be so desirable.

I am personally very excited for this one. Being able to grab fresh ingredients, prepared meals or something quick for the entire family without driving to Fashion Island will be a major win for local residents.

Now we just need the opening date—and perhaps a neighborhood support group for everyone who goes in for one salad and leaves with twelve snacks, fresh flowers and a new favorite sparkling water.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Newport Heights, Dover Shores or the surrounding Newport Beach neighborhoods? I would love to help you understand the local market—and all the lifestyle details that make each neighborhood unique.