When I can't take the heat, I go to the seafood kitchen, especially one with an ocean view. Fly 'N' Fish Oyster Bar & Grill is a little pearl perched on Newport Peninsula facing the Pacific.
A few doors down from the famous Mutt Lynch's, Fly 'N Fish offers up some dining class without the dress code. It's a great place to grab a light lunch, fish dinner, or an Oyster Shooter while watching the game.
If a rock-salt platter is what you prefer, they've got that too with Oysters from Vancouver to Maine.
Here's what to order whether you're seated at a high-top table, or bellied up to the bar.
The Grubdown:
- small 'n sweet, paired with Raspberry Mignonette Vinegar with Shallots, Kusshi Oysters from Vancouver $ Market Price
- buttery with grassy notes, paired with Lemon & Horseradish, Kumamoto Oysters from California $ Market Price
- the largest of the bunch, briney 'n earthy, paired with Cocktail Sauce, Malpaque Oysters from East Coast $ Market Price
- heavenly, thin yet still creamy, New England Clam Chowder with smokey Bacon, Leeks, finely chopped Potatoes, Celery & tender Clams $5 cup/$8 bowl
- plump 'n round like a crab meatball, breading is noticeable but smooth, and salsa is refreshing, Maryland Crab Cakes with Sauteed Lump Crab & Papaya-Mint Salsa $18
- sauce is too light, noodles lacked flavor, had to ask for Parmesan, Linguine Vongole with Clams sauteed in a White Wine Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce $19
I loved the freshly made condiments served with each dish, their pillowey Garlic Bread, and the fact that the Chowda was served in an actual coffee "cup".
I didn't love that the hostess forgot to ask us if we'd like to move to the table we were on the waiting list for, after we succumbed to the bar for a bite.
2304 W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663. 949-673-8400.
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