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  • Sol Cocina

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Reserve at Sol Cocina

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Sol Cocina
Sol Cocina

Sol Cocina Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.solcocina.com
  • Phone: (949) 675-9800
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch (11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), Dinner (Sun-Wed 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs-Sat 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.), Happy Hour (4 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily in the bar and patio), and Weekend Brunch (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday).
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Mexican, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Executive Chef: Deborah Schneider
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Fireplace, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: Full catering services as well as Dockside Catering options! http://www.solcocina.com/
  • Private Party Facilities: We have a private downstairs dining room lit with a beautiful candle wall secluded from the noise of the public dining room. Music is on it's own volume control and we can host events from 20-55 guests (35 seated, 55 standing) depending on the style of menu selected. A private bar is also available upon request for this room. We also have a patio looking out onto the Balboa marina that can accommodate 20-50 guests (35 seated, 50 standing) depending on the style of menu selected. Parties looking to book for more than 50 guests can talk with the Events Coordinator about partial and full buyouts of the restaurant.
  • Private Party Contact: Paige Wylie (520) 834-3748
  • Entertainment: We offer live music every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 10:30 pm, Saturday night from 8:00 to 11:00 pm, and Sunday Brunch from Noon to 3:00 pm.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: PCH and Bayside Dr.
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: We offer both self parking adjacent to the restaurant and complimentary valet parking as you arrive.
A word from Sol Cocina
The Best of Baja in the heart of Newport, SOL Cocina offers an upscale, yet inviting dining experience on the water in Newport Harbor. Executive Chef Deborah Schneider, a 2009 James Beard Foundation Book Award Nominee, has created a menu of contemporary and gourmet interpretations of Baja street… cuisine,
inlcuding antojitos, street tacos, cocktels de mariscos and main dishes made with fresh seafood, wood grilled meats, local produce and salsas that are all made fresh daily.Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerMexican
Diner Reviews
  • "We were looking for great Mexican on our vacation and Sol definitely delivered. I had the Wild Fish on Esquitas - absolutely delicious. My kids had Carne Asada tacos and ate all! Guacamole was amazing! Highly recommend!"
    Dined on 7/27/2014
  • "We did an early Sunday dinner at Sol Cocina... place was very busy at 5:30pm; lots of families coming from the beach. Service was only okay, but considering that the restaurant was packed, the waitstaff did okay. Food quality was very good; all the ingredients tasted significantly better than your average local. Carne asada was made with an nice cut of flank steak (I think) and was lean and nicely seasoned. Tacos were also very good quality, but we both thought the seasoning with hot peppers was a bit overdone. We did get a nice burn, but not too subtle on the flavors here."
    Dined on 7/27/2014
  • "Took my mother here when we were staying in Newport and the restaurant did not disappoint! Excellent food and service. The waiter talked me into a different margarita than what I had originally ordered based on the fact I said I did not like them too sweet, and what came out was the perfect margarita I was looking for. I highly recommend the roasted poblano chile rellenos - delish."
    Dined on 7/26/2014
  • "The food was amazing. At the beginning of our meal we didn't get any water or our drinks for about ten minutes, but other than that our server was great the drinks were great. Nice kick to the cucumber jalapeno margarita. Afterwards we went up to the bar listened to the live music over one more round of drinks. It's water front with boats outside. The bar is very nice included with a fireplace. We will go back."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "Had reservations for friday night. Had to wait 15 mins but it's ok cause the service from the waiter was fantastic. He was funny, very sweet and helped us make great selections in drinks. We came out very satisfied and will forever remember that night. Food was amazing as always, and ambiance was perfect. This was the second time we take our friends and they love it Sol as much as we do."
    Dined on 7/18/2014
  • "scenic harbor view, upscale Mexican menu, freshly made with a foodie flair, great vibe. The service was excellent. Sunday Brunch a must"
    Dined on 7/16/2014
  • "I ordered the "market price" fish... and it was so overcooked I couldn't eat it. I choked on a fish bone and although the service was great - the food was close to terrible, despite a menu that really had me thinking this was going to be amazing. The calamari appetizer came out in 6 inch thick bricks... and although when we arrived at 6:45 the place was full, with people waiting... when we left at 7:55... it was nearly empty, which tells mw I am not alone in my opinion."
    Dined on 7/14/2014
  • "The coconut calamari is excellent. The steak burrito not to my liking. The steak was cut into little bits. Would have been better cut in strips. Probably wouldn't order that again. Disappointed they don't service flower tortilla's with their tacos. Corn tacos are like cardboard. That made my menu selection items very limited."
    Dined on 7/13/2014
  • "Great for Mexican any day or night, and service is very friendly."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Good food & atmosphere; great location/view (on the water). However, it was a little expensive...especially the drinks."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "Wow, I was so happy to accidentally find this place. It's got a great view of the bay, wonderful food, and it's not pricey. I really enjoyed our experience, and plan to return. One word of advice - make reservations! It gets packed, even on a weeknight."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "Made reservation online using Open Table. Painless. Arrived 45 mins early. Host said, "No problem, we'll call you when your table is read". We had a cocktail in the lounge, which was buzzing with those talking advantage of Happy Hour (until 7pm...on a Sunday!!!) We got called, and they had a window seat waiting for us (I had requested a window seat via Open Table, since it was my dear friends birthday.) I was an isolated booth, too. So nice! Service and food was great. However, I wasn't that thrilled with the Calamari appetizer (too much breading), and the grill fish taco (fish was a little dry). All else, loved it. Oh, I wish the Old Fashioned was on Happy Hour prices...I even had the house whiskey. Hmm."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "Trendy scene with a great location. The best part is the food! What a pleasant surprise that you could actually get Baja Style taste better than at a reputable Baja location! Okay! You got me on the Sol guacamole and fish tacos..."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "I loved the eclectic Mexican menu, very fun. The summer guacamole with watermelon was amazing! I also enjoyed the corn appetizer and the carnitas tacos. The jalapeño cucumber margarita was awesome!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Terrific Mexican food. Loved the carnitas tacos. Live music was great. We were able to enjoy the music and still talk."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "We went on July 5th. Make reservations place is busy but very friendly and excellent food."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "The food and drinks were unique and delicious. The service was friendly and efficient."
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "We made a reservation for Sunday night and were glad we did because they were busy. Even though we were a party of two and they were busy, we were seated in a comfortable booth. This was greatly appreciated! Steven was our server and he was energetic, attentive and knowledgable of the menu. The margaritas were delicious! We also had tacos vampirios and the chorizo and queso mushroom appetizer. All was excellent. I also have to add, a food runner dropped a dish by our table while we were there, something that could happen to anyone and would be horrifying. I overheard two supervisors speaking to the girl and telling her it was okay. Kudos to the management for being so kind to not only customers, but also the staff!"
    Dined on 6/29/2014
  • "The reception was nice. The hostesses were professional and accommodating. I requested a seat with a view and they delivered. Our server was energetic. My margarita was great, the food was good. Our server didn't do a check back after we received our meals, maybe because we were eating and looked like we were ok? I wanted a side of cheese... By the time he came over, I was full. But I guess that stuff happens nbd. The manager stopped by to ensure we were enjoying everything, a few other team members refilled our waters three times and bussed some plates I pushed aside. Every single person was hospitable. My husband and I will be back because of ambience and also the hospitality... And the food too!"
    Dined on 6/29/2014
  • "Every time we go to Sol we have a great experience! The food is amazing, the drinks are made well and balanced, and the service is wonderful. Even though it's always busy, I never feel neglected. Everyone seems to help each other out at this restaurant and we appreciate that."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "Amazing meal and dining experience from start to finish!"
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "Came here for a casual dinner and enjoyed the food and location. it was a bit too dark to look at the ocean but it definitely made the experience better. Must try the tacos gobernador. Great food and great location."
    Dined on 6/6/2014
  • "Nice waterfront Mex with great Margaritas. Food is not typical Tex Mex, which is a nice change."
    Dined on 6/5/2014
  • "Great food, great service, great atmosphere! Put this on your list for a wonderful dining experience"
    Dined on 6/3/2014
  • "We enjoyed our first visit to Sol Cocina. The House Margarita was delicious as well as the Baja Shrimp style taco! The noise level inside made it difficult to have a conversation because of the acoustics; however, great energy in the room. Next time, I'd reserve space outside. I loved the scenery of the boats. Upscale casual dress, but surprised that many people were dressed a bit more casual - but then again the beauty of living in Southern California. I'd definitely would return!"
    Dined on 6/1/2014
  • "Upon reading prior reviews about their service I was relieved to see that their service matched their food and scenic view! The service was top notch from the beginning as they went out of their to find us a seat outside in the patio. Some very well made drinks along with the view of the harbor made us want to stay there all day to enjoy. The japanese ceviche and steak tacos were to die for. Overall loved this place and will make sure we visit again very soon!"
    Dined on 6/1/2014
  • "Service was slow and our waiter seemed confused. Food was alright. Surprised to see the place was PACKED even though I felt the entire experience was underwhelming. The $5 mango mimosas were great though! Unfortunately they ran out about an hour into our brunch though. Nice view."
    Dined on 6/1/2014
  • "This place is really, really loud so be prepared for that. The food is great, from the tacos to the burritos. The Guacamole Sol is a must. The only downside is the horrible service no matter who the waiter is. Also, they took out the barbacoa from the menu, which was the best thing they had. Where is the logic in eliminating your best dish? Idiots!"
    Dined on 5/26/2014
  • "We were recommended to Sol by the Newport Coast Marriott. The place was hopping with a guitarist in the bar area. We had a reservation but showed up early and we all had their signature watermelon margarita before being seated, nice and smooth. We brought a special bottle of wine with us and paid a $15 corkage fee. We had 2 orders of the naked guacamole and chips as appetizers, very tasty. The Chilie Limon Chicken was more than one person could eat. The Queso Vamiro Taco is very spicy. The carnitas tacos were a little small but very flavorful. The Kobe steak was a more tough than we expected, but was replaced with a taco combo and not charged to our bill."
    Dined on 5/24/2014
  • "Restaurant has a beautiful view, just ask for table by the window. Our waiter was great. The biggest disappointment was the fact that with reservations we still had to wait for a while, two hostesses were not very nice when I asked why we had to wait that long for a table that was reserved ahead of time. On the better note we really enjoyed our food and Margaritas were very good too. "
    Dined on 5/24/2014
  • "MOST OF THE DISHES ARE SPICEY SO WE REQUEST ALL PEPPER REMOVE. THEY NEED TO TRAINED THEIR EMPLOYEES HOW TO SPREAD THE INGREDIENTS APART SO EVERY BITE YOU TAKE,YOU CAN TASTE ALL THE INGREDIENTS. HOT FOOD SHOULD SERVE HOT AND OFFER HEALTHY DESSERTS "
    Dined on 5/23/2014
  • "What happened to the barbacoa??? They eliminated the best thing on the menu, which is a really dumb move. The tacos and burritos were good, but the service has really become terrible the last few times we've been here. Our waiter forgot the guacamole appetizer and never showed up until we were done eating. So we didn't get our guacamole until AFTER dinner, plus it looked like he was drinking more than the customers. "
    Dined on 5/23/2014
  • "I brought some clients here as I have eaten here with my wife previously. We were seated quickly on the patio which was nice. We were brought some chips and salsa and two waters for four people. We only had utensils for two as well. Received two more waters after asking the server twice. All the food was good except my medium rare steak was very raw for 2/3 of it. I ate around the raw portions and did not send it back as I was with clients. Other than that the experience was good with the inside being overall nicer than the patio. I would go again with just the two of us but would hesitate with a larger group."
    Dined on 5/22/2014
  • "We have had two good dinners at Sol Cocina. The service was excellent both times. We loved the ceviche and the tacos. I would go back often."
    Dined on 5/19/2014
  • "Love to go to SOL for Sunday brunch when in Newport Beach! All of the egg dishes are delicious! They have some tasty Margaritas too - especially the one with muddled jalapeño."
    Dined on 5/18/2014
  • "I've been to Sol Cucina in Scottsdale is it's fabulous on all counts. The one in Newport Beach still has the same great food but it was so loud that we couldn't hear each other talk. It seemed like everyone was yelling just so they could be heard. I'll try it for lunch but doubt I'll go back for dinner. The dress ranges from... Just got off the beach to nice."
    Dined on 5/16/2014
  • "we left after we had a drink and an appetizer. there was a table intended for four people next to us that had six 21 year old girls having a riotous time. they took two seats from our table to make it work. we are 60, and found it to be too much noise for us to enjoy our conversation. the server was very good, and i was disappointed to not give him our dinner business. we were on patio, and it was nothing but a hothouse as the canvas cover roof was kept closed. we will try again sometime and eat in the dining room during the week. "
    Dined on 5/16/2014
  • "Sat at the bar w/girlfriend for drinks and apps and it was over $100!! Not worth it. "
    Dined on 5/16/2014
  • "Love going here for the open atmosphere but the food is VERY VERY inconsistent. I always order the same dish and it tastes and looks different every time I come. The drinks were strong when they first opened...but now they are just watered down. The service in the restaurant is better than the bar... "
    Dined on 5/15/2014
  • "I've been here a couple times - they have good margaritas, cold beer, and great tacos! Also nice views of the boats/water. What more can you ask for when you're going out with a group of friends."
    Dined on 5/14/2014
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Orange County Winners
  • Mexican
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