The Beachcomber
$$$ • Restaurant
Most Recent Reviews
The beachcomber is a quaint restaurant on the sand at Crystal Cove. It’s a small establishment with a small kitchen and a handful of GF menu options.
When I asked about the kitchen’s gluten protocols, the server confirmed that my order ticket would be marked with “gluten allergy” and that the kitchen would take measures like washing hands and changing gloves.
I ordered the ahi poke bowl and it was excellent.
I didn’t get sick, but I wouldn’t rush to return. About 2 items on the menu are marked GF, neither of them entrees. The server seemed apathetic and wore unnecessary sunglasses the whole time, but he talked me through the menu. They can substitute GF pasta (there’s a lot of pasta on the menu with various entrees) but I wanted to avoid that given the previous review. I ended up with the sea bass special - bass, mashed potatoes, asparagus, butter sauce. It tasted good, the fish was cooked well, and I didn’t get sick, but it wasn’t a great experience.
This place is right on the beach in the historic district of Crystal Cove. It’s a little surprising how noisy and crowded this area is compared to the rest of the park. We made a reservation (otherwise the wait for a table at 5 pm was over an hour). It took three hosts to get menus and get us seated - we talked to them each in turn and they would walk away and not come back.
We sat on the covered porch with an ocean view, but it was so noisy and crowded, with beachgoers walking by and the frequent smell of weed, that it didn’t really feel like a nice dining experience. People were seated wearing bathing suits and towels. I’m not sure everyone had shoes. So it felt weird that the food was pricey and formal. They should turn it into a casual place.
Again, I got safe, tasty food, but I wouldn’t rush to go again. Maybe in the off season it is more pleasant!
One of us was served a dish that had a few NON-GF spaghetti noodles mixed in with the gluten-free penne. Luckily we’re only moderately intolerant, and not celiac like others in the family! I ordered a tuna dish that was marked as GF on the menu, and it was great. Proceed with caution if you eat here!
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More Reviews
It’s been a couple years but had a wonderful dining experience there. Had their scallop special and it was divine. No problems after the meal. Going again soon. Can’t beat the beach front setting. 3 years later just as good as I remembered. They even customized the cauliflower steak to be both gf and vegan for my friend. Waves crashing nearby. A real gem.
Outstanding food and staff was knowledgeable about gluten free. Very unique atmosphere
This restaurant catered the reception on the beach for a beach wedding. It started out scary as an older women server stated emphatically that the King Hawaiian sliders were gluten free and insisted I take one. I tossed it as I am aware of this company and they make nothing gluten free. She later found me and informed me she has been mistaken, no apology for trying to send me to a hospital.
I got the manager to run through all the food at the buffet to find out what actually was gluten free. The corn, ribs and chicken all were gluten free and tasted wonderful.
You can't go wrong being located on the sand in Newport Beach. Add to that delicious food and great service and you've got a real gem. Our server, Brandon, was awesome - super friendly and helpful. The hubby and I have to be gluten & dairy free. They were able to make some tweaks and our food came out delicious and safe.
