OLEA, named for a genus of trees in warm and tropical regions, is the newest restaurant concept scheduled to open in Newport Beach, next to Kean Coffee before the year’s end. OLEA is a sister wine country restaurant to Vine in San Clemente and Ironwood in Laguna Hills from OC based restaurateur Russ Bendel. Executive chef-partner Jared Cook will offer a European twist on Napa/Sonoma-inspired cuisine and spirits.
Brad A. Johnson named both Vine and Ironwood in the “75 Best Places to Eat” in the Orange County Register. Ironwood was also named one of the six restaurants in “Best of the New” in Orange Coast Magazine's April 2017 “Best Restaurants” issue, and was honored as “Best New Restaurant” in 2016 by the Golden Foodies. Bendel, was with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for nine years before striking out on his own.
Specialties at OLEA will include Crispy Meyer lemon duck wings, jumbo lump crab and heirloom beets, chef Jared’s schnitzel and house made spaetzle, seasonal house-made agnolotti, 24 oz. bone-in ribeye, daily fresh seafood specials
OLEA will offer private dining, covered and heated patio, semi-private dining area seating for 34, captain’s table for 10-12. Self-parking in recently-opened 300-car parking structure adjacent to restaurant
2001 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach.
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from the blog
- 01.14.26 – Ignite Dance: 35 Years of Movement in Orange County
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