At last we were able to visit one of the most talked about new restaurants in Orange County.  It is The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Newport.  The restaurant, located on West Coast Highway,  is adjacent to the Marina offering diners and lounge patrons serene views of the harbor.
Our visit proved that all the good things we had heard about this restaurant were true.  The decor is spectacular with bars, lounges and dining rooms on two levels including an  all season patio on the second level with two fireplaces and view of the harbor.
If you wish to arrive by boat the restaurant has its own dock.
The menu has much to offer including a whole list of wild game prepared to order.
The Winery lives up to its name with over 5000 bottles of wines from all over the world.  There are also over one hundred wine storage cabinets for private use by customers who wish to store their wines in  climate control condition.
My partner and I started with a calamari that was tender and most flavorful.  My entree was jumbo Maine scallops, and wild white shrimp over risotto.  My dining partner ordered the slow braised angus beef short ribs which were so tender a knife was not needed.
The Winery is located at 3131 West Coast Highway in Newport with valet parking.  It is open seven days a week for dinner.  For more information call 949 999-6622.