Celebrating a Century: Honoring The Arches, Carried Forward by A Restaurant
Photos provided by City of Newport Beach, Orange County Archives, River Jetty Restaurant Group
In 1926, when Pacific Coast Highway first connected Newport Beach to the greater Southern California coastline, a landmark diner and service station known as The Arches opened its doors. With its distinctive Mediterranean-style architecture and reputation for serving steaks, it quickly became a defining stop along the coast, welcoming locals and Old Hollywood figures alike, including John Wayne.
For decades, The Arches stood as a symbol of Newport Beach’s early growth and coastal culture. After an impressive run, the historic property closed in 2007. The following year, in 2008, the space entered a new chapter, reintroduced as A Restaurant under new ownership, River Jetty Restaurant Group, with a clear intention to carry forward the legacy while reimagining the experience for a new era.
While the name evolved, the essence of the space remained. Today, A Restaurant continues to reflect the spirit that made The Arches so iconic, an inviting place where people come together, where stories are shared, and where the energy of Newport Beach is felt in real time.
Step inside and there’s an immediate sense of continuity. The signature red leather booths, warm lighting, and classic bar setting create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and familiar. It’s the kind of space that doesn’t follow trends; it sets its own tone.
Over the years, A Restaurant has welcomed a dynamic mix of guests, from longtime locals to a new generation discovering it for the first time. The throughline remains the same: a place to gather, connect, and return to.
A Restaurant’s menu reflects a commitment to consistency and quality, an approach that honors its history while staying relevant. A trio of standout starters—the Spicy Yellowfin Tuna, Meatballs, and Spanish Octopus—sets the tone each time we visit for dinner. The rotating weekly specials have also built a loyal following, creating a sense of anticipation throughout the week:
Chicken Pot Pie (Mondays & Fridays)
Mary’s Organic Chicken Piccata (Tuesdays)
Smoked Baby Back Ribs (Wednesdays)
Akaushi Skirt Steak (Thursdays)
Beyond that, staples like the Alaskan Halibut and Boneless Ribeye are our go-to entrees. And of course, the off-menu burger, a true insider favorite and, in our opinion, one of the best in town.
The appeal of A Restaurant extends well beyond the plate. There’s an unmistakable energy throughout the space with conversations flowing, glasses clinking and a bar scene that feels equally suited for a casual night or a celebratory evening.
It’s also one of Newport Beach’s most notable spots for people watching. That element, subtle but significant, has long been part of its identity.
You don’t simply go to A Restaurant for dinner. You go for the atmosphere, the familiarity, and the sense that you’re stepping into something that has been part of the community for generations.
Over time, A Restaurant has become a defining part of our Newport Beach experience. It’s where milestones have been marked, relationships deepened, and evenings extended just a little longer than planned. Without hesitation, it’s the first reservation we make…
As A Restaurant celebrates its centennial, it stands as a rare example of longevity done right. It has honored its past without becoming static and evolved without losing its identity.
"Reaching 100 years is incredibly special, and we wouldn't be here without the continued support from the Newport Beach community—so many people have been coming here for years, even decades," said Jordan Otterbein, River Jetty Restaurant Group partner. "Our goal has always been to respect the legacy of The Arches while continuing to evolve. We want A Restaurant to be a place where locals and visitors alike can come together, celebrate and create memories for generations to come.
One hundred years in, the foundation remains the same: exceptional food, a welcoming setting and a community that continues to show up. And if the past century is any indication, A Restaurant isn’t just reflecting on where it’s been, it’s confidently stepping into what comes next.
Cheers to another 100 years!
