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Buddha's Favorite

Buddha's Favorite Buddha's Favorite is a popular sushi restaurant located on Balboa Peninsula's docks that offers traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine fused with creative dishes, making it a hidden treasure in Newport Beach. With the option of taking reservations or walking in, this restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with a softly lit romantic patio overlooking the bay, lively sushi bar, and an extensive menu featuring Japanese appetizers, sushi, and entrees made from fresh ingredients including fish flown in from all over the world for the highest quality sushi. Make sure to say hi to the owners Nicole & Matt and enjoy some sake while taking in the breathtaking view.
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Recent social media posts

05/31/2026

Looking to propose? Let Buddha’s Favorite help!

Hosting this long weekend? Reserve one of our Buddha’s Platters and make entertaining easy. Whether it’s an intimate get...
05/23/2026

Hosting this long weekend? Reserve one of our Buddha’s Platters and make entertaining easy. Whether it’s an intimate get together or a big celebration, we’ve got you covered.

05/20/2026

The answer is: HELL YES!!

05/08/2026

Meet Nicole! Proud owner of Buddha’s Favorite.

You can never raise a glass to moms enough. Celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend at Buddha’s Favorite. 🥂💐
05/05/2026

You can never raise a glass to moms enough. Celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend at Buddha’s Favorite. 🥂💐

05/04/2026

Does anyone else relate??

04/16/2026

Follow for pt. 2!

04/10/2026

So basically every day 🤷🏽‍♀️

After much thought and careful consideration, Buddha’s Favorite has decided that, moving forward, we will be exclusively...
04/01/2026

After much thought and careful consideration, Buddha’s Favorite has decided that, moving forward, we will be exclusively vegan.

Seven years ago today, Matt and Nicole took over Buddha’s Favorite—a place they already loved as customers. When they he...
03/26/2026

Seven years ago today, Matt and Nicole took over Buddha’s Favorite—a place they already loved as customers. When they heard it was for sale, they knew it was the start of something special.
Seven years later, Buddha’s is still going strong. They spend their days doing what they love—running the restaurant, connecting with their amazing customers, and enjoying every moment along the way.
Cheers to 7 years! 🥂🍣

03/20/2026

Want to dock and dine but don’t have a boat? No problem—we’ve got you covered. 🚤

03/14/2026

Fabulous from every angle….✨ Come in and try our Sushi Combos for 1 or 2 people.

And just like that…It’s the weekend!!! Make the most of it and grab a platter for a gathering with friends!
03/14/2026

And just like that…It’s the weekend!!! Make the most of it and grab a platter for a gathering with friends!

Follow to the rainbow(roll) 🌈☘️
03/11/2026

Follow to the rainbow(roll) 🌈☘️

No valentine? No problem. We’ve got you covered 💘
02/14/2026

No valentine? No problem. We’ve got you covered 💘

02/13/2026

Lil’ Buddha’s is 2! 🎉
Whether you’re planning a date night, catching up with friends, or just stopping in for a quick bite, we’ve got you covered.
We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support. None of this would be possible without our amazing community. Thank you for being part of the Lil’ Buddha’s family!

02/06/2026

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Don’t forget to plan ahead and book your reservation now. We will be offering our exclusive heart roll. 💕

01/31/2026

when you’re having a bad day, he still hasn’t asked you to be his valentine, and this happens… 🙄

01/25/2026

Love is in the air 💘 Join us for Valentine’s Day lunch and dinner and fall for our Love Roll—best enjoyed with your partner or your favorite bestie.

01/19/2026

Poor thing was left all alone. 🥺 Don’t worry, we took it in.

CHEERS…to 25 years of Buddha’s Favorite. Stay tuned as we are planning a celebration Friday, September 12th. 🍾🍣🎉
09/01/2025

CHEERS…to 25 years of Buddha’s Favorite. Stay tuned as we are planning a celebration Friday, September 12th. 🍾🍣🎉

It’s National Oyster Day!! Come in and celebrate with us! 🦪
08/05/2025

It’s National Oyster Day!! Come in and celebrate with us! 🦪

This weeks specials:
07/30/2025

This weeks specials:

Starter Spotlight: BLACK COD “SAIKYO STYLE” - Broiled black cod marinated in sweet miso. Perfect with rice or by itself ...
07/22/2025

Starter Spotlight: BLACK COD “SAIKYO STYLE” - Broiled black cod marinated in sweet miso. Perfect with rice or by itself 🎏

Address

634 Lido Park Drive
Newport Beach, CA
92663

To get to Lido Park Drive in Newport Beach by public transport, you can take a bus or train to the Newport Transportation Center. From there, you can transfer to the local trolley bus that goes towards Lido Village. Get off at the Lido Park stop and walk towards the water.

If driving, head towards Newport Beach and take the Coast Highway exit. Follow the road all the way until you reach Newport Pier. Turn right onto E Balboa Blvd, then right again onto Lido Park Drive. Parking is available along Lido Park Drive or in nearby parking lots.

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 9pm
Tuesday 5pm - 9pm
Wednesday 5pm - 9pm
Thursday 5pm - 10pm
Friday 5pm - 10:30pm
Saturday 12pm - 3pm
5pm - 10:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 3pm
5pm - 9pm

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What people say

Sushi restaurants are known for their fresh and delicious seafood, creative rolls, and inviting atmosphere. And if you're looking for a sushi spot that ticks all these boxes and more, look no further than Buddha's Favorite in Newport Beach.

Located on the docks of Balboa Peninsula, this hidden gem has been a local favorite since it opened in 2000. Under new ownership since 2019, the restaurant has maintained its reputation for serving up traditional Japanese cuisine with a creative twist.

One of the standout features of Buddha's Favorite is their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. They fly in fish from all over the world daily to ensure that every dish is of the highest quality. And with a menu that includes everything from classic sushi rolls to innovative appetizers like Yoshi's Spring Roll, there's something for everyone.

But it's not just the food that makes Buddha's Favorite special - it's also the atmosphere. The softly lit patio overlooking the bay is perfect for a romantic evening out, while the lively sushi bar and cozy dining area inside make it ideal for catching up with friends or family.

And if you want to ensure you get a table at this popular spot, be sure to make a reservation - it comes highly recommended by regulars. But even if you don't have one, don't hesitate to walk in and say hi to the friendly staff.

Overall, Buddha's Favorite is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves sushi or Japanese cuisine. With its commitment to quality ingredients and creative dishes, as well as its inviting atmosphere and friendly staff, it truly lives up to its name as one of Newport Beach's favorites.