News Summary
Luke’s Lobster has officially opened its first location in Newport Beach, bringing authentic Maine-style seafood to Orange County. The grand opening attracted enthusiastic crowds eager to taste the famous lobster rolls and other menu highlights. Local officials attended the event, highlighting the positive impact of this new restaurant on the local economy. Luke’s Lobster is committed to community engagement and sustainability, making it a notable addition to the vibrant dining scene in Newport Beach.
Newport Beach Welcomes Luke’s Lobster with Long Lines for Maine-Style Cuisine
Luke’s Lobster officially opened its first location in Orange County on August 22, 2025, bringing a taste of Maine to Newport Beach. The restaurant, located at 329 Marine Avenue, features an array of Maine-style seafood options, including its renowned lobster rolls.
On opening day, enthusiastic residents and fans lined up around the block, arriving by rideshare, foot, golf cart, and vehicle, eager to sample the menu. The overwhelming turnout reflects the excitement in the community for this new culinary addition.
Local officials, including Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, attended the grand opening, emphasizing the positive impact that Luke’s Lobster will have on local businesses and the economy. The new eatery is anticipated to contribute not just to the food scene but also to the community’s vibrancy.
Menu Highlights
Luke’s Lobster is celebrated for its focus on simple, high-quality seafood offerings. The restaurant’s signature dish is the lobster roll, priced at $30 for a quarter-pound roll and $41 for a six-ounce roll. In addition to lobster rolls, the menu includes shrimp rolls priced at $17 and $22, crab rolls at $22 and $30, and a seafood roll flight available for $33. Each roll comes with a bag of chips and a beverage, with further dining options like New England clam chowder and poppyseed slaw.
Promotional Events and Community Engagement
To introduce itself to the Orange County market, Luke’s Lobster is offering promotional giveaways for the first 100 customers who order a six-ounce lobster roll, receiving a complimentary beach towel. The restaurant plans to actively engage with the community, pledging to donate $1 from every lobster roll sold during its first week to Serving People in Need, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness in nearby Costa Mesa.
Background of Luke’s Lobster
Founded in 2009 by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden, Luke’s Lobster has cultivated a dedicated following over the years. With a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, it operates as a Certified B Corporation, ensuring responsible sourcing and sustainable practices. The opening in Newport Beach follows previous establishments in San Francisco and a recently opened location in Santa Monica in late 2024, indicating the brand’s growth trajectory along the West Coast.
The Newport Beach location joins a burgeoning commercial scene on Marine Avenue, which also features new businesses such as Hello Candy and Jasper Coffee. The restaurant plans to operate daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering both lunch and dinner, enhancing the dining options for local residents and visitors alike.
With its grand opening creating buzz and excitement, Luke’s Lobster is poised to become a favorite dining destination in Newport Beach, showcasing the flavors of Maine while actively contributing to the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orange County Restaurants Ordered to Close and Reopen
Luke’s Lobster Opens First Orange County Location
Newport Beach Welcomes Luke’s Lobster to Balboa Island
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Crustacean Craving Crowd
- Los Angeles Times: Luke’s Lobster Newport Beach
- Patch: Popular Lobster Roll Chain
- Eat This, Not That: Seafood Chains with the Best Quality Fish
- Newport This Week: Bits & Bites
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
