August 23, 2025

Newport Beach Welcomes Luke’s Lobster’s Maine-Style Cuisine

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.