"Orange County's French benchmark — the Marneaus plate coq au vin and Courvoisier lobster at Crystal Cove, a Michelin-listed room for a special night."
About Marché Moderne
Marché Moderne is one of Southern California's most celebrated French restaurants, run by chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau since 2007. After years at South Coast Plaza, the couple moved the restaurant to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Beach, opening a coastal room with an exhibition kitchen, an expanded bar and an ocean-air patio. It is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, with Florent on savoury cooking and Amelia leading pastry.
For Newport Beach's other top tables, compare the French-Irish Fable & Spirit, the Italian fine dining at Andrea at Pelican Hill and the seasonal The Winery Restaurant. Marché Moderne belongs to the city's French and fine-dining scene.
The Kitchen
The cooking marries classic French technique with a modern, market-driven sensibility. Bistro benchmarks are on point — coq au vin, a charcuterie and pâté selection — alongside the signature poached Maine lobster tail flambéed in Courvoisier and paired with a scallop quenelle. There is a five-course tasting menu (around $165, with an optional wine pairing) as well as à la carte, and Amelia Marneau's desserts are a destination in themselves. This is top-of-market dining for Orange County.
The Room
The Crystal Cove room is bright and contemporary, built around an open exhibition kitchen with an expanded bar and a patio that catches the coastal air — a more polished, airy setting than the original South Coast Plaza space. Service is warm and professional, geared to long, celebratory meals. Smart dress and a reservation are both advised, particularly at weekends.
Best for an Anniversary
A Michelin-listed French kitchen, an airy coastal room and a destination pastry programme make Marché Moderne a natural table for an anniversary or a proposal in Newport Beach. The polish also suits a dinner to impress clients.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget meal — Marché Moderne is a top-of-market French fine-dining room built for long, celebratory dinners.
Frequently Asked
What is Marché Moderne in Newport Beach known for?
It is one of Southern California's most celebrated French restaurants, run by chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau, known for classic French cooking, a destination pastry programme and a MICHELIN Guide listing at Crystal Cove.
Who are the chefs at Marché Moderne?
Chef-owners Florent Marneau, who leads the savoury kitchen, and Amelia Marneau, who leads pastry; the couple have owned the restaurant since 2007.
What should I order at Marché Moderne?
The coq au vin and the poached Maine lobster tail flambéed in Courvoisier with a scallop quenelle are signatures, and Amelia Marneau's desserts are a highlight.
How much does it cost to eat at Marché Moderne?
It is top-of-market for Orange County — there is a five-course tasting menu around $165 with an optional wine pairing, plus à la carte dining.
Where is Marché Moderne located?
At 7862 East Coast Highway in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center, Newport Beach, after moving from its original South Coast Plaza location.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes — booking and smart dress are both advised, particularly at weekends.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Marché Moderne
Book ahead, particularly at weekends; smart dress advised.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address7862 East Coast Highway, Crystal Cove, Newport Beach
NeighbourhoodCrystal Cove, Newport Coast
CuisineFrench / Fine Dining
PriceFive-course tasting ~$165; à la carte
Dress CodeSmart
SeatingCoastal room with exhibition kitchen and patio
ReservationRecommended
