Levain Bakery, the New York City-born bakery known for its oversized cookies and fresh-baked breads, is getting ready to open a new location in Newport Beach at 401 Newport Center Drive.
The company’s Newport Beach location will open inside Fashion Island, according to the OC Register, joining Amalfi and Teleferic Barcelona as new tenants coming to the shopping center. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the expansion follows recent openings in Venice and Beverly Hills, previously reported by What Now. Customers can expect Levain’s core menu of signature cookies, breads, and pastries, all baked fresh daily.
Levain Bakery was founded in 1995 by longtime friends Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, who originally opened a small bread shop on New York’s Upper West Side. The bakery became widely known after a large chocolate chip walnut cookie quickly gained popularity with local customers. Over time, Levain evolved from a neighborhood bakery into a nationally recognized brand, while maintaining its original recipes and hands-on baking approach.
The Newport Beach opening represents another step in Levain’s West Coast expansion, following strong demand in California through both shipping and brick-and-mortar locations. The brand currently operates bakeries across New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Southern California has emerged as one of Levain’s strongest markets outside of New York.
The menu at the Newport Beach bakery is expected to feature Levain’s well-known six-ounce cookies, including chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and rotating seasonal flavors. In addition to cookies, locations typically offer fresh breads, scones, and muffins, along with a small selection of savory items. Coffee and beverages are also available for customers ordering in-store. The Newport Beach shop is expected to serve both residents and visitors seeking a familiar bakery brand with a strong following and a consistent menu.
