A local favorite in Newport Beach’s dining scene, Olea, is expanding and reimagining its space, according to Greer’s OC. The restaurant is located at 2001 Westcliff Dr, Suite 100, in The Walk retail center, near Newport Bay.
These changes at the property include adding 750 square feet to bring the restaurant to a new total of 4,345 square feet. The business now has more seating (its capacity increased from 114 to 144), a new restroom, a private dining room for 16 called the Mariner’s Room, and a foyer for a piano.
Records from the Newport Beach Planning Commission show that the plans were unanimously approved. The remodel is the latest project from Russ Bendel, founder of RJB Restaurant Group, whose portfolio includes other Orange County hits like Vine in San Clemente, Ironwood in Laguna Hills, and Parlor in San Clemente, which also recently underwent changes.
Olea sits on the first floor of the three-story, 32,466-square-foot mixed-use commercial complex and has a patio that seats 30 patrons. Its operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. daily. It has a wine country-inspired menu, led by Executive Chef Jared Cook and a curated wine list by Gabe Whorley.
