Newport Beach Restaurants: The Crab Cooker and Marche Moderne

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My Newport Beach restaurant photos tell two different stories: a seafood salad on a red table at The Crab Cooker, then an egg dish surrounded by a tumble of shoestring potatoes at Marche Moderne. One feels casual and bright; the other calls for a little more of an occasion. I would plan them as separate meals, with an outfit that fits each mood rather than trying to make one restaurant day do everything.

The Crab Cooker: a relaxed Newport Beach lunch

The avocado, greens and seafood in my Crab Cooker photo are the starting point for this lunch. There is something about a red tabletop and a plate that does not need much ceremony. I would keep the clothes equally unfussy: faded-black wide-leg twill trousers, a chocolate leather belt with a gold buckle and woven leather huarache sandals. That combination leaves room for a walk before or after the meal.

The belt is designed to sit at the hips, so check its measurement against the trousers you plan to wear rather than assuming your usual waist size. The huaraches are the warmer-weather choice here; for a cool day, use a closed shoe already in your wardrobe. These are outfit ideas inspired by my restaurant photos, not a list of pieces I wore to either meal.

What to wear around Newport Beach

A small curved black shoulder bag is enough when lunch is the main event. The compact shape keeps it from competing with the belt. Add round tortoiseshell polarized sunglasses outside, then take them off at the table. I like the warm tortoise next to chocolate leather: the colors relate without making everything match.

For a sunny afternoon, a pale packable brimmed hat changes the feel of the outfit without adding another dark piece. A berry-red silk hair scrunchie is a smaller way to bring color in. I would choose the hat or the bright hair accessory as the main accent rather than wear every suggestion at once. If it is windy, the hair accessory is the simpler choice.

Before going, check The Crab Cooker website for the current Newport Beach details and menu. My photo records a meal, not a promise that the same dish will be offered on your visit. Keeping that distinction makes the planning easier and leaves room to order what looks good that day.

Marche Moderne: a different kind of Newport Beach meal

At Marche Moderne, my overhead photo is all white plate, golden potatoes and the egg at the center. The close view is the point: a meal worth slowing down for, without needing an elaborate account of every course. I would make this the more dressed-up reservation of the two and leave time around it rather than turn it into a rushed stop.

What to wear to Marche Moderne

A navy column jersey midi dress gives the outfit a clean line. Navy is a softer starting point than another all-black look, and the simple shape lets the accessories do a little more. For jewelry, choose a delicate gold fern necklace if you want something close to the neckline, or gold chain pearl drop earrings if you would rather leave the neckline bare. Either is enough.

With the dress, I would carry a small black smooth-leather clutch instead of the daytime shoulder bag. Its structured shape and gold hardware give the outfit a more deliberate finish. A pale blue silk scarf with a plush trim adds texture when the evening calls for another layer. It is a statement accent rather than a substitute for a warm coat, so keep the weather in mind.

Planning the two restaurant visits

Marche Moderne lists its address as 7862 East Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Use the official Marche Moderne website for current dining and reservation details. The two meals suit different plans: The Crab Cooker for the relaxed seafood-lunch mood in my photo, Marche Moderne when you want the meal itself to be the occasion.

For packing, the useful distinction is day versus evening, not a completely new wardrobe for every table. Keep the daytime accessories warm and casual, then switch to the navy dress, one piece of jewelry and the structured clutch. The original food photos are the thread connecting the two: a Newport Beach visit remembered through the plates, with clothes that make sense alongside them.

A few small things help on a coastal day out: a foldable beach tote for a change of shoes, a travel size wrinkle release spray for the dress after the drive, and an insulated water bottle with a straw for the walk between stops.

More coastal plans

• Malibu Farm: Lunch by the Water and What to Wear
• Bar Fortuna Santa Monica: Dinner on Main Street and What to Wear

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