Buddha's Favorite

Buddha’s Favorite is a Newport Beach restaurant for waterfront sushi and Japanese-Asian fusion. The appeal is direct: a casual setting, a waterfront context, a menu centered on creative sushi rolls, nigiri assortments, sashimi plates, Japanese-inspired hot dishes. At about $60 per person, it fits diners looking for sushi and cooked Japanese-Asian options in Newport Beach.

Use it when the setting matters as much as the order. The cuisine is best described as waterfront sushi and Japanese-Asian fusion, so the strongest plan is to order across the core of the menu: rolls, nigiri, sashimi, hot dishes. For a wider scan of the area, keep Pearl’s Newport Beach restaurants guide handy; Buddha’s Favorite sits in the Newport Beach sushi lane alongside other local dining options.

Return for the rolls, nigiri, waterfront mood, not a rigid tasting format

The kitchen’s confirmed strengths are breadth within sushi and Japanese-Asian fusion. Order across creative sushi rolls, a nigiri assortment, sashimi plates, Japanese-inspired hot dishes, then treat the waterfront setting as part of the reason to choose it.

That flexibility makes Buddha’s Favorite useful for diners who want more than one path through a meal. Sushi-focused guests can stay close to nigiri and sashimi, while others can choose rolls or hot Japanese-inspired dishes.

Who should choose it, who should skip it

Choose Buddha’s Favorite for a casual Newport Beach meal where waterfront sushi, Japanese-Asian fusion, a moderate premium price point are the draw. It is a sensible fit for diners who want creative rolls, nigiri, sashimi, cooked Japanese-inspired dishes in a casual setting.

The venue is better understood as a waterfront sushi and Japanese-Asian fusion choice in Newport Beach. For adjacent planning, use Pearl’s Newport Beach hotels guide and bars guide to build the rest of the night around the meal.

Know Before You Go

As of July 2026, Buddha’s Favorite is listed at about $60 per person with a casual dress code. Hours are Sunday 12:00 PM–3:00 PM and 5:00 PM–9:00 PM; Monday through Wednesday 5:00 PM–9:00 PM; Thursday 5:00 PM–10:00 PM; Friday 5:00 PM–10:30 PM; and Saturday 12:00 PM–3:00 PM and 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.