Babette’s and Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Land at Crystal Cove
Two stylish spots open at Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast: popular East Hampton eatery Babette’s launches its second location and Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana its eighth.
Babette’s
At buzzy East Hampton, NY restaurant, Babette’s, owner Barbara Layton feeds her patrons the same way she feeds her family–with healthy, sustainable ingredients that are prepared with love and the utmost care. The second outpost of the popular restaurant becomes a family affair with Barbara’s son, Zach Layton at the helm. Consider the knockout barbecued tofu or the imaginatively presented sake-soy-marinated rib-eye with broccoli di ciccio, shishito pepper, charred scallion-bone marrow puree and spiced pomegranate glacé. Enjoy a Billionaire cocktail (cocktail of the year?) at the hand-carved wood bar or in the garden courtyard. 7962 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.9915. babettesoc.com
Settebello
Indoor-outdoor Settebello—dedicated to Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana guidelines—has a garden feel as well, thanks to the olive trees sprouting up in the middle of the restaurant. Start with fried polenta bites, continue with the Vico pizza (with sausage, roasted fennel, red onions, mascarpone, mozzarella and basil and extra-virgin olive oil) and crown your meal with a fluffy lemon-cream torta della Nonna. Enjoy a Marine Layer cocktail made with strawberry, basil, Aylesbury Duck vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water, while watching classic Italian black-and-white films on the wall in the plush lounge area. 7864 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.2072. settebello.net
