R+D Kitchen — Restaurant in Newport Beach

One of the reasons we came here was because from their website, it looked like it would be quite nice to dine there as it sounds quite formal, but not too pricey, and sophisticated based on all the things in their dining guidelines. They suggest the place isn't good if you have kids, they say not to let your cellphones ring due to courtesy to other patrons, they give you a guideline of even how they want you to dress. So we thought this might make a nice change from the hustle and bustle restaurants where it's so loud and rushed and like a big chain restaurant. Well ... NONE of that above is true; it's loud, it's not posh, it's quite casual, and if your cell IS to ring, I doubt anyone could even hear it, because of the noise in there. The boothes all circulate around the bar (the same interior as Banderas) and it's like a slightly fancier bar restaurant. In that respect, yes, it was disappointing. The menu is not overly extensive, but there are some good items on it. One thing they do, which is something I hate, is if you order the cheeseburger, you need to order the fries separately and then that becomes pricey. But ... the food at least was reasonably nice. The burger was so big that I HAD to eat it with a knife and fork. I mean, I have a big mouth (apparently), but even I couldn't get mine around that. The fries came out less than warm, and the waitress didn't really care about that when she cleared our plates away. I ordered a Mai Tai, which took a while to come. When it did, it was BEYOND strong. I could barely even sip on it. I then ordered a coke, and they're not refillable (considering this is a bar restaurant, you'd think coke on tap would be something so easily provided). The hostess was the one who came with our bill to apologise for the fries not being hot, but that was before we were even asked if we'd like to order dessert (maybe dessert wasn't on the menu that night). I think a lot of restaurants do themselves a disservice when they fail to "up sell" and ask patrons if they are finished before just dumping the bill on the table. Bad customer service. Basically this is my opinion ... If you are wanting a casual dinner without fine dining, there's nothing wrong with eating here. It's exactly that. But they aren't as formal/posh as they make out on their website, which in a way is kind of false advertising, yet it seems to work for them as they were really busy. But ultimately, it's just like your average, run of the mill chain restaurant, and there's nothing that really sets them apart. Nice food, and it's great after being out shopping (we were at the Newport Beach location at Fashion Island). If you want casual, quick and loud, you got it. If you're looking for more,...

We had a terrible customer service experience on Fathers Day at R&D kitchen. My friend and her family who had arrived earlier than mine asked for a table for 8 which the hostess didn’t have available. She then asked to have 2 tables of 4 since our older children usually don’t like to sit with the adults. Initially they told her they would seat us but then the manager “Kylie” appeared and told my friend ( who speaks with an accent and looks ethnically different than your regular Newport Beach resident) that they weren’t able to accommodate us since they “require” an adult over 18 at every table. This seemed ludicrous to me and when I arrived a bit later, I asked to see the manager “Kylie” to elaborate why they didn’t want to accommodate our party. She had a pretentious smirk and instead of showing respect and customer friendly affect to explain the issue, she out right said that they don’t offer anyone under 18 a table.. I asked her if she ever has any teens eat at the restaurant, she bypassed the question without answering.. the issue seemed to be inclusivity and when I asked her if that was the reason that they didn’t seat my friend she paused and smiled. I told her that especially in this day and age, a restaurant that doesn’t support inclusiveness will not be able to sustain its business since most younger professionals will not patronize a business that lacks basic ethics. I would stay away from R&D kitchen and ask friends to show the same support unless they change their priorities and embrace a more inclusive culture and change their manager immediately or have them go through harassment and cultural...

This is my favorite place. I’ve been eating here for decades even before they change the name. They always have excellent service. Food and drinks are always excellent. But since Covid I hadn’t been there until last month. Not very happy with the treatment I received there. After my second visit I was told to leave because they needed the table. I was told rudely! I was asked if I wanted dessert but instead I wanted to order a drink. I asked the waitress what kind of vodka the served in a specific drink. Then she said,” I’ll be right back” Mind you this was only my second drink. ( By the way the waitress got my order wrong twice! But I was kind and told her with a smile and left a 20% tip). I was approached by the manager and was asked to leave. I was so upset I’ve never in the 18 years I’ve eaten here was asked to leave because they needed the table. So long as I’m spending money on food and drinks there shouldn’t be a problem. Then I told her well I ordered drinks already and I was asked if I wanted dessert but wanted a dessert drink instead! Then I was told to make it quick. My daughter ordered wine. Who the hell drinks wine quickly? Rude manager since Covid. I will make a formal complaint since I love the food and have been a long time customer. It’s customers like me that keep the restaurants open for business! I expect to be treated with kindness and respect! Had she approached me in a formal and kind manner then I wouldn’t be writing this today. She should be representing the restaurant for what it is and how I’ve always been treated. ROYALTY...