Ruby's Diner — Restaurant in Newport Beach

Ruby’s Diner on Balboa Pier — New Port Beach, CA

What a breakfast scene to kick off a Catalina Island day trip! Here’s a candid, high-spirited critique of Ruby’s Diner on Balboa Pier, with a glow-it-up rating to match your rave experience.

Overall impression Ruby’s Diner on Balboa Pier delivers a quintessential California diner breakfast with a modern, beachy twist. For families catching the Catalina Flyer early and looking for a reliable, flavorful start, this spot checks all the vital boxes: hearty portions, confident flavors, attentive service, and a sun-kissed pier-side vibe that makes the meal feel like a mini-escape before the day’s adventure.

Benchmark highlights Big Breakfast quality:** Your description of the over-medium eggs and thick bacon sounds spot-on. When the eggs are cooked with the right runny-yolk balance and the bacon is substantial and well-seasoned, it elevates the entire plate. The Big Breakfast at Ruby’s tends to deliver generous portions with a satisfying mix of savory components. Taste profile:** A well-executed kitchen on a busy pier can be tough, but the flavor you noted—fresh, well-seasoned, and butter-fresh—suggests solid technique and quality ingredients. Service:** Courteous and patient staff is worth its weight in garlic hash browns. In a high-traffic location, friendly, attentive service can make the difference between a solid bite and a truly memorable experience. Ambience & scenery:** A morning on the Balboa Pier with ocean air, gulls, and the sight of the Catalina Flyer is hard to beat. The location’s natural scenery often elevates simple menu items into something more special.

The dish, in brief Really Big Breakfast:** Likely includes eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and toast—your description highlights the eggs cooked to over-medium perfection and thick bacon. When executed well, this combo delivers a comforting, nostalgic breakfast with a premium feel thanks to the quality bacon and a well-seasoned hash browns base.

Pros Excellent, high-quality bacon with substantial thickness. Eggs cooked just as requested (over medium) with good yolk consistency. Beachfront ambiance that enhances the dining experience. Polite, patient service—especially valuable for families and travelers.

Cons to consider (for a balanced view) Pier-side dining can be subject to seasonal crowds; expect potential wait times or a busier atmosphere during peak hours. Some diners may prefer lighter breakfast fare; the Big Breakfast is hearty by design and may be larger than typical tourist breakfasts.

Rating Food quality: 9.5/10 Value for money: 9/10 (size and quality justify the cost given the location) Service: 9/10 (courteous and patient) Ambience: 9.5/10 (pier views + seaside breeze elevate the meal) Overall: 9.4/10

Verdict If you’re in the Newport Beach area and craving a breakfast that feels both comforting and elevated, Ruby’s Diner on Balboa Pier is an outstanding pick. The Big Breakfast, especially when executed with perfectly runny-over-medium eggs and robust, thick bacon, paired with the pier-side scenery, makes for a memorable start to any Catalina...

Walking along the pier, one immediately notices the laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Families gather to fish, couples stroll hand-in-hand, and surfers paddle out to catch waves that roll in near the shoreline. The salty breeze, the sound of gulls, and the rhythmic crash of the waves create an immersive experience that feels both calming and invigorating. The pier is particularly striking at sunset, when the sky is awash in warm tones of orange and pink, making it a prime spot for photographers and romantics alike. The surrounding Balboa Village and Fun Zone further enhance the pier’s appeal. Just a short walk away, you’ll find arcades, boat rentals, and ferry rides that connect to Balboa Island. The area buzzes with energy during the summer months, offering everything from street performers to local shops selling beach gear and handmade souvenirs. Despite the lively atmosphere, the pier itself retains a sense of calm, serving as a peaceful escape from the...

Well... I'm not one to make a place seem bad but this may be the instance. It started with the drinks, no straws. Asked for straws and waited. Food came out and one of the orders was wrong. I asked for ranch and BBQ sauce did not get those until after the correct food came out. Asked for a refill and never received it. But the manager came out with 2 straws... Halfway through the chili fries I pulled out a string about 3-4 inches long and asked to speak to the manager. The waitress said she would get him and then, in front of us, threw out the plate with the string and took orders as if nothing happened. About 15 minutes after that the manager came and knocked off a cool 7 bucks from the bill. This was pretty insulting given the service this far. We had to go in and talk to him in order for this to be resolved. Walked away feeling kind of gross and disappointed. But the...