Wilma's Patio Restaurant — Restaurant in Newport Beach

This was a horrible experience & let's face it, the experience is what we all are after when we eat at restaurants.

I put my name in for my wife & I. We waited with excitement & anticipation for almost an hour for our name to be called. We went in & they walked us to the back of the restaurant to a closed off room to the side. When we entered the room, you could tell the temperature was much hotter inside this room than outside the room. Went the doors closed behind us, I knew the room was too hot & stuffy for us to stay & eat in.

I requested the open two seat table in front of the restaurant, I saw when we walked in, but was told it was reserved.

I again requested the two seat table & I explained that our name was next on the list (therefore we have waited the longest for the table) & we should be given the two seat table in front. I was again told it was reserved, but we could take a seat at the bar. So, after waiting an hour for a table, they wanted us to sit at the bar a place we could have taken an hour earlier. (That makes no sense).

I asked again why they would not give us the table in front (now they said) because I did not request an outside table & there is a different waiting list for outside. I explained I did not request an outside table because they never asked me if I wanted inside or outside or told me there were two different waiting lists.

They never explained how the table could be reserved to give to someone else when my name was next on the list, despite asking several times. Except saying there are two waiting lists. One for inside & one for outside, but if this was true, then they would ask everyone which list they want to be on when putting your name in for a table.

I am not sure what biased, discrimination, unfairness or favoritism was going on here, but it was very unprofessional.

I would hope you consider this before spending any of your valuable time waiting for a table at...

Laid-back island charm with hearty portions and feel-good flavors—though some dishes could use a little kick.

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Food: We ordered a variety of vegetarian options including the Bean & Cheese Burrito, Veggie Sandwich, Cheese Quesadillas, and Veggie Fajitas—each dish delivered comfort-food appeal with room for refinement.

• The Bean & Cheese Burrito was a standout in terms of portion and flavor—generous, filling, and packed with creamy beans and melty cheese. However, it could benefit from a bit of spice or salsa to add dimension.

• The Veggie Sandwich was fresh and decent, with the right mix of ingredients, but lacked a wow factor. A bit more seasoning or sauce could elevate it.

• The Cheese Quesadillas were well-cooked and comforting, with gooey cheese and crispy edges—no complaints there.

• The Veggie Fajitas had colorful sautéed vegetables, but the tortillas didn’t match the dish’s potential—they were a bit dry and lacked the softness or warmth you expect with fajitas.

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Service: The staff were friendly and attentive, creating a pleasant dining experience. The service was relaxed and matched the casual coastal vibe of the space.

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Ambience: Wilma’s Patio offers classic beach-town charm, with cozy indoor seating and a welcoming outdoor patio. It’s ideal for a casual lunch or slow-paced brunch on the island.

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Pricing: Prices were reasonable for the location, especially given the portion sizes. You’re getting simple, hearty food at fair value.

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Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½☆ (3.5/5)

Wilma’s Patio is a solid stop for a relaxed meal, offering generous portions and a charming location—just don’t expect bold flavors or standout...

I've eaten breakfast at Wilma's Patio several times in the past, but never felt compelled to write a review. Honestly, I'm not a big breakfast person, and those experiences were just okay. Today, however, we decided to try lunch, and I'm so glad we did! We chose Wilma's Patio because it's pet-friendly, and we wanted to bring our dogs along. This review reflects my personal experience and how much I enjoyed the meal.

We ordered the full order of fish and chips, and it was fantastic. The fish was incredibly fresh, perfectly battered, flaky, and incredibly tasty. The chips were a pleasant surprise – they weren't pre-salted, which I absolutely loved. I prefer to control the salt myself, and it was refreshing to get chips that weren't overly salty. The coffee, unfortunately, was just average. It was hot, but not steaming, and didn't taste like it was freshly brewed.

We also had the Chinese Chicken Salad, which was delicious. The flavors were spot-on, though I felt they were a bit stingy with the oranges and the dressing.

Overall, it was a pretty darn good lunch. The food was delicious, the weather was perfect, and our dogs had a great time (and even got a little taste of the fish and chips!). The prices are a bit steep for lunch, but it's not something we do every day, so it was worth it for the experience. The amazing, fresh fish and chips made up for the average coffee, and the salad was a hit. I definitely recommend Wilma's Patio for a pleasant lunch outing, especially on a beautiful day, and especially if you're looking for a pet-friendly spot. I'm sharing my experience, and I hope...