Seeking top spots in Long Beach, Newport Beach

[S R]

For a wedding and other family gatherings, we'll be out to Long Beach and Newport Beach for a week or so in September and are eager to know the top picks in both towns these days (haven't been in 15 years). Criteria are minimal: one of us is a vegetarian who eats some fish (specifically salmon, trout, and tuna); we like fine dining, particularly at lunch, and generally smaller, lighter meals at dinner. Price is not a consideration, and all cuisines are welcome, with a particular yen for the kind of California cooking not available in NY. Any ideas? Thanks.

[elmomonster]

My current faves for California-ish cuisine (sourcing mostly local produce and products) in the OC Coastal areas are:

Sapphire in Laguna
OC Weekly Review: http://www.ocweekly.com/food/feature-review/sapphire-shines/27164/

The Crowbar and Kitchen in Corona Del Mar
OC Weekly Review: http://www.ocweekly.com/food/feature-review/eating-crow/28204/

My blog:
http://monstermunching.com