RESTAURANT ROUNDUP:

Bistro Le Crillon, a restaurant and wine bar at the Eastbluff Village Center, was recently honored by Wine Spectator magazine with its Best Award of Excellence for 2008.

The restaurant, which has won the award six years in a row, features an extensive list of wines from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Australia and other countries. In addition, the Bistro’s menu includes an eclectic menu featuring French, Italian and other styles of cuisine.

“We are delighted to receive this great honor for the sixth consecutive year,” co-owner Diego Ostroski said in a release. “We are proud of the wide selection of wine that we offer, and invite our patrons to sample new wines and champagnes with their wild game, pasta or pizza.”

Bistro Le Crillon is at 2523 Eastbluff Drive in Newport Beach and can be reached at (949) 640-8181.

Zov’s plans to extend bar in Newport Coast

Zov’s Cafe Bakery & Bar is raising the bar this fall — by expanding the bar, that is.

The Newport Coast restaurant, which has a sister location in Irvine, plans to lengthen its bar area by the end of October to accommodate as many as 13 more people at a time.

Owner Zov Karamardian said the drink menu wouldn’t change, but the added space should allow for a more communal vibe.

“It’s not a major construction,” she said. “It’s easy to do it.”

With the longer bar, Zov’s plans to eliminate its showcase desserts and offer a dessert menu instead. The restaurant is at 21123 Newport Coast Drive in Newport Beach and can be reached at (949) 760-9687.

— Michael Miller