Recommended Hotel Nearby: Newport Beach Marriott Bayview, 2010 Main St Orange County, CA 92614(885) 573-4407. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, 15 Crystal CoveOrange County, CA 92657(949) 376-6900. Located in South Coast Plaza, The Blue Box Cafe is the perfect place to pit stop after working up an appetite window shopping. Up and down Camino Capistrano, wafting through the park, all the way to Los Rios Street, youll catch the occasional whiff and feel its pull. 2222 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949-536-5800, hironoricraftramen.com (additional locations not rated) , Years after closing the original location, chef Massimo Navarretta has resurrected Onotria inside his commercial catering kitchen, carving out a nook for 20 seats surrounded by shelves stocked with Italian wines. Their outdoor seating is well done and their menu is varied. Rating of 19/20. Orange County's farm-to-table pioneer creates seasonal contemporary dining amidst a charming botanical setting. Something went wrong. Must order: Dry-aged ribeye. But its also the artisanal porridge made with roasted Jidori chicken stock and charred bok choy, the star-anise-braised pork belly, the mesquite-smoked brisket French dip sandwiches, and the grapefruit salad with candied peanuts and fried shallots. Must order: Butter-soaked, mesquite-grilled bone-in New York strip. This is one of the best dinner places in Orange County, trust me. We love, The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary For a Trip to the Other Newport (in Rhode Island). The Kobe Burger is just the dish for meat lovers. It feels almost illegal. Owned by acclaimed chef Matthew Kenney, this dining establishment located in Costa Mesa is one of the local restaurants that serve healthy vegan dishes plus smoothies. Theres an outlet in Fountain Valley as well. What the stars mean0 = poor, unacceptable = average, may have some noteworthy qualities = very good, above average, a neighborhood gem = outstanding, exceptional quality, a regional standout = transcendent, world class in every detailRatings are based on multiple visits andreflect my overall reaction to food, service and ambience, taking into account arestaurants unique sense of place and pointof view. Orange County, CA 92832 (714) 853-1081 Built in 2020, this restaurant in Fullerton is one of the best places to eat in Orange County if you're looking for dishes with authentic flavors from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. Above the taps is a quote from Benjamin Franklin (cute). Theres Guinness brown bread to start, fish and chips, wood-fired pizzettas, and lots of vegetables and salads to go along with cocktails and wine. Must order: Cube-cut Kobe wagyu, plus a scoop of ice cream drizzled with coconut milk. It is hot and spicy and wildly exciting. Although it was such a busy weekend, you were quick and super friendly! But 40 miles south lies a place where boardshorts and burritos thrive; a land so great that theyve made shows about it and spinoffs of those shows and spinoffs of those spinoffsa land called Orange County. 8031 Edinger Ave., Westminster, 714-375-3330, instagram.com/eatpho101 , With more than 200 different items, many listed only in Chinese, the menu at this vintage Beijing-inspired restaurant can be overwhelming. Loud but fun. And the chashu (slow-roasted pork belly) melts on the tongue like marshmallows. Zagat calls it a trendy spot with . The menu centers on simply-grilled seafood thats considered certified sustainable by Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Husband had the duck and he thought it was just meh. The wine-braised wagyu short rib arrives under a smoke-filled cloche. Lunch offers the chance for speedier service and sides beyond ramen like karaage, furikake fries, and rice bowls. Takoyaki, unagi donburi, and other treats round out a steady menu that moves between set six-piece boxes, a la carte rolls, and donburi. Pozole. Picture yourself eating a delicious dish in the open air, right in front of beautiful majestic waters. The bar is always packed on game days, and its always date night in the dining room. Hey, The soft boneless leg soaked in tomato stew is so flavorful your taste buds will rejoice with every bite. Looking to host about 8 people or, for sushi go to Osaka, it is one of the best spots for sushi you can go to. Dont forget to taste that amazing Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich. Carlos Perez and Luke Bramm built their audience by serving naturally leavened bagel sandwiches as part of a roving pop-up, selling at spots like Newport Beachs Daydream Surf Shop and Neat Coffee. 13051 Newport Ave., Tustin, 949-771-9666, changantustin.com , The focal point of chef Nick Sabas indoor/outdoor restaurant is the wood-fired oven and Santa Maria-style grill. Filleted tableside, the presentation of the sole is starkly minimal but the pure enjoyment that comes from such a regal fish is hard to quantify. is the perfect place to pit stop after working up an appetite window shopping. Off the beaten path in both location and goods offered. They do not require silk cushions and crystal stemware, but comfort andprofessionalism are taken into account. everything is fantastic.more, The evening dining crowd is pretty trendy, hip and attractive and the vibe is entertaining + fun.more, 3 stars at best - its supposed to be a simple comfort dish and their modern/trendy touch ruined it.more, American (New)Breakfast & BrunchCocktail Bars$$, I forgot folks wore suits to work anymore. Its popular among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Chinese dishes, with a focus on dim sum. With the Kashmiri chili, the dish acquires that spicy flavor that makes it the best food in Orange County. This reborn Huntington Beach restaurant on Warner is the new Orange County hotspot for hand rolls, done in a casual style. Youll need a bath afterward. Everywhere you look: wine bottles and sparkling stemware. Off the beaten path in both location and goods offered, Daydream is a place where you can have your lavender latte and drink it too. The retrospective menu gathers all the classics: tostones (smashed, fried plantains), ropa vieja (braised beef), lechon asado (slow-roasted pork), media noche (grilled ham sandwich). Both are excellent although entirely different from the other. But guests must also endure hours of the chefs vulgar Andrew Dice Clay-style comedy act, which includes a barrage of f-bombs and lewd, suggestive comments. See the list. (I wanted to include a direct quote, but my editor wouldnt allow it.) The mole-topped tamal is based on a family recipe and made with heirloom masa. Delicious, hipster and spendy is Benchmark.more, This trendy French restaurant on Pine Street is proof that Long Beach is much more than just clubsmore, American (New)Breakfast & BrunchCocktail Bars$$, I forgot folks wore suits to work anymore. Must order: Ribeye cap, with a side of grilled okra. Although he has yet to find a local restaurant to merit a perfect four-star rating, he remains ever hopeful as the quest continues. Located in San Clemente, this is one of the coolest places in Orange County, with its bustling atmosphere perfect for social gatherings and exquisite Californian-Mediterranean bites. Way to lose a customer!". Located in Irvine, this dining establishment is one of the best restaurants downtown that serves incredible southern coastal fare in a stylish environment. Then you have those amazing hand-painted windows that give you a view of greenery youll want to take pictures of, too. The decor is difficult for me to describe-dark, lots of wood, almost industrial-trendy. The choices for tacos and burritos are mind-boggling: barbacoa, birria, ancho-rubbed wagyu steak, chicken tinga, chorizo, cochinita pibil, pork al pastor, beef stewed with ancho chiles, all served on handmade, oddly shaped, irresistible flour tortillas. Must order: Aguachile. The Blinky Baby Burger is a definite must-try. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Montage Laguna Beach, 30832 S Pacific Coast HwyOrange County, CA 92651(949) 715-9200. First let me start off by sayin that I've been to A LoT of buffets so far in my life. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949-361-2079, vinesanclemente.com , Given the choice between a nice steak or a slice of meatloaf, hmm, thats normally an easy decision. Must order: Clams with chorizo, any whole fish. The BBQ Pork Buns are world-famous for a reason. The Fifth, Anaheim. A post shared by Breezy (@breezyexperience), The 15 Best Breakfast Burritos in Orange County, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Orange County's 16 Hottest Restaurants, Spring 2023, Sign up for the They can change as restaurants evolve. The aguachile with scallops from Baja, pink guava and cilantro blossoms is absolutely extraordinary. Must order: Flip a coin between porridge or a banh mi, and a Vietnamese iced coffee. SoCo and the OC Mix. Mixed with the summer squash that has a mildly sweet taste, the dish is a culinary work of art. Must order: Cabbage, trust me. Newport Beach, CA 92657 American No Rating This is, all around, the best restaurant in Orange County right now. 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar 726 reviews Closed Now American, Seafood $$ - $$$ 6.3 mi Laguna Beach 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-545-2800, hanaresushi.com , The second I sit down, I always ask for a bikini sandwich (Iberico ham, manchego cheese, black truffle) and a frozen gin and tonic. Filipino Islander-inspired brunch restaurant Breezy took over after the Ramen Shack shuttered in 2022. Must order: Oxtail pho, but theres a trick to ordering: Ask for a bowl of pho without meat, plus a side of oxtail. The menu is very limited, inspired by the farmhouse cooking of Campania: rigatoni with wild boar ragu, vegetable lasagna, agnolotti with ricotta and truffles, a very simple octopus salad Must order: Let the chef take charge and create a surprise five-course tasting menu. is the quintessential cool coffee shop located in a trendy industrial part of Newport Beach. The hot new OC power lunch spot is Joey at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The restaurants sign is so small that you almost need a magnifying glass to read it. Topped with that sweet and spicy gochujang sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and onions, the dish is pure delight! Their outdoor seating is well done and their menu is varied. Celebrity Chef Michael Minas Bourbon Steak makes a very strong case for why not to be poor. Open design with clean architecture andmore, AMBIANCE-- The ambiance was very nice, super trendy with the floral aesthetic and colors.more, It's a cute trendy brunch spot and a fun lively place for dinner. Dont miss: Seared tuna toro sushi. 12885 Beach BlvdOrange County, CA 90680(714) 871-3100. Located in Laguna Beach, Anastasia serves up some of the most beautiful breakfasts in Orange County. But not at chef Blake Mellgrens casual California bistro. Youll love the trendy ambiance in this place. Heres How Were Celebrating This Year, From Breweries to Boats, You and Your Pup Will Love These Destinations, Its Your Time to Bloom! This place feels like a Disneyland ride without the crowds, characters or quirks. As for cocktails, try anythingliterally anything; there is no bad choice. This is a review for restaurants in Orange County, CA: "I don't know where to start, this place is at JW Marriott in Anaheimvery nice and trendy place, so my expectations were very high base upon the location. With that organic strawberry filling, youll have an even sweeter experience, in the literal sense. The culinary staff prepares each dish following tried-and-tested recipes from restos in Southern, Northern, and Central Italy. They have an impressive selection of craft beers on tap. Yes, they serve barbecue on aluminum trays, and youll eat beans out of paper boats with a plastic spoon. To be honest we didn't know what to expect and when we got to themore. So, too, the chorizo negro tacos. They were mostly good. Its a conversation without words. Copyright 1996-2023 GAYOT All Rights Reserved GAYOT (pronounced guy-OH) The Guide To The Good Life - All Rights Reserved - Terms of Use - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy. I dont know why. 100 W. Coast Highway, 2nd floor, Newport Beach, 949-287-6268, sushi-ii.com , This old-school, ultra-glam steakhouse revels in gluttony and excess. From the damask walls to the perfectly designed home demos, no to mention the delicious goodies all around, there's something here to snap and share. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. From both, a substantial burger and the exact same clam chowder. Its a sit-down restaurant but with a casual vibe, so expect two-taco combination plates and margarita specials on Tuesdays, plus a daily kids menu to keep the family happy. 34094 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949-481-7734, eatatcrafthouse.com , Chef Viet Nguyens intimate 14-seat temaki bar and cocktail lounge is based on a simple but revelatory premise: Good temaki (sushi hand rolls) must always be eaten within 30 seconds of when the chef hands it across the counter while the rice is still warm, the fish still cold and the toasted nori wrapper still crisp. All Rights Reserved. The food is delicious, even when it sometimes leans too heavily into fusion. A prolific traveler who has dined around the world, he joined the Orange County Register in 2012 to help readers find the best steaks, the strongest margaritas, the freshest sushi, the hottest Thai curries and more. Made with traditional American smoking techniques, the meat is so tender your palate wont get enough of it. Its a style of cooking that relies not on never-before-seen flavors or sleight-of-hand techniques but on sourcing the worlds best products and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. Tell me of another restaurant where, when spring peas have just arrived, the bartender makes an utterly splendid cocktail with aged rum and pea puree. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County, Related: Top-Rated Italian Restaurants in Orange County, Related: Things to Do with Kids in Orange County, 211 N El Camino RealOrange County, CA 92672(949) 361-2079. Youve been here before, havent you? shell say. Must order: Japanese butterfish, or medai, topped with garlicky red chili sauce. This charming cafe follows a farm-to-table philosophy. Also very good: spicy beef salad, crab fried rice, pad Thai, pad see ew, rad nah and nam salad. Outdoors, you can sit under those oversized yellow umbrellas and soak in those Orange County sights and sounds while you eat. This OC spot will make you feel like a kid in a candy store (but the cocktails from Rodeo Bar will definitely remind you that its good to be an adult!). I had the Mol chicken enchiladas. . Pizza, pasta, primal cutsoh my! But OK, also the pork chop. With live music seven nights a week, youll never miss a beat at this bar. Parkestry Rooftop Bar 167 South Swell Ice Cream Image Source: South Swell Ice Cream's Website South Swell is a new ice cream shop on Del Mar in San Clemente. Every slice of raw fish, every placement of a garnish is done with the precision of a jeweler. We were lucky enough to receivemore, It's really cute and trendy both inside and on the patio space. Yeah, yeah we knowLos Angeles is the land of glitz and glamour, showbiz and sushi, pipe dreams and Pinks hot dogs. The staff here turned the nightmore, Definitely a trendy restaurant with tall glass windows throughout. March Moderne. At this locally loved locale, visitors can find things old and new, vintage and blue. Eating Thai lemongrass soup anywhere else after this will be a massive disappointment. I come here consistently and they always get my order out in a timely manner and have great service. Vamos de Fiesta! His grilled meatloaf is as good as a steak. Working alone behind the chefs counter, he quietly, meticulously, shyly prepares an intricate 10-course omakase for no more than 10 or 12 diners at a time. What are people saying about restaurants in Orange County, CA? Breakfast is available with Just Egg inside sandwiches or classics like avocado toast, while lunch is a mix of bowls, burgers, and other comfort staples. Youll love the delicious taste of the dishes prepared by a talented team led by Executive Chef Alex Moreno in this restaurant. This is a review for restaurants in Orange County, CA: "If it costs more? 30 Centerpointe Drive, La Palma, 714-735-8597, instagram.com/islacubanlatinkitchen , Korean barbecue in California isnt typically associated with luxury, but Kyung Bok Kung isnt typical. One newcomer, though, is only native to OC, and that is Rye Goods, a bakery using heirloom grains and a special milling technique that is transforming the pastry world with their unique flavors, fermentations and flair. Must order: Nem lui (lemongrass meatball skewers). Little goofy setup being inside a business park too. But dont stress. It was mostly good. From the tavern: a very good lobster roll. 3333 Bear St., 3rd floor, 657-231-6447, terracebymixmix.com , This wood-fired Argentine steakhouse used to be one of the smallest restaurants in the county, with room indoors for only about eight seats, plus another 20 on the covered porch. 1. The pics looked and I overlooked the so so reviews. Simply put, this restaurant is all about amazing flavors and fun. After a long pandemic pause, star ratings are back, but with one big change: After years of ruminating on this, I have eliminated half stars. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Step inside this restaurant and youll feel like youre in a cabin in the woods, with its wooden walls and eclectic decor that includes barrels and crates. But sometimes anaverage restaurant can have noteworthyqualities, like a standout dish or a view thattrumps everything else. 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714-538-8444, tacomaria.com , The instant you step into the foyer at March Moderne, you can feel it. The pandemic disrupted that plan, and the kitchen reversed course, embracing pizza and pasta once again, which isnt bad news for anyone who loves farm-to-table Italian cooking. Must order: Tacos dorados. Must order: Thai-style fried chicken. This is modern Texas barbecue gone rogue, yall, and its right in the heart of OCs very own cowboy country, San Juan Capistrano. 821 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, 657-201-3043,instagram.com/tacosloscholos_(additional location in Fullerton) , The velvet banquettes, the custom wallpaper, the teak wood carvings and hand-stenciled cement floors, plus truly beautiful china and serving wares: Hanuman in Costa Mesa is easily the prettiest Thai restaurant in OC. Two-star restaurants are very good places to eat, particularly if you live in the neighborhood or not toofar away but might not be worth driving40 miles for. We're booking tables in a frenzy of gratitude. Located in Irvine, this dining establishment is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Orange County for its scrumptious sandwiches plus tea, coffee, and delectable desserts. The food portions here are huge, which means you can feed an entire army. There are also locations in La Habra and Garden Grove. Comedy is even harder. I gave only one star for the waiter.". Terrace by Mix Mix. The county, some 3.5 million people strong, was already known for its taquerias, Vietnamese food, and coastal dining enclaves, but these days the region is growing in seemingly a million new directions at once. While the food isnt groundbreaking, its reliable enough to work for the upscale-casual ambience and lively crowds. Orange County is the perfect destination for your next food trip. Their tiki-inspired cocktail menu has all the fan-favorites like the mai tai and painkiller to go with some fun new twists, such as their Zombie King and the Cannon Fire. Longganisa sausage and rice features heavily on the menu, but so are amalgams of Southern California staples, including a shredded pork adobo breakfast burrito with garlic rice, adobo chilaquiles, and ube French toast. Its worth the wait. When dining finally returned, the overall experience had been greatly elevated. Another offering by the folks behind Mix Mix Kitchen Bar is the Terrace by Mix Mix. The same secret off-menu veal chop. And its not just the Vietnamese sandwiches, which incidentally are the best in the county. His father was a butcher in France. Lunch offers the chance for speedier service and sides beyond ramen like karaage, furikake fries, and rice bowls. Start with some smoked salmon or one of their delicious salads, followed by a delicately seared steak and finish up with a couple sinful spoonfuls of their salted caramel budino. My boyfriend and I struggled for what to drink andmore, there you might find dishes that are a little bit similar to those served at this trendy restaurant.more, Downtown Santa Ana, Benchmark certainly holds up against the crowd of modern trendy restaurants.more, I went for my birthday two days ago and it was awesome! 13882 Newport Ave., Tustin, 714-486-2116, anjapparoc.com , Although chefBrittany Valles has left the building, this beautiful new restaurant that she helped launch at the swanky new Boardwalk building on Jamboree has become the hottest power lunch in Irvines Business Complex, a neighborhood long known as the epicenter of the OC power lunch. 28719 Los Alisos Blvd., Mission Viejo, 949-380-7261, piccolinomv.com . We will definitely be back to enjoy more McClain wine. And every once in a while, when you least expect it, the ripe funk of triple-cream cheese. That perfume of freshly baked bread mingled with the faint smoke from roasted bone marrow. offers the curious passerby anything from dried plants to funky pottery. Youve been warned! BEST EASTER BRUNCH WINES | GAYOT.com. Dont miss: In spring or early summer, be on the lookout for kohada. 1705 Flight Way, Tustin, 714-941-5418, fondamoderna.com , Even now that South Coast Plaza has introduced a second Chinese restaurant with a menu very similar to that of Din Tai Fung, the line for a table here can still be interminable. Chef Atsushi Yokoyama isnt much of a talker. Don't sleep on the mi qung (a Central Vietnamese noodle dish of wide, flat noodles and various toppings with fresh vegetables . 3334 W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, 949-650-6505, arestaurantnb.com , I dont think enough people fully appreciate just how great this little open-air banh mi shop is. Detention 2.0 3571 Venues & Event Spaces Lounges $$$ Trendy "manager, but didn't seem to exude that level of seniority for such a nice and trendy restaurant ." more Outdoor seating 2. From the citys defacto town square (South Coast Plaza) to the Eastside and more recently the Westside, too, theres a creative energy in the Costa Mesa food community that remains unmatched. Orange County 's premier Cuban restaurant is more than just an establishment full of delectable dishes it also offers an authentic atmosphere to go along with it. Ben Ngu's rendition is one of Little Saigon's most popular. Smoked to perfection, the meat has that smooth texture your palate will definitely adore. Must order: Dessert, any and every one of them. The resto will remind you of Vietnam, too, with its traditional furniture and diverse indoor plants reminiscent of the countrys rich flora. Ratings are not permanent. They also offer a tea for two option, which includes miniature scones, sandwiches and sweets. Youll taste ishidai, kinmedaii, hobo, umeiro, tachiuo, akamutsu, tobiuo, mejina, higesori or even baby squid. This is one of the great Orange County eats that serve exquisite comfort food ranging from pizzas to burgers paired with classic California-centric ale. By definition, most restaurants are average, meaning one star. From a morning brew to a happy hour refresher, this street is a one-stop shop for the quaint and quirky. Looking for loosies? The Vermont maple syrup adds that sweet flavor to the beautifully cooked meat. This is one of the good restaurants in Orange County that serve amazing Chinese fare, including Szechuan dishes, in a chic environment. "Delicious wines, excellent service and comfortable outdoor seating in Laguna Beach. 361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949-664-3186, instagram.com/rebelomakase , Cuban jazz reverberates around the block (yes, its that loud) as the daiquiris and mojitos flow nonstop. Expect starters like hummus and tzatziki with crispy pita, plus shareable mains like steak and ravioli bianco with barely-cooked shrimp. 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949-715-8234, broadwaybyamarsantana.com , Chef Tin Vuongs Little Sister is beautiful. After all, South Coast Plaza lured this upscale dim sum restaurant from Singapore, one can assume, to alleviate pressure off Din Tai Fung (at the other end of the mall) where wait times had become unbearable. At lunch, youll have a new appreciation for salad and beet-cured salmon. But not a destination.". The mood is hushed and romantic. Chef Justin Werner and Bar Manager Andrew Parish have created a culinary oasis that celebrates Southern cuisine by sourcing the best ingredients possible for a high-brow menu inspired by the lowcountry.
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