Orange County Restaurants

Tucked amid the beautifully landscaped grounds of Heisler Park just steps from the Pacific, the stunning location of Las Brisas in Laguna Beach is worth a trip in itself. Once you arrive, prepare to be swept away not only by the gorgeous ocean views, but by a romantic setting, gracious service, and an enticing menu of Mexican Riviara cuisine. Chef Aurelio Sanchez’s menu is a treasure trove of culinary history, with recipes culled from the 3,000 miles of Mexico’s west coast. Specialty dishes include feisty Camarones Tampiquenos, prawns sautéed in spicy chardonnay-garlic sauce, and Tostones de Tenera, veal medallions topped …

Spaghettini Grill and Jazz Club offers a fun atmosphere, lots of excitement, superb modern and classic Northern Italian cuisine and of course live jazz! Spaghettini is also the home of the now famous Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch. Come for lunch and try the Berkshire Pork lasagna, with broccolini, whole milk ricotta, reggiano, and homemade marinara. Or taste a dinner entrée, such as the Sliced Center Cut Sirloin Steak, with soy-ginger marinade, and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Don’t leave without try a sinfully delightful dessert such as the White Chocolate Cheesecake. Try Speghettini Grill for an unforgettable and delicious experience.

Catal Restaurant is a foodie’s paradise in the midst of the dining chaos that is Downtown Disney, in Anaheim. Sophisticated and calm, Catal presents guests with the welcomed opportunity to escape the crowds, settle in, and experience a tantalizing menu of Mediterranean specialties and lavish libations. The restaurant’s balcony offers panoramic views of all the goings-on below, while Chef Weber keeps all eyes happily on the plate with his thoughtful spread of delectable tapas and entrée dishes. Savor favorites like the House-Made Crispy Pork Chicharrones, the Lantern Scallop Tartare, and the Paella Mixta. And let’s not forget to top off …

In the heart of the happiest place on earth, The Jazz Kitchen is an incarnation of the French Quarter's historical architecture. Located in Downtown Disney, the restaurant is a hotspot for plenty of tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy the two-story building that features a Flambeaux room with a live stage presence, a parlor room for all occasions, or even a balcony to enjoy the nearby Disneyland fireworks. Chef Darrin Finkle whips up delectables for the more adventurous eater. For those who want to grab-on-the-go, the Jazz Kitchen Express features some quick bites without forsaking the pleasant atmosphere of …

A premier full service dinner house since 1965, The Rusty Pelican is a Newport Beach landmark. The charming waterfront cottage features fresh seafood prepared in innovative ways, with dishes like "The Flagship”, a fresh brandy-herb marinated piece of mahi mahi dusted with cajun spices and Kentucky bourbon sauce. Serving lunch Monday through Saturday, a Sunday brunch, and the ever-popular weekday Happy Hour, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs lounge, The Rusty Pelican is a great place to take in the sights of the harbor. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its skylights and cathedral ceilings, and waterfront …

Sundried Tomato Café serves fresh café food with a California twist. Nestled in a Laguna Beach shopping center, this classy but casual restaurant provides guests a healthy dose of appetizing treats. True to its name, this American bistro adds a sundried tomato zest to classic dishes. Starting from Sundried Tomato Butter with bread to their signature Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup, diner’s palates are consistently wowed. This bowl of deliciousness can be served a la carte, or part of the “Sundried’s Comfort Combo” complete with Grilled Asiago Cheese and Tomato Sandwich. Heartier options are also available in the form of seafood, …

Gemell’s Restaurant has been serving the citizens of Dana Point fine French cuisine for over a decade. Owner and Executive Chef Byron Gemmell is one of Orange Counties culinary elite, and his namesake restaurant reflects his depth of experience and knowledge with the dishes the serves that keep guests returning time and again. Patrons rave about the Lobster Bisque, Lamb, and Chocolate Soufflé, but with a full lunch menu, and Sunday Brunch as well, the dinner menu is not the only star in Gemell’s sky. The cozy dining room is the perfect venue for a meal with that special someone, …

Theme park dining usually means overpriced, tasteless food in small portions. However, the Napa Rose located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa delivers park goers a sophisticated, delicious meal. Views of Disney’s California Adventure park can be seen through the glass windows, but no park ticket is necessary to dine here. Head chef Andrew Sutton changes the menu seasonally, providing fresh ingredients in his dishes. For appetizers, the Starter to Share consists of Large Seared Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, Pork Spare Ribs with Soy Glaze, and Lemongrass Chicken Skewers. To keep the food at the right temperature, a hot …

Located on Lido Peninsula at the Historic former site of The Sea Shanty & Delany's, Bluewater Grill Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar is your classic fish house. Specializing in Mesquite-Charbroiled seafood, house made chowders with an Oyster Bar serving raw oysters and clams on the half shell.

Established in 1968, 21 Oceanfront is located on the oceanfront, across from the Newport Beach Pier. The great view, exceptional seafood and excellent service make the restaurant a remarkable dining experience.

The Ritz offers a taste of Europe in both ambiance and cuisine, with an extensive menu and a high level of service. Open since 1977, the Ritz has consistently offered an elegant setting for patrons to linger over an exquisite meal. The acclaimed menu offers Continental cuisine including an extensive selection of steak and seafood, as well as more unique items ranging from Escargots in Crute to Bavarian Rotisserie-Roasted Duck. Impeccable service and an outstanding wine list round out an elegant dining experience at the Ritz.

Sutra Lounge offers guests an unabashedly tantric culinary experience in a sensual setting. The enticing atmosphere aims to seduce diners, and the 10,000 square foot restaurant and lounge is adorned with rich colors and comfortable banquettes. From the aphrodisiac-inspired menu to the flavorful libations, Sutra promises a total dining and entertainment experience for the mind and body.

Located in a converted house on Glenneyre Street in Laguna Beach, Cafe Zoolu is at one with the surrounding neighborhood and its residence. Located next to a local health club and only two blocks from the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Café Zoolu is noted among locals for a magnificent appeal drawn from the location, the décor, and the food. Great veal chops, and world famous grilled swordfish are what have earned Café Zoolu its high regard and recognition. The cozy restaurant has only 11 tables, so reservations are mandatory for those looking to dine on the fresh seafood and …

Welcome to the Persian cuisine of Darya. The distinctive home-style menu features recipes dating back centuries. The meats, grains, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and spices in these dishes combine to create a sum far greater than its parts. The food is aromatic and flavorful, yet subtle. Darya offers authentic dishes native to specific regions, with spices and flavors, which reflect each area's unique accent.

Billy's offers a diverse menu in a beautiful relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere. Fresh fish is flown in from Kona or Maui daily. In addition, their selection of steaks definetely deserve recognition. Located in beautiful Newport Beach, Billy's has certainly established a great reputation among the locals.

Antonello Ristorante serves Italian favorites to Santa Ana residents in a classy, but family friendly environment. The landscape paintings adorning the walls lend the air of vacationing in an Italian villa. Antonello Ristorante’s expansive menu features all traditional Italian courses, from antipasti through secondi. Local favorites include the antipasti Prosciutto, with slices of Italian Parma Prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Marinated Olives. No Italian experience is complete without the Primi, or pasta course. With options such as Ravioli Magro with Spinach, Ricotta, and San Marzano Tomatoes, Fettuccine with Porcini Mushrooms, Fresh Tomato, and Truffle Oil, as well as a Chef’s …

Shades Restaurant and Bar embodies the unpretentious elegance of its Huntington Beach location. Formerly the Palm Court, this fixture of the Hilton Waterfront has been given a vibrant new personality through its recent renovation. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere is interpreted differently by its seating options: warm amber lighting and wood accents make for a chic indoor dining experience while the outdoor patio, with its ocean views and sunny tables, is the essence of coastal casual. Chef Jeff Littlefield’s menu is dictated by seasonality, resulting in a quietly sophisticated cuisine that is the epitome of fresh. A meal at Shades is …

Housed in an old canning building overlooking the Newport harbor, the Cannery is a historical landmark reminiscent of the days when Newport harbor became a hub of the fishing industry. Along with an extensive seafood selection, the menu features traditional steaks and chops, along with a sushi and raw bar. The Cannery has five different dining areas which offer stunning views, including a outdoor patio and an Asian dining room with a full Japanese menu.

The Orange County Mining Co. is located in the hills, boasts a panoramic view of Orange County. In the tradition of the mining days of Silverado Canyon, the restaurant is patterned after the steak houses and saloons frequented by the prospectors of old. The Orange County mining Co. sits upon the old silver mine sites of the canyon. Relics displayed within the restaurant's interior are genuine artifacts of the mining era. The kitchen serves hearty American fare such as steaks, grilled chicken, and seafood. The full bar refreshes guests thirsts with traditional cocktails as well as bottled and draught beer …

In the heart of the California Rivera in Laguna Beach is a hidden treasure of great and authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The great Greek atmosphere will certainly make your dining experience or special occasion one you will never forget!