Restaurants in Orange County
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Los Sanchez
The cooking is fiery and delicious at this big, family-owned, order-at-the-counter Mexican joint. Try the carne asada (grilled, chopped beef served with rice, beans and tortillas), shrimp rancheros (shrimp in garlic, olive oil and wine) or seafood tostada. If you don't recognize the names, there's a picture of every dish on the wall. It's one block south of Chapman Ave.
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Las Brisas
Come here for one of Laguna's best views. Sip margaritas while you stare at the crashing waves from the glassed-in patio on the bluff, or book a table in the dining room. You won't long remember your Mexican-seafood meal, but the image of the coast will leave an indelible impression. Cocktail hour gets packed; make reservations.
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Napa Rose
Disney's - and one of OC's - finest restaurants occupies a soaring Craftsman-style dining room overlooking DCA's Grizzly Peak. There's a special emphasis on pairing native ingredients with native wines. Splurge on the four-course meal. Reservations strongly recommended.
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Cuban Pete's
Outside it looks like a witch's castle, but inside it's all woodsy and decorated with photos of Old Havana. The Cuban and Caribbean cooking is richly spiced, but there's also a kids' menu. There's live music Thursday to Saturday nights; call ahead to confirm.
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Zinc Café
Locals say Zinc is the thing they miss most when they leave Laguna. Maybe it's the happy-making tomato-colored walls inside or the serene terrace outside. The vegetarian menu - including egg dishes, pizzas and sandwiches - emphasizes fresh ingredients.
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Mr Stox
Mr Stox serves some of Anaheim's best Cal-American cooking in a clubby atmosphere with oval booths and thick carpeting. The chef bakes five different breads daily. Wear nice shoes and make reservations.
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La Sirena
Hole-in-the-wall La Sirena shines for its bargain-basement prices and knockout contemporary Mexican specialties (think crunchy jicama and zingy salsa, not fat-laden refries with melted yellow cheese).
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Blue Bayou
Surrounded by the 'bayou' inside Pirates of the Caribbean, this place is famous for its Monte Cristo sandwiches at lunch, and Creole and Cajun specialties at dinner. Make reservations.
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Crab Cooker
Expect a wait at this always-busy fish joint, which serves great seafood and fresh crab on paper plates to an always-appreciative crowd in flip-flops and jeans. Good chowder too.
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Hush
Laguna's favorite for hipsters with cash to burn, and their parents. Macaroni and cheese comes with lobster and crayfish while pork chops are wrapped delightfully in sage.
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Vineyard Room
DCA's white-tablecloth dining room serves contemporary Cal-Italian cuisine in three- or four-course set menus, from polenta and portobello to prosciutto and veal.
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Pacific Whey Cafe
Lauded as Newport's best bakery, this place has pricey but excellent baked goods as well as breakfast platters and Provençale-inspired salads and sandwiches.
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Aubergine
Regularly rated OC's best, the French-inspired menu changes daily to accommodate the freshest ingredients. There's also a stunning selection of wine and cheese.
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San Shi Go
A favorite local hangout for its clean, white decor, good sushi and killer views. It's hidden upstairs in an undistinguished mall, but worth seeking out.
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Señor Pedro's
Señor Pedro's is the place to go for cheap Mexican eats. It serves plentiful if uninspired grub just across the street from the mission entrance.
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Bangkok BBQ
A bowl of soup and a rice plate at lunch costs just around US$5 at this strip-mall Thai joint with friendly service; dinners don't cost much more.
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Trattoria at Golden Vine Winery
DCA's best place for a sit-down lunch serves surprisingly inexpensive and wonderfully tasty Italian pasta, salads and gourmet sandwiches.
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Royal Thai Cuisine
Gracious service, a smartly decorated dining room and consistently delicious cooking distinguish this as the top Thai eatery in Newport.
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Wilma's Patio
Wilma's is a family-style institution on Balboa Island serving high-quality diner food in one of the island's original 1920s cottages.
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Pascal Épicerie
This is not SoCal fusion, it's a classic French market. Great to-go sandwiches and salads at very reasonable prices.
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El Adobe
El Adobe , is upscale with its pretty (you guessed it) Mission-style dining rooms and bar.
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La Brea Bakery
This branch of one of LA's top bakeries serves up great sandwiches and salads.
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River Belle Terrace
Kids love the Mickey Mouse pancakes at breakfast, served until 11:30.
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Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Stop for a date shake on your way to the park. They're dee-lish.
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