Laguna Beach
At this stylish purveyor of New American cuisine, the small-plates menu ($8 to $15) ranges from filet mignon pot pie to sizzling garlic shrimp and New…
Must-see restaurants in Orange County
Coastal Orange County
The US location of a popular ramen chain from northeastern Japan is known for its chewy, curly, wobbly (their word) hand-crumpled noodles. The broth stews…
Disneyland Resort
The chef cooks up a fusion of Californian and Mediterranean cuisines (steelhead salmon, paellas, lunchtime sandwiches, plus a kids menu) at this airy two…
Orange County
The fancier sister restaurant of Brodard, this place looks like a traditional Vietnamese house, with a full bar and subdued lighting inside. Like the…
Newport Beach
Expect a wait at this always-busy joint, a landmark since 1951. It serves great seafood and fresh crab on paper plates to an appreciative crowd wearing…
Orange County
Chef Joseph Mahon has parlayed his work at a Michelin-starred restaurant into gourmet burgers that have been named the OC's best. The cheerily…
Ruby’s Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Newport Beach
Although this been-here-forever wooden snack stand is now owned by the Ruby’s Diner chain, the shakes – and the ocean views – are as good as ever. Don’t…
Coastal Orange County
Raise your breakfast game at this gourmet caterer’s bistro tucked in the corner of a cookie-cutter strip mall. With its exposed brick walls and sleek…
Newport Beach
This nifty, Baja-inspired cantina makes salsas, aguas frescas and tortillas in house and serves them with tacos of grilled meats (al pastor), pork…
Laguna Beach
This sleek, contemporary, art-filled bistro in the heart of downtown’s village is always bustling for its martini bar and fresh seafood like candied…
Coastal Orange County
There's an extensive hand-scrawled menu hanging over the counter at this humble local joint where traditional deli fare is served alongside Mexican…
Coastal Orange County
Costa Mesa's newest food destination brings together purveyors of coffees, cheeses, oysters and more. Also here is Taco Maria, whose Michelin-starred chef…
Laguna Beach
With its friendly, indie-spirited vibe comes this tiny tribute to healthy cuisine. From hummus and guac sandwiches to sunflower sprout salads and black…
Newport Beach
Sit on the wooden deck and watch the boats at this polished harborside restaurant and oyster bar that serves incredibly fresh fish. Great for Bloody Marys…
Coastal Orange County
With its flickering votive candles, ivy-covered courtyard and spicy Cuban, Mexican and Jamaican specialties, this sultry cantina whispers rendezvous…
Coastal Orange County
Wet suit–clad crowds frequent this tiki-style breakfast and lunch place, which serves both OG breakfast sandwiches (lox and cream cheese) to new-style…
Laguna Beach
One of the only female sushi chefs in Orange County, Miki Izumisawa slices and rolls organic rice into Laguna’s best sushi, artfully presented. The place…
Coastal Orange County
Lunch in a yurt? In Orange County? Them’s the digs at this vegan spot serving organic salads, veggie burgers, Native Oklahoma Classic grilled 'cheese'…
Orange County
Come with your sweetie or a group to share plates like beef poutine with cheese curds and sous vide egg, Brussels sprouts with flash-fried prosciutto or…
Laguna Beach
Ground zero for Laguna’s see-and-be-seen vegetarians, this gourmet market has a hedge-enclosed patio where you can munch on tasty vegetarian and vegan…
Orange County
For breakfast, not much beats this former gas station now serving haute pancakes, chorizo eggs, Cobb salads and patty melts instead of unleaded. Check out…
Newport Beach
The claim to fame of this authentic Italian place on Lido Island is its handmade Chicago-style sausage, blended with Sicilian goat cheese for that…
Coastal Orange County
The name really says it all at this urbane spot across from the water. Get a table by the window for the best ocean views as you chomp on a modern…
Disneyland Resort
Finger-lickin’ good fried chicken platter and pot roast come with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits and veggies at this 1950s original. There's a fun…
Laguna Beach
Sustainably-raised Hawaii-style poke (marinated raw fish), Baja-style fish tacos, coconut shrimp and the fresh catch o’ the day are about all you need…
Huntington Beach
It may be touristy, but this Hawaiian-themed restaurant – named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku – is a kick. With unbeatable views of the beach,…
Huntington Beach
Expect a wait at this HB institution, or get here early to see surfer dudes don their wet suits. Breakfast is served all day on the bustling Main St patio…
Disneyland Resort
At this Mary Poppins–themed restaurant, the Jolly Holiday combo (grilled cheese and tomato basil soup for $9) is a decent deal and very satisfying. The…
Coastal Orange County
Downtown’s barbecue hut ropes in regulars with fried pickles, meats smoked using peach, maple, red oak and avocado wood, buffalo sloppy joe sandwiches,…
Ralph Brennan’s New Orleans Jazz Kitchen
Disneyland Resort
Hear live jazz combos on the weekends and piano on weeknights at this resto-bar with NOLA-style Cajun and Creole dishes: gumbo, po-boy sandwiches,…
Orange County
The Bowers Museum's airy, modernist indoor-outdoor cafe is a lovely place to take a break from art over sandwiches, salads like grilled prawn, or the…
Orange County
Known by locals as just Ruta’s, this flowering cottage north of the plaza puts a healthy spin on breakfast or lunch. Cal-Mexican, vegetarian and Middle…
Coastal Orange County
Inside a vintage mid-century-modern building, this fashionable eatery is all about down-home flavor – think pulled-pork sandwiches, popcorn shrimp, gumbo…
Coastal Orange County
Nothin' fancy about this counter-service fish market, where they do large, hearty portions of deep-fried ocean goodness: famous fish and chips, scallops,…
Coastal Orange County
At Dana Wharf, this trapped-in-amber dive bar is so dark it feels like you’re drinking while jailed in the brig of a ship, but never mind. There’s plenty…
Coastal Orange County
Paradis makes about 200 (whoa!) flavors of ice cream, of which you'll find about 16 on any given day, so there's always a reason to come back. They also…
Mrs Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
Orange County
The restaurant that launched a theme park. Classic, button-busting fried chicken and mashed potato dinners are served in this restaurant from 1934, newly…
Newport Beach
You won't leave hungry from this bright-blue diner on the land side of Coast Hwy. It serves monster omelets, crispy bacon, country fried chicken, house…
Coastal Orange County
Pipes is in a strip mall not close to the beach, but surfers still come here to grab their breakfast burritos and eggy seaside scramblers. Come hungry,…
Coastal Orange County
Near the pier is this brunch spot for sweet and savory crêpes – try the molten chocolate or chicken with maple barbecue sauce. Take a seat on the sidewalk…
