22 Cool & Unique Restaurants in Orange County (California)

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Orange County might be best known for its sunny beaches and theme parks, but it’s also a serious foodie destination. Located between LA and San Diego, this area is packed with cool dining spots that bring a mix of laid-back coastal vibes and upscale flair. As a travel blogger who’s been to over 65 countries and spent weeks exploring OC, I can confidently say it holds its own against the best.

From stylish rooftop restaurants with ocean views to hidden gems serving up incredible tacos, Orange County has something for everyone. You’ll find waterfront seafood spots in Newport Beach, trendy brunch cafes in Costa Mesa, and unique, farm-to-table eateries dotted all over. If you’re after dining experiences that are fun, fresh, and totally memorable, these 22 unique restaurants in Orange County are where it’s at!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Orange County Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach. This 2.5-hour cruise gives you front-row seats to one of California’s prettiest coastlines. You’ll get a private table, a freshly prepared meal, and some seriously gorgeous views as the sun sets and the city lights come alive. After dinner, head up to the open-air deck with a drink in hand and enjoy the breeze off the bay. It’s perfect for date night, a birthday, or even just switching things up midweek. Sailing through Newport Harbor at night is pure magic!

Unique Places to Eat in Orange County, CA

Ready to dive into Orange County’s epic food scene? From magical multi-course dinners to bold flavor fusions, we’ve got a lineup that’ll blow your taste buds away.

Ever dreamed of dining somewhere straight out of a fantasy novel? Or tasting a dish that brings together French, Italian, and Japanese flavors? OC’s got it all, and then some. Here’s your go-to guide to the most unique restaurants in Orange County — get ready to turn your meal into an unforgettable adventure!

1. The Hobbit

• 📍 Location: Orange
• 💲 Price range: $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Multi-Course Contemporary American / Prix-Fixe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-course dinner starting in wine cellar, champagne intermission, fixed menu, long-standing institution.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Epic special occasions, leisurely paced dinners, wine lovers, unique fine dining, and planned splurges.

Prepare for an entire evening dedicated to dining at The Hobbit in Orange. It’s a multi-act culinary journey that begins with champagne and appetizers downstairs in the impressive wine cellar. After mingling, you head upstairs for a set multi-course contemporary American meal.

The menu is fixed and changes seasonally. Expect dishes like perfectly seared scallops with a delicate sauce, a tender filet mignon with rich accompaniments, or creative seasonal soup shooters. The leisurely paced format makes it a distinctive fine dining experience.

2. Dada Shabu Shabu

• 📍 Location: Garden Grove (Little Saigon Area)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $45 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese Hot Pot / Shabu Shabu
• 🔥 Standout Features: Modern neon-lit atmosphere, K-pop soundtrack, premium wagyu options, housemade sauces, customizable experience.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Groups, interactive dining, Japanese cuisine lovers, date nights, and Little Saigon food crawls.

Dada Shabu Shabu is where Japanese hot pot gets a modern, high-energy twist in the heart of Garden Grove. Imagine plush booths, glowing neon signs, and K-pop beats pulsing in the background. The menu is a choose-your-own adventure: you pick your broth (the spicy miso is next level), then personalize your tray of beef, veggies, seafood and noodles. Don’t miss the housemade sesame dipping sauce – I could seriously bottle it. Pro tip: splurge for the premium wagyu upgrade and thank me later. Little Saigon’s bustling food scene is just steps away, making this spot perfect for kickstarting a night of exploration. I left feeling both stuffed and like I’d just been to a futuristic dinner party.

3. The Blind Rabbit

• 📍 Location: Anaheim Packing District
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktails / Upscale Bar Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden speakeasy entrance, intimate/dark ambiance, strict rules/reservations needed, craft cocktails focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Speakeasy fans, craft cocktail lovers, unique date nights, intimate hangs, and feeling exclusive.

Shhh… can you find the secret entrance? The Blind Rabbit is Anaheim Packing House’s hidden gem, a true speakeasy requiring reservations and adherence to house rules. Once inside the intimate, dimly lit space, you’re rewarded with expertly crafted cocktails.

The star is the drinks. Consider a classic Old Fashioned made with precision, or their signature Duck Confit Old Fashioned. For bites, the rich bone marrow or savory duck mac and cheese are popular sophisticated bar snacks. Getting in is part of the fun!

4. LSXO

• 📍 Location: Huntington Beach (Inside Bluegold)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vietnamese Fusion / Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hidden unmarked entrance, harbor views, speakeasy atmosphere, hip-hop soundtrack, tiny intimate space.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, Vietnamese fusion lovers, speakeasy seekers, harbor dining, and culinary adventure seekers.

Hidden behind an unmarked door inside Huntington Beach’s Bluegold, LSXO has a speakeasy vibe with killer harbor views and insane Vietnamese fusion. Think vintage wallpaper, private tables, and hip-hop floating through the air. Start with the shaking beef or the Little Phnom Penh fried rice – both are packed with flavor and beautifully plated. Their spicy pho is a cult favorite and honestly made me rethink what pho could be. Reservations are essential since it’s tiny, but you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a locals-only culinary secret. PCH and the beach are right outside, perfect for a sunset stroll afterward.

5. Strong Water Anaheim

• 📍 Location: Downtown Anaheim
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Polynesian-Inspired Food & Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Immersive shipwreck/tiki theme, detailed decor, strong tiki cocktails, small bites menu, reservations essential.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki fanatics, immersive bar experiences, potent rum drinks, fun date nights, and tropical escapism.

Prepare to board a stunningly themed shipwreck oasis at Strong Water Anaheim. This place goes all-out with incredibly detailed, immersive tiki and nautical decor that makes you feel like you’re deep inside a sunken galleon – it’s seriously impressive.

The main draw is the menu of potent, well-crafted tiki cocktails. Trying a classic Zombie or a smooth Painkiller served in fun mugs is a must. They also offer Polynesian-inspired small plates like char siu pork belly or coconut shrimp.

6. The Cut Handcrafted Burgers

• 📍 Location: Irvine (Los Olivos Marketplace)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Gourmet Burgers / American Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Made-to-order burgers, truffle options, local craft beer on tap, outdoor seating, modern atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Burger enthusiasts, casual dining, craft beer lovers, people-watching, and marketplace exploration.

The Cut Handcrafted Burgers in Irvine is a serious game-changer for burger geeks. Sleek murals and indie playlists set the tone for a chill, modern hangout. The Truffle Burger is outrageously good – loaded with gooey cheese and dripping with umami flavor. Don’t skip their crispy Brussels sprouts either. Pair your meal with one of their on-tap local craft beers. Outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching at the Los Olivos Marketplace. I loved how friendly the staff were and how every burger is made to order. Definitely a go-to for burger cravings done right.

7. Past Memories

• 📍 Location: Garden Grove
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Korean / Pub Fare / Charcoal Skewers
• 🔥 Standout Features: Old-school 70s vibe, private wooden booths, charcoal grill at the table, late-night hours.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night eats, soju with friends, and authentic Korean bar food.

Step into Past Memories and you’re instantly transported to a street-side pub in 1970s Korea. This spot is the definition of a classic “pocha,” with dark, private wooden booths that feel like secret hideouts. The air is filled with the amazing smell of charcoal and the loud, happy chatter of friends sharing stories.

This isn’t about a fancy dinner; it’s about awesome food to share over drinks. You’re here for the incredible charcoal-grilled skewers that you cook at your table—the pork belly and chicken gizzards are classics. Their massive, crispy seafood pancake is perfect for the whole group to tear into.

8. Chapter One: the modern local

• 📍 Location: Santa Ana (Downtown)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Craft Cocktails
• 🔥 Standout Features: Industrial brick walls, live music weekends, creative comfort food, signature cocktails, urban-cool atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft cocktail lovers, live music fans, downtown exploration, date nights, and creative dining experiences.

Santa Ana’s Chapter One is the kind of place you go for craft cocktails but end up staying for wild spins on comfort food. Industrial brick walls, eclectic art, and jazzy playlists give this spot an urban-cool feel. Their Duck Fat Fries are pure perfection, and the Bacon Old Fashioned might ruin you for regular cocktails forever. On weekends, a live DJ or jazz band adds extra energy. Walk around Downtown Santa Ana after – great art galleries and one-of-a-kind bars await. Every time I come here, I discover a new favorite on the menu.

9. The Vox Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Fountain Valley Town Center
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Asian Fusion / Vietnamese Influenced
• 🔥 Standout Features: Popular spot known for garlic noodles/steak, modern Asian fusion dishes, lively atmosphere
• 🎯 Perfect For: Asian fusion fans, garlic noodle lovers, trendy casual meals, group dinners, and flavorful eats.

Get ready for bold Asian flavors at The Vox Kitchen in Fountain Valley. This popular spot is known for its vibrant, modern take on Asian fusion, drawing heavily from Vietnamese influences. They’ve gained a serious following for their craveable dishes.

Ordering their incredibly popular House Garlic Noodles, often paired with tender shaken beef (bo luc lac) or grilled shrimp, is essential. Their crispy salt and pepper calamari or flavorful pork belly bao buns are also fantastic. Expect a lively, bustling atmosphere.

10. O SEA | seafood for thought

• 📍 Location: Orange (Orange Circle Area)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Sustainable Seafood / California Fresh
• 🔥 Standout Features: Sustainable sourcing, bright airy atmosphere, creative seafood twists, uni specialties, casual welcoming vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Seafood lovers, sustainable dining advocates, healthy eating, Orange Circle shopping, and casual lunch dates.

O SEA in Orange bucks the trend of overly fancy seafood joints. It’s bright and airy, with this welcoming, casual vibe that makes you want to linger. The Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Bowl is a must – bursting with color and fresher than fresh. For something quirky, try the uni avocado toast. They focus on sustainable, traceable seafood with creative twists you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for a sunny lunch before exploring the shops and vintage storefronts in Orange Circle. I appreciate how the team here really cares about where their food comes from.

11. Goodies in the Pantry

• 📍 Location: Old Town Tustin
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Deli / Sandwiches / Cafe
• 🔥 Standout Features: Gourmet deli sandwiches, quality ingredients, charming Old Town location, homemade sides/soups.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sandwich lovers, quality lunch seekers, casual bites, Old Town Tustin exploring, and deli fans.

Elevate your lunch game at Goodies in the Pantry, a charming deli in Old Town Tustin. This spot focuses on crafting excellent gourmet sandwiches using high-quality meats, cheeses, and fresh bread. Forget basic cold cuts; think creative combinations.

Their Californian sandwich with turkey, avocado, and sprouts is a popular choice. A classic Reuben on rye, or their daily homemade soup and sandwich combo, are also highly recommended. It’s the perfect place for a satisfying, high-quality sandwich.

12. Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen

• 📍 Location: Fullerton (Downtown)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Elevated South Asian / Modern Indian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Halal menu, bold murals, creative non-alcoholic cocktails, modern art-filled space, elevated Desi cuisine.
• 🎯 Perfect For: South Asian cuisine lovers, halal dining, creative cocktails, downtown nightlife, and elevated Indian food experiences.

Khan Saab in Fullerton is next-level for anyone craving elevated South Asian cuisine with some serious swagger. The modern, art-filled space has bold murals and a lively crowd. Their Pistachio Kebab melts in your mouth, but it’s the Smoked Butter Chicken that truly had me swooning – pure comfort food, redefined. This place is totally halal and even has a surprisingly creative non-alcoholic craft cocktail list. Step outside to Downtown Fullerton’s buzzing scene for after-dinner drinks or live music. Khan Saab single-handedly changed my mind about how inventive Desi food can be.

13. Patagonia Empanadas

• 📍 Location: Orange
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Argentinian Empanadas
• 🔥 Standout Features: Specializes in Argentinian baked empanadas, variety of savory/sweet fillings, casual takeaway focus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Empanada fans, quick Argentinian bites, budget-friendly snacks/lunch, trying diverse fillings, and easy takeaways.

Get your hands on authentic Argentinian flavor bombs at Patagonia Empanadas. This spot specializes in traditional baked empanadas, offering a delicious variety of fillings wrapped in tender pastry. It’s typically a casual spot perfect for a quick, affordable lunch.

Trying their classic beef empanada, seasoned with olives and egg, is a must. The chicken empanada or the creamy humita (corn) empanada are also fantastic. For a sweet treat, the dulce de leche empanada is a delightful finish.

14. Puesto at the Headquarters

• 📍 Location: Anaheim (Anaheim Packing House District)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Elevated Mexican / Gourmet Tacos
• 🔥 Standout Features: Hand-pressed blue corn tortillas, neon-lit design, open kitchen, Instagram-worthy cocktails, Disney proximity.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Taco lovers, Disney visitors, Instagram dining, patio dining, and elevated Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.

Puesto at The Headquarters in Anaheim (Anaheim Packing House district) is basically taco heaven, but with a trendy, art-filled twist. Think neon lights, architect-designed interiors, and a bustling open kitchen. Order the Filet Mignon Tacos – so juicy and rich, you’ll never look at a typical taco the same way. The Puesto Perfect Margarita is ultra-refreshing and Instagram-worthy. On a nice day, grab a patio seat for people-watching and soak in the energy. Bonus: Disneyland is only a short rideshare away, so it’s perfect for pre-magic feasting. I can’t get enough of the hand-pressed blue corn tortillas here.

15. Barolo Italian Cafe

• 📍 Location: Tustin
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Northern Italian / Upscale Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on Northern Italian cuisine, cozy/romantic ambiance, fresh pasta/risotto, good wine list.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Northern Italian food fans, romantic dates, intimate dinners, pasta/risotto lovers, and wine enthusiasts.

Experience the flavors of Northern Italy at Barolo Italian Cafe in Tustin. This spot offers a more refined take on Italian dining, focusing on regional specialties. Expect dishes featuring fresh pasta, creamy risottos, quality meats, and elegant sauces.

Their risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto) is a standout. House-made pasta dishes, like tagliatelle with a rich meat ragu, or delicate veal preparations such as saltimbocca, are also highly recommended. The ambiance is cozy and intimate.

16. Fable & Spirit

• 📍 Location: Newport Beach (Lido Marina Area)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $65 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Irish-Inspired / Upscale Gastropub
• 🔥 Standout Features: Marina location, Celtic mystique atmosphere, Irish gin cocktails, dark wood decor, cozy booths.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Date nights, Irish cuisine lovers, marina dining, craft cocktail enthusiasts, and upscale gastropub experiences.

Right across from the Newport Beach Lido Marina, Fable & Spirit is Irish-inspired but seriously upscale and stylish – think dark wood, tons of greenery, and a bit of Celtic mystique. Do not leave without trying their Guinness Brown Bread with cultured butter or the Ribeye Shepherd’s Pie. Drinks are next-level, especially the inventive cocktails featuring Irish gin. This is a perfect date-night spot with moody lighting and cozy booths. You’re within easy walking distance to cool boutiques and the water, so take a sunset stroll after. Fable & Spirit oozes that elusive feeling of being special but totally relaxed.

17. Cafe Hiro

• 📍 Location: Cypress
• 💲 Price range: $45 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Japanese-European Fusion
• 🔥 Standout Features: Unique Japanese-Euro fusion, focus on pasta/seafood with Japanese twists, unexpected flavors, popular local spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, fusion cuisine fans, unique flavor explorers, trying something different, and local gem seekers.

Prepare for a delightful and unexpected fusion of flavors at Cafe Hiro in Cypress. This unique spot blends Japanese culinary styles with French and Italian techniques, creating dishes that are both familiar and excitingly different. It’s a popular local favorite.

Trying their signature uni pasta (sea urchin pasta) is essential for adventurous palates. Their Mentaiko Spaghettini (cod roe pasta) or perfectly cooked seafood dishes like pan-seared scallops with a yuzu butter sauce are also fantastic.

18. Bello by Sandro Nardone

• 📍 Location: Newport Beach
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $80 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary Italian / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Open kitchen, “nostalgic menu” option, tableside Cacio e Pepe preparation, reverse-seared steaks, chef’s childhood dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Italian cuisine lovers, fine dining experiences, special occasions, foodie adventures, and culinary theater enthusiasts.

Bello in Newport Beach takes Italian food to the next dimension. The stylish, contemporary decor sets off plates that are as gorgeous as they are tasty. Their reverse-seared steak Florentina and the Cacio e Pepe prepared in a wheel of Parmigiano are both must-tries. Tip: Ask for the “nostalgic menu” and get a custom-tasting adventure with epic, off-menu dishes straight from the chef’s childhood. There’s an open kitchen and energetic playlist – you’ll get front-row seats to all the culinary action. This is the place to go when you want to feel like a star in your own foodie movie.

19. Teddy’s Deli

• 📍 Location: Anaheim
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Deli / Sandwiches
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic deli sandwiches piled high, quality meats/cheeses, casual beach city vibe, satisfying portions.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Huge sandwich lovers, classic deli fans, post-beach eats, casual lunch, and hearty cravings.

Craving a seriously stacked sandwich? Head to Teddy’s Deli, a classic American deli serving massive, satisfying sandwiches in coastal OC. Expect quality deli meats and cheeses piled high on fresh bread, with all the classic fixings. It’s a casual spot known for generous portions.

A towering Reuben sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss is a popular choice. Their classic Italian sub, or a simple but perfect turkey and avocado sandwich, also hit the spot. Teddy’s delivers that straightforward, delicious deli experience.

20. Green Tomato Grill Orange

• 📍 Location: Orange (Old Towne Orange Plaza Area)
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: California Fresh / Healthy Casual
• 🔥 Standout Features: Plant-based options, gluten-free friendly, painted brick atmosphere, chill patio, antique shop proximity.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Healthy eating, plant-based diners, casual lunch, Old Towne shopping, and California fresh cuisine lovers.

Green Tomato Grill in Orange is the answer to, “Where can I eat something super fresh, fast, and still get all the flavor?” The vibe is all about clean California cool – think painted brick, playful art, and a chill patio. The Spicy Chicken Bowl (with citrus slaw and creamy jalapeño sauce) is legit, and their Grilled Avocado Wrap is hearty but healthy. Plant-based and gluten-free diners will be thrilled by the options. Swing by before or after hitting the antique shops around Old Towne Orange Plaza. I come here when I want a meal that tastes just as good as it makes me feel after.

21. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

• 📍 Location: Irvine
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean-Inspired Contemporary American / Sustainable Focus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Focus on sustainable/local ingredients, elegant atmosphere, Mediterranean flavors, craft cocktails, upscale dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sustainable dining fans, special occasions, business lunches/dinners, Mediterranean flavor lovers, and elegant Irvine dining.

Dine with a conscience at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails in Irvine. This upscale restaurant puts a strong emphasis on sustainability, using locally sourced, organic ingredients to create flavorful Mediterranean-inspired contemporary American dishes. The setting is elegant.

Expect beautifully presented plates. Their pan-seared diver scallops with seasonal accompaniments are a standout. The Kurobuta pork chop or creative vegetarian entrees also showcase their commitment to quality. Their craft cocktails are equally impressive.

22. The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar

• 📍 Location: Huntington Beach
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tapas / Small Plates / Wine Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Spanish tapas/small plates focus, extensive wine list, cozy/intimate setting near Main St, good for sharing.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tapas lovers, wine enthusiasts, sharing plates with friends, date nights, and pre/post Main St drinks.

Gather some friends at The Black Trumpet Bistro in Huntington Beach. Located near bustling Main Street, this spot offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for enjoying Spanish-style tapas and an extensive selection of wines. Think classic small plates.

Ordering a variety of tapas is a great plan. Their patatas bravas with spicy aioli are a must-try. The gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or a Spanish cheese and charcuterie board are also excellent for grazing and conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Orange County, CA

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Orange County? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Orange County’s best restaurants.

What food is famous in Orange County?

Some of the famous foods in Orange County include:

1. Mexican Cuisine: Thanks to its proximity to Mexico and a large Hispanic population, Orange County offers some of the best Mexican food in the United States. This includes tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, often found in both street-style taquerias and upscale Mexican restaurants.
2. Vietnamese Cuisine: The city of Westminster in Orange County is home to Little Saigon, the largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam. Here, you can enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and various rice and noodle dishes.
3. Seafood: Given its coastal location, Orange County boasts a variety of fresh seafood. Restaurants along the coast, especially in cities like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, offer fresh catches of the day, sushi, and other seafood specialties.
4. California Cuisine: Emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, California cuisine is well-represented in Orange County. This style of cooking often includes innovative and health-conscious dishes, with an emphasis on organic and locally-sourced produce.
5. Farm-to-Table Restaurants: There’s a growing trend of farm-to-table dining in Orange County. Restaurants focus on sustainability and locally-sourced ingredients, offering seasonal menus that change based on what’s available locally.
6. Avocado Dishes: California is known for its avocados, and Orange County is no exception. You’ll find avocados used in various dishes, from avocado toast to guacamole, and even in more innovative creations.

Can I find cheap eats in Orange County, California?

Absolutely! Orange County offers a variety of affordable dining options that don’t skimp on flavor or quality. Teddy’s Deli in Laguna Hills is a prime example. Known for its generous, flavor-packed sandwiches, it’s a perfect spot for a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Similarly, Patagonia Empanadas in the City of Orange brings the authentic taste of Argentina with its delicious and wallet-friendly empanadas. My personal favorite out of these two for cheap eats in OC is Teddy’s Deli. Their famous pastrami sandwich, priced reasonably, is unbeatable!

Where is the best fine-dining restaurant in Orange County?

When it comes to fine dining in Orange County, The Hobbit in Orange stands out. This restaurant offers a unique and luxurious dining experience that sets it apart from others. The Hobbit provides a multi-course meal spread over several hours, allowing diners to savor each dish and enjoy a leisurely, sophisticated evening. The ambiance, with its elegant decor, enhances the overall experience. It’s the perfect spot for special occasions.

Are there restaurants in Orange County with a view?

Here are some of the unique restaurants in Orange County with great views:

1. Las Brisas (Laguna Beach): This iconic restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is famous for its Mexican Riviera cuisine.
2. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove (Newport Coast): Located right on the beach, this spot offers a classic Southern California experience with views of the ocean and sand.
3. The Rooftop Lounge (Laguna Beach): Situated atop La Casa del Camino hotel, this lounge offers panoramic ocean views and is a great spot for sunset cocktails.
4. Duke’s Huntington Beach: Named after the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant provides a front-row seat to the Huntington Beach shoreline.
5. The Harbor Grill (Dana Point): Located in Dana Point Harbor, this restaurant offers views of the marina and a selection of fresh seafood.
6. The Deck on Laguna Beach: This open-air restaurant offers a casual dining experience right on the beach, with unobstructed views of the ocean.
7. Pelican Grill (Newport Coast): Part of The Resort at Pelican Hill, this grill offers views of the golf course and Pacific Ocean.
8. Mastro’s Ocean Club (Newport Coast): Known for its high-end dining experience, this restaurant provides spectacular ocean views, especially at sunset.

Which city in Orange County is the best for food?

Choosing the “best” city for food in Orange County, California, can be subjective as it depends on personal taste preferences and the type of cuisine you’re interested in. However, several cities in Orange County are renowned for their diverse and vibrant food scenes. Here are a few notable ones:

1. Anaheim: Best known for being the home of Disneyland, Anaheim offers a wide range of dining options. The Anaheim Packing District is a food hall with a variety of artisan eateries. There are also numerous restaurants around the Disneyland Resort area. The city also has a growing craft brewery scene.
2. Santa Ana: This city is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, thanks to its vibrant Latino community. The 4th Street Market is a popular food hall with diverse offerings. Santa Ana also has a range of upscale restaurants and hip eateries.
3. Costa Mesa: Often referred to as the culinary capital of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a high concentration of acclaimed restaurants. The South Coast Plaza area and the SOCO and The OC Mix complex are notable for fine dining and trendy cafes.
4. Newport Beach: Known for its seafood and upscale dining, Newport Beach offers a variety of waterfront restaurants with stunning views. It’s a great place for fresh, high-quality seafood, as well as for international cuisine.
5. Irvine: Irvine is known for its diverse population and, consequently, a wide array of international cuisines. It’s particularly renowned for its Asian food offerings, with many Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian restaurants.

Recap: Unique Restaurants in Orange County

Orange County’s unique restaurants are a treasure trove of flavors and experiences. Each restaurant we’ve explored offers something special. From the creative dishes at The Vox Kitchen to the homey feel of Teddy’s Deli, there’s always something new to try.

If I had to recommend just one place, it would be The Hobbit. Dining here is more than a meal. It’s an event that stays with you. The elegant atmosphere and the excitement of booking in advance make it a standout experience.

For great food that’s easy on the wallet, Teddy’s Deli and Patagonia Empanadas are top picks. And for something different, Cafe Hiro’s mix of cuisines is a fun surprise.

In Orange County, every meal is an opportunity for discovery, infused with that distinctive California charm. Whether you live here or are just visiting, these unique restaurants are worth exploring. So, get ready to explore the unique restaurants in Orange County, CA – your new favorite dish might be waiting just around the corner!