12 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 12 unique restaurants in Orange County are where it’s at!

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this Orange County Brunch Cruise from Newport Beach. This two-hour cruise includes a five-course brunch with stunning views of Southern California’s coastline. It’s an absolute must-do on a SoCal itinerary in my opinion.

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. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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!