From American to Californian to modern cuisine, Orange County features 43 award-winning restaurants that make it a emerging food destination. The city boasts Michelin stars and James Beard Awards across its restaurant scene. Orange County is a rising star in the culinary world.
The best restaurants in Orange County
43 expert-reviewed restaurants, with what makes each one stand out. Track 40+ global award systems in one place, updated continuously.
1.Al Baraka Restaurant
Al Baraka is a Middle Eastern restaurant specializing in Palestinian dishes more commonly found in home kitchens than on restaurant menus. Al Baraka Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Middle Eastern, Palestinian · 413 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804
2.Ammatoli
AMMATOLI is a Mediterranean-influenced kitchen, drawing inspiration from the best cuisine the Levant has to offer. Ammatoli is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Levantine, Middle Eastern · 285 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802
3.Andrea
Close your eyes, and take in the aromas of Northern Italy mingling with the soft coastal breezes of the Pacific. Indulge in authentic Northern Italian cuisine, including hand-made pastas and artisan gelatos—all made with seasonal, local ingredients. Andrea at Pelican Hill resort is Italian dining at its best. Andrea is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Italian · 22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast, CA 92657
4.Bourbon Steak Orange County
Bourbon Steak Orange County is Chef Michael Mina’s love letter to the American steakhouse experience; classic Americana infused with Chef Mina’s arsenal of world flavors and flair for the dramatic. Offering the best steak, seafood, and wine selection in the picturesque town of Dana Point—plus a one-of-a-kind whiskey and cocktail experience—Bourbon Steak invites guests to relax and indulge. Bourbon Steak Orange County is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Steakhouse · 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point, CA 92629
5.Broadway by Amar Santana
Inspired by the theaters in New York City, Broadway by Amar Santana creates an atmosphere where the food becomes the main show. The restaurant serves seasonally driven, modern American cuisine focusing on finding top-quality ingredients from local farms. By: Top Chef alum Amar Santana Broadway by Amar Santana is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Modern Cuisine · 328 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
6.Darkroom
Darkroom is a restaurant and wine bar from the minds of Zach Scherer and Drew Adams. An ever-changing menu of California ingredients, prepared with techniques from around the world, Darkroom combines the simplicity and seasonality of Spanish food with the stark plating of the world’s leading Nordic restaurants. Darkroom is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Wine Bar · 3751 S Harbor Blvd suite c, Santa Ana, CA 92704
7.Gusto Bread
Gusto Bread is an artisanal panadería in Long Beach specializing in baking with masa madre (wild fermented sourdough culture) and in-house nixtamal (fresh corn masa). Everything is crafted with a philosophy of simple, real, and delicious, by making food with whole ingredients, stone-milled flours, and local produce. Gusto Bread is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Bakery, Mexican · 2710 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814, USA
8.Hana re
Hana re serves traditional, high-end Japanese food where the chefs cater a personal menu to your desire. Hana re is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Japanese, Omakase · 2390 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
9.Harvest Restaurant
Located on The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Harvest serves up comfort food inspired by the best of regional and grown-on-property ingredients and the turn of the seasons. Harvest Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
The Ranch at, 31106 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
10.Herb & Ranch
Located at the Irvine Company’s UCI Research Park Campus, Herb & Ranch is a casual multi-dining concept, like a traditional food hall, where diners order from the station of their choice and pay at a central register. By: Top Chef alum Brian Malarkey Herb & Ranch is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
5301 California Ave, Irvine, CA 92617
11.Heritage
Within the walls of a century-old craftsman house in Long Beach's historic Rose Park neighborhood lives Heritage, a family-owned and operated restaurant by brother-sister-duo Lauren Pretty and Chef Philip Pretty. At Heritage, every single ingredient is sourced with intention. The menu changes often and sometimes daily. Beer and wine are all sourced from California. Heritage is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
2032 E. 7th St., Long Beach, 90804, USA
12.Heritage Barbecue
Heritage Barbecue is a chef-driven Central Texas-inspired bbq specializing in small-batch hand-crafted meats using real wood fire. Heritage Barbecue is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Barbecue · 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
13.ILYA
ILYA is a coastal Mediterranean restaurant rooted in warmth, simplicity, and refined flavor. Inspired by the meaning of its name—derived from elia, the Greek word for olive tree—ILYA embodies peace, abundance, and connection through food meant to be shared. ILYA is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Mediterranean · 1502 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
14.Knife Pleat
Knife Pleat is an elegant and approachable French restaurant located in the South Coast Plaza Penthouse, showcasing modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French fare. Knife Pleat is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
French · 3333 S Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
15.L'Opera Italian Restaurant
L'Opera Italian Restaurant serves Northern Italian cuisine and offers a vast wine list. L'Opera Italian Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Italian · 101 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
16.Marché Moderne
Marché Moderne is a chic French establishment serving classic entrees and along with inventive small plates. Marché Moderne is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
French · 7862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
17.Mario's Butcher Shop
Mario's is a butcher and sandwich shop offering high-end cuts, charcuterie made in-house and wood-grilled and smoked meats. Mario's Butcher Shop is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Butcher & Sandwich Shop, Specialty Food Market · 1000 Bristol St N, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
18.Mastro's Ocean Club — Newport Beach
Mastro's Ocean Club is an upscale restaurant serving steaks and seafood dishes and offers hand-crafted cocktails and eclectic wines. Mastro's Ocean Club — Newport Beach is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Seafood · 8112 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92657
19.Mastro's Steakhouse — Costa Mesa
Mastro's Steakhouse is an upscale restaurant serving steaks and seafood dishes and offers hand-crafted cocktails and eclectic wines. Mastro's Steakhouse — Costa Mesa is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American · 633 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
20.Napa Rose
Savor upscale California fare and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Napa Rose's expert sommeliers are happy to recommend the perfect wine pairing to complement your meal. Napa Rose is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Californian · 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
21.Ngu Binh
Ngu Binh specializes in traditional homestyle Vietnamese cooking, including noodle soups. Ngu Binh is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Vietnamese · 14092 Magnolia St, Westminster, CA 92683
22.Nobu Newport Beach
Nobu, the iconic Japanese restaurant that started as a request from legendary actor Robert De Niro to Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to bring his now-famed cuisine to New York in 1994, has expanded to include 32 restaurants around the world – Malibu, Lana'i, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo and Dubai among them – and now, Newport Beach. Nobu Newport Beach is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Japanese · 3450 Via Oporto Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92663
23.Old Brea Chop House
Located in Downtown Brea, Old Brea Chop House offers an unparalleled steakhouse experience in Orange County, featuring an impressive selection of steaks, chops, seafood, libations, and wines in an inviting setting reminiscent of a classic New York steakhouse. Old Brea Chop House is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American · 180 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821, USA
24.Poppy & Seed
Poppy & Seed offers an elevated yet approachable menu that incorporates fruits, vegetables, microgreens, and herbs, picked straight from the restaurant's in-house garden. Inspired by personal growth and California's abundance of seasonal produce, Poppy & Seed is intended to evoke conversation and bring family, friends, and community together through the goodness of food. Poppy & Seed is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Californian · 350 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
25.RAYA
RAYA is a Dana Point restaurant highlighting Pan-Latin American cuisine, prepared with local produce, organic meat, and sustainable seafood and offered in an elegant setting with an ocean view. By: Top Chef alum Richard Sandoval RAYA is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Latin American · One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, California 92629 USA
26.Roy's Restaurant — Anaheim
Roy's Restaurant blends classic French techniques with the bold, adventurous flavors of the Pacific Rim using seasonal and locally influenced produce. By: Top Chef alum Roy Yamaguchi Roy's Restaurant — Anaheim is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
321 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802
27.R|O-Rebel Omakase
Rebel Omakase offers guests an unforgettable culinary experience while exclusively employing fresh and quality products. All fish, rice, and ingredients come from Japan, prepared with Japanese techniques and elements, and in front of guests. R|O-Rebel Omakase is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Japanese, Omakase · 361 Forest Ave ste 103, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
28.Selanne Steak Tavern
Selanne Steak Tavern, located in a historic 1934 home on Pacific Coast Highway, brings the spirit of classic American steakhouses and taverns to Southern California’s iconic Laguna Beach. The restaurant features succulent steaks and chops, poultry, game and seafood, artisan cocktails, beers, and a vast wine selection. Selanne Steak Tavern is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American · 1464 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
29.Selva
Selva is a Columbian-inspired restaurant that offers a genuine sense of soul to Long Beach's vibrant Zafaria district. Chef Carlos Jurado, a native of Cali, Colombia, brings an innovative and artistic menu to a community, enhanced by inventive cocktails, wine, and local and regional beer. Selva is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Latin American, South American · 4137 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
30.Splashes Restaurant
Splashes serves elegant, coastal-inspired California fare with a Mediterranean flair using fresh, local ingredients and offer a vast wine list and spirits. Splashes Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Californian, Mediterranean · 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
31.Strong Water Anaheim
An escape from everyday life into a shipwreck bar with exotic cocktails and surprises around every corner. Please note, Strong Water Anaheim is reservations-only for inside seating. Outside seating is first come first serve. Strong Water Anaheim is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American · 270 S Clementine St, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
32.Studio
Enjoy modern coastal cuisine with California influences at Studio. Perched atop a 50-foot bluff with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Studio restaurant is the Montage Resort & Spa’s signature restaurant, providing innovative Californian French cuisine and an award-winning 2,000 wine label list against an inspired backdrop. Studio is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Californian, French · 30801 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
33.Sweetfin — Costa Mesa
Sweetfin is a chef-driven, seafood and sushi restaurant that focuses on delicious poke bowls while using local produce, sustainable fish, and innovative ingredients. By: Top Chef alum Dakota Weiss Sweetfin — Costa Mesa is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Californian, Hawaiian, Japanese, Seafood · 259 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
34.THE RANCH Restaurant
THE RANCH Restaurant menus feature large format steaks that are sustainability-focused classic American dishes and seasonal creations. The restaurant sources ingredients from farmers, ranchers, fishers, bakers, and artisan cheesemakers that honor local and regional ingredients. In addition, the restaurant also offers an extensive wine list. THE RANCH Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Steakhouse · 1025 E Ball Rd #101A, Anaheim, CA 92805
35.Tacos La Carreta
Tacos La Carreta is a locally owned and operated taco restaurant in the heart of Long Beach, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to suit every taste. The menu features classic Mexican food, all made with the freshest ingredients and prepared with care. Tacos La Carreta is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
3480 E. 69th St., Long Beach, California 90805
36.The Capital Grille — Costa Mesa
The Capital Grille is a steakhouse offering American fare dishes and a vast wine selection. The Capital Grille — Costa Mesa is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American · 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
37.The Cellar Restaurant
The Cellar Restaurant is an upscale French eatery located in the Del Sol Hotel's dimly-lit basement, serving seasonally-driven menus in an elegant, old-world atmosphere. The Cellar Restaurant is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
French · 305 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832
38.The Hobbit
The Hobbit offers a multicourse of French-inspired dishes and a vast wine selection. The Hobbit is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
French · 2932 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869
39.The Jetty
The Jetty serves fresh, delicious food inspired by local and sustainable purveyors to deliver the best quality meal. By: Top Chef alum Brian Huskey The Jetty is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Californian · 3029 Ocean Ave, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
40.The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar — Newport
The Winery pairs contemporary California regional cuisine with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting for a cutting-edge dining experience. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar — Newport is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Californian · 3131 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
41.The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar — Tustin
The Winery pairs contemporary California regional cuisine with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting for a cutting-edge dining experience. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar — Tustin is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
American, Californian · 2647 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
42.Truly Pizza
Truly Pizza is an artisanal pizzeria serving classic and gourmet pies (including gluten-free options, as well as square and round crusts). Truly Pizza is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Italian, Pizza · 24402 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
43.Vaca
Vaca is a premier Spanish tapas and steakhouse in Costa Mesa, California, serving top-quality ingredients, a global superior meat selection, and an unmatched innovative beverage program. By: Top Chef alum Amar Santana Vaca is part of Best Restaurants Guide's expert-reviewed selection of the top 1% of restaurants worldwide.
Spanish, Tapas · 695 Town Center Dr Suite 170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
