Orange County Restaurants

Orange County Restaurants Overview

We've found the places that locals frequent for a reason. Whether that be the enormous portions, outstanding views or one-of-a-kind flavors, these eateries are sure to please. We've tried to avoid the larger chain restaurants other than a few special locations.

On this page we've listed by region, restaurants, delis, dessert shops and fast food chains that we personally recommend and those with high consumer ratings.

Per Person
$5-$10 = $5-$10
$10-$20 = $10-$20
$20-$40 = $20-$40
$50+ = $50+

Dress
Casual - shorts, t-shirt, sandals
Business-Casual - pants or nice shorts, summer dress, collared shirt
Semi-Formal - slacks, collard shirt, evening gown, blouse
Formal - dress pants, suit jacket, formal dress, tuxedo

Orange County Restaurants
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Harbor House Café - Sunset Beach is a classic diner serving traditional American fare to locals, fisherman, night owls and anyone else looking for their fill of great food. They are located one block from the beach next to The Water Tower. Restaurant menu items include Banana Nut Hotcakes, Greek Omelette, Fish Sandwich, Crab Quesadilla and Oreo Cookie Shakes. It's always busy so you'll probably have to wait out front for a table. Sign in on the registry hanging by the door and have a cup of complimentary coffee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served all day. Dress is casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Harbor House Café
16341 Pacific Coast Highway
Sunset Beach, California 90742
(562) 592-5404
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Sugar Shack Cafe - Huntington Beach is located just one block from the Huntington Beach pier and is a favorite with the locals. Traditional cafe restaurant where breakfast is served all day long. Restaurant menu choices include 2 egg combo plates, breakfast burritos, 3 egg omelettes, pancakes and French toast. This is a very popular place, so expect long lines after 9am and on weekends. Open daily from 6am to early evening. Dress is very casual.
$5-$10 $10-$20

The Sugar Shack Cafe
213½ Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 536-0355
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Ruby's - SoCal Piers is a large chain restaurant with locations nationwide. Although we try to avoid listing chains, there is no way we can leave out the three unique Ruby's locations at the end of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach and Balboa Piers. Not only that, but they serve up some of the best hamburgers and shakes in town. Their restaurant menu includes hamburgers, soups, salads, fries, tacos, fish & chips and several varieties of fountain drinks like root beer floats. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is definitely casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Ruby's - Seal Beach Pier
Seal Beach, California 90740
(562) 431-7829

Ruby's - Huntington Pier
Huntington Beach, California 92648
(714) 969-7829

Ruby's - Balboa Pier
Newport Beach, California 92661
(949) 675-7829
Seal Beach Map | Huntington Map | Balboa Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Duke's - Huntington Beach is situated at the base of the Huntington Beach Pier. Named after a legendary Hawaiian surfer, Duke's is decorated with a Hawaiian theme and pictures that pay homage to Duke Kahanamoku. This seafood restaurant is known for its expansive views of the Pacific and Huntington Beach. Restaurant menu items include Crab & Macnut Wontons, Crab & Shrimp Melt, Crispy Coconut Shrimp and Lobster & Prime Sirloin. Open for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40 | $50+

Duke's Huntington
1317 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, California 92648
(714) 374-6446
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Newport Beach
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The Cannery - Newport Beach is situated at water's edge on Balboa Island in the very upscale Newport Harbor. An adjacent dock allows patrons to arrive by land or sea. Choose from indoor or outdoor patio seating at this primarily steak & seafood restaurant. A second story sushi bar offers more expansive views of the harbor. Restaurant menu choices include Maryland Blue Crab Cake, Pacific Swordfish, Enchiladas De Mariscos, Baja Pink Abalone and Aged Bone-In Rib-Eye. The Cannery also offers catered helicopter picnics and catering for Duffy Boat excursions through the harbor. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

The Cannery
3010 Lafayette Road
Newport Beach, California 92663
(949) 566-0060
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

21 Oceanfront - Newport Beach is located just steps from the Newport Pier and a large sandy beach. A wall of windows offers views of the Pacific and the Newport Pier. Steak and seafood restaurant in a fine dining atmosphere. Restaurant menu selections like abalone, king crab legs and ribeye steak. After dinner, relax in their lounge or venture out to the always active nightlife surrounding the pier. Open daily for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal.
$50+

21 Oceanfront
2100 West Oceanfront
Newport Beach, California 92663
(949) 673-2100
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

photo compliments of Bluewater Grill, Newport Beach

Bluewater Grill - Newport Beach is a seafood and oyster bar located on Lido Isle in Newport Harbor. They've been voted 'Best Seafood in Southern California' by two major newspapers. This is a serious seafood restaurant with both local and imported fish selections and very little red meat options. A few of the restaurant menu choices include Dungeness Crab Cocktail, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Fijian Ahi, Puget Sound King Salmon and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Consider a catered platter for your rented Duffy Boat excursion through the harbor. Open daily for lunch, dinner and brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

TIP: Boats deliver fresh fish straight to their dock on a regular basis. Swordfish is their specialty and they cook it to perfection.

Bluewater Grill
630 Lido Park Drive
Newport Beach, California 92663
(949) 675-3474
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Bayside - Newport Beach Open daily for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for brunch. Bayside is situated in a less touristy region of Newport near the Balboa Ferry. They offer primarily seafood restaurant cuisine served indoors or on their outdoor patio. Enjoy nightly entertainment of classical or soulful jazz. Restaurant menu choices include Smoked Tahitian Marlin, Linguini Pasta with Spring Lamb Ragu, Soy Glazed Atlantic Salmon and Maine Lobster Salad. Open daily. Dress is business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40 | $50+

Bayside
900 Bayside Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-1222
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Beachcomber Cafe - Newport Coast is located off Highway 1 (PCH-Pacific Coast Highway) in the historic Crystal Cove Beach Cottages. Park in the Crystal Cove State Beach parking lot on the east side of PCH at the Los Trancos/Crystal Cove signal. Catch a shuttle to the restaurant or take the footpath through the tunnel under PCH and head left toward the beach. State Park fees are validated at the restaurant. Take a step back in time to an era when prime Southern California shoreline was sparsely populated with small beach cottages that were only visited during the summer. This small grouping of shorefront cottages were run down, dilapidated shacks only a decade ago, and have since been meticulously restored by the Crystal Cove Alliance. Many can be rented out for stay and one was converted into The Beachcomber Cafe restaurant. Enjoy expansive ocean views from their patio deck on the sand. Restaurant menu choices include Spinach Artichoke Frittata, Coconut-Macadamia Pancakes, Grilled Ham & Brie Sandwich, Seafood Pot Pie and Agave Chicken. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual. Their full bar is a local draw.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 376-6900
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Laguna Beach
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Las Brisas - Laguna Beach is situated atop a cliff overlooking Main Beach and the Laguna coastline. This Mexican restaurant specializes in traditional Mexican fare with an emphasis on seafood. Locals all know about their all-you-can-eat buffet Monday-Thursday for just a little over $10. There's no better place for great Mexican food with spectacular views of the Southern California coast. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

Las Brisas
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-5434
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

French 75 - Laguna Beach & Newport Beach is a French restaurant with two local locations that specialize in steakhouse fare prepared with French flare. Restaurant menu choices include Boneless Short Ribs a la Bourguignon, Croque Monsieur, Flatiron Steak au Poivre and Beef Stroganoff. Live Jazz most nights. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal. The Laguna Beach location is situated one block from the beach in South Laguna and the Newport Beach location resides within the Fashion Island shopping and entertainment circle.
$10-$20 | $20-$40 | $50+

French 75 - Laguna Beach
1464 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(949) 494-8444

French 75 - Newport Beach
327 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
(949) 640-2700
Laguna Map | Newport Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Rooftop Lounge - Laguna Beach is situated on top of an original Laguna Beach boutique hotel off Highway 1 (PCH). La Casa del Camino hotel is home to two popular Laguna Beach restaurants, K'Ya Bistro and The Rooftop. Known for its amazing ocean views, this seafood restaurant is open for lunch and happy hour daily - breakfast on weekends. Dinner is served in the K'ya Bistro Bar. Restaurant menu choices include Grilled Ahi Nicoise Salad, Shrimp Penne, Hibachi Salmon, Spicy Seafood Chowder, Grilled Lamb and Blackened Chicken Sandwich. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

The Rooftop Lounge
1289 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-2446
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Beach House - Laguna Beach is situated in an original Laguna Beach home overlooking the Pacific. The home was originally owned by Actor/Director Slim Summerville who starred in and directed literally hundreds of motion pictures from the early to mid 1900's. Since 1968, it has been one of Laguna Beach's most popular and romantic restaurants. This is primarily a steak and seafood restaurant. Restaurant menu includes Seafood Crepes, Lobster Bisque, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib and Prawns & Sea Scallops Fettucini. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. Dress is business-casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40 | $50+

The Beach House
619 Sleepy Hollow Lane
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(949) 494-9707
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Studio at Montage - Laguna Beach is situated atop a cliff with expansive views of the Laguna coastline. This primarily seafood restaurant is part of the Montage Resort and offers fine dining experience. Restaurant menu includes a Grilled Colorado Lamb Loin, Maine Diver Sea Scallops, Roasted Alaska Halibut and Tellicherry Black Pepper-Crushed Ahi. Desserts include a dessert wine menu. Open for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to formal.
$20-$40 | $50+

Studio
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(866) 271-6953
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

San Juan Capistrano
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Ramos House Cafe - San Juan Capistrano is located one block from Mission San Juan Capistrano, across the tracks from the San Juan Capistrano train station. This historic home was part of an original California settlement known as Los Rios. Ramos House Cafe restaurant offers traditional southern cuisine in a rustic garden setting. Restaurant menu specialties include Potato, Corn & Buttermilk Crab Cakes with Field Greens, Smoked Chili Remoulade, Southern Fried Chicken Salad with Buttermilk Dressing, Warm Rock Shrimp Bread Pudding and home turned ice creams. Open everyday but Monday for breakfast and lunch only. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Check our Ramos House Cafe blog for more details.

Ramos House Cafe
31752 Los Rios Street
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
(949) 443-1342
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Vintage Steakhouse - San Juan Capistrano is located one block from Mission San Juan Capistrano, adjacent to the San Juan Capistrano train station. Situated within several decommissioned train cars, The Vintage steakhouse restaurant features mesquite charbroiled steaks and seafood in an upscale, bygone era setting. Restaurant menu includes Eggs with Petite Filet Mignon, Venison Two Bone Chops, Prime Rib Eye Steak, Mesquite Chicken Breast, Six Spice Ahi Tuna and Lobster Tail. Live music most Fridays and Saturdays. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is business-casual to formal.
$20-$40 | $50+

The Vintage Steakhouse
26701 Verdugo Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-3400
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Cannons - Dana Point is situated high atop a cliffside overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Every seat at this seafood restaurant has an ocean view thanks to the stepped architecture of the dining room. Restaurant menu includes Crab Stuffed Tiger Shrimp, Alaskan Halibut with Crab Florentine and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Open for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to semi-formal. The views are truly as outstanding as the meals. This would be our top choice in Orange County for a romantic dinner or an unforgettable marriage proposal.
$20-$40 | $50+

Cannons Seafood Grill
34344 Green Lantern Street
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 496-6146
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Fisherman's - San Clemente is a seafood restaurant and bar situated at the base of San Clemente Pier. On one side of the pier is the restaurant and just a few steps across the pier is the bar where drinks and appetizers are served. Outstanding ocean view with indoor and outdoor seating. Restaurant menu items include Bucket of Clams, Seafood Bruchette, Seafood Omelette, Black and Blue New York Steak, and Baked Oysters. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual to business-casual.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar
611 Avenida Victoria
San Clemente, California 92672
(949) 498-6390
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Anaheim
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Anaheim White House - Anaheim is located in close proximaty to Disneyland® and offers free limousine shuttle service to local hotels. Situated in a large 1909 home, they serve Northern Italian and French cuisine in 8 separate, elegant dining rooms. They earned a plethora of awards and have been rated one of the '100 Best Restaurants in Southern California'. A few of the restaurant menu choices include Tomba Rigatoni Formaggio, Versace Halibut, Calvin Klein Gnocchi con Formaggio and Seafood Ravioli Soup. Could be catagorized as both a French restaurant and Italian restaurant. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch. Dress is business-casual to formal.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

Anaheim White House
887 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, California 92805
(714) 772-1381
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Downtown Disney® is located within the Disneyland® Theme Park in Downtown Disney. Ralph Brennan has brought recipes straight out of New Orleans to the visitors of Downtown Disney complete with live jazz musicians. Unique 'Big Easy' restaurant menu items include Crawfish Springrolls, Shrimp Creole, Pasta Jambalaya and Gumbo Ya-Ya. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch. Dress is casual to business-casual. This is one of the best restaurant choices in the Disneyland complex.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
1590 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, California 92804
(714) 300-7800
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Mrs. Knott's - Buena Park is situated at the front of Knott's Berry Farm theme park. Back in 1934, Knott's was only known for two things; boysenberries and Mrs. Knott's delicious chicken dinners. Since then, the amusement park grew but the chicken dinners are still as mouth watering as ever. Restaurant menu includes traditional American dishes of pancakes, fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, potatoes and gravy and of course, boysenberry pie and ice cream. Knott invented the boysenberry in case you didn't already know. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$5-$10 | $10-$20

Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, California 90620
(714) 220-5080
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Medieval Times - Buena Park is located just a short distance north of Knott's Berry Farm theme park. Medieval Times is more about entertainment than it is a restaurant. Guests enter the castle and are seated stadium-style in a large arena where exceptional shows of jousting, sword fighting and falconry take place. Much like the era it represents, guests are expected to eat with their hands and cheer their jouster toward brutal victories. Fare is served in pewter dishes and includes garlic bread, baked potato, cornish game hen, pork rib, soup and beer. Hot towelettes are provided at the end of the meal. Medieval Times is great fun and should not be missed when visiting Southern California. Open for dinner only. Dress is casual.

TIP: Pay a few extra dollars to enter the 'Museum of Torture' where several Medieval torture devices are on display along with dipictions of how they were used. Not for the squeemish.
$20-$40 | $50+

Medieval Times
7662 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Cellar - Fullerton is located in a historic part of Fullerton and accessed via a dimly lit stairway. They are situated on the bottom floor of a 1922 3-story building that was once a hotel and today houses several restaurants, gift shops and boutiques. This award-winning French restaurant's dim lighting, velvet-backed upholstery, chandeliers and dark woods make it the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Wine Spectator once rated this as one of the top six restaurants in the world for their wine selection. Restaurant menu items include escargot, pheasant, rack of lamb and French onion soup. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to formal.
$5-$10 | $10-$20 | $20-$40

The Cellar
305 N. Harbor Boulevard
Fullerton, California 92832
(714) 525-5682
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Orange
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Orange Hill - Orange is situated atop a hill overlooking all of Orange County with sunset views all the way to Catalina Island. The grounds feature koi ponds, waterfalls and firepits. The restaurant menu includes traditional steak and seafood items including Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Roasted Duck Breast, Seafood Montage and Kobe Beef Skewers. Open daily for dinner only. Dress is business-casual to formal.
$10-$20 | $20-$40

Orange Hill
6401 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, California 92869
(714) 997-2910
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

The Hobbit - Orange is located on Chapman Avenue east of the 55 Freeway, between Yorba & Prospect. This award-winning restaurant has been serving formal meals since 1972. Meals are served in seven courses. Open for Wednesday-Sunday for dinner by reservation only. Dress is semi-formal to formal.
$50+

The Hobbit
2932 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, California 92869
(714) 997-1972
Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Rutabegorz - Fullerton, Tustin, Orange has several locations throughout Orange County. Rutabegorz mission is to provide a healthy alternative to traditional restaurant offerings, without sacrificing taste. This award-winning restaurant has been serving vegetarians and hippies since 1970. Restaurant menu choices include soups, salads, bagels, sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and much more. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dress is casual.
$10-$20

Rutabegorz Fullerton
211 North Pomona
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 738-9339

Rutabegorz Tustin
158 West Main
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 731-9807

Rutabegorz Orange
264 North Glassell
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-3260
Fullerton Map | Tustin Map | Orange Map | Hotel | Website | Other Ideas

Orange County Restaurants

Orange County Restaurants Overview

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