Where Orange County actually sits down.

Driftwood Kitchen

Coastal · Seafood

Perched on the cliffside in Laguna Beach with the Pacific stretching to the horizon. Chef-driven coastal cuisine, locally-sourced fish, and a wine list curated for sunsets. Reservations are essential — this is an occasion restaurant.

Harbor House Café

Seafood · Coastal

Perched on the waterfront in Newport Beach with front-row views of the harbor. Known for fresh-off-the-boat seafood, the legendary clam chowder, and sunset happy hours that make you forget you have to drive home.

Pelican & Pine

Italian · Pizza

Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and handmade pasta in a warmly lit Fullerton dining room. The kind of Italian restaurant where the reservation is always worth making — especially on weekends when the pappardelle bolognese sells out by 8pm.

Seal Beach Seafood Co.

Fresh-caught Pacific seafood served with ocean views steps from the historic Seal Beach Pier. The lobster bisque is a local legend.

The Anaheim Grille

A local institution serving hearty American comfort food since 1989. Known for its legendary breakfast burritos and famous house-made hot sauce.

Fullerton Noodle House

Authentic Vietnamese pho and banh mi in a cozy downtown Fullerton spot. A favorite among Cal State Fullerton students and faculty for over a decade.

Hwaro Korean BBQ

Korean · BBQ

Tabletop grilling done the proper way in the heart of Koreatown. Premium USDA prime beef, house-fermented banchan, and the best galbi in OC. Happy hour specials and a late kitchen make this the go-to post-10pm spot.

Irvine Farmhouse Kitchen

Farm-to-table breakfast and lunch using produce from local Irvine-area farms. The avocado toast and seasonal grain bowls are perennial crowd favorites.

Laguna Taco Lab

Craft tacos with locally sourced ingredients and house-made salsas. Perched above PCH with stunning ocean views from the patio.

Newport Harbor Bistro

Upscale California cuisine overlooking the Newport Beach harbor. Perfect for date night or celebrating a special occasion.

Phở 79

Vietnamese · Pho

An icon of Little Saigon. Phở 79 has been ladling out slow-simmered broth and hand-cut rice noodles since 1979. The lines stretch around the building on weekend mornings — and every bowl is worth the wait.

Sakana Sushi & Omakase

Japanese · Sushi

An intimate 12-seat omakase counter where chef Hiroshi Tanaka sources fish directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market three times weekly. The 15-course experience is the best sushi dining in Orange County, full stop.

The Anaheim Grille

American · Diner

A neighborhood anchor since 1989. Classic American comfort food done without shortcuts — thick diner burgers, blue plate specials, and the kind of breakfast that earns regulars for life. A true OC original.

The Refinery Coffee Bar

Brunch · Coffee

All-day brunch and craft coffee in the heart of Costa Mesa. The avocado toast actually lives up to the hype, and the weekend eggs benedict is the stuff of local legend. Great patio, even better people-watching.

Trestles Burger Co.

Burgers · American

Surf culture meets smash burger at this laid-back HB institution. The double smash with secret sauce is the best burger in Orange County — a bold claim they've been backing up since 2014. Always packed, never rushed.