Orange County is the perfect destination for your next food trip.
The region in Southern California is home to what food buffs love: a wide range of flavors and varied dining experiences.
Just take your pick from the American favorites and dishes with international influences served in the region.
For diverse dining experiences, head to the upscale restaurants, cafes, pubs, and steakhouses, among others, that dot the region’s landscape, too.
Indeed, Orange County is a culinary mecca so don’t miss out.
Don’t worry.
I put together a list of the best restaurants in Orange County so you can easily plan your epic gastronomic adventure:
1. Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
229 E Commonwealth Ave
Orange County, CA 92832
(714) 853-1081
Built in 2020, this restaurant in Fullerton is one of the best places to eat in Orange County if you’re looking for dishes with authentic flavors from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This restaurant takes pride in its exquisite halal food served in trendy surroundings.
Feast on those amazing flavors while you sit on any of the restaurant’s stylish metallic or wooden chairs.
Marvel at those red-brick walls and spider-like chandeliers for the complete visual experience.
What to Eat
Have your best lunch in Orange County with the Classic Chicken Curry.
The soft boneless leg soaked in tomato stew is so flavorful your taste buds will rejoice with every bite.
With the Kashmiri chili, the dish acquires that spicy flavor that makes it the best food in Orange County.
2. Smoke Queen Barbecue
13242 Harbor Blvd
Orange County, CA 92840
This pop-up restaurant currently located in Garden Grove has been featured on national television for its exquisite barbecue dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Satisfy your meat cravings with barbecue dishes oozing with Asian flavors in this restaurant.
Made with traditional American smoking techniques, the meat is so tender your palate won’t get enough of it.
The meat is more flavorful, too, free from antibiotics and hormones.
What to Eat
The Korean Dino Rib Beef is amazing.
You’ll love the tenderness of the meat, smoked over white oak for six to eight hours.
Topped with that sweet and spicy gochujang sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and onions, the dish is pure delight!
3. Rodeo 39 Public Market
12885 Beach Blvd
Orange County, CA 90680
(714) 871-3100
This is where to eat in Orange County if you’re looking for exquisite diverse menu options ranging from burgers to Vietnamese pho or noodles.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This food hall has everything you need for a complete meal, with its 39 vendors serving everything from ramen to pizzas.
Enjoy your dish in the open air, surrounded by lush greenery.
Or sit indoors for easy access to all those food establishments when you get hungry–again.
What to Eat
Whether for breakfast or brunch, Shootz’s Kimchi Butter Chicken Katsu is exquisite.
The spicy flavors of the salted and fermented vegetables mix well with the creamy taste of the meat covered in panko bread crumbs.
For dessert, try the Mango Matcha ice cream from Fika Fika.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Cypress Anaheim / Orange County
Also See:
Restaurants in Monterey
Best Restaurants in Marina del Rey, CA
Places to Eat: Oceanside, CA
Restaurants: Pasadena
4. Blinking Owl Distillery
802 E Washington Ave
Orange County, CA 92701
(714) 852-3947
This is one of the great Orange County eats that serve exquisite comfort food ranging from pizzas to burgers paired with classic California-centric ale.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing its ingredients from local farmers and ranchers.
All the grains used here, in particular, are organic and come from California farms.
That means you can expect fresh flavors to satisfy your palate on every plate.
What to Eat
The Blinky Baby Burger is a definite must-try.
The grass-fed beef patty on that soft brioche sesame bun is delightful as it is, with its smooth texture and juicy flavors.
Add the Utah-inspired bourbon fry sauce and the dish is just divine.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Ana – Orange County, an IHG Hotel
Related: Best Orange County Pizza
5. Nep Cafe
10836 Warner Ave
Orange County, CA 92708
(714) 516-8121
This is one of the best-rated restaurants in Orange County for its amazing Vietnamese dishes served in a casual environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Here’s a slice of Vietnam in Orange County.
You’ll find that perfect balance of flavors characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine in each dish here.
The resto will remind you of Vietnam, too, with its traditional furniture and diverse indoor plants reminiscent of the country’s rich flora.
What to Eat
The Banh Mi Chao is perfect for your palate, trust me.
The filet mignon truffle soaked in exquisite peppercorn sauce will give you that amazing fusion of flavors in your mouth with every bite.
Add that pork jowl mala sauce for that spicy finish that will set your taste buds on fire.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ayres Hotel Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley
6. Knife Pleat
3333 S Bristol St
Orange County, CA 92626
(714) 266-3388
This is one of the top Orange County restaurants inside the South Coast Plaza you should definitely visit for amazing authentic French cuisine served in upscale settings.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Don’t look any further for fine dining in Orange County.
This restaurant is the epitome of sophistication, with its beautiful wooden floors and gorgeous chandeliers that give it a breathtaking rustic elegance.
The food plating is beautiful, too, worthy of Instagram posts.
What to Eat
Get your seafood fix with the Maine Lobster.
The butter-poached white meat on the restaurant’s special “jus de la presse” is so soft it feels like it melts in your mouth when you take a bite.
The butternut squash is the perfect side to the dish protagonist, with its sweet and nutty flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Newport Beach HotelOpens in new window
Related: Fun Things to Do in Orange County at Night
7. Paradise Dynasty
3333 S Bristol St
Orange County, CA 92626
(714) 617-4630
This is one of the good restaurants in Orange County that serve amazing Chinese fare, including Szechuan dishes, in a chic environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You’ll love the trendy ambiance in this place.
Feast on delicious flavors while you marvel at the restaurant’s huge stylish chandelier.
Take pictures of that classy bar and the beautiful metallic shelf with the artisan vases because you probably won’t find those in restaurants near you.
What to Eat
Don’t miss out on the Deep-Fried Pork Ribs.
The tender meat cooked to perfection is already an amazing dish because of its rich flavors.
The garlic, however, gives the meat that powerful finish that takes it to a whole new level for your palate.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency John Wayne Airport Newport Beach
Also See:
Best Restaurants in Cambria, CA
Best Restaurants in Palo Alto, CA
Restaurants: Ojai, California
8. Tim Ho Wan
2700 Alton Pkwy 127-131
Orange County, CA 92606
(262) 888-8888
This restaurant is just one of the six Tim Ho Wan locations in the United States.
It’s popular among locals and tourists alike for its authentic Chinese dishes, with a focus on dim sum.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This is one of the most popular restaurants to try if you’re looking for amazing Chinese flavors.
The culinary staff creates each dish from scratch, with ingredients delivered fresh daily.
That just means you can expect flavorful food that will stimulate your taste buds in every way.
What to Eat
The BBQ Pork Buns are world-famous for a reason.
The bread is soft and fluffy, I assure you it will taste like heaven in your mouth.
With those exquisite pork cuts as filling and the buttery paste on top, the dish is just a gastronomic delight.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
9. Porch and Swing
2010 Main St
Orange County, CA 92614
(885) 573-4407
Located in Irvine, this dining establishment is one of the best restaurants downtown that serves incredible southern coastal fare in a stylish environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Your taste buds won’t just rejoice in this restaurant.
Even your visual sense will love it in this place, with its gorgeous brick columns and stylish chairs and lamps hanging from the ceiling.
The bar will catch your eye, for sure, with its beautiful etched decor and shiny marble top.
This is one of the best dinner places in Orange County, trust me.
Enjoy your exquisite dish outside, surrounded by lush greenery that looks even more beautiful with the dim lighting.
Listen to amazing live piano and violin music from talented artists for the win.
What to Eat
The Skuna Bay Salmon is just perfect.
The fish made spicy with swarnadwipa curry powder is a plain gastronomic delight.
Mixed with the summer squash that has a mildly sweet taste, the dish is a culinary work of art.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County, an IHG Hotel
10. Veg’D
280 Bristol St
Orange County, CA 92626
(714) 760-4026
Owned by acclaimed chef Matthew Kenney, this dining establishment located in Costa Mesa is one of the local restaurants that serve healthy vegan dishes plus smoothies.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This is just the place to be for the foodie looking for exquisite dishes made with organic ingredients.
The culinary staff here don’t add any preservatives or artificial colors to the food.
In other words, the restaurant serves highly-nutritious dishes health buffs will definitely love.
What to Eat
Have a go at the Breakfast Burrito, trust me.
Instead of meat, the burrito has eggs as its filling.
When you soak that fluffy egg in that exquisite green chili salsa, you get a treat for your taste buds, trust me.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Irvine
11. Rye Goods
3418 Via Lido
Orange County, CA 92663
(949) 432-5550
This restaurant located in Newport Beach is one of the casual spots to eat delectable desserts, with a focus on organic pastries.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This charming cafe follows a farm-to-table philosophy.
It uses freshly-milled grains and wild yeast to create its beautiful pastries.
The staff source each ingredient from local farmers, too, which means those sugary delights have fresher flavors your taste buds won’t get enough of.
What to Eat
Get your sugar fix with the Strawberry Bostock.
The toasted brioche filled with nutty cream is exquisitely sweet as it is.
With that organic strawberry filling, you’ll have an even sweeter experience, in the literal sense.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Balboa Bay Resort
Related: Best Things to Do in Orange County
Also See:
Restaurants in Oxnard, California
Restaurants in Palm Desert, California
Best Restaurants in Paso Robles
12. Fable and Spirit
3441 Via Lido
Orange County, CA 92663
(949) 409-9913
This restaurant on Newport Beach is the perfect place for food buffs looking for incredible progressive cuisine served in charming environs.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You’ll satisfy your visual sense in this restaurant in many ways.
Enjoy your meal on a beautiful chair by oversized windows to get a nice view of the neighborhood.
Then marvel at the gorgeous paintings and the beautiful upholstery inside the restaurant when you’re done.
What to Eat
The Smoked Shortrib is a crowd favorite so make sure you get a taste when you visit this place.
Smoked to perfection, the meat has that smooth texture your palate will definitely adore.
With the barbecue jus, the meat is truly a culinary work of art.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach, an IHG Hotel
13. Baci di Firenze Trattoria
416 N Lakeview Ave
Orange County, CA 92807
(714) 282-2220
This family-owned restaurant in Anaheim is famous among locals and tourists for its authentic Italian dishes served in rustic elegant surroundings.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You’ll feel like you’re in Italy with every bite of the dishes here.
The culinary staff prepares each dish following tried-and-tested recipes from restos in Southern, Northern, and Central Italy.
Even the place will remind you of Italy, with its images of the country’s landscape on walls.
What to Eat
The Swordfish is an incredible dish.
The soft fish meat becomes even more flavorful with the Puttanesca red sauce as its base.
Satiate your fruit and veggie cravings with the capers and black olives for the ultimate gastronomic experience.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County
Related: Things to Do with Kids in Orange County
14. Vine Restaurant and Bar
211 N El Camino Real
Orange County, CA 92672
(949) 361-2079
Located in San Clemente, this is one of the coolest places in Orange County, with its bustling atmosphere perfect for social gatherings and exquisite Californian-Mediterranean bites.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This is one of the best birthday restaurants in Orange County.
The food portions here are huge, which means you can feed an entire army.
Your guests will love the vibrant atmosphere, too, with its multiple TVs showing exciting sports matches at the same time.
What to Eat
The Crispy Kurobuta Pork Belly will take your breath away.
The Vermont maple syrup adds that sweet flavor to the beautifully cooked meat.
The cast iron-roasted Brussel sprouts and the candied walnuts are just as incredible, with their fresh flavors you can’t miss.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casablanca Inn
Also See:
Places to Eat in Pismo Beach
Restaurants in Pleasanton
Redding Restaurants
15. Nick’s Laguna Beach
440 S Coast Hwy
Orange County, CA 92651
(949) 376-8595
This restaurant first opened its doors in 2008 and has since been wowing diners with its incredible California comfort fare served in a casual setup.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You can really just hang out in this place. Enjoy incredible dishes while you watch an exciting sports match showing on any of the restaurant’s TVs.
Outdoors, you can sit under those oversized yellow umbrellas and soak in those Orange County sights and sounds while you eat.
What to Eat
The Short Ribs Benedict is to-die-for.
The slow-braised and tender meat soaked in hollandaise sauce will stimulate your palate.
Add the poached eggs, English muffin, and crispy hash browns into the mix and you get the perfect meal.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Montage Laguna Beach
16. Starfish
30832 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Orange County, CA 92651
(949) 715-9200
This restaurant near South Laguna Beach is just the place to visit if you’re looking for authentic Asian cuisine served in a sleek environment.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The restaurant is beautiful, really. Imagine sitting on elegant wooden chairs with stylish traditional lamps hanging from gorgeous wooden ceilings.
Then you have those amazing hand-painted windows that give you a view of greenery you’ll want to take pictures of, too.
What to Eat
If you’re craving something spicy, then the Sichuan Japanese Eggplant is just the dish for you.
The eggplant soaked in soy and red chili sauce will satisfy your palate.
Add those red and green bell peppers into the mix for that spicy experience you’ll never forget.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa
17. Bosscat Kitchen and Libations
4647 MacArthur Blvd
Orange County, CA 92660
(949) 333-0917
This restaurant is one of the three Bosscat Kitchen and Libations locations in California and Texas serving classic American comfort food ranging from salads to burgers.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Step inside this restaurant and you’ll feel like you’re in a cabin in the woods, with its wooden walls and eclectic decor that includes barrels and crates.
The stylish colorful chairs and pop art here and there, however, give the place that edgy vibe your visual sense will appreciate.
What to Eat
The Bosscat Burger is a house specialty.
The in-house ground beef mixed with cheese, bacon, pickles, tomato, and lettuce is the perfect fusion of meat and veggie flavors.
With the restaurant’s secret comeback sauce, the dish is heavenly.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach
Related: Best Hotels in Orange County
18. Habana
2930 Bristol St
Orange County, CA 9626
(714) 556-0176
Established in September 1995, this restaurant is a mainstay in Orange County known for its exquisite Cuban and Pan-Latin cuisine.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Simply put, this restaurant is all about amazing flavors and fun.
You’ll love the delicious taste of the dishes prepared by a talented team led by Executive Chef Alex Moreno in this restaurant.
After your meal, go dance to your heart’s content during Habana Nights for the win.
What to Eat
The Kobe Burger is just the dish for meat lovers.
The ground beef cooked to perfection on that brioche bun has amazing juicy flavors that will stick with you.
The tomatillo salsa is the perfect sauce, with its slightly sweet and savory taste that takes the meat to the next level.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
19. The Beachcomber Cafe
15 Crystal Cove
Orange County, CA 92657
(949) 376-6900
This restaurant on Newport Beach is the place to be for diners looking for California favorites served in a casual setup with oceanfront views.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You can literally get up close and personal with nature in this restaurant.
Picture yourself eating a delicious dish in the open air, right in front of beautiful majestic waters.
You’ll feel that amazing Orange County breeze for sure.
What to Eat
The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich is a gastronomic delight.
The chicken breast smothered in pepper jack cheese has that exquisitely creamy taste, perfect for your palate.
Add the avocado-caramelized bun for that full explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
20. Flippoly
14001 Jeffrey Rd
Orange County, CA 92620
(949) 878-8984
Located in Irvine, this dining establishment is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Orange County for its scrumptious sandwiches plus tea, coffee, and delectable desserts.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The food here will delight both your taste buds and visual sense.
Just picture creamy cheese oozing out of ham and egg on fluffy bread that melts in the mouth.
Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds, believe me.
What to Eat
Don’t forget to taste that amazing Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich.
The flavors from the grilled scrambled egg, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella blend so well in the mouth you won’t distinguish one from the other.
With those sprinkles of parsley, you get a taste of heaven.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
