Hello friends and happy Wednesday. This week has been flying by and I LOVE it!
I’m sure most of you know I was born and raised in Orange County, CA and I didn’t move to Texas until collage. Because of this I go back to The OC all the time. I get so many messages from y’all asking for Orange County restaurant recommendations or asking what the best restaurants in the OC are, so I decided to do a round up of some of my faves here! I hope you enjoy my Orange County restaurant guide!
Da Bianca Trattoria
A charming family owned Italian restaurant with mind-blowing food! We’ve been eating at Bianca’s since I was a new born and I make sure to eat here every time I am in town.
Where: Orange
When: Go for dinner and a reservation is a must especially Thursdays through Sundays.
What to get: Their nightly specials change everyday and are always amazing! My favorite on menu items are the Farfalle Veneziana and the Veal Marsala.
Good Guys Pizza
A great family owned pizza joint with AMAZING pizza and a fun and laid back atmpsphere.
Where: Orange
When: Go for dinner. Weekend nights tend to be pretty crowded.
What to get: We always start with the Sicilian salad and then create our own pizza with onions, mushrooms, sausage and black olives.
Crab Cooker
Great seafood at crazy affordable prices in a charming atmosphere.
Where: There’s one location in Tustin and one in Newport Beach.
When: Go for dinner. The Newport location is very crowded on weekends.
What to get: You MUST start with the clam chowder! I always order the “light eaters plate” with mashed potatoes (they’re beyond amazing) and coleslaw.
Mizu
A Japanese restaurant with large patio and bar area.
Where: Tustin
When: I recommend going for lunch because I love their bento box lunch special which isn’t offered at dinner.
What to get: The bento box with Teriyaki Chicken and Veggie Tempura.
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen
An upscale Mexican restaurant in the heart of Old Orange. Great food, cocktails and beautiful decor.
Where: Old Orange
When: Good for lunch or dinner. The is always a wait weekend nights so reservations are a must!
What to get: Literally everything is amazing!
Lemonade
An upscale cafeteria style restaurant with fresh and amazing food! A great spot for everyone because there are SO many options.
Where: There are two locations- one in Irvine and one in Newport Beach
When: Great for lunch or even a quick and casual dinner.
What to get: I always get the BLT.
Watson’s Soda Fountain
A retro 1950’s dinner in Orange Circle.
Where: Orange
When: Great for breakfast or lunch. It tends to be very busy on weekends!
What to get: I love their hot dog and they have great onion rings!
Javier’s
A swanky and upscale Mexican restaurant that has wonderful food and beautiful decor and fun vibe!
Where: They have one location in Irvine and one in Newport beach.
When: Great for lunch or dinner.
What to get: The carnitas are the best I’ve ever had.
R&D
A bright an airy restaurant with beautiful food and great atmosphere.
Where: Newport Beach
When: Great for lunch or dinner.
What to get: I always start with the deviled eggs and for my entree I either get the The Newport Salad or Tuna Tartare.
Sky Loft
A great rooftop restaurant with ocean views.
Where: Laguna Beach
When: Go for lunch or for happy hour to watch the sun set.
What to get: They have great lunch specials and I always get the turkey sandwich with the kale salad.
The Cliff
An outdoor water front American restaurant with breathtaking ocean views.
Where: Laguna Beach
When: Great for lunch or dinner. Keep in mind it is always very busy on weekends- especially in the summer.
What to get: I always get the Mahi-Mahi tacos.
Las Brisas
A Mexican seafood spot with amazing ocean views.
Where: Laguna Beach
When: Great anytime- for brunch, lunch or dinner!
What to get: I love their sea bass.
Sawleaf
Casual and quick Vietnamese food.
Where: Irvine
When: Go for lunch.
What to get: I do their lunch combo with tofu Pho and chicken Banh Mi.
The Quiet Woman
A cozy restaurant made famous by The Real Housewives of Orange County with upscale American food and large bar. The people watching here is always prime!
Where: Newport Beach
When: Go for dinner or for drinks after dinner.
What to get: The rack of lamb!
Cuccina Enteca
A whimsical Italian restaurant with fresh and beautiful Italian food.
Where: There’s a location in Newport Beach and another in Irvine.
When: Great for lunch or dinner.
What to get: You must start with the squash blossoms! I alternate between the date, ricotta and bacon pizza, the short rib Pappardelle or the Bucatini.
Fig and Olive
A trendy upscale Mediterranean restaurant.
Where: Newport Beach
When: Great for lunch or dinner. Reservations are musts most evening and every weekend.
What to get: You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Bandera
A swanky Southwestern restaurant with large bar and fun vibe. This is my favorite restaurant in Corona del Mar.
Where: Corona del Mar
When: Go for dinner and reservations are always a must!
What to get: I get the grilled artichoke and Macho salad every single time.
The Rusty Pelican
A waterfront seafood restaurant with beautiful views and great seafood!
Where: Newport Beach
When: Go for dinner. Make a reservation, especially on weekends and in the summer.
What to get: I always get the Chilean Sea Bass.
Christakis
A family owned Greek restaurant packed with charm and amazing food.
Where: Tustin
When: Go for dinner. I recommend reservations on the weekends. On weekends they have live music and belly dancers!
What to get: The rack of lamb is a must! The moussaka is also amazing!
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
An airy upscale latin restaurant with large bar and patio.
Where: Irvine
When: I recommend going for happy hour.
What to get: They have great happy hour specials and I recommend getting their margarita!
Kisses and California wishes,
