South Orange County Restaurants
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Award winning restaurants in Orange County
Check out diners' favorite restaurants in South Orange County
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Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.
TAIKUN Omakase - The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Price: Very Expensive•Japanese•4.8(18)New York City’s Taikun Sushi has returned to the resort, and Chef Yasu Iwai is delivering a new culinary experience sure to impress. This intimate and immersive 16-course culinary journey sources only the finest ingredients, and a meticulously crafted menu will rotate to showcase the incredible diversity of seasons and textures.
All seats are at the Omakase counter. Two seatings are offered 5:30 pm and 8:00 pmCappy's Cafe
Price: Moderate•Breakfast•4.8(328)Ask any Newport local: If you want great meals prepared with fresh ingredients and served in generous portions, Cappy's is the place. For over the past 40 years, we've been a celebrity hideout, a second home to countless friends and family, and the friendly spot for good conversation and even better food. Bring your favorite furry friend as we have an outdoor patio and canopy seating.
Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.8(103)Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.Nick's Laguna Beach
Price: Expensive•American•4.9(3,388)Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.
Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.
Hannas Prime Steak
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(3,621)Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar was established in 2005 and has quickly become one of Orange County’s premiere dining establishments. Named one of the U.S. top 100 restaurants, Hanna's Restaurant & Bar offers modern American Steakhouse cuisine prepared with classic, traditional flair. Our appetite for an exceptional dining experience is rooted deep in our passion for extraordinary culinary creations and exemplified in our award-wining service and ambiance. From our friendly bartenders, vibrant ambiance, outgoing wait staff, and incredible menu, our guests are always embraced in a comforting fashion. And on any given night you can always find owner David Hanna mingling among guests and ensuring that every detail of their experience at Hanna’s is nothing short of extraordinary.Ocean 48 - Newport
Price: Very Expensive•Seafood•4.9(1,219)The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.
CDM Restaurant
Price: Moderate•American•4.8(1,551)CdM Restaurant is inspired to create an environment that is visually creative and art driven while providing high quality, chef driven cuisine. Hollywood producer McG, partnered with restauranteur Jordan Otterbein, have found success in building the iconic A Restaurant in Newport Beach and are thrilled to bring this new concept to Corona Del Mar. We strive for an establishment that is deeply rooted in the community where all can come to enjoy. CDM has creative American cuisine inspired by Executive Chef Elvis Morales.
Under CDM; is a speakeasy experience taking place right below us. There is no password or reservations required. Our talented mixologists excited to take you on a journey to sipping the perfect cocktail.
Phone Reservations Only. We look forward to your call!
Our bar stays open after dinner service so stop in for a night cap.608 Dahlia
Price: Expensive•American•4.8(2,242)Executive Chef Jessica Roy brings her fresh interpretation and style to Garden and Farm-to-Table cuisine right inside the botanical oasis that is Sherman Library and Gardens. Daily pickings from the Gardens and local farms populate the ever changing seasonal menu that highlights the best and most flavorful ingredients of the season. Look for ingredients at their peak, stunning edible blooms and herbs right from the Sherman grounds, and cuisine that is nothing short of inspired and delicious. .
Please note: we are located within the Sherman Library and Gardens, to which there is a $5.00 per person admission fee. Each admission supports the Sherman Gardens (a non-profit organization), who maintain the sweeping panoramic views that our diners get to enjoy! Come for the food and stay for the views (and insta-worthy pics).
Todos Santos - Newport Beach
Price: Expensive•Mexican•4.9(120)Todos Santos Balboa is an expansion of the Todos Santos Mexican Kitchen concept established in 2019 in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. TSB inherits the authentic recipes of coastal Baja, while providing a modern presentation and flavor profile in our cuisine.
Our program includes specialty coffee service provided by Succulent Coffee Roasters, a full bar with scratch made margaritas, and an elevated wine list to enhance guest experience. Our home on Balboa Island exhibits the contemporary beauty of Southern California and welcomes you with patio dining just a few feet from the Island Ferry. We look forward to your visit!Jack's Restaurant/Bar
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.9(1,150)Jack's Restaurant and Bar is an Italian restaurant located in Dana Point, California. The restaurant features a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere and a full bar.
Jack's Restaurant and Bar serves dinner seven days a week starting at 4pm. Jack's Restaurant and Bar offers a variety of Italian & Seafood Specialties, Free-Range Chicken, Roman Style Pizza, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menus, and Desserts.
Private Dining Room available for groups up to 40. Catering Menus also available.
See what locals rave about in South Orange County
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- MMartyVIPOrange County •35 reviews5.0Dined 1 day agoFood was awesome as usual, had a fillet, garlic mashed, mushrooms and cheesecake for desert.More infoMastro's Ocean Club - Newport BeachPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Newport Beach•4.8
- ARAmirRWashington, D.C. Area •3 reviews4.0Dined 3 days agoGood quality food at high prices specially the drinks. Also the Chilean Sea Bass had some kind of very very very hot pepper as a garnish which damn near made my brother in-law spit out everything. Please either warn the guests of this or ask them if they prefer not to have it.More infoJavier's Irvine SpectrumPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Irvine•4.7
- RRicardoHawaii •1 review5.0Dined 5 days agoWe had a wonderful experience in a Wednesday afternoon. The service was exceptional and the food was delicious. The food was fresh, quality presentation and the taste was wonderful. Overall, we had a wonderful afternoon and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to celebrate in a nice environment.More infoLas BrisasPrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach•4.3
- VVickiSan Diego •3 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoDelicious food with calming ambiance made our lunch wonderful. I’ll return!More infoFarmhouse at Rogers GardensPrice: Expensive• American• Corona del Mar•4.8
- BBobNew York City •3 reviews5.0Dined 5 days agoIncredible outstanding and amazing. These are the words I would use.More infoJavier's Crystal CovePrice: Expensive• Mexican• Newport Beach•4.6
Trending dishes in South Orange County
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Discover South Orange County
With more than a thousand restaurants to choose from in the Orange County area, there is something to suit every taste when dining out. Orange County is best known for its coastal location, and many burger joints, seafood restaurants, and other eateries feature amazing beach views that you can enjoy while you dine. Seafood caught from the Pacific Ocean is dominant in local dishes, and this includes everything from sushi to sweet and sour shrimp. Because Orange County is located very close to the Mexico–United States border, you can also find incredible Mexican restaurants, and many serve homemade tortillas and hand-rolled tamales. Orange County restaurants serve American fare as well as international cuisine like Thai and Japanese dishes.
Dining around South Orange County Hot Spots
Landmark
Shopping area
Train Station
Stadium or Arena
Theatre
Popular area
Institution
Convention Center
Monument
Museum
Park
Attraction park
Marina
Gallery
Golf Course
Business area
Ferry
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Frequently asked questions
Celebrate special occasion at the best restaurants in South Orange County. Our customers recommend Ocean 48 - Newport, RH Ocean Grill at RH Newport Beach and Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
As of Jul 28, 2025 there are 308 restaurants in South Orange County. Filter by “outdoor dining”, “romantic” or “dog friendly”.
On OpenTable we support all cuisines. Find American, Italian, Seafood, Mexican, Californian and more. Use our filters to find exactly what you’re looking for and make your reservation today.
Yes! We partner with restaurants in South Orange County who deliver with Postmates, Toast, Uber Eats, Olo, ChowNow.
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