Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in North Orange County

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in North Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Chaak KITCHEN

4.8

4.8 (2099)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Tustin

About the restaurant

Discover CHAAK, nestled in the heart of Old Towne Tustin. A culinary gem honored with a 2024 Michelin Bib. Inspired by Executive Chef Gabbi Patrick’s Yucatecan roots, CHAAK features Mayan staples of pibil, recados, seafood, smoke, and exotic spices combined with her signature modern flare. The Yucatan peninsula's influence sets it apart, with Spanish, Caribbean, and Mediterranean influences, dense tropical climate, and deep Mayan culture roots.

Indulge in our signature dishes, like the Ceviche Campeche, Cochinita Pibil, Parrillada, & Branzino. Our menu boasts culinary delights like panuchos, salbutes, empanadas, pork belly tacos, enchiladas, almejas, tamal, bombas and much more. CHAAK is open for Dinner, lunch & brunch. Enjoy our full service craft bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and specially curated wines compliment the culinarily journey of CHAAK. We accept reservations for large parties and have buyout options available.

Experience the spirit of the Yucatan at CHAAK.

Top review

jenichavip

Dined 1 day ago

Good food and good service as always! The castacan is our favorite and we keep coming back for that. I wish they had better desserts though.

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Popular dish

Makkum Whole Branzino

Nep Cafe - Fountain Valley

4.7

4.7 (207)

$30 and under

Vietnamese

Fountain Valley

About the restaurant

Our take on Modern Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Orange County.

NEP Café in Fountain Valley – Now open for dinner with extended ALL-DAY hours. Your favorite brunch spot is now your go-to dinner destination too. Dive into a world where each dish and drink is a nod to what's current in Vietnam's food scene, tailored with our own unique twist.

Top review

Adrian

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

Really good food with really great service. Definitely need to try the dinner menu next

The Plot - Costa Mesa

4.7

4.7 (76)

$31 to $50

Vegetarian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

The Plot team is led by Jessica and Davin Waite, who have been at the forefront of San Diego's culinary scene for over a decade. The duo has earned a loyal following for their inventive and sustainable approach to seafood and plant-based dishes, gaining the attention of critics and culinary innovators far and wide as well as accolades including being named San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant of the Year” in 2020, VegNews’ “San Diego’s Best Vegan Restaurants” in 2022, and Tasting Table’s “20 Best Restaurants in San Diego” in 2023.

The Plot in Costa Mesa is located in The Camp, a sustainably focused center that highlights unique local businesses. Parking can be a bit tough at The Camp, depending on the time of your visit. In addition to parking in the main lot, Randolph Ave. is another option. Customers can walk through Camp Out into The Camp. Also, Valet service is available in the main lot. The price is $8. Valet is available Thursday through Sunday.

Top review

Adamvip

Dined 1 day ago

Juli and Jackie were fabulous as always. Food was immaculate. this was a dinner to celebrate our engagement and we were so happy we came.

Surf City Still Works

4.6

4.6 (50)

$30 and under

American

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

At Surf City Still Works, we’re not just a distillery; we’re a community hub where craft cocktails, great food, and expert distilling come together. Come visit us in the heart of Huntington Beach, California. You’ll enjoy quality time with friends in our Tasting Room while our team of passionate artisans – including our master mixologist, Michelin-starred chef, and master distiller – ensures every drink and dish is top-notch.

Forget limiting brunch to one day – we serve it all weekend. Join us for brunch on Saturday or Sunday and enjoy our signature brunch cocktails and dishes.

Come to the Tasting Room at Surf City Still Works for an exciting culinary adventure, featuring innovative dishes and perfectly crafted cocktails.

Top review

Linda

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

It was my first time there and I'll DEFINITELY go back. Loved the vibe of the place, the food was off the hook delish, the staff is amazing and the drinks were absolutely fabulous. It is a hidden gem in Surf City. Love, love, love it.

Taste of Beauty

4.6

4.6 (132)

$50 and over

Contemporary Asian

Fountain Valley

About the restaurant

We are a plant-based fine dining restaurant where fresh, seasonal ingredients become art that you can see, smell, touch, and taste. Where different cultures and cuisines blend and evolve. Where each plate is a canvas, and every meal is a masterpiece.

Our mission is to make plant-based cuisine a tasteful choice instead of a lifestyle sacrifice. Our tasting menus are crafted to satisfy all the senses. We celebrate Orange County's diversity by blending flavors, cooking techniques, and dining experiences from various cultures. We aim to entice a more climate-conscious diet.

Come, eat your art out.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

Amazing! A diamond in the rough! 8 course vegan was absolutely delicious!! I’m definition going back. It’s Michelin star quality food without the high price tag. This place is a hidden gem for sure! Everything was plated beautifully with a great story behind the chefs inspiration. My other friends aren’t vegans or vegetarians and they loved every bite. We were so full by the end of it we all shared a dessert between the 4 of us and that was really good too. Definitely coming back here.

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Experience

Immersive Asian Tea Experience

Acapulco - Costa Mesa

4.5

4.5 (328)

$30 and under

Mexican

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Serving up an "Everyday Escape" for our guests since 1960!

Top review

Nina

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Our server Jose was fantastic! He did what he could with the large parties he had outside. He was very personable and gave us some great suggestions. Our food was good and our drinks were very good. The happy hour cadillac margaritas were with every penny. We'll be back again.

Perla Mexican Cuisine

4.4

4.4 (223)

$30 and under

Mexican

Santa Ana

About the restaurant

Located in the energetic, historic street of the Downtown Santa Ana on the corner of W Fourth St & N Birch St, Perla is a new authentic, family owned restaurant. Perla is truly an authentic representation of the culinary diversity of Mexico. The main focus is to introduce the traditional Mexican flavors enhanced with a personal touch of long family recipes and traditions.

Top review

Nick

Dined 7 days ago

It was not busy so not noisy which was good for conversation. Food and service was great. I had the enchiladas sampler so I could try all three. Yum. We were celebrating a birthday and got a nice dessert surprise with fireworks coming out! Great experience

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Experience

Taco Tuesday

Experience

Despecho Night (Broken Heart Night)

Maizano Cocina

4.4

4.4 (84)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Maizano
Nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, Maizano offers traditional Mexican cuisine paying tribute to Mexican gastronomy through our main ingredient: corn masa.

The word Maizano comes from a combination of the two most important pillars of the restaurant:
• Maiz
• Paisano

Maizano boasts a menu that celebrates the diverse culinary heritage of Mexico. Diners can savor exquisite dishes like Mole Poblano, Pipián verde, snacks made from masa like Panuchos, and perfectly grilled carne asada. The extensive tequila and mezcal selection complements the cuisine, offering an array of handcrafted cocktails.

The elegant interior is adorned with hand-painted murals and Mexican “artesanias” creating an ambiance that’s both inviting and luxurious. Maizano offers indoor dinning and a terrace service.

Top review

Adrienne

Dined on Oct 2, 2024

One of the best waiters I have ever had. He made us feel so special.

Tempo Cantina - Anaheim Hills

4.3

4.3 (712)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*

Tempo Cantina brings Latin flavor to Orange County and Los Angeles from creative founder and owner MR.TEMPO.
Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the food. You will find all of your favorite Latin dishes infused with Asian flavors. Join us Happy Hour everyday, Weekend Brunch or Taco Tuesday for a dining experience like you’ve never experienced before!

Top review

Phoenixvip

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

Our visit at the restaurant was great. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The food was good.

Ahana Restaurant and Lounge

4.1

4.1 (9)

$30 and under

Lounge

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

Experience the best Indian restaurant in Anaheim at Ahana Restaurant & Lounge, where you can savor delicious dishes, enjoy the best cocktails, and party in style. Book your table now and experience fine dining in Orange County.
Experience the pinnacle of fine dining in Anaheim at Ahana Restaurant and Lounge, where every bite is a testament to our unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Our chefs meticulously craft each dish from scratch, using only the freshest organic ingredients to create a truly authentic and flavorful journey. With a focus on natural ingredients and no artificial food coloring, our recipes showcase the true essence of Indian cuisine. Discover a world of pure taste, exceptional cocktails, elegant decor, and warm hospitality. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience at Ahana, the premier Indian restaurant in Orange County.

Top review

George

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

Great service and food. The Camaro shrimp was one of the highlights.

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Experience

Happy Hour - Special Deals!

Explore Diners' Choice best of North Orange County