Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Californian cuisine in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

4.9

4.9 (454)

$31 to $50

Californian

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

**We are walk in only for Brunch. Reservations & walk ins available for Dinner**

Mayfield combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Made to be shared, our food is designed to be experienced and enjoyed together.

Please include any humans, big or small, in your guest count so we can make sure we have enough space at the table for you all.

Top review

michelle

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic food and service! Definitely going to make this a regular stop for lunch and dinner.

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Popular dish

Za'atar Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Zaatar Fried Chicken (Four Pieces)

Popular dish

Fried Eggplant

Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (1978)

$31 to $50

Californian

Irvine

About the restaurant

Modern Californian cuisine utilizing locally grown, sustainably farmed and fair-traded products. Our goal is to not only enhance quality but also to support a new, more responsible attitude toward our community and the world around us. That is why we donate all net profits to chartable causes. Both warm and inviting, nature was the inspiration for Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails interior; from the soaring two-story waterfall in the lobby to the striking onyx and granite bar and eco-friendly pecan wood floors, every detail was hand-selected for its natural beauty. We welcome you to visit Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails for a truly special dining experience.

Please note that all special requests may not be honored. We will do our best to provide you with all options to make your dining experience very special.

Top review

Candi1stVIP

Dined on Mar 6, 2025

What hair today for birthday lunch, first time here and will definitely be back. Service was excellent. Restaurant is beautiful and food was delicious.

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4.8

4.8 (2887)

$30 and under

Californian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen, laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste- buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.

Top review

Marcus

Dined today

Great overall experience food was good, service was even better , will definitely be recommending and returning.

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

4.8 (10604)

$30 and under

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United States

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers.

The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.

Top review

JoeH

Dined 2 days ago

The beachcomer is a hidden gem --- literally right on the beach with the pacific 100 feet away, great food, casual atmosphere, great for a small group or a romantic pairing. Park across PCH in the state park, and either board the shuttle bus or enjoy a 10-min walk from the car to the restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, dinner, it's amazing.

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Popular dish

BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS

Popular dish

Beignets and Ambrosia

Popular dish

MAHI MAHI TACOS

Zov's Bistro Tustin

4.7

4.7 (1876)

$31 to $50

Californian

Tustin

About the restaurant

Rated as one of the top restaurants in Orange County by Zagat, Southern California Restaurant Writers and Orange County Business Journal. This chef driven concept is the original restaurant by esteemed cookbook author, Chef Zov Karamardian. Zov's Bistro, Bakery & Cafe has a commitment to providing guests with the finest dining experience. Zov's Bistro serves California Mediterranean inspired cuisine in a unique ambience which mixes the sophistication of bistro elegance, with the relaxed comfort of casual California dining.

Top review

CherylVIP

Dined on Mar 7, 2025

Great food and service and we love this restaurant!

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O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4.8

4.8 (1130)

$30 and under

Californian

Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

About the restaurant

O'Neill's - our 4,600 square foot bar and grill - is a very popular place after a round of golf. Enjoy great meals and cocktails while you also take in the breathtaking views of the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Creek, and the course.

Top review

CynthiaVIP

Dined on Mar 11, 2025

Great service great food, and a great waiter. Wonderful view.

Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort

4.7

4.7 (4478)

$50 and over

Californian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline in Laguna Beach, Splashes offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates innovative coastal cuisine. Helmed by renowned Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu blends fresh, local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, delivering vibrant dishes that capture the essence of coastal California. Sommelier-selected wines from the restaurant's award-winning wine program enhance the dining experience with perfect harmony. Indulge in modern elegance in a newly renovated dining room, where the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean create a serene atmosphere. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as they savor contemporary coastal flavors, making every meal a memorable occasion. The team at Splashes invites guests to celebrating the beauty of coastal living with an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach.

Top review

KarenVIP

Dined today

Gorgeous setting, exceptional service. Staff are beyond gracious and engaging. food was excellent

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Shorebird Newport Beach

4.7

4.7 (201)

$31 to $50

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Experience Shorebird Restaurant's coastal allure, offering a modern twist on classic Americana flavors influenced by traditional seafood and steakhouses. Our wood-fire grill and rotisserie bring forth signature delights like the Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island’s Salmon Mignon paired with a cauliflower purée, and Harris Ranch Prime Skirt Steak featuring a red chimichurri sauce.

Indulge in shareable plates like the Avocado Fries with green goddess dressing, Twice Fried Chicken Wings with chipotle gastrique, or explore our enticing "Raw Bar" selections. Shorebird beckons you to savor coastal dining with a harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring a culinary adventure that captivates the palate.

When you arrive to Shorebird, to the left of the restaurant is an underground parking garage. If you bring your ticket to the restaurant, your server or hostess can validate the parking for you.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined today

Great service Accommodating of our three kids Perfection 👍

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Experience

Happy Hour

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar - Newport Beach

4.6

4.6 (2824)

$50 and over

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of; Restaurateurs of the Year; for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of; Restaurant of the Year; multiple times!

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience! Our server was awesome and everything we had was great

Verde Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (88)

$31 to $50

Californian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Seasonal ingredient driven California cuisine with exceptional cocktails and world class wines.