Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American 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!

Oceans & Earth

4.8

4.8 (1339)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Placentia / Yorba Linda

About the restaurant

Oceans & Earth is a restaurant in Yorba Linda, CA that offers an evolving menu thanks to the executive chef Adam Navidi. Some of the options on the menu include , chowder, crab bombs, tilapia ceviche, burgers, organic mac n’ cheese, lobster mac-n-cheese, surf & turf, grass-fed filets and skirt steaks. We are dedicated Gluten-Free.

Oceans & Earth also has a menu for the kids, so everyone in the family should find something they enjoy. Options on the kids’ menu include organic grilled cheese, classic burgers and cheesy flatbread. Oceans & Earth has tasty dessert options as well including cayenne ginger carrot cake and stewed organic berry cobbler.

Top review

Alfred

Dined 1 day ago

Food is good as little pricier than expected I think maybe it was the drinks but great ambience

The Drake in Laguna

4.8

4.8 (1439)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

We offer seating in 3 spaces,, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for larger tables of 6 or more guests.
Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm.
All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.
Meet us at The Drake!

Top review

Alexvip

Dined 6 days ago

The Drake never disappoints, the combination of a perfect dinner and incredible music is insatiable on any given day!! Start off with a cocktail from their amazing selection, and enjoy the live music and prepare yourself to be blown away by the talented musicians that they bring in ! I cannot wait to go back !

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Salted Caramel Budino

A Restaurant - Original Location on Newport Blvd

4.8

4.8 (1897)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Since 1922 The Arches has been the destination for fine dining in Newport Beach. Known for it’s amazing steak and seafood menu It is a place where celebrities and local customers can dine in privacy. With grand renovations and its rebirth as A Restaurant this landmark will once again be a haven for classic culinary experiences. Chef Roberto Gomez and wine director Steven Ackad have created a perfect alchemy with their creations.

Top review

Scottvip

Dined 6 days ago

A Restaurant never disappoints. Vibe and food are fantastic. Been going here for 30 years and plan to make it another 30.

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Popular dish

Boneless Ribeye

The Quiet Woman

4.7

4.7 (1513)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Corona del Mar

About the restaurant

Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 5 pm.

Music Tuesday & Wednesday 8 - 11. Thursday. Friday. Saturday 9-12:15

Top review

Sheilavip

Dined 1 day ago

Just a down to earth fun experience Delicious food Great drinks Casual

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Popular dish

Swordfish Tacos

Fig 313

4.9

4.9 (795)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

San Clemente

About the restaurant

Built in 1927, Fig313 stands today as an original historical landmark of San Clemente, with a history that is meant to be shared with its seaside community. Carefully constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, distinctive design features include red-tile roofs, white stucco walls, hand-crafted windows and arches, painted tiles, and open-air courtyards.

Originally owned for the first 33 years by John and Jeanette Riley, 313 El Camino Real was renowned as Riley’s Waffle and Coffee Shop. Legend has it that actor John Wayne frequented the restaurant for a hearty American breakfast along with many travelers from all over the world. From 1960 on, Riley’s Café would change ownership many times, evolving into a furniture store, French restaurant, tequila company, and catering business. In 2012, the current owners purchased the property and began renovations and restoration, while staying true to the integrity of the original style.

Top review

James

Dined 6 days ago

If there’s one place in San Clemente that defines what it means to dine well, it’s Fig 313. My wife, my mother-in-law, and I have made several trips here, and each time we leave, we are reminded why this hidden gem is a staple in our lives. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress. On our most recent visit, Fig 313 once again rolled out the red carpet for us. I had the pleasure of indulging in the pork shank—lovingly set aside for me by Andrew, who knew we were coming. And when I say set aside, I mean it was nothing short of a culinary treasure. The meat was fall-apart tender, with a depth of flavor that only comes from a chef who respects the craft. Every bite was an event. My wife chose the surf and turf, featuring perfectly seared shrimp and a steak that was melt-in-your-mouth divine. And as if the universe was aligned that night, my mother-in-law savored a filet mignon that was cooked to absolute perfection, tender with just the right hint of char. The brilliance of the evening didn’t stop there. We began with an appetizer that, frankly, set the bar sky-high—the braised pork belly. It was an absolute standout: rich, savory, and perfectly balanced, with just enough crisp on the edges to contrast the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. If there’s a dish that could represent Fig 313’s ethos, it’s this one—simple yet meticulously crafted. And the cocktails—oh, the cocktails! If you think drinks are an afterthought here, think again. Fig 313 treats its cocktail menu like an extension of its culinary philosophy. I had the Flaming Pear, a spectacle in itself and a masterclass in balance—fruity but sophisticated, with just the right touch of flair. My wife had another creation, the name of which escapes me, but the level of her enthusiasm told me all I needed to know—it was, in her words, “outstanding.” It’s not just the food and drinks that make Fig 313 special—it’s the entire experience. The service is impeccable withou

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Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

4.5

4.5 (723)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

About the restaurant

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a modern speakeasy with the allure of old Hollywood, offering a menu of east coast classics with west coast flavor and finesse. This chef driven, husband and wife owned restaurant provides a comfortable neighborhood dining experience. Scarlet offers local, quality ingredients carefully curated to meet every diners desires. Scarlet is a place for everyone to enjoy a date night or just a quick bite at the bar. Scarlet introduces a new menu every season courtesy of Chef-Owner Paige Riordan and Chef de Cuisine Daniel Martinez. Enjoy a taste of the season from Scarlet’s dining room or heated canyon-view patio and. Scarlet elevates the plate with a new menu of dishes brimming with bold, finessed flavor highlighting peak-of-season ingredients, humanely raised prime meats, and sustainable seafood, reflective of Riordan’s East Coast roots.

Top review

Shelley

Dined 5 days ago

The musician was great, added great vibe to the evening.

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Popular dish

Deviled Eggs

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

4.6

4.6 (1064)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Orange

About the restaurant

Located in historic Old Towne Orange, HAVEN craft kitchen+bar has become known for its warm, comfortable setting; extensive and unique selection of beer, wine, and cocktails; and high quality, freshly prepared food, maintaining purveyors of local or organic produce, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meat and poultry. HAVEN boasts a selection of rotating independent craft beers on tap and a specially curated list in bottle & cans. Choose from one Orange Counties largest selection of specialty bourbons, scotches, and whiskeys; and an award-winning wine list, with numerous by the glass. In addition, you can enjoy a seasonal craft cocktail, or one of our hand-selected craft spirits.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

Loved everything! The service was great, not too busy even during happy hour. The food was delicious. Hummus and avocado was our fave. 10/10

The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach

4.7

4.7 (2025)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – the perfect backdrop for enjoying market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed, and professional service. Innovative signature dishes reflect California regional cuisine with strong influences from the Americas; other favorites also include roasted meats and seafood.

Top review

Annvip

Dined 5 days ago

The food was exceptional as was our server. She was so accommodating as we came in early for our reservation. We sat on the deck on our only complaint was looking out onto a fairly dirty roof that could have been blown off. Atmosphere was beautiful other than that!

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Experience

Sunday Brunch

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

4.6

4.6 (2599)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tustin

About the restaurant

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is the newest addition to The District in Tustin. The interior promises a hip, lively & sophisticated atmosphere, with dark woods, leather and velvet bar stools. The state-of-the-art 7,500 bottle cellar IS one of the largest in Orange County. The Winery Restaurant & Bar is open daily for lunch & dinner & features a wine tasting bar with a full bar menu and cigar patio.

Top review

Frank

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

We make sure to come to The Winery every time we come to Irvine, it is absolutely the best!

CRAFT HOUSE Dana Point

4.7

4.7 (1457)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

At Craft House Restaurant we focus on serving the freshest local ingredients to our guests. From working with local fishermen in the Dana Point Harbor to sourcing ingredients from the local farmer's markets.

At Craft House we pride ourselves on having one of the best American whiskey selection in South Orange County. From you daily drinking whiskey to the one's you've spend your life trying to taste (all of the Pappy van Winkle collection).

Top review

Lizavip

Dined 2 days ago

Yummy dinner, great service! Absolutely recommend. Enjoy!

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