Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in 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!

Miki Sushi & Sake

5.0

5 (92)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Honoring Chef Miki Izumisawa, the female, award-winning sushi artist, originally trained by the one and only Nobu Matsuhisa. Miki was inspired by nature to create unique nigiri, cut rolls and hand rolls that blur the line between art and fusion sushi. Miki's recipes transform elements of the natural world with names such as Lava Flow, Moon and Sun, Feather in the Sky, and Prairie. Before her passing, Miki carefully coached outstanding female-only sushi chefs to execute her masterpieces. Her legacy continues in this romantic styled coastal, intimate sushi bar and cozy 18 window seats with views of Laguna's main beach. Owners Chris Olsen and Greg Washer are longtime locals who appreciate what Miki did for this community with an outstanding Japanese experience pushing the boundaries of tradition. Reservations recommended!

Top review

MonicaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Such an amazing place! Staff and service are great. Food is amazing!! So many awesome flavors and the creativity is fabulous.

The Blind Pig

4.8

4.8 (247)

$50 and over

American

Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

About the restaurant

Built on a couple beers and a dream,' The Blind Pig, created by Tony Monaco, is the latest adventurous eatery to hit Orange County. The menu features American progressive cuisine paired with an eclectic selection of wines, a rotating craft beer list, and some of the best cocktails in Orange County created in house using only the best products and freshest ingredients by The Blind Pig's talented bartender team.

Come on over and check out our great food and drinks.

Top review

Xavier

Dined 2 days ago

Great food, great staff, great view eating outdoors.

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Experience

Wine & Whiskey Wednesday

Chaak KITCHEN

4.8

4.8 (2249)

$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

Marisol

Dined 2 days ago

This is about the 6th time we dine here? And everytime we know we will be back. Wonderful, fresh flavors, mixology is wonderful as well, sood place for a date nogjt or dinner with friends.

Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.7

4.7 (218)

$30 and under

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (714) 850-2510 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

We love coming here for dinner before going to the theater. We're always greeted by name, shown to a nice booth, and given good service, always out on time. The pizza, salad, and mushroom ravioli are our favorites. Prices are quite reasonable.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Happy Hour at the Ruscello!

Poppy & Seed

4.6

4.6 (1025)

$31 to $50

American

Anaheim

About the restaurant

Recognized by the Michelin Guide and led by Food Network star and James Beard Award Semi-Finalist Chef Michael Reed, Poppy & Seed is a premier dining destination that redefines California cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Located in the Anaheim Packing District, our greenhouse-inspired space blends indoor elegance with a lush garden patio, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Our thoughtfully curated menu highlights locally sourced produce, house-made pastas, and innovative dishes that celebrate the region’s bounty. Guests can indulge in a seasonal chef’s tasting menu, family-style offerings, and an extensive wine selection featuring boutique, family-owned wineries.
Whether you're enjoying an intimate dinner under the twinkling garden lights or savoring our signature weekend brunch, Poppy & Seed offers an elevated yet approachable dining experience that brings people together through exceptional food, hospitality, and atmosphere.

Top review

LAURIEVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Poppy & Seed never disappoints. We usually come in for dinner, but grabbed brunch here this visit. Great brunch choices. Our server, George, was very attentive and personable.

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Villains Brewing Company

4.5

4.5 (114)

$30 and under

American

Anaheim

About the restaurant

To continually craft beers of distinct quality, flavor and variety, for beer lovers and beer novices alike. We nourish a spirit of curiosity, collaboration and culture, while staying true to the artisanal processes of brewing. We strive to remain committed to providing our community with consistently fresh, quality products in a unique and inclusive environment. We take pride in crafting villainous beers, chef driven food, welcoming experiences and genuine connections for our guest and community. Our vision is to develop and create extraordinary experiences through Craft Beer and California Craft food.

Top review

Ligia

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Food was amazing, great beer, family friendly, great service!

The Market By The Meat Cellar

4.4

4.4 (26)

$30 and under

American

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Larry

Dined 1 day ago

Very good!! Enjoyed casual outdoor seating. Wagyu steak was amazing!!

Centrico

4.3

4.3 (141)

$30 and under

Mexican

Anaheim

About the restaurant

From the heart and mind of Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, the Downtown Disney® District’s new open-air Mexican restaurant and cantina is the perfect gathering place. At Céntrico, create memories over the vibrant flavors of outstanding specialty cocktails and authentic dishes inspired by Chef Carlos’s childhood in Mexico.

Top review

Cesar

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

I had the best burger I have ever had! Bun was fresh and fluffy. Patty was juicy and cooked just as I ordered. And the sauce on the side paired perfectly with. Fries were okay.

MIX Restaurant & Lounge

3.8

3.8 (260)

$31 to $50

Californian

Anaheim

About the restaurant

AUTHENTIC TASTE OF SOCAL
Food lovers will rejoice in the diverse and complex flavors simmering inside Hilton Anaheim Chef’s Kitchen & Bakery. Each menu item is assembled with local ingredients that capture the essence of Southern California.

Choose from two notable Orange County restaurants with ambient settings and chef-driven cuisine. MIX Restaurant specializes in early California-inspired dishes and original interpretations of Mediterranean classics. MIX Lounge offers hand-crafted cocktails and shared plates that feature locally sourced ingredients, as well as All-Day Happy Hour on Sundays. The seasonal Pool Bar + Grill offers a wide selection of beer and wine, hand-crafted cocktails and perennial classics such as All-American Burger with homemade kettle chips, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Grilled Mahi Sandwich & homemade desserts from our inhouse bakery, just to name a few.

Top review

Rigo

Dined on May 8, 2025

Great service , large portions and friendly staff

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