Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

Ouzo & Feta - Huntington Beach

4.9

4.9 (21)

$30 and under

Greek

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

We are Ouzo & Feta, local greek dining with homemade recipes, imported dishes originally from Mykonos, with an ambiance that will make you feel right in Greece.

Top review

JoeVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great food. Great service. What more could you ask for.

The Drake in Laguna

4.8

4.8 (1591)

$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 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. Valet Parking $11 per vehicle.
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.

Top review

Ruben Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Great food with a phenomenal ambiance- enjoyable live music

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Salted Caramel Budino

Akashiro Nikkei Sushi

4.8

4.8 (35)

$50 and over

Sushi

Fullerton

About the restaurant

Akashiro sushi stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of Japanese precision and Peruvian vibrancy, a radiant phoenix born out of two distinct cultural fires. This artful gastronomic fusion reflects a historical intertwining of two nations, showcasing a culinary landscape that is as diverse as it is enchanting. The cuisine is a breathtaking synthesis, a culinary conversation between two cultures, brimming with subtlety and nuance. It is an embodiment of a journey, a narrative told through vibrant colors and flavors that resonate in every bite. Like the cherry blossoms blooming on a Peruvian mountainside, nikkei cuisine is the expression of unexpected beauty and tradition, a testament to innovation rooted in a deep respect for age-old techniques.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 4 days ago

Service was excellent. Attentive, they went over every dish, drinks were never empty, and water was always replenished. Food was top notch. Fresh fish, quick delivery, and amazing flavors. Very complex combinations and beautiful presentation. Dessert was delicious as well. The cocktails were very well balanced and tasty.

Red Room Speakeasy Supper Lounge

4.8

4.8 (42)

$50 and over

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

A seductive speakeasy and supper club where Italian cuisine meets a fusion of bold flavors. Adorned with striking red Venetian stucco walls and matching floor, this intimate space offers the perfect setting for a private party of up to 60 guests. Indulge in handcrafted dishes and decadent desserts while enjoying live music from the Great American Songbook, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance.

The beautiful bar, with luxurious seating, invites you to savor expertly crafted cocktails or explore a superb wine list while enjoying bites from our exceptional menu.

Whether you're seeking a night of fine dining, live music or a stylish private event, The Red Room offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Top review

DaisyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Dominco was wonderful! Food was amazing and the ambiance and music was wonderful! Definitely recommend this for a wonderful time!

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Experience

Soulful Tunes, Unforgettable Food

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

4.7

4.7 (775)

$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

Melinda

Dined 3 days ago

Enjoyed every minute from the live music on the patio, great waitress, friendly staff, meeting the manager, food was delicious and was treated to a dessert

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Anaheim

4.6

4.6 (1347)

$30 and under

American

Anaheim

About the restaurant

Join us at the Restaurant & Bar today to enjoy delicious items from our made-from-scratch, Southern-inspired menu. Open: Thu - Sat | 5pm - Close *Open on Show Nights

Top review

Brittany

Dined on Jul 6, 2025

Everyone like their food for the most part. I got the chicken and it was amazing! Another person got the jambalaya and it did taste like it was from a box but not bad. I loved my blackberry Mojito very tasty.

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4.6

4.6 (21)

$30 and under

Japanese

Buena Park

About the restaurant

"With a unique and enticing Japanese atmosphere, Ichie offers the opportunity to explore many premier sakes from Japan. Ichie offers fusion Japanese delicacies using sustainable ingredients, including many you probably haven't encountered before. Ichie also offers Japanese fusion dishes which entertain you by looks and satisfy you with its taste. Fresh and delicious sashimi by our chef is the one of treasure you can find on your tongue. Also, Yakitori Platter, famous Mentaiko Cream Udon and Galbi Chop Steak Noodle are always customer's favorite items. We are located at The Source Mall in Buena Park." (1st floor)

Top review

keistina

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

our food tasted really good and our server for our group 13 was very attentive and very good I forgot to ask her name ! but she is awesome !

Westwood Coast

4.5

4.5 (68)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Westwood Coast is an elevated take on the country-music themed steakhouse, bar and lounge. We celebrate our love for country music and lifestyle by serving amazing food, elevated cocktails and fun country entertainment. Chef Michael Ruiz (former Exec Chef Boa Steakhouse) has built a menu focused on steakhouse classics and fun share plates. We're a whiskey & bourbon lovers bar, featuring 100+ bottles on the back bar and range of delicious cocktails featuring popular spirits . Located just 1.3 miles from the OC Fairgrounds at the iconic Triangle Square, Westwood Coast Steakhouse is a vibe.

Westwood Coast isn’t stuffy. While we share a name with our San Francisco based sister restaurant, we’ve leveled up the food and the decor while bringing the same focus on cocktails, music, and entertainment to a beautiful space on the sunlit corner of Newport and Harbor. A stone's throw from the beaches in Orange County, Westwood Coast is where Orange County goes to get its country on.

Top review

Desiree

Dined 4 days ago

Was a great time celebrating our birthdays. Our server Dylan was awesome and patient and kind with our big group. The band was super fun. We’ll have to come check it out line dancing night.

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Experience

Wine And Whiskey Wednesday and Prix Fix Menu

Mesa Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (511)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Mesa Lounge is a unique nightlife experience in the heart of Orange County.

For bottle service inquiries please contact Sabrina@mesacostamesa.com or by text at 949.531.2426.

Please note that we are a 21 and over venue at all times, valid photo ID is required for entry. All guests in your party must be present to be seated. We offer a 15 minute grace period for reservations before releasing the table to a guest on the wait list. Due to limited capacity and high demand, reservations are limited to a 90 minute seating.

Top review

LienVIP

Dined on May 24, 2025

Food and service was excellent! Loved the ambience and music!!!

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Experience

Supper Soiree at Mesa - Every Thursday

Naples Ristorante e Bar

4.4

4.4 (898)

$30 and under

Italian

Anaheim

About the restaurant

Naples features authentic Italian cuisine including traditional Italian pizzas, pastas, seafood and salads with beautiful remodeled patio seating in the heart of Downtown Disney.

Top review

MarianneVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent pizza & salad. Wait staff not very attentive- had to call them over

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Explore Diners' Choice best of Orange County