Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Todos Santos - Newport Beach

4.9

4.9 (118)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Todos Santos Balboa is an expansion of the Todos Santos Mexican Kitchen concept established in 2019 in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. TSB inherits the authentic recipes of coastal Baja, while providing a modern presentation and flavor profile in our cuisine.

Our program includes specialty coffee service provided by Succulent Coffee Roasters, a full bar with scratch made margaritas, and an elevated wine list to enhance guest experience. Our home on Balboa Island exhibits the contemporary beauty of Southern California and welcomes you with patio dining just a few feet from the Island Ferry. We look forward to your visit!

Top review

JanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Delicious food and friendly service! Enjoyed the ambience!

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Popular dish

Halibut Tacos

The Dive Oyster Bar - Yorba Linda

4.8

4.8 (52)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Placentia / Yorba Linda

About the restaurant

Imagine walking down the streets of New Orleans' famed French Quarter, past iron-wrought fences dripping with Mardi Gras beads and kitschy souvenir shops. You eventually stumble upon a lively joint where the stories are just as fresh as the fare. The kettle tips down and out oozes a wonder sauce cooked to perfection and served with warm rice and fresh garnish. It’s instant comfort in a bowl.

Top review

Mark

Dined on May 31, 2025

Great service and food. Happy hour has some good value.

Sundried Tomato American Bistro - San Juan Capistrano

4.7

4.7 (755)

$31 to $50

American

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Sundried Tomato specializes in New American cuisine and we are committed to offering the freshest quality ingredients on every plate. Due to our intimate setting we kindly ask that for parties of 7 or more you contact us at the restaurant directly.

Let Sundried Tomato Host your event! Celebrate with us for your next baby shower, birthday, rehearsal dinner or any other special occasion.

We look forward to serving you soon.

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Lovely patio dining, big menu, delicious food, and truly outstanding service!

Luxe Restaurant and Bar

4.7

4.7 (657)

$30 and under

American

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Luxe Restaurant & Martini Bar in Dana Point provides the perfect blended menu, featuring: seafood, steaks and classic Italian dishes. It has a large outdoor patio, rooms for private parties, and offers on and off-site catering.

Please find our menus at: https://www.luxefinedining.com/

Top review

Laura

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Luxe is a true gem of a restaurant in Dana Point. Classy ambiance, great food, excellent service and live music. Always a positive and pleasurable experience.

iL Barone Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (1001)

$30 and under

Italian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

WE'RE BACK! We are finally open at our new location! Chef Franco Barone has perfected an extended menu and we are very excited to share our new cozy Classic Ristorante.

Known as one of Southern California's top chefs, Franco Barone ceases to amaze at Il Barone Ristorante through his unique approach to classic Italian food.

The new menu has many of Chef Franco's signature dishes including his Facci Ri Veccia and new specials everyday.

We can't wait for you to join us!

Top review

Tim

Dined 6 days ago

A great restaurant where you get the feeling they truly welcome you. Food is wonderfully prepared, tasty and fairly priced. Specials are outstanding. Our server was a seasoned pro who made our dinner experience very pleasant. Not pretentious, simply comfortable and tasty.

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!

Le Hut Dinette

4.7

4.7 (29)

$31 to $50

American

Santa Ana

About the restaurant

Chili Fries & Fine Wines “Ma Vie Folle” New concept by @heritagebarbecue located in the historic French Park Santa Ana Ca.

730 N Poinsettia Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Very unique menu. Flavors on point & all work together well.

O Fine Japanese Cuisine - Irvine

4.6

4.6 (485)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Irvine

About the restaurant

Welcome to O Fine Japanese Cuisine located at Quail Hill Shopping Center—where tradition meets innovation in an elegant and inviting atmosphere. We specialize in contemporary Japanese cuisine and artfully prepared sushi, using only the freshest, highest-quality fish sourced daily. Whether you're joining us for an à la carte lunch, a refined dinner, or our signature omakase experience, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight both flavor and presentation. Beyond sushi and sashimi, our menu includes a variety of fusion offerings that cater to every palate. Our omakase, curated by skilled chefs, offers a guided culinary journey through seasonal ingredients and elevated technique. Ideal for both casual outings and special occasions, O Fine invites you to unwind, indulge, and discover something unforgettable with every visit. We look forward to welcoming you to the O experience.

Top review

AngelaVIP

Dined on May 16, 2025

The lunch special you chose, which included two items, was great. Almost too much food^^ Presentation and the Service, and the taste, all wonderful.

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The CUT Handcrafted Burgers

4.6

4.6 (13)

$30 and under

Burgers

Irvine

About the restaurant

The Cut Handcrafted Burgers in Irvine, CA, is a Gastropub-inspired dining spot that prides itself on Quality, Freshness & Tradition in its food and drink offerings. Enjoy a variety of handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, shareable dishes, and a unique weekend brunch menu featuring inspired flavors. Complement your meal with our selection of Craft Beer, Wine, and Craft Cocktails tailored to enhance your dining experience. By staying true to our core values and delivering exceptional hospitality and service in an elegant setting, The Cut goes beyond just providing food - it offers a memorable dining experience aimed at elevating your time with us."

Top review

AlbertVIP

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

The poutine with brisket and chimichurri sauce is so delicious. Wednesday wine day (half off) is something that cannot be missed. Melanie the manager and server Nick are the best! Thank you guys!

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Experience

Happy Hour

Lido Bottle Works

4.5

4.5 (811)

$30 and under

American

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

This unique Newport Bay waterfront dining establishment and craft bottle shop offers award-winning New American cuisine prepared by Chef Joel Gutierrez. Sophisticated, yet casual and approachable, LBW is
an unexpected surprise using local and sustainable ingredients that change with the seasons. Guests can experience a culinary adventure in every dish and enjoy a plethora of California craft beer, a curated wine list and signature cocktails. One hour free parking is available in the structure in the Lido Marina Village with validation. We are located in the black building "C" down the dock. Walk-ins are available and reservations are accepted during all business hours. Having both indoor and patio dining, we encourage guests to dress warm on cooler days, but also provide ample heat. Dogs are allowed on our outside tables. Take-out is also available.

Top review

bevVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

We got the fish special and soup of the day and it was great.

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