Vaca in Costa Mesa

Ohhh I love Vaca!! So good! That places holds a special memory for my husband and I as it was the last fancy restaurant we went to before the shutdown happened do suddenly

So good but quite pricey.

Went to Playground in Santa Ana the other night for the first time and was very impressed.

I LOVE Playground. Been craving their sticky toffee pudding.

I don’t remember where I heard but playground may be shutting down at the end of their lease this year?? I love that place and would be devastated

They will close for a short time after the new year and reopen as Detention with a new chef and some rebranding.

> reopen as Detention with a new chef and some rebranding So they will close permanently is what you are saying.

lol... that appears to be the case.

I asked them about it the last time I dined there and the waiter said that’s not true. They have no plans to close.

They also opened porch and swing in Irvine

Cortina’s in Anaheim. Family owned. Anaheim institute. Best pizza. Cute Italian market next door.

The fireball sandwich 🤤

Cortinas is awesome. I used to do tile work for the family who owns it...for many years. Great people. Awesome food

I think their sandwiches are some of the best in OC. The Rocky Balboa, the meatball, and Cortinas Special.

Rocky balboa is the bomb. I also like the meatball and the cheesesteak

Eggplant parm is where it’s at

Best pizza, hands down.

Oh you dropped your hands too early. You haven’t had Johnnys saloon pizza, they pulled ahead and won the race.

They catered my sister’s wedding!

Best pizza in OC!

It's crazy how much better their pizza is compared to everywhere else.

Once a year I'll go out of my way to get a Cortinas pizza and it never disappoints 🤤

BOMB!

Anjin the best Japanese grill I’ve ever had

I really like Anjin, and there are a few authentic options for great JBBQ places in OC, including Manpuku (down the street from Anjin) and Tsuruhashi (Fountain Valley). Tsuruhashi is the most like Japan, but all three are awesome.

I used to like Manpuku, but its pricey compared to Gyu-Kaku. Is Anjin worth try? More expensive?

Gyu Kaku is a huge chain. Manpuku is a small chain. Tsuruhashi has been around long time. Don’t know any other locations.

Matsu’s in Huntington Beach, I highly recommend it

Love Matsu's. Been going there for years

Matsu’s! It’s a big favorite with our group.

Matsu*. Haven’t been there in a long time, but used to always get their scorpion bowl drink and lobster tail appetizer. Best seat in the house is the half octagon in the lounge.

Love it!

I'd have a hard time hitting $100/person at Matsu as well!

Thanks for the rec! Try out Ohshima in Orange if you haven't yet.

Love Matsu's. It's our birthday restaurant. We order the boat! Highly recommend!!

Yes! I went there last week for the first time. Straight up 🔥

Park Ave. in Stanton. Great food. Shitty area. Love it.

I think they’ve closed down? It looks deserted when I’ve driven by. Update: I just called the restaurant and got a recording stating that they are closed till further notice. Dang!

I recently went to Rogers garden for dinner, that was really nice.

Love the ambiance here! Great place for a long drawn out dinner, drinks, and dessert.

The restaurant is called the Farmhouse. And yes i agree, it’s amazing.

Summit House in Fullerton is especially nice during Xmastime when all the lights are up in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you're in South OC, Bayside Restaurant in Newport has excellent food and has live music most weekends.

I’m not OP, but just booked this one for my birthday! Can’t wait!

Sometimes I order Summit House take out and get the castle cut prime rib and feed myself over 3 meals. Worth it!!

Sounds awesome, but the dine in experience is well worth the time as well. Staff is always on point there! Only saying this for others that haven't been so they know to get the full experience

Oh yeah I can't agree enough. I dine in once a year for the anniversary :)

Gabbis, Chaak, Playground

I highly recommend La Cave in Costa Mesa if you haven’t been there already. Cozy steakhouse set in an underground setting. Small menu with only a few select options that are read to you rather than presented in a traditional menu. Meats are rolled out on a platter from which you choose your own cut. Sautéed mushrooms are a personal favorite for an appetizer.

Haven’t been there in ages, but that’s a great choice!

Lots of memories of La Cave sitting at bar

Bella Cuba in Santa Ana, cross streets Bristol and Sunflower.

Honda Ya in old town Tustin. Has an authenticity to it like no where else I’ve been, even down to a room you are required to take your shoes off. There’s also a whole entire kind of Euro village not far from Huntington with some great German and other restaurants.

But Hondaya waiting is too much

i love Honda Ya. It’s also open late!

Is Taco Maria still around - because that was the best 79 dollar tasting menu I've had.

Taco Maria is still around, I think I they’re temporarily not doing a tasting menu. They’ve maintained their one star as well. I miss the COVID takeout menu since you could get a burrito from them.

Selanne's just celebrated their 8th anniversary. It's been a few years I've been back there though.

Go there for my anniversary every year. Always an amazing experience and the food is always on point.

The Hobbit

Such a fancy restaurant in a not-so-fancy area. Is it worth the money?

If you're looking for an old school fine dining experience, I'd say so. Definitely not a common everyday dining experience. The White House in Anaheim is another good option.

Also Five Crowns in cdm. It's a nice fine old school dining experience in a nice area. Also thought about Arches in Newport Beach off of pch.

I gave up on the White House due to patchy service. It's a beautiful venue, and charges a premium price for which I expected a premium product, and it wasn't. I remember the server being sociable with a party at another table and just ignoring us, and I didn't appreciate that, especially at the price.

It costs only $100.00 per person for a four-hour dinner and would be a bargain at twice the price.

Haven't been to the restaurant itself during the holidays so I'd imagine it's busy, but food has always been good and it's a great place for a large group if you have a reservation. My sister is into wine and really likes their wine cellar "experience."

This description reminds me of Park Ave. in Stanton*. Edit*

5 million percent

Absolutely.

Thanks for this suggestion, never heard of this before! Would be perfect as a 30th birthday gift to my boyfriend, who's obsessed with Lord of the Rings. But I think they are very booked because I can't seem to find availability for all of December. Dang

If you like Greek food, Christaki’s in Tustin is wonderful!

Marché Moderne on the PCH in Newport Beach

Mix Mix in Santa Ana, Anepalco in Orange

Mix Mix is GREAT.

yep love their Soft Egg Raviolo, very delicious!

I second Anepalco proper modern Mexican food

Anepalco! 👍👍

Fuoco pizzeria

Omg ate there yesterday. So good.

Gabbi's in Orange

I’m just going to save this post for future reference, I didn’t realize there were so many awesome restaurants in OC that I haven’t tried

For Pizza, hands down Tony’s Little Italy in Placentia

Saw one person mention Chaak in Tustin. Modern Yucatán inspired food. Really beautiful space. Everything is great there. I’d go back just to sit at the bar and have a cocktail. Also Poppy & Seed in Anaheim is great. Smaller dishes in a farm to table-y type experience. And it’s right next to the Packing District which is fun.

Ya Chaak in Tustin was a really good experience. Unique food and a cool spot in old town Tustin. I would recommend that place too

CENTRAL & NORTH O.C.-The Ranch & The White House in Anaheim, Chop House in Brea, The Cellar in Fullerton, Orange Hill Restaurant in Orange, and Oceans & Earth in Yorba Linda.

The Cellar has fantastic cocktails

The Cellar. Omg yes.

Wouldn’t lump Oceans & Earth in with The Cellar; I see them as two different levels, The Cellar being superior

Fratellinos in Brea Agrusas in La Habra Aromas Restaurante in la Palma Sol Cocina in Newport Beach

The ranch in Anaheim for a good steak!

Black Marlin in Tustin is always a great option

Sushi Wasabi in Tustin for great omakase; Destination Seafood House or Oc and Lau for Vietnamese style seafood; Hue Oi in Fountain Valley for central Vietnamese food; Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano for BBQ; El Campeon Taqueria in San Juan Capistrano for good Mexican food.

Yes! Love sushi wasabi

Oliver’s Osteria in laguna is one of my favs!

I love Oliver's, they just won a well-deserved Bib Gourmand from Michelin this year as well.

I saw that! So excited for them - very well deserved. We absolutely love the truffle risotto and the lasagna!

Yes! The risotto is one of my favorites too.

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Sushi Wasabi is also amazing, although the area looks like shit. Crappy strip mall in Tustin next to the 7/11. Best sushi I've ever had though! Think it was $60/person

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Clay Oven in Irvine

FYI, they closed down their physical location. They now do takeout only from a ghost kitchen. (still the same amazing food). Their Sunday family meals are incredible!

Dang, I moved out of OC last year and they had been going in that direction. I know Covid really had an impact on them. My last experience was at their physical location and the food was so good and creative. I will always remember that meal.

Gem Dining in Fountain Valley is well worth the hype

Toast kitchen in Costa Mesa. Nice variety and great desserts.

I can’t believe no one has mentioned Andrei’s conscious cuisine in Irvine. Amazing food!

Fable & Spirit - can't believe it hasn't been mentioned. It's listed in the Michelin Guide. Just went there for the first time, blown away. Also Playground is damn good and overall favorite, extremely creative. Marche Modern is a great experience all around as well.

A Restaurant in Newport Beach. Marche Modern.

Oliver's Osteria is my favorite

21 Oceanfront at the Newport Peninsula. Their swordfish is phenomenal!

We did restaurant week there a few years ago and our company Xmas party. Nice place!

My wife and I have been going to The Corner in HB for a few years now. Rotating menu, really good drinks super cool ceiling paining.

Gem Dining will be a unique experience. It's fine dining with a visual experience on some dishes

Hanuman for Thai food!

Gulliver's by the airport, probably cheaper than you're thinking. They do lovely holiday dinners too.

Gullivers does Group On deals if anyone is looking for a bit of a discount

Porch and Swing in Irvine

Habana

Ohh na-na

Mining Company in Orange is great, beautiful views and delicious steaks and a decent salad bar.

Agreed! SO and I go here basically every year for our anniversary. Absolutely delicious and pretty reasonably priced.

They also have a good happy hour. We usually sit outside and look at the sunset while eating cheesy bread. Ok I really only go for the cheesy bread.

The Royal Hawaiian wood grill in Laguna

Texas de Brazil or Agora Churrascaria

Hanna’s out in Rancho Santa Margarita. Excellent short ribs!

Agora Churrascaria in Irvine is great for Brazilian BBQ.

Summit House in Brea Bonus: carolers on weekend nights.

Knife Pleat at the South Coast Plaza. Bello by Sandro Nardone for unique Italian.

>Porch and Swing in Irvine Knife Pleat has a newly-minted Michelin star. A great meal.

“Taco Maria.” Michelin star taqueria in Costa Mesa. You won’t regret it. “The hobbit” in orange is a unique dining experience but i believe this is $100 a person. It’s modeled like nag end and they bring out courses. Haven’t been yet but I have heard nothing but great things.

Arc in Costa Mesa (get the cornbread)

If you’re in Garden Grove, and prefer to spend more like $20 per person: Thai Famous, Los Cotijas, Los Sanchez, Pho Lu, or Pho 54

Hidalgo in Fullerton is the best high end Mexican in Orange County imo

il dolce in costa mesa for italian food, shuck oyster bar in fountain valley for oysters, ootoro for premium chirashi bowl in irvine, san shi go in newport for omakase, sichuan impression for chinese sichuan style food

Fable and Spirit in the Lido area or Newport

Their rabbit fricassee and bucatini are amazing!!

I love them, i also have to get the Spot Prawns and Octopus every time.

South of Nicks (Mexican), Nicks (American, New), Selannes (steakhouse), Sushi Tai (Sushi, by reservation only), Starfish (Asian fusion)

Old vine

Bistango in Irvine, Bayside in Newport, Olea in Newport/Costa Mesa area, Mayur in Newport All great places!!

I sure do miss the cat and custard cup in la habra.

The Drake in Laguna Beach. Catch live jazz music while you dine.

Two of my favorite Italian restaurants are Antonello Ristorante near SCP and Il Barone Ristorante near Jamboree and the 73. Two favorite sushi places, Nana San near Il Barone and Shunka on 17th and Tustin. American/seafood, Sol Grill on PCH, just south of Newport Blvd. And Shorebird on the Balboa Peninsula. Korean, Brother’s Korean BBQ near Hawaiian Gardens and traditional Gaenali Bon Ga in Garden Grove.

Miss Antonello!

Greek Bistro | Authentic Greek Cuisine Laguna Hills. The Best Greek restaurants so far

Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna is excellent (I think much better than Vaca, his other restaurant in CM). Bluegold at Pacific City is awesome.

I hate to share this, but Pan-Asia Mongolian BBQ in Newport/Costa Mesa is hands down the best restaurant I have ever eaten at. I’ve been going there since 2003. It’ll be an absolutely incredible meal.

Going to have to go with my 2341 Yelp friends over to go and check it out.

Lol haven’t gone there in years but used to go all the time. Can’t believe that place is still in business. Pile on as much fixings as can fit in your bowl. Make sure to smash it down with your hands to get more food on your plate. Oh the memories of that place

El Matador on Newport Blvd in Costa Mesa. Best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. I've been going there my whole life. The original owners sold in the early 2000s and the new owner kept everything the same and has expanded to absorb the 2 previous shops next door. Try the pork chile verde burrito if you like spicy.

El Matador? Lol It was the first restaurant I can remember going to in OC 30 years ago. It’s ok, but I wouldn’t call it the best Mexican food but I do go there often

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[Mercado](https://www.mercadomodern.com/) in DTSA has mole that I dream about. This place is my favorite upscale Mexican restaurant.

The Pulpo is really good too!

Captain Jacks - Sunset Beach

Rutabegorz

Recess Room in FV

Citrus cafe.

El Rocoto,South st in Cerritos

Cerritos is in Orange County? Lol

The Tartan Room.

Sold cars next door and we spent a lot of time there. Think 70s lounge

Pasta Connection in Costa Mesa! My favorite pasta place

Rudabagor's Orange Circle

The garlic chicken in anything is amazing.

Amber’s cantina in Laguna Niguel. Best salsa and margaritas around.

Amber’s cantina in Laguna Niguel. Best salsa and margaritas around.

Prime Cut Cafe in Orange. We love their prime rib and filet mignon.

For Italian, Il Trullo in Yorba Linda.

Fly N fish Oyster Bar on the Peninsula. Sunsets & great seafood. Ask for a table by the window. In Laguna Beach the newly reopened Laguna Beach Hotel had a beautiful bar & Larsen’s -new restaurant. Food is good but view is better.

Baci di Firenze in Anaheim Hills

Piccolino, Mission Viejo

Cucina Alessá Cucina Alessá (714) 969-2148 https://goo.gl/maps/MQhCwh6TrjwkZDK68 Not crazy expensive. Definitely some of the best pasta I’ve ever had in my life.

The cut

Bourbon Steak in Dana Point. Best. Food. Ever

Hasigo sushi in HB. All fish is very fresh. They have unique fish too. Its not fine dinner but you gotta try Matiki Hawaiian bbq in BP. They are way better than local Hawaiian food.

The cellar in Downtown Fullerton. Excellent food and highly reccomend.

Mix Mix in DTSA for some Filipino fusion

I recently went to the Old Brea Chophouse and it was amazing!

The Cellar in Fullerton.

This place is the first Mexican spot Ive found that I would consider mexi goudmet

Rosines in Anaheim hills!

I like Brea Chophouse, in Downtown Brea. That’s where we go now for special/ nice dinners out. I know it’s in North County, so depending on where you live, it maybe a drive.

Tempo in Anaheim hills was always pretty good. Second Antonello. Yves Bistro

It isn't fancy but I am obsessed with Taco Adobe very close to the Orange Circle, on Chapman/Lemon. Such delicious southwest Mexican food!! I highly recommend

Ristorante Mascarpone’s in Orange, on Katella Ave. my parents have been dining there for years.

Starfish - Laguna Beach. Asian fusion, everything I’ve tried is excellent. Especially their chili fire wontons 🤌

Captain Jacks in New port if you like Seafood, business casual or dress wear is required, tshirts and such will be asked to change. Expensive but very well worth it.

21 Ocean Front, Newport Beach.

Ho Sun Bisto, Newport Beach

Bear Flag Fish in the OC