37 Best Restaurants in Orange County, CA in 2024 (2024)

With so much to see and do in Southern California, it’s easy to rush past the top restaurants in Orange County while taking in the sights. Even locals who've found a groove may not notice the incredible selection of restaurants Orange County offers for foodies of all appetites.

Whether you're searching for warm and cozy restaurants to refresh your date night options, need to feed a famished family that's been busy all day or you're looking for the ideal café to play catch-up with your best buds, restaurants in Orange County offer something special for every dining occasion. We’ve chosen our favorite restaurants in Orange County to get your dining life all fired up, no matter where your tastes may be leading you or who’s coming along for the ride.

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• 37 Best Orange County Restaurants
• Try Cooking Orange County Foods

37 Best Orange County Restaurants

1. Orange Hill Restaurant

One of the few restaurants in Orange County that can offer spectacular hilltop views in addition to fantastic food, Orange Hill Restaurant is a must-visit. Here, you can enjoy a romantic meal with your sweetheart, host a social occasion for your gourmet group and even conduct a wedding celebration in grand California style.

The Vibe

Refreshing elegance adds an air of sophistication to the laid-back Golden State lifestyle.

What to Order

Go with your garden-guided instincts and order wild pappardelle mushroom pasta, topped with ritzy truffle whipped ricotta.

Orange Hill Restaurant | 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92869 | $$$

2. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

Affordable, sustainable and entirely mindful of its clientele, Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar is a restaurant in Orange County with an earthy spirit rooted in the community. This artisan eatery maximizes local ingredients to share the bounty with both diners and growers in the area.

The Vibe

A warm and welcoming energy at this restaurant in Orange County is bound to be a comfort to all who enter.

What to Order

Get your brunch crew fired up with a selection of premium bites like skillet cornbread covered in hot honey butter and well-dressed waffles topped with berry marmalade.

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar | 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | $$

3. Citrus City Grille

Families have a happy spot to savor among restaurants in Orange County with Citrus City Grille, serving up sweet satisfaction for everyone. Adults can indulge in high style while kids have a menu filled with familiar fare to whet their particular appetites.

The Vibe

Fast-casual comfort that invites visitors to settle in and stay a while.

What to Order

Citrus City meatloaf is gives the upscale treatment to the homestyle favorite, with of a Burgundy wine reduction that lends a stroke of gourmet creativity.

Citrus City Grille | 122 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | $$

4. Lazy Dog Restaurant

Restaurants in Orange County don't get more relaxed than Lazy Dog Restaurant. This easy-going spot serves some of the most savory burgers, steaks and salads that restaurants in Orange County have to offer.

The Vibe

Comfy booths and ravishing-red umbrella patio seating are your cue to relax.

What to Order

If you don't try the house-made TV dinners, you're missing out on something special.

Lazy Dog Restaurant | Multiple Locations | $

5. Saddle Ranch Chop House

You'd be justified in thinking a restaurant in Orange County called Saddle Ranch Chop House serves up top-notch versions of steakhouse specialties. There’s even a mechanical bull as a nostalgic centerpiece to test your mettle.

The Vibe

The denim-and-Stetson set provides an authentically countrified hang-out.

What to Order

With its balsamic, red onion and bacon reduction as a topper over spinach and gorgonzola, the Hollywood burger gives grilled goodies a hearty dash of Cali glam.

Saddle Ranch Chop House | Multiple Locations | $$

6. Market Broiler

This delightful spot gives smaller seafood bistros a presence among restaurants in Orange County. From fresh fish and creamy chowder to lobster rolls and mahi-mahi tacos, there's an ocean of delicious dining waiting to be explored at Market Broiler.

The Vibe

Vaulted ceilings and soothing neutral tones give this seafaring restaurant in Orange County a lovely nautical lilt.

What to Order

Dive into a Harvest of the Sea platter and enjoy a banquet of clams, calamari, scallops and more on a bed of tender linguini.

Market Broiler | 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, CA 92868 | $$

7. Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen

Slip into Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen for a bit of Latin fare and discover one of the warmest restaurants in Orange County. Chef Gabbi Patrick celebrates her native cuisine by turning locally sourced ingredients into hacienda-style specialties.

The Vibe

Rich brick fixtures, colorful glass art and glowing illumination make this restaurant in Orange County feel like a magical escape.

What to Order

Opt for the veggie tacos filled with two types of mushrooms instead of meat and a garden's worth of robust mix-ins to see how over-the-top flavorful vegetarian eating can be.

Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen | Multiple Locations | $$

8. Orange County Mining Co.

Taking patrons deep into the heart of California's storied past, Orange County Mining Co. offers some of the finest city views of any restaurant in Orange County to enjoy with your prime chop house selections.

The Vibe

Rustic barn chic blends perfectly with hilltop vistas showing off the beauty of Californian terrain.

What to Order

Succulent, hand-carved prime rib and fresh sea scallops upon a platter give this restaurant in Orange County a well-known reputation for surf and turf.

Orange County Mining Co. | 10000 S. Crawford Canyon Road, Orange, CA 92705 | $$

9. Tutto Fresco

Family-style Italian dining from Tutto Fresco is the kind of crowd-pleasing experience restaurants around Orange County are famous for. Your favorite old-world dishes are served with cheerful smiles as authentic as the recipes.

The Vibe

Tuscan styling from head to toe gives the sensation of enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean countryside.

What to Order

A chicken Parmigiana sandwich with a Caesar salad on the side gives you everything you love in a portable Italian meal.

Tutto Fresco | 1333 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92867 | $

10. Smoqued California BBQ

Note the altered spelling of the name Smoqued California BBQ and understand that you'll be enjoying one of the most creative cookout restaurants in Orange County. Take your pick from well-done grilled favorites and inventive upgrades to delectable bar food.

The Vibe

There's an air of industrial style here, complete with brick and wood fixtures and the glow of string light illumination.

What to Order

Get cozy with a Smoqued barbeque brisket plate and relish slices of red oak-smoked beef flavored with a special house-made spice rub.

Smoqued California BBQ | 128 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | $

11. Felix Continental Café

For more than 40 years, Felix Continental Café has shared diner delicacies among restaurants in Orange County. A blend of American, Cuban and Spanish fare makes this legacy restaurant in Orange County a must-try for die-hard foodies.

The Vibe

Tidy and straightforward, with an open dining space that encourages friendly interaction.

What to Order

Order up the eggs Florentine for a breakfast specialty you can't beat.

Felix Continental Café | 36 Plaza Sq., Orange, CA 92866 | $

12. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

Get hip with the contemporary restaurants in Orange County by stopping in at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. With a whiskey library over 300 bottles deep and gourmet American fare, the chefs and mixologists here are masters of their crafts.

The Vibe

Artful touches like birdcage chandeliers and shiplap walls enrich this down-to-earth eatery.

What to Order

12-hour beef short ribs will be ready when you get there, surrounded by greens and classic scalloped-potatoes.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations | Multiple Locations | $$

13. Habana

A touch of Cuban culture comes to restaurants in Orange County in the form of Habana, California's premier Latin bistro. There's an elegance and nostalgic sensibility here that invites everyone to tap into the magic of Cuba’s capital city.

The Vibe

Every corner of this restaurant in Orange County holds a colorful recreation of Cuba's golden age.

What to Order

The most inviting option is the “Uno, Dos, Tres, Y Cha Cha Cha” lunchtime tasting menu — a three-course extravaganza showing off the best of Habana's colorful culinary character.

Habana | Multiple Locations | $$$

14. Bruxie

There's a simple equation at Bruxie that brings a refreshing concept to restaurants in Orange County: chicken, waffles and chicken-and-waffles. Sure, there are salads and bun sandwiches, too, but this Orange County restaurant takes the guesswork out of ordering while making sure you get something fantastic, every time.

The Vibe

This open-air eatery takes advantage of SoCal's sunny skies and sweet weather.

What to Order

Angry mac and cheese blends the creamy heat of spiced cheese sauce with chives and smoked bacon for a flavorful bowlful of fun.

Bruxie | Multiple Locations | $$

15. Brodard

Experience the refreshing Asian stylings of Brodard and discover the unending diversity among restaurants in Orange County. You can enjoy classic dishes faithfully recreated with a cultural pride that shines through.

The Vibe

Upscale elegance that pays loving homage to Southeast Asia in design and décor.

What to Order

Ribeye rolls advance the concept of a spring roll at this restaurant in Orange County by including top-cut beef among refreshing vegetable fillings, all tucked tightly into melt-in-your-mouth rice paper.

Brodard | Multiple Locations | $$

16. MasalaCraft

When it comes to buffet restaurants around Orange County that offer phenomenal Indian cuisine, MasalaCraft is a superior choice. This exceptional eatery displays dedication to artistry and heritage that celebrates the culture in every dish.

The Vibe

Colorful saffron walls wrap visitors happily in this trim, tidy space.

What to Order

Explore this restaurant in Orange County’s incredible vegetarian menu and you'll find malai kofta, a mix of vegetable dumplings and sumptuous cheese in a silken onion cream sauce.

MasalaCraft | Multiple Locations | $$

17. Peter's Gourmade Burgers

If you're on the hunt for unforgettable burgers during your exploration of restaurants in Orange County, make sure Peter's Gourmade Burgers is circled on the map. Fresh burgers and assorted sandwiches served with tempting toppings and gourmet fries beat any fast-food joint in town.

The Vibe

Bright primary colors and oversized burger wall art sing with joyous energy.

What to Order

The Bubba burger tops a 100% Angus patty with onion straws and barbeque sauce for a supremely satisfying cookout on a bun.

Peter's Gourmade Burgers | 14311 Newport Ave., Tustin, Orange, CA 92780 | $

18. Donde Adela

Queue up for Colombia's truest culinary creations at Donde Adela, a Latin restaurant in Orange County that brings something different to the table. It's the perfect spot to unroll your gourmet map and pop a pin in the tastes and textures of a region with offerings you’ll adore.

The Vibe

Charming and colorful, with reminders of the region's most prized features proudly displayed.

What to Order

The Chuleta a Caballo dresses breaded pork in tomato sauce with rice, beans and a fried egg on the side.

Donde Adela | 1707 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92868 | $$

19. Anaheim White House

There's no confusing Anaheim White House with any other restaurant in Orange County once you see it. This colossal colonial reproduction is the site where elegant Italian steakhouse cuisine is served in a setting that makes a lasting impression.

The Vibe

Expectations of business-casual and formal attire call out the upper-crust energy enjoyed here.

What to Order

If your budget allows, treat yourself to a round of caviar before diving into pasta classics like cacio e pepe and pappardelle Bolognese.

Anaheim White House | 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, Orange, CA 92805 | $$$

20. Mo Ran Gak

North Korean noodle dishes are all the rage at Mo Ran Gak, a representative of the captivating selection of Asian-Pacific restaurants in Orange County. The extensive menu is a hit parade of Korea’s finest creations.

The Vibe

Serene simplicity lends this restaurant in Orange County a zen sensibility.

What to Order

Marinated bone-in short ribs paired with vegetable bulgogi will make your global dining dreams come true.

Mo Ran Gak | 9651 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, Orange, CA 92844 | $$

21. Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana

Celebrating restaurants in Orange County without including a prime pizza place like Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana would be a mistake. This Neapolitan-style pizzeria serves up pies, panini and calzones with gourmet personality, merging old-world authenticity with new-world pizzazz.

The Vibe

Cool and casual, with a cherry-red brick oven holding court in the kitchen.

What to Order

Traditionalists are in for a treat with a four-cheese pie or sprightly Margherita, while adventurous pizza eaters will be smitten with a Fuoco, featuring truffle oil in place of sauce.

Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana | 101 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, Orange, CA 92832 | $$

22. Texas de Brazil

Dive into the enchantment of Texas de Brazil and see how ingenious restaurants in Orange County can be. This churrascaria-style steak house slings South-American beef seasoned with the hospitable spirit of the American South.

The Vibe

The fun of tableside service a la Brazil makes every moment a delicious surprise.

What to Order

Circle the extensive salad bar, make your way through the beguiling hot foods display and choose from the juiciest meats.

Texas de Brazil | 13772 Jamboree Road, Irvine, Orange, CA 92602 | $$$

23. Vegan by El Zamorano

Plant eaters looking for cruelty-free casual fare will relish Vegan by El Zamorano. One of the most intriguing non-animal Mexican restaurants in Orange County, this spot offers plant-based reinventions of Tex-Mex favorites.

The Vibe

Unfussy and compact inside, just right for keeping the spotlight on the creative food.

What to Order

Al pastor tacos, asada nachos, carnitas tacos and chicken burritos — despite their names, every item is 100% vegan and thoroughly delicious.

Vegan by El Zamorano | 3011 Harbor Blvd., Ste. A, Costa Mesa, Orange, CA 92626 | $$

24. Thai Basil

Get tempted toward the fresher side of restaurants in Orange County by visiting Thai Basil. Choose standard dishes or request special fixes from the chef to customize any meal for your specific dietary needs.

The Vibe

Spacious and brightly lit, with plenty of side-by-side seating for larger parties.

What to Order

The Kung Pao Trio plates up a triple-play of chicken, beef and shrimp in the famous sauce that pulls the whole dish together.

Thai Basil | 2431 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Orange, CA 92831 | $

25. Chapter One: the modern local

It's a relief to see Chapter One: the modern local carrying on the tradition of literary-themed dining. Literature lovers can enjoy masterful meals in this restaurant in Orange county’s winsome, library-like atmosphere.

The Vibe

This bookish bar and bistro has fascinating titles and interesting reads in every nook.

What to Order

From the blackened shrimp tacos with the house-made corn tortillas to the bacon-wrapped meatloaf sandwich topped with gruyère and aioli, every dish is an ode to imaginative dining.

Chapter One: the modern local | 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, Orange, CA 92701 | $$

26. Azteca

Good luck finding restaurants in Orange County more eccentric than Azteca. Every inch of the walls and ceilings of this exceptional Mexican eatery are covered in Elvis Presley memorabilia — eye candy for fans of the King.

The Vibe

Kitsch is the name of the game here, from the paneled walls to the lounge lighting.

What to Order

Sink your teeth into a chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito filled with beef or chicken for a crunchy-chewy combo that boasts bold flavors and exciting textures.

Azteca | 12911 Main St., Garden Grove, Orange, CA 92840 | $

27. Urban Plates

From-scratch food made with a dedication to quality and attention to detail fills the menu at Urban Plates. This may be the only restaurant in Orange County that posts a list of its organic ingredients on its website to put visitors' minds at ease.

The Vibe

The setting is as fresh and wholesome as the food it serves.

What to Order

Moroccan chicken braise fills your bowl with cage-free poultry, tender squash and aromatic herbs for an African meal in the heart of Southern California.

Urban Plates | Multiple Locations | $$

28. India Gate Restaurant

Enjoy intriguing buffets at India Gate Restaurant, a restaurant in Orange County that gives diners the chance to sample a variety of dishes so they can find their favorites. The all-you-can-eat option is your invitation to taste it all, one plate at a time.

The Vibe

A striking black and gold palette lends a snazzy touch to this well-considered dining room.

What to Order

Chicken dishes like tandoori, curry and biryani are the classics brought to the table, while the aloo gobi lets the vegetarians in your party savor the best of plant-forward Indian cuisine.

India Gate Restaurant | 2512 Walnut Ave. #5, Tustin, Orange, CA 92780 | $

29. Cauldron Ice Cream

If you find a dessert parlor as rave-worthy as Cauldron Ice Cream among the restaurants in Orange County, dropping in is a no-brainer. This craft ice cream chain uses liquid nitrogen to create ultra-creamy rose-shaped scoops.

The Vibe

There's science brewing in this pristine space, evident in the frosty tiled walls and frothing gadgets in the lab-like kitchen.

What to Order

Fill a churro puffle cone with a blossom of milk and cereal ice cream and prepare to lose yourself in delicious luxury.

Cauldron Ice Cream | Multiple Locations | $

30. C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery

For a touch of French finery on the American West Coast, C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery is the preeminent locale. Breathtaking ocean views and grand gourmet dining make this restaurant in Orange County a culinary oasis.

The Vibe

White linen-topped tables inside, cozy patio seating outside and cool sea breezes wafting throughout.

What to Order

Beef bourguignon, bouillabaisse and branzino all make superior brasserie bites — and those are just the dishes that start with a “B”.

C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery | 373 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | $$

31. Green Tomato Grill

What would restaurants in Orange County be without a health food café like Green Tomato Grill serving up California clean eating? With sauces made from scratch and ingredients prepared in-house, this mindful eatery has all the bases covered.

The Vibe

Sweet and simple fixtures with splashes of green to tie the name to the décor.

What to Order

Make your own wrap and you can choose your favorite protein to toss into a slew of ranch, Greek or Thai fixings in a flavored tortilla.

Green Tomato Grill | 1419 N. Tustin St., Orange, CA 92867 | $

32. Sushi Damu

It's sushi for the win at Sushi Damu, bringing a no-nonsense kitchen to restaurants in Orange County for grabbing rolls, plates and platters. All your favorites are present and accounted for, including nigiri, sashimi and appetizers to help complete a magnificent meal.

The Vibe

Creatively contemporary, with soothing washes of colored lights adding fanciful interest.

What to Order

Selections in the Sashimi Plus Ayce platter include the entire array of sushi possibilities made with first-rate fish in a never-ending all-you-can-eat experience.

Sushi Damu | 13962 Newport Ave., Tustin, Orange, CA 92780 | $$

33. Cream Pan

The fascinating mix of French and Japanese baking traditions celebrated at Cream Pan creates a distinctive profile among the restaurants Orange County showcases. The result is a one-stop shop for pastries and loaves from the top of the stack, side-by-side with sushi and rice dishes.

The Vibe

Cozy and quaint, with bread racks and cake cases displaying the wares.

What to Order

Load up a box with the bakery's famous strawberry croissants, some orange brioche and a few pork buns, just to keep things balanced.

Cream Pan | Multiple Locations | $

34. Rodrigo's Mexican Grill

Marrying old and new flavors from the region, Rodrigo's Mexican Grill is a restaurant in Orange County that feels fresh and familiar at the same time. The Fraser family pays tribute to their patriarch, Roderick, by giving his name a loving Latin spin to serve as the restaurant's banner.

The Vibe

Saltillo tile and arched passageways lead you into a contemporary casa filled with authentic spirit.

What to Order

Stuffed pasilla chile rellenos are a Rodrigo's specialty, presenting stuffed peppers brimming with braised beef and chorizo, plus a host of flavorful mix-ins.

Rodrigo's Mexican Grill | Multiple Locations | $

35. Kéan Coffee

A community-driven café like Kéan Coffee lets visitors to restaurants in Orange County settle in and enjoy their java in a space that's warm and relaxed. Beans roasted daily means no matter what your preferred drip is, you'll find something delicious brewing when you stop by.

The Vibe

Soothing colors and natural surfaces create surroundings with upscale coffee house energy.

What to Order

Enjoy an espresso or a drip of the day with a sweet treat from the bakery case and take a load off in the comfy dining room.

Kéan Coffee | Multiple Locations | $

36. Vegan Pizza

There's no mistaking the space a pizzeria called Vegan Pizza holds among the best restaurants in Orange County. A revolution is at hand, and it begins with plant-based pies that give animal-free eaters a chance to savor one of the culinary world's finest creations without compromising their principles.

The Vibe

Boho chic meets Mediterranean cool, with old-world murals completing the scene.

What to Order

The Philly Cheez Steak pizza piles grilled vegan steak on a hand-tossed crust, with mushrooms, bell peppers and onions helping to make this pie all kinds of sumptuous.

Vegan Pizza | 12022 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, Orange, CA 92840 | $

37. Orange Roll & Sushi

With Disneyland nearby to entertain the kids, you need restaurants in Orange County like Orange Roll & Sushi to give the adults something to cheer about. This sushi house offers affordable options from a creative menu that goes well beyond the combinations you're familiar with.

The Vibe

Vibrant walls and tons of sunshine add an uplifting energy to this compact eatery.

What to Order

Whether you try a Midnight Sun crab roll, a Sun Kissed roll with deep-fried salmon or a Flamin' Hot roll with a hot Cheetos crust, there's a spirited twist on sushi waiting on the plate.

Orange Roll & Sushi | 327 S. Anaheim Blvd., Ste. B, Anaheim, Orange, CA 92805 | $

Try Cooking Orange County Foods

If home dining is more your speed, you can turn up the heat in your own kitchen by diving into gourmet cooking classes in Orange County. Every course is a can't-miss lesson in how to expand your options deliciously. With guided instruction from some of the best chefs in the area, you may not even miss the restaurants in Orange County you haven't yet tried.

The dining scene is packed with so many phenomenal restaurants in Orange County that it's worth mapping out an adventure dedicated to finding premier places to enjoy a bite or two — or ten. Think of the region as your personal banquet, like a feast featuring all the best restaurants in Orange County laid out for your enjoyment. Time to dig in.

For even more ways to explore Orange County and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.