What is key when you are looking for the definitive dining scene? Perhaps it is the ultimate setting, be it amazing views, dimly lit nooks, cultural premise or a unique theme? Is it superior service like creatively creased napkins and lavish individual attention or the laid-back self serve 'all you can eat' smorgasbord gorge? Maybe a savory, mouthwatering Carte du jour offering everything from consommé to a decadent dessert climax claims the number one spot on your wish list. What ranks high on your inventory of essential must haves for a top bistro? Orange County is bursting with feasting multiplicity, which makes conjuring up just 10 restaurants for this pinnacle roll--- oooooh sooooooooo scrumptiously problematic! Have at it, try one, and then try them all.
Blue Coral Seafood & Spirits 451 Newport Center Drive In Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949-856-blue (2583)
Hours of Operation: Sunday - Thursday 5-10pm Friday - Saturday 5-11pm Lounge is open one hour after dining room closes nightly.
If you’re in the mood for ultra-chic, upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere, you’ve got to try Blue Coral Seafood and Spirits. Located in Fashion Island, the restaurant boasts an electric blue vodka bar with more than 60 international vodkas. Their Blueberry Drop Martini shouldn’t be missed. The appetizers here are amazing, especially the Baked Goat Cheese, served with crostini and heirloom tomatoes. Main dishes include tender Honey Pepper Sea Scallops and Maine Lobster En Fuego, presented stunningly in the shell. Don’t leave without sampling the creamy Lobster Mac-n-Cheese or before diving into a sinfully rich Godiva White Chocolate Martini.
FRENCH 75 1464 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-8444 Hours: (Mon-Sun) from 5:30 pm From present day Laguna Beach, transport in time and place as you cross the threshold of French 75. The dimly lit bistro takes you back to the 1940's reminiscent of a good time Paris after the war. Live piano wafts passed the warmth of the fireplace through isolated romantic areas surrounded by art-adorned walls as you indulge in cocktails at the Champagne Bar. On the other hand, you may opt for French 75's superlative wine selections while you unhurriedly dine over traditional as well as contemporary French bistro cuisine in a debonair, sexy French feel. The herb pesto-crusted sea bass is always a hit! After you are spoiled with French 75's famous chocolate soufflé for dessert enjoy dancing and entertainment into the nighttime. Dine indoors or out on the patio. Therefore, if first-rate California French cuisine, ultra-romantic hideaways and a grand wine list are for you…French 75 is waiting!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
FIVE CROWNS 3801 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 760-0331 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5 pm-10 pm; (Sun) 10:30 am-3 pm It is no wonder that Five Crowns has been pleasing not only diners' appetite for fabulous fare, but also their yearning for old-fashioned hospitality and old English flavored ambiance since 1965. This two-story dark and cozy country inn brims with candlelight, antiques and glorious paintings. Sip wine from the award-winning list while enjoying quiet conversation in the sunny greenhouse. This Inn's exterior replicates Ye Olde Bell, England's oldest Inn dating back to 1135 A.D. Five Crowns specializes in roast prime ribs of beef, rack of lamb, duck, veal and fresh seafood. This popular spot for private parties for lunch or dinner and garden weddings and receptions accepts all major credit cards and offers valet parking.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Years Eve-Open
MOSUN SUSHI 680 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 497-5646 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 5 pm-10 pm; (Sat & Sun) 5 pm-Midnight; (Thur, Fri & Sat) Club M till 1:30 am When you attend MOSUN SUSHI's "Never Ending Mondays", Mondays will never be the same! Beginning at 5 pm -closing and no cover, downstairs its 'All you can eat' sushi and also offered are their Pacific Rim menu entrées for only for $19.95. Guest D.J.s spin Top 40, Hip-Hop, House, and R&B. It looks like Mosun Sushi is the place to be with energetic evenings. From lively entertainment to exceptional sushi, and entrées such as Five Spice Duck that is pan seared with Apple Fries and Orange Glaze or Diver Scallops seared with sweet Miso Sauce, this is just the beginning of an evening sure to satisfy all of your senses! Mosun Sushi features their excitement-filled Club M Nightclub every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Upstairs, on Fridays, doors open at 8 pm. D.J.s spin Progressive House & Trance with live Go-Go Girls. Downstairs D.J.s spin Progressive House & Trance. On Saturdays, Downstairs festivities begin at 11 pm with guest D.J.s playing Top 40, Hip-Hop, & R&B. While you are there, be sure to experience award-winning sake from around the world from the largest selection of sake in the country served in a bamboo cylinder.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $20 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
21 OCEANFRONT 2106 West Ocean Front, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 673-2100 Hours: (Mon-Thur, and Sun) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm Location, backdrop, view! Situated on the Newport pier over looking Balboa Peninsula, this smart, stylish seafood house takes pride in being No. 1 in OC. From fresh fish flown in from around the world to prime meats, pasta, poultry and rack of lamb, you will not only be awed with superior service but the tasteful black leather décor and of course, the dinner spectacular-the incredible Pacific Ocean sunsets. Melt in your mouth entrées include broiled Norwegian salmon in raspberry sauce or fresh Colorado rack of lamb with fresh mango chutney or mint sauce. Meet for a drink, sampling 21 Oceanfront's extensive wine list, or enjoy entertainment and dancing after feasting outdoors waterside. With all these pluses and almost 30 years of excellence--- reservations suggested!
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
OYSTERS 2515 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 675-7411 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 4 pm-Midnight Life is good, when you are at Oysters! Oysters serves up blackened ahi, sashimi, steaks and swordfish accompanied by garlic mashed-potatoes. This superb dining and entertainment medley- a synthesis of Californian and Asian chow features a full bar and an award-winning list of over 300 wines and it gets even better with a little side of jazz! That is---live jazz nightly! What else could anyone ask for? It is a night of good food, good company (if you are lucky) and great mood music. Located in quaint Corona Del Mar this neighborhood nightspot experiences a steady stream of regulars. This is no surprise when considering the fabulous menu and the reasonable prices! Do not miss happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4 pm-6 pm.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PALM COURT 21100 West Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (714) 845-8444 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 6 am-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 6 am-11 pm On Pacific Coast Highway at Huntington Boulevard, in the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort you will discover a tropical oasis flowing with live piano in the evenings, dancing in the West Coast Club Lounge on weekends and indoor and patio dining serving a diverse International menu from around the world. The Palm Court restaurant overflows with beautiful ocean views in a tropical setting. Palm trees and distinctive paintings surround you in loveliness. The thirty-six dinner menu choices range from appetizers like Smoked Duck Tacos with black bean butter and Red Pepper Caulis to enticing entrées like Veal Saltimbocca -Veal Scaloppini with Sage Leaf and Proscuitto Ham, braised in butter white wine sauce. Palm Court is just as pleasing in the early part of the day, frequented for its never disappointing Sunday brunch.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
CANNON'S 34344 Green Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 496-6146 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11:30 am-3:30 pm/5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm This place has it all! Cannons Restaurant and Terrace sits high on a cliff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. 'Want to be alone with that special someone? May we recommend the romantic terrace or inside dining overlooking the endless panoramic eye candy view-the Southern Orange County coast. If you choose to bring the little ones, Cannons offers a welcoming children's menu. There are private party rooms and a full bar. Relax at Cannon's Sunday Champagne Brunch or enjoy the ocean breeze at Happy Hour every Sunday through Friday from 4-6 pm. For lighter appetites Cannons offers variety of "larger than appetizers" entrées at reasonable prices. Try Cannon's Beef Brochette with sweet ginger rice and teriyaki. How does Grilled Chicken Breast with potato puree and cream sauce sound? Roll up your sleeves and dig in to Asian BBQ Baby Back Ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and slaw. Fish lovers come back for the Seafood Brochette with sweet ginger rice and lemon butter. Cannon's has been serving residents in quaint Dana Point for the past twenty-eight years.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $25 - $35
Holiday Schedule: Open for all holidays
VILLA NOVA 3131 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 642-7880 Hours: (Mon-Thur) 5 pm-Midnight; (Fri) 5 pm-1 am; (Sat) 4:30 pm-1 am; (Sun) 12 pm-12 am; (Mon-Sun) Entertainment in the bar from 9 pm; (Tues-Sun) Cigar lounge from 5 pm Here it is--the Grand Finale of the Top 10! And it's "reservations recommended"! Here is why. First off, it is a landmark. Time-honored Villa Nova since 1933 takes pride in offering waterfront dining with spectacular views of the Pacific, live entertainment nightly, dancing, patio and romantic indoor dining, polished service, piano bar, and valet parking not only for your car but a docking service for guests who prefer to arrive by boat too. What's that? You want to hear about the food. Okay, not mentioning the homemade pastas, fresh seafood and veal specialties would just be unthinkable. Fresh salmon filet baked with fresh dill, lime, butter and white wine sauce or sliced medallions of veal dipped in egg, layered with proscuitto and sautéed, topped with melted mozzarella cheese are just two of Villa Nova's regular entrées. Chocolate hazelnut, fresh raspberry, lemon and New York style cheesecakes are just the start down the lengthy and alluring dessert ensemble. The aromas of Northern and Southern Italian cuisines and top-notch professional waiters make visiting Villa Nova an extraordinary adventure.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Estimated cost per person for dinner is based upon one entrée, one beverage, and 20% gratuity.
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Orange County, CA