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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
1. Piccolino Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(2095)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 31 times today
A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience."Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!""La buona cucina rende allegria!"Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!
A photo of Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse restaurant
2. Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(912)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 19 times today
Trabuco Oaks Steak House is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day in the canyon or if you just want to get away from the hustle of the city crowds. The rustic BBQ restaurant gently reminds everyone as they walk in that casual is the norm here by displaying cut ties from the ceiling. Enjoy a steak like the top sirloin, New York strip or porterhouse cooked to perfection. Trabuco Oaks understands that not everyone wants steak, so it offers entrŽes like the mesquite grilled chicken, Italian spaghetti or an order of fish and fries.Finish off the meal at Trabuco Oaks with a delicious dessert such as a hot fudge sundae or the famous hot cherry Gizmo, which is a cherry filling wrapped in a flour tortilla that has been deep fried and topped with ice cream, hot cherry sauce and whipped cream.
A photo of Domenico's on the Lake restaurant
3. Domenico's on the Lake
4.8
Exceptional(1202)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 38 times today
Orange County's newest upscale dining experience is now open on Lake Mission Viejo! Well known for our iconic location in Long Beach, Domenico’s was one of the first restaurants to serve pizza in California and is famous for our legendary pizzas and amazing Italian and American inspired dishes. Domenico's on the Lake is an upscale take on our original location featuring new steak and seafood entrees, while still featuring the original recipes that have made us an institution in Southern California.NOTE: OUR LAKESIDE PATIO HAS LIMITED SEATING AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED BECAUSE THE DEMAND OFTEN EXCEEDS AVAILABILITY. PATIO SEATING REQUESTS ARE SUBJECT TO A WAIT.
A photo of Pub Thirty-Two restaurant
4. Pub Thirty-Two
4.5
Awesome(423)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 7 times today
Located in Mission Viejo, California, Pub Thirty-Two represents our desire to bring the type of restaurant and bar experience we enjoy to Mission Viejo; a place you will be as comfortable holding a professional lunch meeting as you are having drinks and great conversation with friends. We strive to provide a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with food, drinks, and events that exceed expectations. Our restaurant is farm-to-fork, and our menu changes seasonally. We are proud to be partnered with local ranches and farms to bring you fresh, local, and sustainable food.
A photo of Xacalli Kitchen restaurant
5. Xacalli Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(261)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Silverado
Booked 8 times today
Xacalli is a Chef Driven Modern Mexican Restaurant that highlights regional Mexican cuisine. Located in historical mining town of Silverado Canyon, in eastern Orange County next to the cities of Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest. Beautiful drive from Orange, Irvine and Tustin. The community of Silverado with her majestic mountains, state designated scenic highway is a hidden gem located at the boundaries of Cleveland National Forest.Xacalli's aim is to bring people and food together with authentic dishes that are modern and visually beautiful as well as entice your taste buds. We serve plates with the intention of sharing family style. Whether at the bar or in our dining room, we aim to showcase our passion for service excellence. Executive Chef Vincent Espinoza sources quality ingredients to create a seasonal menu alongside a craft bar. We are thrilled to welcome you to Xacalli for dinner + craft cocktails in our rustic and friendly restaurant.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
6. Puesto Los Olivos
4.6
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 45 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
7. Fogo de Chao - Irvine Spectrum
4.1
Excellent(2306)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Irvine
Booked 104 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
8. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.8
Exceptional(2878)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 40 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant
9. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills
4.7
Exceptional(4884)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 76 times today
King's Fish House - Laguna Hills is a treasure trove of seafood delights. With three generations of seafood passion, they've crafted an ultimate seafood experience, filled with fresh-caught oysters, clams, and unforgettable flavors. As one reviewer said, 'Seafood always fresh and tasty.' The ambiance is comfortable, the service is impeccable, and the food is consistently excellent, making it an ideal spot for family dining, special occasions, or business dining.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
10. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.8
Exceptional(1058)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 29 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Embark on a culinary journey to Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County, where dining is truly "worth the drive." Here, you will discover a variety of restaurants that not only promise but deliver exceptional dining experiences, making them standout destinations. These eateries are celebrated for their unique blends of ambiance, quality service, and exquisite cuisine that cater to a diverse palate. Whether you're craving innovative dishes, traditional flavors, or simply a scenic view to complement your meal, this region offers it all. The dining scene in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita is vibrant and diverse, appealing to both locals and travelers seeking memorable meals. Each restaurant in this locale has been carefully vetted for its ability to provide not just food, but an experience worth traveling for. This ensures that every recommendation will enrich your gastronomic adventures and make every drive worthwhile.

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