Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in South Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Californian cuisine in South Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

230 Forest Avenue

4.9

4.9 (2838)

$30 and under

Californian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen, laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste- buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.

Top review

Liannevip

Dined 1 day ago

Two Thirty Forest is always outstanding! The food, the service, everything! Given last night was a Friday night, it was a bit louder than usual, but still the ambience was lovely.

Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (1945)

$31 to $50

Californian

Irvine

About the restaurant

Modern Californian cuisine utilizing locally grown, sustainably farmed and fair-traded products. Our goal is to not only enhance quality but also to support a new, more responsible attitude toward our community and the world around us. That is why we donate all net profits to chartable causes. Both warm and inviting, nature was the inspiration for Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails interior; from the soaring two-story waterfall in the lobby to the striking onyx and granite bar and eco-friendly pecan wood floors, every detail was hand-selected for its natural beauty. We welcome you to visit Andrei's Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails for a truly special dining experience.

Please note that all special requests may not be honored. We will do our best to provide you with all options to make your dining experience very special.

Top review

Joevip

Dined 3 days ago

Service was exceptional, from the hostess to our waitress, the servers and even the bus boys. Food was great. Quality and portions were outstanding. Reasonably priced. Will definitely be returning.

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OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo

4.8

4.8 (1588)

$31 to $50

Californian

Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

About the restaurant

At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. Come in and enjoy the menu created by Marc A. Cohen, One of the Best Chef's in Orange County. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Dont forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.

Top review

Kimvip

Dined 7 days ago

All 4 of us had an amazing meal and Kevin our waiter was terrific. Can’t wait to go back.

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Mayfield- San Juan Capistrano

4.8

4.8 (414)

$31 to $50

Californian

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

**We are walk in only for Brunch. Reservations & walk ins available for Dinner**

Mayfield combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. Made to be shared, our food is designed to be experienced and enjoyed together.

Top review

alan

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

The food is superb as is the warmth of welcome and knowledge of the staff. The ambience is warm and friendly. Patio is wonderful even in winter and the wine list is heavenly.

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Popular dish

Za'atar Fried Chicken

Popular dish

Zaatar Fried Chicken (Four Pieces)

Popular dish

Fried Eggplant

O'Neill's Bar & Grill

4.9

4.9 (1116)

$30 and under

Californian

Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

About the restaurant

O'Neill's - our 4,600 square foot bar and grill - is a very popular place after a round of golf. Enjoy great meals and cocktails while you also take in the breathtaking views of the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Creek, and the course.

Top review

Robvip

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Excellent place for a covered patio lunch on a SoCal December afternoon.

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Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

4.8 (10434)

$30 and under

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United States

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers.

The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.

Top review

Julie

Dined 3 days ago

Ocean front... great ambiance and wonderful food! Make a reservation or plan to wait 30 minutes to an hour. Of course, you enjoy a nice beach walk while waiting! :)

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Popular dish

BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS

Popular dish

Beignets and Ambrosia

Popular dish

MAHI MAHI TACOS

Shorebird Newport Beach

4.6

4.6 (150)

$31 to $50

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Experience Shorebird Restaurant's coastal allure, offering a modern twist on classic Americana flavors influenced by traditional seafood and steakhouses. Our wood-fire grill and rotisserie bring forth signature delights like the Duroc Heritage Pork Chop with Brussels sprouts and brandy-poached apples, Faroe Island’s Salmon Mignon paired with a cauliflower purée, and Harris Ranch Prime Skirt Steak featuring a red chimichurri sauce.

Indulge in shareable plates like the Avocado Fries with green goddess dressing, Twice Fried Chicken Wings with chipotle gastrique, or explore our enticing "Raw Bar" selections. Shorebird beckons you to savor coastal dining with a harmonious blend of flavors, ensuring a culinary adventure that captivates the palate.

When you arrive to Shorebird, to the left of the restaurant is an underground parking garage. If you bring your ticket to the restaurant, your server or hostess can validate the parking for you.

Top review

Josievip

Dined 2 days ago

We were dining with an elderly woman in a family reunion so the very loud ambiance was not ideal for conversation due to large groups celebrating all over the restaurant but we ( the younger member’s of the family) loved everything else about it.

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Experience

Celebrate the Festive Season at Shorebird

Experience

Happy Hour

Station Craft Brewery + Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (155)

$30 and under

Californian

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Craft beer and food.

We take a craft approach to everything we do, and we have an overwhelming appreciation for all things Californian.

Station Craft Brewery and Kitchen, nestled in the vibrant Lantern District of Dana Point. We are the coolest spot in town, offering a unique experience that combines delicious craft beer with a coastal vibe. Voted the number one brewery in Dana Point, our eclectic menu and robust cocktails complete the perfect recipe for an unforgettable dining and drinking adventure.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

Exceeded our expectations… huge area, very lively. Come early or make reservations on weekend.

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar - Newport Beach

4.5

4.5 (2764)

$50 and over

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of; Restaurateurs of the Year; for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of; Restaurant of the Year; multiple times!

Top review

Pearlvip

Dined 1 day ago

The food was excellent. I had the pistachio sea bass 👌👌. The beignets were out of this word and our server was great!!! Noise was a little high but all was great !

Harvest

4.7

4.7 (2418)

$50 and over

Californian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Our restaurant, bar and private dining room celebrate the storied history of California's organic farming, brewing, and oenology. Outdoor patio seating unveils stunning Aliso Canyon and golf course views. As an homage to the original homesteaders, fresh-made food and drink are a focus throughout your dining experience, with many ingredients harvested on property. What we don't grow here is thoughtfully sourced.
Kyle St. John is the Executive Chef bringing his passion of farm-to-table cooking and fresh, locally-sourced cuisine.

The menu changes with each season, integrating fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables grown and gathered from our own half-acre Harvest Farm. The new bar is a haven of sociability, featuring an innovative handcrafted cocktail menu, enticing wine list and 18 craft beers on tap—all for sipping along with earnest conversation.

The Harvest team shares their masterfully creative and intensely local take on California coastal cuisine designed with food-lovers in mind.

Top review

Ronvip

Dined 3 days ago

enjoyable venue with delicious meals, beautiful settings

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Popular dish

Club Sandwich

Explore Diners' Choice best of South Orange County