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Orange County Restaurant Critics

@ocrestaurantcritics

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Reviewing Dishes from the Most Popular Restaurants in Orange County 🍽️

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What makes a great fine-dining restaurant in Orange County?

We asked Tyler, owner of @ocrestaurantcritics to share his top 5 things, and the answers go beyond just great food:

1- Fresh food: No chewy meat, stringy fish or frozen products.

2- A good head chef: Spend money on hiring a top tier chef who knows how to cook and create a flavorful, diverse, tight/condensed menu.

3- Ambiance: A visually aesthetic interior with fresh flowers, appropriate lighting and good music! A consistent live performer once or twice a week is a huge plus!
4- Service: Train friendly and ideally attractive servers/bartenders/staff to know the menu in and out, know how to course out meals and clear dishes between courses, and train them to know wine pairings.

5- Good Bathrooms: Put extra effort into updating the bathrooms to feel more private. Good soap, thick napkins, and stalls that lock are a plus. No flimsy public park-like stalls!

Fine dining isn't just about what's on the plate. It's about the entire experience, from the first impression to the final detail.

What's the #1 thing you look for in a great fine-dining restaurant? 👇

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Designed with @canva taken in Orange County, California by @ocrestaurantcritics

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14

3 months ago

Comfort food at its finest…

Stopped by one of our favorite restaurants @a_crystalcove on their industry night, which offers half-off menu items to guests in the restaurant industry on Wednesday evenings, and were able to try some of their new dishes such as the Spiced Pear Salad, the Crème brûlée Cheesecake, and their baked Gnocchi! Delicious! #ocfoodies #ocfoodie #oceats #newportbeach #orangecounty taken in Newport Beach, California by @ocrestaurantcritics

177

16

2 days ago

@setnewport at the @pendrynewportbeach Hotel in #newportbeach is a hotspot we’ve been meaning to try for a long time! Set Steak & Sushi is a high-end, modern steakhouse and contemporary sushi bar featuring a vibrant bar scene, and a gorgeous indoor-outdoor garden-inspired dining patio illuminated by twinkling lights 🥩

Unfortunately, although the hostess tried to seat us outside, it was raining and we could not enjoy the beautiful patio… We were surprised the host even attempted to bring us outside to dine considering we had reservations and the whole patio was wet. Luckily they didn’t push back when we asked to be inside, but the indoor part of the restaurant was much smaller than expected and the furniture was not as high-end. For example, the chairs felt flimsy and cheap and the tables were wobbly and thin 😔

We arrived while it was still light outside and you could clearly see all the uncleanliness and imperfections in the furnishings and decor, but as the sun set, the restaurant came to life. The furnishing looked better in the dark and the vibe became more upbeat and appealing as the dining room quickly filled up with a trendy, posh crowd. Definitely a great spot for people watching! 👀

The food did not disappoint, but it was quite pricy and arguably not worth the price point. For example, the New York Bone-In Steak was good, but at $70-$80, we were expecting something exceptional! Although the experience met our expectations, it did not exceed our expectations. Glad to see what this restaurant was all about and check it off the list, but probably not going back anytime soon.. 🤷‍♀️

The service was on point and our server Kimberly took great care of us, recommending great items such as the Ahi Tuna Pizza and the Hot Night Roll! 🍣

Set has $6 Martini Thursdays and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays featuring a live DJ and bottomless mimosas. Check out this trendy hotspot and tell us what you think! Cheers! 🥂 #oceats #ocfood #ocfoodies #ocfoodie

Bluefin Tuna Pizza 9/10
Hot Night Roll 8/10
Surf & Turf Roll 8/10
Sushi Set Box 7/10
16oz Bone-In New York Steak 8/10
Steak Fried Rice 7/10
Coconut Cake 10/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 7/10
Total Score: 8/10 taken in Set Steak & Sushi by @ocrestaurantcritics

151

32

3 days ago

Located along the beautiful #newportharbor , @tavernhousekb is a waterfront gem created by local chef and restaurateur David Wilhelm and Gregg Solomon. With stunning panoramic marina views, elegant yet relaxed indoor seating including comfortable booths and a central bar, and a private dining room featuring a fireplace and skylights, it’s the perfect spot for just about any occasion! 🍽️

The ambiance gave us Chart House vibes, but slightly more casual with a laid-back, less pretentious feel. We were seated in a cozy booth overlooking the yacht-filled marina just in time to catch the tail end of a gorgeous sunset! 🌅

The Manager Jeff was incredibly welcoming, making a point to stop by our table and check in with other guests nearby. Also, our server Brian was an absolute pro—attentive, knowledgeable, and full of great recommendations! Some standout dishes included the Shrimp Dijon, Oysters Rockefeller, and their signature French Onion Filet Mignon. Also, D’s Carrot-Walnut Cake, made from Chef David’s mother’s original recipe, was absolutely delicious! 🥕

Tavern Kitchen + Bar has a Happy Hour worth checking out on weekdays from 3–6 PM and weekends from 4–6 PM in the bar area! They also have an amazing brunch featuring live music every Sunday from 10:30 AM-3 PM! Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a romantic date night, or simply looking for a great glass of wine in a classic waterfront setting, Tavern Kitchen + Bar is absolutely worth a visit! Definitely a staple #newportbeach hotspot! Cheers! 🥂 #oceats #ocfoodies #ocfood

Double-Cut Kurobuta Pork Chop 9/10
Oysters Rockefeller 10/10
Shrimp Dijon 9/10
French Onion Filet Mignon 8/10
D’s Carrot-Walnut Cake 9/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 9/10 taken in Tavern House Kitchen + Bar by @ocrestaurantcritics

154

29

5 days ago

Just steps from the Main Beach on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Laguna Beach, @piattilagunabeach is an authentic neighborhood Italian trattoria with a casual, elegant, and totally unpretentious coastal vibe. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, family dinner, or just grabbing drinks and a bite to eat with friends, this spot fits the bill! 🇮🇹

We were greeted warmly the moment we walked in and immediately felt right at home. We started on the beautiful outdoor courtyard next to their soft tile fountain, but thanks to the crazy heat wave we have right now in So Cal (and the fact we wore jeans 🤦‍♀️), we quickly moved inside to their cozy, air-conditioned dining room! Can’t wait to sit out near the fountain next time though! ⛲️

Our server Jamie was friendly and attentive, and suggested delicious items such as the Short Rib and Funghi Pizza — both were absolutely incredible! We’re already looking forward to going back to work our way through the rest of their pizza menu 🍕

Piatti has an October special happening this month which features fall specialty pastas like their Pumpkin Ravioli or their Pumpkin Bucatini Carbonara, paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir for just $30! They also have a Happy Hour during the week; Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm at the bar!🍷  
So if you’re craving #italianfood with a relaxed, laid-back vibe in the heart of #lagunabeach , add this hotspot to your list! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below! Cheers! 🥂 #ocfoodies #oceats #ocrestaurants

Whipped Ricotta 9/10
Fritto Misto 8/10
Funghi Pizza 10/10
Smoked Short Rib 10/10
Linguine di Mare 9/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 9/10 taken in Piatti Laguna Beach by @ocrestaurantcritics

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31

10 days ago

@honorbardelmar in #delmar is the newest location from the @hillstonerestaurants group, and since we are such fans of their Orange County locations, we made it a point to check it out while visiting family in #sandiego ! 🏖️

Hillstone Restaurant Group owns a handful of amazing restaurants in South Orange County such as Houston’s, Gulfstream, Bandera, and R+D Kitchen, and you can tell Honor Bar is related to them as soon as you walk in! The aesthetic matches the Hillstone restaurants to a T and the menu is a combination of R+D Kitchen items plus the exact same sushi menu from Houston’s. The menu having the exact same items as other Hillstone restaurants is both a positive and a negative; a positive because Del Mar locals get to experience their amazing food, but a negative to Orange County locals because there are very few unique menu items that you cannot find at their Orange County locations 🤷‍♀️

The sushi, which were exact replica rolls from those at Houston’s in Irvine, was amazing as always, and the Macho Salad was delicious, but the star dish was the Salmon which is one of the best salmon dishes I’ve had in years! The fish was perfectly roasted, melted in your mouth, and paired perfectly with their creamy coleslaw (which I am obsessed with and convinced pairs well with any protein). The trout dip itself was actually very good but was given a lower score because it was paired with cheap, grocery store saltine crackers which really ruined the starter dish. If the trout dip were served with a better cracker or some housemade toasted bread, we would have given it an 8 or 9 out of 10 rather than a 6… 🤷‍♀️🎣

Our server Avery was extremely friendly and attentive and the overall experience was positive and made for a lovely lunch in San Diego! Definitely more of a lunch spot than a dinner spot as the menu is very limited, but absolutely worth a visit if you are in the Del Mar area! Feel free to ask us any questions or comment below! Cheers!🥂 #sdeats #sdfood #ocfoodies

Smoked Trout Dip 6/10
Thai Tuna Roll 9/10
Rainbow Roll 8/10
Chicken Meatballs 6/10
Macho Salad 8/10
Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon 10/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 8/10 taken in The Honor Bar by @ocrestaurantcritics

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40

15 days ago

@a_crystalcove is an upscale, Old-Hollywood inspired American restaurant and coastal hideaway located in the #crystalcove Shopping Center in #newportbeach . The first time we tried this hotspot, we visited for happy hour and enjoyed ourselves, but this dinner was a whole new experience! We arrived around the time the sun was setting and the vibe was completely different! You could feel the positive high energy vibes as the live DJ began playing his set! The dinner felt sophisticated and romantic with the restaurant’s modern open concept showcasing the beautiful California sunset and coast line! 🌅

A Restaurant has a beautiful bar in the center of the restaurant surrounded by comfy booths giving this airy steakhouse a chic, high-end lounge vibe! The Executive Chef @chef.elvism impressed us with a collection of his favorite dishes and we were even lucky enough to try two new, upcoming dishes that have not been added to the menu yet: the Saffron Branzino and the Chorizo Mussels, which were both heavenly! The branzino had so much flavor and I can safely say it is the best branzino I have ever tasted! Also, make sure to order the jalapeño cornbread and the whipped feta appetizers when you go— you won’t be disappointed! 🐟

Service was impeccable! Our waitress Addie was extremely sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu and the General Manager Daniel made sure to stop by at our table a few times to chat and make sure we had everything we needed! Even the Executive Chef stopped by to say hi! Such a treat! We left feeling completely taken care of, satisfied, and pleased! A Restaurant also has a great happy hour Monday-Friday from 4:30pm-6pm and a complementary Photo Booth you can use to take fun photos! Such an amazing spot great for a date night a night or out with friends! Don’t sleep on this hotspot! Cheers!🥂 #oceats #ocfood #ocfoodies

Tomahawk Pork Chop 10/10
Octopus à la Plancha 10/10
Chorizo Mussels 10/10
Whipped Feta 10/10
Jalapeño Cornbread 9/10
Branzino 10/10
Mac & Cheese 9/10
Corn & Shishito Esquites 8/10
Peach Cobbler 10/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 10/10 taken in Newport Beach, California by @ocrestaurantcritics

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39

18 days ago

@blueboxcafescp by Daniel Boulud is a sophisticated, upscale, French-inspired dining destination located inside the new @tiffanyandco boutique at @southcoastplaza in #costamesa . This is only the second Blue Box Café location in the United States, with the only other destination being on the sixth floor of the Tiffany & Co. Landmark flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City 🏙️

The Blue Box Café recently was a magical experience from the moment we stepped foot in the door where we briefly waited in a beautifully eclectic back room with stunning furniture, one of a kind Tiffany pieces, and #tiffanyandco inspired artwork borrowed from a museum in New York City. As we were escorted to our table through an elegant, immersive dining room drenched in Tiffany’s signature robin’s egg blue, we were taken back by a showstopping plethora of Tiffany & Co. boxes hanging from the ceiling. What a sight! 🩵

The menu is designed by renowned Michelin-starred chef @danielboulud , with executive leadership by Executive Chef Alberto Ragoni and the General Manager Celeste who made it a point to stop by our table to introduce herself. She even brought us a complementary dessert, the Coupe Glacée, ending our evening with a delicious surprise. Our server Barrett was friendly and attentive, recommending great dishes like the decadent Spaghetti au Caviar and the Filet Mignon! 🥩

The “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” features classic signature items and morning pastries while Afternoon Tea or “Tea at Tiffany’s” features tiered tea service with finger sandwiches, scones, and petite treats. We opted for the “Tea at Tiffany’s” before our entrees because we were there for dinner, but if we are lucky enough to book another reservation, we will be back soon to experience #breakfastattiffanys Duh! 🩵

Make sure to book ahead for this fabulous new hotspot if you are looking for incredible food, an elegant vibe, and amazing Instagram content! Cheers!🥂 #ocfoodies #oceats

Tea at Tiffany’s 9/10
Blueberry & Shortbread Scones 9/10
Matcha Tea 5/10
Spaghetti au Caviar 10/10
Filet Mignon 8/10
Coupe Glacée 8/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 9/10 taken in Tiffany & Co. by @ocrestaurantcritics

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78

23 days ago

Our second time at @oto.restaurants and somehow we loved it even more this time around! We first visited for lunch, and this time came back for dinner. This hotspot was buzzing with positive energy, and our server Jake was friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. He recommended some of our favorite dishes of the night, including the award-winning Kraken Burger 🍔 — made with a Snake River Wagyu beef patty, their signature black squid ink bun and topped with a fried egg — and the Steelhead Carpaccio Sashimi with Uni butter, which was absolutely delicious 🍣

Located in the heart of #lagunabeach , this Network-Certified Green Business is the city’s first sustainable sushi restaurant specializing in wild-caught and responsibly farmed fish. Beyond sushi, they offer inventive robatayaki, scratch-made preservative-free sauces, and tons of options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. In fact, the menu is nearly entirely gluten-free! 🌊

Oto has also earned plenty of local love, including being voted the 2nd Best Sushi Restaurant in Orange County by the OC Register, while the Kraken Burger was voted the best burger in Laguna Beach. We are especially excited to learn that Oto has a new location near Moonlight Beach in Encinitas— right where I grew up! We’ll definitely be checking that one out the next time we’re in San Diego visiting family 🌴

The space has something for everyone: a dog-friendly patio, cozy fireplace seating perfect for a date night, front-row sushi chef seating, a full liquor bar, and an upstairs second-floor mezzanine that’s perfect for private gatherings or celebrations! They also offer happy hour Thursday–Sunday from 3–6 PM and Monday–Wednesday from 4:30–6 PM. Definitely a spot worth adding to your Laguna Beach list! Cheers! 🥂 #oceats #ocfoodie #ocfood

Dragonfly 9/10
Paloma 10/10
Steelhead Carpaccio with Uni Butter 10/10
Yuzu-Truffle Hamachi 10/10
Chicken Kaarage 8/10
Apollo Roll 9/10
Nami Smoke Roll 10/10
The Kraken 10/10
Koji Marinated Waygu Robatayaki 10/10
Black Cod Robatayaki 9/10
Scallop Robatayaki 8/10
Total Score: 9/10 taken in Oto Sushi - Laguna Beach by @ocrestaurantcritics

206

37

25 days ago

@bennyandmarys is a stylish and sophisticated restaurant and bar in #irvine . We’ve been here for brunch and lunch in the past but this was our first time experiencing their dinner service, and it was incredible! The restaurant offers plenty of ways to settle in, from the full-service bar and cozy indoor booths to a shaded outdoor patio - but we sat in their beautiful dining room with sophisticated interior including beautifully framed bookshelves, and soaring high ceilings with sparkling chandeliers! For more intimate private events, there’s an awesome speakeasy within a hidden bookshelf door that has an exclusive, tucked-away feel perfect for special celebrations like birthdays or business mixers!

The menu showcases global and New American fusion cuisine including brunch, lunch, and dinner menus including shareable plates and delicious entrees! Our incredible server Max was attentive, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about the menu, recommending fabulous entrees such as the Filet Mignon (def add truffle butter on the side!) and our favorite dish of the night; the Chilean Sea Bass! It’s worth visiting Benny & Mary’s simply to try these star dishes! 🐟🥩

The drink program is equally inviting, featuring creative craft cocktails and custom martinis along with an extensive wine list! Happy hour runs daily from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, featuring $5.00 wine along with discounted beer and well drinks. Wine lovers can also look forward to Wine Wednesday, which includes $3 off wines by the glass, 20% off any full bottle from the wines-by-the-glass list, plus a $35 charcuterie board paired with a choice of two select glasses of wine.

With its elegant atmosphere, versatile spaces, creative menu, and appealing drink specials, Benny and Mary’s offers an experience that works equally well for a casual happy hour, weekend brunch, dinner, or special celebration. Def check out this amazing hotspot! Cheers! 🥂 #ocfood #ocfoodie #ocfoodies #oceats

Charcuterie Board 9/10
Chilean Sea Bass 10/10
Filet Mignon 10/10
Butter Toffee Cake 9/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 10/10
Total Score: 10/10 taken in Irvine, California by @ocrestaurantcritics

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36

a month ago

Second time at @redorestaurant at @fashionisland in #newportbeach and this visit was a whole different experience! With a DJ, loud music, a buzzing energetic atmosphere, and even a bathroom attendant with mints and cologne, it gave club vibes and felt much more like a night out than the daytime brunch spot we remember 🪩

Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and resort-style setting, Red O Restaurant delivered on the food and ambiance. Everything was good, but the “half & half” shrimp and carne asada fajitas was the standout dish —flavorful, sizzling, and perfect for sharing 🥩🍤

If you’re looking for a good pre-dinner or after-work spot, they have a daily happy hour from 3:00pm-6:00pm with food and drink specials and a late night happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00pm-close Daytime brunch vs. Friday night at Red O? We definitely preferred the nighttime vibe! Cheers! 🥂 #ocfood #ocfoodies #ocfoodie #ocrestaurants

Red O Chips & Salsa 6/10
Classic Guacamole 7/10
Shrimp Enchiladas 7/10
Carne Asada & Shrimp Sizzling Fajitas 8/10
Passion Fruit Butter Cake 8/10
Total Score: 7/10 taken in Red O Restaurant by @ocrestaurantcritics

151

28

a month ago

Our brunch at @splashes_restaurant at the @surfandsandlaguna Resort in #lagunabeach was like being on a yacht with no rocking (or seasickness 🙈🤣)! That’s how close you are to the water! We sat outside on the patio, literally right next to the ocean, and could feel the gentle sprinkles of water from the waves as we ate. No wonder it’s called “Splashes” 🤷‍♀️😆

It was such a beautiful day, and the combination of the ocean views, fresh air, and relaxed ambiance made for a truly memorable experience. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere couldn’t have been better. The breakfast itself was very good but not necessarily anything to write home about because there were no obvious stand out dishes. Everything was tasty and enjoyable, but for us, the real star of the meal was the incredible oceanfront setting 🌊

I can’t believe this is only our first time here and that we haven’t visited before! Especially because we always hear about Splashes and see amazing reviews/videos of the ocean and food on IG! We had such a lovely brunch and can’t wait to come back and experience their dinner menu. With a view like this, we’re definitely looking forward to returning! Cheers! 🥂 #oceats #ocfood #ocfoodie #ocfoodies

Eggs Benedict 8/10
Meyer Lemon Huckleberry Pancakes 8/10
Laguna Burrito 7/10
Ambiance & Hospitality 9/10
Total Score: 8/10 taken in Splashes by @ocrestaurantcritics

181

29

a month ago