Orange County, California, according to a 2010 census, it has a population of about 3,010,232, making it the third-most populous county in California, the sixth-most populous in the United States. The county is a tourist center, with attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and several popular beaches along its more than 40 miles (64 km) of coastline. The area’s warm Mediterranean climate and 42 miles (68 km) of year-round beaches attract millions of tourists annually. With reliable sunny weather, warm ocean water, and a wide diversity of beaches, Orange County is an excellent place to visit. There are also thousands of restaurants in this county and sometimes choosing the right one could be very taxing. Don’t worry, we got your back, that’s why we have compiled a list of the best fancy restaurants in Orange County, California. Scroll down to find out more.
1. Oak Grill
Oak Grill is a true California original. They even have a festive fire pit and two private dining rooms added to the ambiance. Their robust program of craft beers are mostly local, 12 on tap and all delicious. Choose from over 50 wines by the glass, they have the perfect pairing for every dish. Oak Grill’s private dining room featuring two private dining spaces for up to 22 guests, is the perfect place to host a lunch or an evening to celebrate. You’ll also love their fireside patio area with an amazing view of Newport Beach.
Oak Grill
Address: 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Website: Oak Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 11pm
2. A&O Kitchen+Bar
A&O (Anchors & Oceans) is an elegant gastropub with reclaimed barn siding walls, rustic wood floors, and an iron-clad bar tap overlooking the harbor. Located in Balboa Bay Resort the only Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach, CA. You can get started with something small like their Jalapeno cheese empanadas then sink your teeth in one of their classic dishes like the Beef tartare or the Braised Osso Bucco. They also have some very tempting desserts like Pumpkin spice and Bacon caramel corn.
A&O Kitchen+Bar
Address: 1221 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Website: A&O Kitchen+Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
3. A Restaurant
Beginning as a basic roadside diner, the restaurant and its menu flourished together. They offer a variety of classic starters including the roasted garlic soup, chopped winter salad, and A’s signature spicy yellowfin tuna. Their main course now includes Faroe Island salmon, Mary’s organic chicken, Niman Ranch pork chop, and many more. Their menu is a showcase of their relationship with many local farms and purveyors. You’ll fall in love with A Restaurant’s plush dining room, cozy furniture, romantic ambiance, and their lively atmosphere. They have certainly distinguished themselves from other eateries along Pacific Coast Highway.
A Restaurant
Address: 3334 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Website: A Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 5pm - 11pm
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4. AnQi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Putting our own spin on a Classic! Our AnQi Sliders come packed with bacon kimchi, avocado, cheddar, and baby arugula...
Posted by AnQi By House of AN on Monday, May 27, 2019
ANQI serves a unique twist on California-Asian cuisine with an emphasis on Vietnamese herbs and spices. They follow the philosophy of “Mama” Helene An’s principle of “Yin and Yang” cooking. They use ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and used only when they’re in season and at their freshest. Eat with your family and friends and share a plate of their Kimchi Fried Rice or enjoy a delicious serving of their Seven Spice Salmon entrée. The recommended attire is “dressy” which will go well with their restaurant’s hip, classy, and chic interior design.
AnQi
Address: 3333 S. Bristol Street |Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Website: AnQi
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11:30am - 9pm; Tue - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
5. Studio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Slice into the elegant flavors of California coastal cuisine, starting with the Miyazaki Wagyu at Studio. http://bit.ly/2Fwg5Jk
Posted by Montage Laguna Beach on Thursday, February 27, 2020
Located in Montage Laguna Beach a unique mix: the amenities and conveniences of an ultra luxury beachfront hotel coupled with the warmth and appeal of a cozy craftsman-style inn. At Studio, you can enjoy modern French cuisine influenced by California fare with ever-changing à la carte menus. Their dishes pair well with a wide selection of wines with over 2,500 different labels from the world’s major wine regions. Get a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and sit back and relax in an elegantly comfortable fine-dining atmosphere in Orange County.
Studio
Address: 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: Studio
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
6. Nobu
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Just in time to kick off the first official weekend of summer... #NobuNewportBeach first floor bar dining room & patio...
Posted by Nobu Newport Beach on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Ever since Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa opened his restaurant in New York City in 1994, millions around the world have come to love his unique fusion of western and oriental cuisines. Their Newport Beach restaurant offers some of the best dishes in town. For a satisfying lunch, we recommend starting with their New Style Sashimi available in Salmon or Whitefish. Then move on to either a Black Cod Miso or an Ocean Trout with Rocotto Butter. They serve some of the best Hokusetsu sake in town because it’s brewed by Nobu’s good friend, Fumio Hazu. Recommended attire for their patrons is casual.
Nobu
Address: 3450 Via Oporto Suite 101, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Website: Nobu
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
7. Marche Moderne
Marché Moderne is a modern fine-dining restaurant owned by chefs Florent and Amelia Marneau since 2007. Guests can eat a sumptuous meal in their main dining room or head to the bar for a glass of wine or a cocktail, as well as light snacks or a full meal. They are constantly experimenting to add new dishes to their menu. Sample the newest addition to their culinary repertoire, Roasted duck breast with pithiviers of truffle, potato & flesh a duck sausage, death trumpet, Cassis & Port Sauce and small crunchy.
Marche Moderne
Address: 7862 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 9265
Website: Marche Moderne
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (daily)
8. Cedar Creek Inn
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Date night tonight.
Posted by Cedar Creek Inn San Juan Capistrano on Friday, March 27, 2015
Dick & Nancy opened the first Cedar Creek Inn at Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernardino mountains in 1976. They decided to open another branch in their home town of Orange County and it has since been a go-to place for locals for affordable fine dining. We recommend trying the Angus Beef Sliders, it has three mini burgers and french fries. You can also go for their big guns with their New York Steak, 9 oz charbroiled steak topped with gorgonzola butter and served with coleslaw and onion rings. Slow things down by ordering some Red wine and get them by the glass.
Cedar Creek Inn
Address: 26860 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: Cedar Creek Inn
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
9. Mesa
Mesa appeals to a chic 21+ crowd with innovative eats and creative cocktails in a contemporary lounge setting. It stands out with its unique architectural design, retractable roof, living wall, local art displays and movies that are projected onto the walls. They have a wide selection for their lunch menu, their Smoked Duck Breast and Grilled Sourdough are simply to die for. Wash down your meal with a glass of wine, cocktail, or champagne. Whatever your preference is, I guarantee that they have it. Mesa is a 21 and over establishment, and the recommended attire is smart casual.
Mesa
Address: 725 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Website: Mesat
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 2am; Sun: 8am - 2am (closed on Mon)
10. Aveo Table + Bar
This new Mediterranean concept restaurant has an outdoor terrace that offers expansive views of the ocean and the Monarch Beach Golf Course. Located in the Monarch Beach Resort, it was awarded the AAA Five-Diamond awarded luxury resort in Dana Point. They offer an al fresco experience for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. They support the local farmers in their area by embracing the concept of “Farm-to-Bar” approach, the cocktail menu will showcase local ingredients. This restaurant has everything you want from grilled pizza to the OC Nicoise Salad.
Aveo Table + Bar
Address: One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629
Website: Aveo Table + Bar
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Fine dining in Orange County
Your dining experience will never be the same once you sample the restaurants on our list of the best fancy restaurants in Orange County, California. Make sure you explore these establishments when you next visit this area.
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