10 Essential Fine Dining Restaurants in Orange County

 

Orange County is often forgotten in conversations about dining, especially when compared to the much larger Los Angeles County. The truth is there’s a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with flavors informed by the 3 million people who live there. World-renowned chefs bring old favorites and new ideas in a way that is uniquely Southern Californian. For those looking for the best of the best in this exciting scene, look no further than the top fine dining restaurants in Orange County. 

The acclaimed steakhouse from chef Michael Mina is not only one of the best steakhouses in southern California, but some of the best fine dining in Orange County. The steaks are thick, flavorful, and marbled to perfection, while the host of side dishes and craft cocktails round out what is already a delightfully decadent meal.

The best sushi in OC is sealed behind Orange County’s toughest reservation. Those lucky enough to be seated are rewarded with an evening of first-rate omakase at an intimate 10-seat sushi bar. Marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail while savoring clean, natural flavors unobstructed by excessive fluff. The incredible atmosphere of low-lights, soft jazz, and a face-to-face with a master chef is an experience you are unlikely to find outside of Japan.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this Newport beach restaurant is as sophisticated as they come, with a large menu of contemporary California cuisine for guests to enjoy. The slow-braised short ribs are popular, but be sure not to miss the creamy roasted butternut squash and potato dauphinoise. The wine bar is impressive as well, with over 600 foreign and domestic bottles to choose from.

The triumphant Los Angeles sushi empire has opened a location in OC, and both the scenic ocean view, and cuts of fish being served are as fresh as ever. If you haven’t heard the legend of Nobu’s signature black cod with miso, the Newport Beach location’s careful preparation guarantees quality.

Florent and Amelia Marneu’s white tablecloth restaurant in OC’s fine dining scene, and an obvious choice for relaxed cosmopolitan dining. The dynamic duo serve French classics like steak tartare, roasted bone marrow, and duck confit. Look out for the French-Californian fusion dishes, like tuna tartare served with an avocado sorbet and a yuzu emulsion. 

For California cuisine with a decadently Californian atmosphere, the palm shaded patios of Splashes at the luxurious Surf and Sand Resort are not to be missed. The wonderful beachside dining is reason enough to visit, but the tableside lobster bisque and five-hour short ribs are a selling point to be sure. 

The atmosphere of critically acclaimed chef Takashi Abe’s Bluefin is not to be understated. Stunning ocean views, an inviting interior with a deep ocean blue waterfall, dramatically lit sushi bar, dark wood paneling and contemporary Italian furnishings come together to create a space fitting for some of the best fine dining in Orange County. 

Gem Dining regulars know that the place lives up to its name. Serving pan-asain flavors and distinctive cocktails based on carefully-sourced local ingredients, the already impressive menu is always progressively evolving. Whether you’re nibbling on the curious uni toast or devouring the savory mushrooms & wagyu, be sure to finish your meal with a slice of strawberry matcha tiramisu. 

The Hobbit is an elegant (albeit strangely named) space for a romantic six-course dinner in an enchantingly luxurious atmosphere. The pre-fixe menu brings guests from the wine-cellar to their table, with a brief intermission to explore the patio, or even visit the kitchen and speak with the chefs. It’s a truly unique experience accompanied by truly delicious food.  

For refined Latin flavors and wonderfully fresh seafood, Raya’s serene dining space delivers in spades. The fresh beachside atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, which draws attention to the freshness of each dishes’ natural meats and local produce. The rock shrimp aguachile is delicious, and the maine lobster salad with sweet potato, baby spinach, lemon vinaigrette, chile ancho-port reduction and chive oil is best-in-class. For dessert, be sure to nab the cinnamon sugar churros.

Don’t let this eatery’s location fool you, despite being in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel just a few blocks from Disneyland, the gourmet food at Napa Rose is the real deal. The menu from chef Andrew Sutton changes seasonally, but the California-wine-country-inspired dishes like the Wine Country Pot Pie with Petaluma-raised chicken fricassee, and the succulent duck meatballs with chianti jus should be ordered on sight.