The Orange County food scene is one of the best things about Orange County. We’ve got so many fantastic restaurants, bars, and breweries and it feels like there is always something new to try out. Here are the best new restaurants, bars and breweries plus a huge list of restaurants opening soon in Orange County.
Check out our list of MICHELIN Restaurant Locations too!
Have fun exploring the OC’s new restaurants this month. Be sure to tag us on Instagram (@enjoyorangecounty). We can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
September 2024
Dark Room
3751 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana
Billed as “Everyday Fine Dining with a Side of Vinyl,” this restaurant and wine bar provides a sophisticated culinary experience in a relaxed, playful atmosphere. The decor combines sleek black tones and low lighting, complemented by mid-century furniture. A cozy lounge area, complete with a working turntable, invites guests to select records from an extensive vinyl collection to enhance their dining experience. In contrast, the main dining area is bright and white, featuring communal tables that encourage conversation and connection. Menu selections include a steak burger (only 10 a night available at the bar), grilled trout, smoked duck and hanger steak. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, steering clear of mainstream labels to offer something unique.
August 2024
Warehouse 72 Modern Bistro + Bar
17900 Jamboree Rd Irvine, CA 92614
Located at the Hyatt Regency Irvine hotel, this American bistro features a wraparound bar and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Ahba
2937 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Camp’s newest restaurant will serve up dynamic dishes such as smashed wagyu patties and fresno chiles. This is the second location in addition to their Laguna Beach location.
Closures: El Taco & Felix’s Continental Cafe
Both these longtime Orange establishments closed their doors this August.
July 2024
Ocean 48
151 Newport Ctr Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660
Ocean 48 is fine dining restaurant by fine dining seafood and steak concept by James Beard-nominated brothers Jeffery and Michael Mastro.
June 2024
Din Tai Fung
1547 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
This ever so popular spot at South Coast Plaza has now opened it’s second location at Downtown Disney.
Westwood Coast
1870 Harbor Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Westwood Coast is a casual steakhouse and country music lounge with live music, line dancing and bull riding.
May 2024
Paseo, Centrico and Tiendita
1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
A trio of Mexican restaurants have opened in Downtown Disney. Paseo is a full restaurant while Centrico is a courtyard bar and Tiendita is a grab-and-go stand.
Lúa Eatery
32860 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite#1, Dana Point, CA 92629
This Vietnamese spot features an fusion-forward menu by chef and co-owner Khang Nguyen, formerly of Gem Dining, Nếp and the Recess Room.
Flecha Cantina at Bella Terra
7821 Edinger Ave #110, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Mark Wahlberg has now moved from owning a casual burger joint in Wahlburgers to now opening up this fine dining spot at Bella Terra.
April 2024
Mako Ramen
12420 Seal Beach Blvd suite a, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Makoto Tanaka, originally the head chef at Spago, has opened up a ramen spot which focuses on shoyu ramen but also serves tonkotsu ramen.
Lōrea
21080 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Paséa Hotel & Spa’s new restaurant features ocean views and a selection of fresh surf and turf dishes.
March 2024
Smoke Queen Barbecue
12941 9th St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Winnie Yee brings her huge social media following and Asian inspired BBQ to her first brick and mortar location in Garden Grove.
Mama Hieu’s Vietnamese Fried Chicken
9090 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA 92683
Originally a pop-up location that garnered many rave reviews, Mama Hieu’s is finally open in Westminster to more glowing reviews.
February 2024
Taps Fish House and Brewery
18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707
Taps Fish House has returned this time to Terminal C at John Wayne Airport.
January 2024
Sugarfish
2600 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar CA 92625
Popular LA sushi restaurant, Sugarfish, has finally landed in Orange County and more specifically in Corona Del Mar, across the street from Sherman Library and Gardens. Chef Nozawa’s “trust me””-style menu serves up traditional style sushi and shuns extravagant rolls and fusion dishes. The simplicity of high quality ingredients stands on its own.
Kei Supperclub formerly Gem Dining
17011 Beach Blvd Suite 676, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
The former Gem Dining has been reimagined as Kei Supperclub. The ticketed supper club will feature revolving themed dinners where guests can watch the chefs prepare their prix-fixe meals. The restaurant will be open every Friday and Saturday night with one seating per evening while Nếp Cafe located in the same spot will be open during the day.
The Plot
The Camp | 2937 Bristol St E 100, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
The Plot is a locally sourced farm-to-table vegan restaurant featuring creative plant-based dishes. The restaurant focuses on minimizing waste by using as much of the food as possible in its recipes. The Plot is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
December 2023
Equator Coffee at Rivian South Coast Theater
162 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The first Equator Coffee in Orange County opened up inside the new Rivian flagship retail location and features sustainably and ethically sourced coffee, pastries and café menu items. Rivian purchased the former Laguna Beach theater and extensively remodeled the location while preserving many original features such as the marquee, ticket booth, lobby area, balcony, auditorium, proscenium arch and original 129-seat theater area. The theater will continue to screen films.
November 2023
Maizano & Entre Nos
Two new spots opened up at Costa Mesa’s Mercado González, Maizano and Entre Nos. Maizano is a sit down restaurant featuring small bites of Mexican inspired food and set amid an intimate environment. Entre Nos is a cocktail bar with a patio area featuring many Mexican inspired libations where guests can enjoy food from any of the nearby eateries.
Urban Plates
18050 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Urban Plates, known for their organic, in-house prepared meals opened up it’s fifth Orange County location.
October 2023
Kahani
Ritz Carlton Resort – One Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629
Executive Chef Sanjay Rawat is embarking on the launch of his inaugural restaurant in Orange County, taking over the former EnoSteak location. Named “Kahani,” meaning “story” in Hindu, the establishment embraces an Indian-inspired concept encompassing a fresh menu, ambiance, and atmosphere. The menu will include dishes like lobster risotto infused with tandoori spices, a Kashmiri curry featuring beef short rib accompanied by roasted root vegetables, pickled onions, and crispy garlic, and a creamy corn and cardamom bisque garnished with turmeric and cilantro crema. For dessert, savor delights such as cardamom cheesecake adorned with laddu crumbs and kala jamun, along with traditional sweets like gulab jamun, kulfi, and rasmalai.
September 2023
SET Steak & Sushi
Pendry Hotel | 690 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660
SET aims to create an entirely unique dining experience for their guests to enjoy that highlights sustainably sourced local ingredients. As the name implies, guests can expect delicious seafood dishes, high-level sushi, and classic steakhouse offerings. SET’s interior design is an ode to the glamorous world of sailing and superyachts.
Calo Kitchen + Tequila
South Coast Plaza – 3333 Bristol Street, Suite 1876, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Calo Kitchen + Tequila is an elegant Mexican restaurant inspired by three generations of family cooking. The menu features traditional Mexican classics based on recipes passed down from the Clemente family, all prepared with fresh, local, high quality ingredients, and Calo uses organic options whenever possible. Guests can choose from specialties such as shrimp & crab enchiladas, Pollo Serrano, Chilean Seabass, Tampiquena de Carne Asada, and Famous Carnitas. Our table especially enjoyed the Beef Queso Tacos and the Prime Ribeye. They also have a fantastic selection of tequila and delicious craft cocktails.
Calo is privately owned and family operated by Clemente and his wife Karen, who are also owners of Carmelita’s Kitchen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Calo is the family’s latest restaurant concept and owned in partnership with John Parlet of John’s Incredible Pizza. There are two additional Calo locations in Laguna Niguel and El Segundo.
August 2023
Broad Street Oyster Company
Huntington Beach Pier, former Ruby’s location – 1 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Broad Street Oyster Company has debuted at the Huntington Beach pier’s edge. Boasting panoramic views of the Pacific and Surf City’s coast, the seafood spot offers a raw bar with oysters, shrimp cocktail, caviar, and seafood towers. Lobster rolls, fish sandwiches, burgers, chowders, and more complete the menu.
Cabana Restaurant & Beach Club
222 Ocean Ave Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cabana Restaurant & Beach Club is a stylish restaurant located in the heart of Laguna Beach, where Mexican beach cuisine is reimagined with a contemporary flair. Flavors from diverse cultures are blended by a team of chefs.
July 2023
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
3110 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila, which has another location in Hermosa Beach, is located in a newly renovated space in Newport Beach was previously occupied by Rudy’s Pub & Grill. The retractable roof is a highlight at this 4,000- square foot restaurant and the décor is inspired by the Sea of Cortez rock formations — light wooden beams, brown leather directors chairs, woven jute ceilings, and a sleek, bronze arch-shaped bar that showcases the restaurant’s extensive mezcal and tequila bottle selection.
Disney California Adventure Park San Fransokyo
Updates are coming to San Fransokyo Square in mid-July. Visit Lucky Fortune Cookery for new sampling options, and the Port of San Fransokyo Cervecería will officially open. In the weeks to follow, Hiro’s Aunt Cass will serve up Japanese-inspired dishes and soups served in freshly-baked Boudin sourdough bread bowls at Aunt Cass Café, her second bakery café. Don’t miss the vibrant mural of Aunt Cass’ lucky pet cat, Mochi, adorning the café’s exterior. Across from the café, an old fishing net tannery is being transformed into Rita’s Turbine Blenders, serving up delicious margaritas and icy beverages. Owned and named after the turbine repair technician, Rita’s Turbine Blenders adds a touch of charm with its floating wind turbine, resembling a giant koi fish, atop the structure.
Closure: Taps Restaurant and Brewery
All Taps Restaurant and Brewery locations were closed on July 7, including Brea, Tustin, and Yorba Linda reportedly due to financial issues.
Closure: Taco Maria
Taco María, one of Orange County’s only Michelin-star restaurants, permanently closed on Saturday, July 29 after 10 years at its Costa Mesa location. Chef Carlos Salgado plans to relocate the award-winning modern Mexican tasting menu restaurant to a larger space.
June 2023
Villains Brewing Company
555 S. Anaheim Blvd Anaheim, CA 92805
Villains Brewery not only boasts an extensive selection of craft beers but also offers seltzers and, of course, their own unique concoctions. As you explore the brewery, you’ll notice charming nods to your beloved villains, with each tap handle representing a different iconic character. The spacious venue provides a multitude of cozy corners and hidden spots, including comfortable couches on the upper level where you can take in the entire ambiance. Adding to its distinctive charm, the brewery’s various levels are ingeniously constructed using shipping containers.
For a quick and convenient meal, their fast casual food hall serves up delicious and satisfying dishes, perfect for those on the go. If you prefer a more relaxed and immersive dining experience, their sit-down full-service restaurant awaits, catering to your every need. For a truly unique culinary adventure, don’t miss the Villains Lair—an outdoor patio that hosts 3-4 rotating restaurants, providing a diverse and exciting array of dining options.
Truly Pizza
24402 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629
Brooklyn natives John Arena and acclaimed pizzaiolo Chris Decker have launched Truly Pizza, a haven for authentic, hearth-baked pizzas featuring minimalist toppings and perfectly blistered crusts reminiscent of East Coast-style pies. With an inviting garden for dining and a rooftop space for savoring wine, the restaurant creates a romantic piazza atmosphere that evokes a sense of belonging. The exhibition kitchen proudly showcases Truly Pizza’s passion and commitment to the art of hand-crafted pizza.
Royal Hawaiian
331 N Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The Royal Hawaiian, a historic Tiki-themed bar, has reopened under new ownership after its closure in 2022 and a redesign. The revamped space pays homage to Tiki culture and the bar’s original owners, who established it in 1947. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find original lamps, mugs, dioramas, and other artifacts, including the bar’s first liquor license and a deed dating back to the late ’40s. A focal point is the 22-seat bar, adorned with over 20 illuminated shelves showcasing an impressive collection of rum bottles, mugs, and glassware. The cocktail menu offers a selection of eight Royal Hawaiian original cocktails, including the iconic Mai Tai, available in a keepsake glass. Additionally, the menu features nine contemporary modern cocktails, showcasing a variety of spirits beyond rum and gin, such as a unique twist on the classic Paloma mixed with tequila, grapefruit cordial, lime, Aperol, and celery bitters.
May 2023
Rare Society
226 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Trust Restaurant Group, which opened its first steakhouse in San Diego in 2019, has now added its first Orange County location, Rare Society in San Clemente. The 5,500 square foot, two-story restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining with patio seating available on the first and second floors. Inspired by Las Vegas Steakhouses the restaurant has a modern dining aesthetic, featuring a signature style of wood-fired, Santa Maria style-grilling for meats, alongside sustainably-sourced seafoods, and a progressive cocktail program.
Shake Shack
512 Spectrum Center Dr Suite 512, Irvine, CA 92618 (Irvine Spectrum)
New York’s Shake Shack, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its mouthwatering burgers, hand-spun milkshakes made from real ice cream, and crinkle-cut fries, has now made its way to Orange County. The first OC location can be found at the Irvine Spectrum, right next to the Regal Edwards Theater. Exclusive to this location will be the OC Dreamsicle Shake, a vanilla custard and orange soda shake.
Pacific Catch
3040 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782 (Tustin Market Place)
If you’re a Bay Area native or transplant that spent some time in Northern California you might know this place well. The Chestnut St location in San Francisco was one of my regular stops. Now Orange County has its first location with a new store in Tustin at the Market Place. This modern-casual restaurant features sustainable Pacific Rim caught fish combined with a mix of bold flavors. Menu staples include soups and salads, poke and ceviche, surf and turf platters, burgers, and sushi rolls, tacos, “bombs” and bowls.
Marila’s Mexican by Puesto
Bella Terra Center – 7821 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Puesto’s Huntington Beach restaurant is now Marila’s Mexican by Puesto, named after their owners grandmother. However, the new name isn’t the only change. The 7,600-square-foot space features new décor including includes a glass-blown agave-shaped chandelier, a wrought iron rotating bar, and a glass-enclosed open kitchen. Lastly, the biggest change is the menu, with many new items including their signature new dish, fajitas fundido.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
18210 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
The latest Handel’s Ice Cream is opening up near the intersection of Yorba Linda Blvd and the Imperial High. Handel’s started opened their first location Youngstown, Ohio in 1945. Today, Handel’s serves homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt, ice cream pops, malts, floats, ices and fat-free options as well as banana splits, sundaes, smoothies and other treats.
Twisted by Wetzel’s
1331 Imperial Hwy., La Habra, CA 90631
Twisted by Wetzel’s is Wetzel’s Pretzels first stand-alone brick and mortar location and features menu items made from their signature pretzel dough. Menu items includes savory and sweet options like pretzel dough pizza, hot dogs and ice cream cones plus drizzle and inventive toppings over pretzel bites and full sized pretzels. House-made drinks such as lemonade, floats and more are available to wash it all down.
April 2023
Cabo Wabo Beach Club
Waterfront Hotel – 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Beach Club at the Waterfront Hotels serves up coastal Mexican cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere. You can dine and drink cocktails at the restaurant’s flaming guitar fire pit at the outdoor palapa bar while enjoying panoramic views of the sun setting. The club is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late night bites and libations.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
15062 Goldenwest St., Westminster, CA 92683
Exploding onto the crowded San Francisco food scene in 2007 as a small sandwich shop under the name “Ike’s Place” (founded by Ike Shehadeh), Ike’s Love & Sandwiches features sandwiches for all: meat lovers, vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free. Every location comes with exclusive sandwich offerings that are eclectically named as a tribute to local celebrities and icons.
Skål Pizza
Lido Marina Village – 3400 Via Oporto Suite 104, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Skål Pizza (Skål is the Swedish word for cheers) features a healthy selection of salads, wood fired vegetables, veggie focused pizza and delicious desserts. All dishes are vegetarian and/or vegan but there is an option to add protein to the pasta or pizza. In addition to the food, the waterfront location at Lido Marina Village features a small bar and tables both inside and outside overlooking the bay. Skål is from the mind of Helene Henderson, the founder of Malibu Farm.
March 2023
Eureka!
26541 Aliso Creek Road, Suite F, Aliso Viejo, California 92656
Eureka! offers creative craft beverages plus a collection of the best local craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, and classic cocktails combined with all-American classic food with a modern twist. The 4,900-square foot space includes a lounge area, center bar, and patio plus weekly events like half-off wine on Tuesdays, Steal the Glass on Wednesdays, and Bloody Marys and Mimosas on the weekends.
Fresh Off The Boat Fish Grill (FOB)
South Coast – 1501 W MacArthur Blvd Unit A Santa Ana, CA 92704
IYKYK, South Coast FOB is the third location and for frequent patrons of the Tustin and Placentia it’s a welcome addition to the South Coast area. Serving fresh seafood and a fusion mix of Mediterranean and Mexican dishes, FOB is a hidden gem. The menu features appetizers ranging from ahi poke to dolmas, grilled fish platters, tacos, salads, pita wraps, poke bowls, and lamb gyros.
Taco Mesita
Old Town Tustin – 765 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780
Taco Mesita is a gourmet fast food shop offering woodfired cuisine on homemade corn and flour tortillas with snacks, dessert, and beer and margaritas. The location includes a drive-through, a landscaped patio, and indoor dining area.
Café Bianni’
5120 E La Palma Ave, Ste 101, Anaheim, CA 92807
Café Bianni’ brings Oaxacan culture, experiences and authenticity to Anaheim where visitors can enjoy coffee and breakfast and lunch dishes.
February 2023
Calico Fish House
16600 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Slapfish founder Andrew Gruel’s new waterfront location features a huge patio, indoor seating, a raw bar, and a menu that changes daily. The restaurant focuses on sustainably sourced food including poultry, grass-fed organic meat, raised cruelty-free from free range farms throughout California, and organic vegetables sourced from Melissa’s Produce.
Bodego Laguna | Cocina & Cantina (formerly Laguna Fish Company)
400 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (corner of PCH and Laguna Ave)
This “Mexicoast restaurant and bar features an expansive array of fresh seafood dishes, from ceviche to seafood platters to a full cocktail, wine, and beer menu. Breakfast is also served with some seafood offerings. The seafood is all sourced from Canada, Virginia, Maine and elsewhere, to ensure the best and freshest quality.
ROL Hand Bar
16173 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
ROL just added a second location in Fountain Valley and features crispy nori hand rolls with melt-in-your-mouth fish plus appetizers, beer, and sake. Bar seating only plus take-out is available.
The Earl of Sandwich Tavern
Downtown Disney – 1565 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
This location offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with al fresco seating on the patio and a full indoor cocktail bar.
January 2023
JOEY Newport Beach
Fashion Island – 453 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
The 9,367-square foot space features a dining area, lounge, and outdoor bar and patio with a retractable roof and large outdoor fire pit. The menu features small bites, salads, sushi, sandwiches, steaks and desserts. Plus a wide selection of cocktails, wine and beer.
Restaurants Opening Soon
These restaurants are coming soon!
31856 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
The approximately 60,000-square-foot retail and food hall expects to open in 2024. The marketplace will be home to Bred’s Hot Chicken, Fermentation Farm, Finca by David Pratt, McConnell’s Ice Cream, Paraná Empanadas, Pastalia, Kebab Craft and several most food and drink establishments plus retail outfits.
1547 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
A new Earl of Sandwich rooftop bar is coming to Downtown Disney.
Restaurant owners: Let us know if you’re opening a location in Orange County or if you would like to feature a recipe on our site.
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