42 Best Restaurants in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Inside the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Spa is celebrity chef Michael Mina's sophisticated steak house. It's a local favorite for American classics presented with a dramatic flair. The flavorful menu items pair well with wines from an extensive international list. Start with a complimentary amuse-bouche, before ordering a generous lobster pot pie for two or steaks perfectly cut and cooked. Save room for the Basque cheesecake adorned with edible flowers on a swirl of caramel sauce.

This beloved Crystal Cove Historic District restaurant features an umbrella-laden deck just a few steps above the white sand. You can sip a very good mai tai, mule, or margarita at the Bootlegger Bar, while waiting to enjoy ahi tacos, ahi poke bowls, or a Beachcomber Kobe burger. They offer beach chair rentals and you can reserve your own fire pit for s'mores.

This popular indoor and outdoor dining spot grills up the freshest local fish (swordfish, sea bass, halibut, and tuna) and offers a wide range of creative seafood dishes, sushi, fish tacos, and Hawaiian-style poke salad. Order at the counter, which doubles as a seafood market, and sit inside or outside on the patio. This is one of the few restaurants in Southern California with its own fishing boat, so there's a good chance some line-caught local fish will be on the menu.

Set on an expansive deck overlooking the water and a few boats, Descanso Beach Club serves a wide range of favorites: grilled burgers, street tacos, clam chowder, salads, and layered nachos. Try the island's sweet signature cocktail, Buffalo Milk---a mix of fruit liqueurs, vodka, and whipped cream. Firepits and chic beach cabanas add to the scene, as does the sound of happy and terrified screams from the zipliners in the canyon above the beach. There is a shop to purchase beach items, and a stand to rent kayaks and snorkel equipment.

For a taste of Hawaiian flavors like freshly caught seafood with a macadamia crust, this homage to surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku is a prime people-watching spot. Order a mai tai with crispy coconut shrimp or fresh ahi tuna fish tacos. Be sure to save room for a slice of the Kimo Original Hula Pie, with chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted macadamia nuts, and whipped cream. Every Monday they offer a Burger and Beverage special with a choice of one of six different gourmet burgers for $19 from 4 to 9 pm. They also offer a Chef's two-course prix fixe menu for $29 on weekday afternoons.

Grab a stool at this little snack bar on the Green Pleasure Pier for people-watching while drinking a draft beer and munching on a burrito, fish-and-chips, or signature buffalo burger.

Heritage Restaurant is an example of the Long Beach trend of repurposing historic Craftsman homes to create warm, inviting atmospheres. The delightful culinary experience blends modern American cuisine with global influences; the winning combination gained it a coveted Michelin star. Chef Philip Pretty, known for his farm-to-table approach, crafts dishes using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, resulting in a constantly evolving and exciting menu. Standout items often include their perfectly cooked steaks (like a 32-day dry-aged rib chop), fresh seafood preparations, and creative vegetable dishes. The restaurant also features an impressive wine list and craft cocktail selection. Choose the outdoor patio for lovely al fresco dining, while the intimate indoor space is perfect for special occasions. Sustainability is a central focus at Heritage, which keeps a zero-waste kitchen.

Located in what used to be the Victor Hugo Inn, Las Brisas is a Laguna Beach landmark overlooking the ocean. The expansive patio offers spectacular coastline views as guests sip signature margaritas and Mexican cuisine with a California twist. Menu favorites include lobster Benedict for breakfast and during brunch, and whole grilled fish served with black beans, rice, salsa, and freshly made corn tortillas for dinner.

Done up in a handsome Craftsman style, the upscale dinner venue Napa Rose prepares rich seasonal cuisine paired with an extensive wine list. For a look into the open kitchen, sit at the counter and watch the chefs as they whip up signature dishes such as warm duck confit salad, sautéed diver scallops, and beef filet mignon. There's also a few kid-friendly dishes. The handsome lounge offers an appealing menu of appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts too. 

Located inside a historic 1934 home along Pacific Coast Highway, and named after one of the owners---Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne---Selanne Steak Tavern serves modern steak house fare paired with stellar Napa Valley wines. There is a cozy Carrara-topped tavern-style bar where bartenders make artisanal cocktails and martinis, and a formal fine-dining experience upstairs. Other dining areas include a bistro-style wine room and outdoor dining terrace with beautiful Moroccan light fixtures creating a dramatic evening setting. Entrees include succulent hormone-free steaks and chops. Filet mignon is served sizzling in an 8- and 12-ounce presentation. Other meaty highlights include an 8-ounce Wagyu flat iron steak, 14-ounce Prime Rib Eye, and signature 32-ounce Lord Stanley cut. All are served with seasonal marrow butter and a variety of side sauces. The chefs use the well-stocked on-site herb garden in a variety of dishes and for garnish. Save room for Monkey Bread made with brioche and walnut streusel, toffee sauce, banana compote, and rum raisin ice cream. 

Chef and owner Bruno Serato is one of the most beloved chefs and philanthropists in Anaheim. He is known for his fine-dining Italian restaurant where standout dishes include lobster ravioli, Italian gourmet pizza, and his signature steamed salmon "chocolat" served with Belgium white-chocolate mashed potatoes. Grilled hanger steak dazzles with a green chimichurri sauce, and the Angus beef filet mignon is served with a savory Italian porcini sauce. Save room for the Jackie O showstopping dessert platter for four people. 

Long Beach's famous Craftsman bungalows were built en masse during an oil boom a century ago, and while many have been torn down to make way for McMansions and apartment blocks, one now plays home to the Attic, which serves some of the best Southern-style cuisine in the region. The comfort food on the all-day menu delights, from the Flaming Hot Cheetos mac and cheese (don't overthink it; just try it) to the braised oxtails with preserved huckleberry. Daily happy-hour specials serve as an "intermission" between lunch and dinner offerings. Score a coveted indoor table in the home's former rooms, or enjoy the lowkey outside patio. In the mood for adventure? Try to score a reservation for occasional Attic Supper Club events, nestled in a gorgeous private dining room. Like much of Long Beach, the Attic is dog-friendly.

This intimate French--Swiss bistro adds a touch of old-world elegance to Balboa Island with its white linen and flower-topped tables. Chef Bernard Althaus grows the herbs used in his classic French dishes. Head here for charcuterie, coq au vin, steak au poivre, and a fine glass of Bordeaux. Finish with a caramelized apple tarte tatin with ice cream. The restaurant offers a prix fixe five-course tasting menu and à la carte items.

This popular dining spot offers a variety of seasonal seafood, shellfish, meat, and poultry with a tranquil bay view. On sunny days, the waterfront patio is a popular spot to enjoy different types of shellfish with an emphasis on freshness. The menu changes daily, and the bar pours cocktails, wine, and craft brew.

Overlooking the harbor, this open-to-the-sea-air patio is the preferred spot to dine on freshly caught fish, savory chowders, and all manner of shellfish. Order a swordfish steak, the lobster roll, or the sand dabs if they are on the menu. Save room for homemade Key lime pie or java mud pie. The dining room has a nautical vibe. Fishing rods serve as room dividers, and plank floors lend a casual feel inside and out. Vintage black-and-white photos acknowledge the island's famed sportfishing legacy. Happy hour offers craft beers, potent cocktails, and tasty bites like fried calamari and oyster shooters.

Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, the family-owned Cañadas Grill is where the locals go. Don't expect fancy decor or tableside service; this humble mom-and-pop shop is tucked into a tiny urban strip mall in an untouristed area, and shows fútbol matches on the corner TV. The menu is huge, filled with everything from the regular suspects to more localized specialties. Whether you want to start the day with a breakfast entrée like carne asada chilaquiles or end it with a molcajete (a stone mortar filled with a meat-and-vegetable stew), Cañadas has you covered. The superstar dish is carne en su jugo (beef in its own juice). Wash down your meal with beverages like hibiscus aguas frescas, fresh juice, a michelada, or Mexican bottled sodas.

The eclectic seafood menu served at this 1920s cannery building has many locals arrive by boat, as there's a convenient dock at the front entrance. If you are feeling some boat envy, you can reserve the restaurant's Duffy boat for a two-hour brunch or sunset cocktail cruise before dinner. The boat is available for $150 an hour with a two-hour minimum. Order items from the special boat rental menu such as a bottle of champagne, with lobster sliders, a cheese board and sushi platter. The upstairs Jellyfish Lounge offers one of the best happy hours in Newport Beach with discounted sushi and cocktail specials daily from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.

There is no Starbucks on the island, so the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company is very popular in the morning. While you're grabbing your coffees, lattes, and mochas, you may want to kick-start the day with fresh-baked pastries, a hot breakfast burrito, or one of their custom made-to-order bagel sandwiches. Sit outside at one of the tables in the quaint Metropole Market Place.

For a classic al fresco dining option, Claire's at the Museum provides patrons with stunning views of the Pacific and the Queen Mary on a blufftop patio overlooking the sand. Brunch and lunch menus include California favorites like avocado toast alongside classic comfort food like a toothsome fried chicken sandwich or mile-high, fluffy French toast with fresh berries. The extensive drinks menu includes a Bloody Mary bar, signature cocktails, sparkling wines, and craft brews. In a rarity for the area, a free parking lot is available down the block, including free EV charger use. When you're done, step into the Long Beach Art Museum to get your culture fix.

Walk through an artist village to get to the Cliff Restaurant for 180-degree views of Main Beach and the Pacific coastline. There are multilevel dining patios to sit and enjoy hearty breakfasts Friday through Sunday, and coastal seafood favorites for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Firepits, outdoor heaters, and blankets keep diners warm when the marine air grows chilly in the evening. This is also a popular happy hour spot where people stay to enjoy the sunset and then remain for dinner.

Each morning this gelato shop, located in back of the charming Peppertree Lane shopping center, makes fresh small batches of artisanal gelatos and dairy-free sorbettos in a variety of appealing flavors.

Accomplished chef Byron Gemmell's moderately priced bistro offers a taste of France in the midst of a SoCal harbor. In a laid-back but romantic setting, you can begin with escargots or French onion soup before moving on to sand dabs in white wine or roasted duck in a seductive rum-banana liquor reduction. Finish with a soufflé—either classic chocolate or Grand Marnier. The wine list includes some reasonably priced Bordeaux. Sunday brunch is a four-course meal with free flowing champagne for $45.

This trendy Hillstone Restaurant has an open kitchen, comfortable booths, and outdoor seating. The patio is a fantastic place to hang out for Dover Sole flown in from the North Atlantic, cedar plank Scottish salmon, and fried shrimp. For more terrestrial fare, the USDA Prime filet mignon is popular. They make heavenly biscuits, shucked oysters, grilled California artichokes, and an ahi tuna burger. It gets noisy near the bar area, so come early or retreat onto the patio if you prefer a quieter spot.

Cozy tables by the window overlook the San Juan Capistrano Mission at this French and Belgian restaurant. The classic menu presents escargot, frog legs, pate, and a bratwurst plate. An extensive wine list is matched by an impressive selection of Belgian beers. It's open for Sunday brunch; save room for a traditional Belgian chocolate torte.

Seafood rules at the popular, newly renovated Lobster Trap. Try the grilled swordfish with mixed veggies, grilled salmon salad, seafood pasta, tacos, and burritos. Locals and visitors sit at the open kitchen counter or large bar with hooks underneath for bags and outlets to charge your devices. Some prefer the elevated tables in the "Money Matters" boat. 

This intimate family-owned eatery is a local favorite for Italian food. Try one of the homemade soups or gnocchi classico—Grandma's homemade potato dumplings with marinara sauce. If you don't have a reservation, be prepared to wait at the bar with a glass of one of the many reasonably priced Italian wines.

Cordelia Knott's fried chicken and boysenberry pies drew crowds so big in the 1930s, that Knott's Berry Farm built a park to keep the hungry customers occupied while they waited. The Western-theme restaurant serves crispy home-style fried chicken, along with biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, and Mrs. Knott's signature chilled cherry-rhubarb compote. The adjacent Marketplace has a grab-and-go counter to order and take home Knott's fried-chicken dinners. Both eateries are open to the public without a park ticket.

Nomad Asian Bistro draws an army of dedicated locals to feast on Chinese halal dishes featuring toothsome, hand-pulled noodles (at a nominal extra fee, but worth it in every way). Nomad offers a wide range of conventional and inventive options, with abundant vegetarian and gluten-free choices in addition to classics like short ribs and shrimp. Be warned: if you order the sesame flatbread and aren't paying close attention, you'll inhale it all and ruin your appetite. Wash down your meal with a glass of their housemade, fresh-pressed ginger beer. The restaurant's ample size makes it a great option for large parties, and free parking is abundant—a rarity in Long Beach. Patio dining is available.

It may be worth hopping the Amtrak to San Juan Capistrano just for the chance to have breakfast or lunch at one of Orange County's most beloved restaurants, located in a historic board-and-batten home dating back to 1881. This café sits practically on the railroad tracks across from the depot—nab a table on the patio for cinnamon apple beignets, hush puppies with avocado aioli, and spicy crab salad on the à la carte breakfast and lunch menu. On weekends, there is a set two-course menu for $45 per person. 

This family-friendly restaurant is fun for classic rock lovers, with murals and photos of rockers like KISS, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones lining the walls. It's located just down the street from Knott's Berry Farm, serving messy bacon cheeseburgers, rockin' wings, and a variety of pizzas. Since “Brews” is part of the name, there is a wide selection of local craft beer offerings.