The OC Dining Scene Keeps Getting Better and Better
If there’s one article you’ll want to read thoroughly, it’s this one. There’s sort of this not-too-subtle competition around town to try out the best new restaurants once they hit the scene. Lucky for you, we’re here to dish! Orange County has become a culinary hub for adventurous chefs and rambunctious restaurateurs looking to brand their names onto our forever-hungry hearts. If you’re in need of a date night spot or a place to gather with the gals, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 new restaurants in Orange County that have us totally obsessed!
La Vaquera
San Juan Capistrano’s River Street Marketplace is bustling ever since it opened in November, and La Vaquera has quickly become its shining star. Tucked alongside local favorites like Seagar Co. and Fermentation Farm, this dining destination offers a culinary tribute to California’s rich ranchero heritage. The menu is inspired by the local terrain and surrounding farm acreages. It showcases wood-fired dishes and steakhouse-inspired plates that capture the essence of The Golden State. Guests are raving about standout offerings like the Masami Ranch American Wagyu New York strip, perfectly paired with a smoky barbacoa sauce and tender grilled octopus. In addition, La Vaquera’s impressive commitment to quality has solidified its place as a must-visit dining destination in South OC.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Oto Sushi
Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Oto Sushi is redefining the sushi experience with a focus on sustainability and creativity. Chef Connor Mathison, a Portland transplant with a deep commitment to eco-friendly practices, presents a menu that caters to all tastes, from sushi lovers to vegetarian diners.
The sushi offerings include 20 nigiri and sashimi options. Meanwhile, the Robatayaki Sticks section features dishes like Jidori chicken and smoked mackerel served with dramatic flair. Rolls like the Tidal Viper (spicy tuna and tempura shishito) and the citrusy Eternal Stream (steelhead, avocado, kumquat yuzu) highlight Oto’s adventurous spirit. The sake and soju-based cocktails, like the floral Dragonfly, round out the experience.
Location: Laguna Beach
DARKROOM Restaurant and Wine Bar
Chefs Zach Scherer and Drew Adams are shaking up the OC dining scene with DARKROOM, a vibrant spot that combines fine dining with a playful, creative twist. With a focus on California-Scandinavian cuisine, Darkroom emphasizes seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. Standouts include the Wagyu tartare served with squid ink chips, the roasted cabbage wedge with beef hollandaise and the interactive hand-held Caesar salad. The bar program at this new Orange County restaurant is just as inventive. It features cocktails crafted with ingredients like clarified pineapple juice and red seaweed.
Local Insight: Head to the bar early to snag one of the exclusive 10 steakhouse burgers available each night.
Location: Santa Ana
Buona Forchetta
From Italy to Little Italy—and now on the Balboa Peninsula—comes homemade ravioli and spritzers reminiscent of recipes from authentic Italian trattorias. Buona Forchetta opened its seventh SoCal location in Newport Beach this past September, which means you can now sip wine by the water and indulge in their award-winning Neapolitan pizzas. Share some slices to start, and don’t miss out on their homemade pasta selections. Each dish is made-to-order, so you can customize the perfect plate.
Local Insight: Buona Forchetta also has a give-back restaurant in San Diego called Matteo for a Cause that donates profits to local charities!
Location: Newport Beach
Verde
Tucked in Eastside Costa Mesa, Verde offers a sophisticated, libation-focused dining experience that celebrates California’s rich seasonal ingredients. The brainchild of industry veterans Koire Rogers and Anthony Laborin, Verde’s sleek two-story venue exudes coastal charm with panoramic views, plush seating and a marble bar. In terms of the fare, Executive Chef Paula Balderrama sits at the helm, curating dishes that emphasize simplicity and elegance. Signature plates include Barramundi with mashed parsnip and walnut crumble and a delicate seafood stew with wine sauce. The succulent hangar steak with anchovy herb butter and crispy potatoes is also a standout.
On the lower level, Bar Verde transforms into a sultry, late-night lounge. Here, guests can enjoy elevated bar bites like artisanal tinned fish, charcuterie and seasonal flatbreads. Complement your meal with Verde’s standout beverage program. Must-trys include innovative cocktails like the herbaceous Dear Amari (#1) and the smoky and bold Old Man Trouble.
Location: Costa Mesa
Finca
Chef David Pratt, formerly of Brick Restaurant in San Clemente, brings his passion for local ingredients and wood-fired cooking to Finca. Also part of San Juan Capistrano’s buzzy River Street Marketplace, this new restaurant in Orange County pays homage to early California with a menu that highlights farm-to-table vegetables and sustainably sourced meats.
Finca collaborates closely with The Ecology Center, incorporating fresh, local produce into every dish. Menu highlights include grilled meats cooked over an open flame, hearty dry-aged burgers and mezcal-forward cocktails that emphasize Baja California’s rich spirit and traditions. Finca’s ethos also extends to its wine list, which features selections from Northern and Baja California.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Ospi
Ospi, the second location of Chef Jackson Kalb’s celebrated LA restaurant, is bringing Southern Italian flavors to Costa Mesa’s bustling Paseo 17. Known for its housemade pastas, Roman-style pizzas and coastal-inspired dishes, Ospi is poised to become a well-loved dining destination.
Chef Kalb’s attention to detail shines in dishes like the decadent cacio e pepe and thin-crust pizzas topped with market-fresh ingredients. There is also a delightful brunch menu that features plates like eggplant caponata and buttermilk ricotta pancakes. Pair your meal with expertly curated wines or craft cocktails for a complete Southern Italy-meets-Southern California experience.
Location: Costa Mesa
Lantern’s Edge
Dana Point’s Lantern’s Edge combines stunning ocean views with a modern Mediterranean menu crafted by Chef Kristine Davis. Located at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, the restaurant offers a unique al fresco experience with dishes inspired by the California coast. Start with the bright and refreshing hamachi crudo or the earthy grilled maitake mushrooms. Then, dive into mains like charcoal-grilled branzino. For brunch, indulge in the Endless Brunch, featuring a seafood bar, carving station and bottomless mimosas.
Location: Dana Point
Nick’s Restaurant (coming soon!)
Nick’s in Newport? It just makes sense. This South OC favorite is expanding north come January 2025. This opening will be the SoCal chain’s third location, replacing Gracias Madre on Westcliff Drive. Nick’s is known for American comfort foods and is an upscale spot without being pretentious. This is the kind of place that feels like home. It’s casual enough for working lunches yet elegant enough for a date night dinner. The prime rib sandwich is a fan favorite, and their butter cake is mandatory! Current locations include Laguna Beach and San Clemente.
Location: Newport Beach
CasaDamí (coming soon!)
For those in search of a cozy yet refined cafe, CasaDamí is set to offer a little slice of Europe in Newport Beach. With an all-day brunch menu, artisanal pastries and a handpicked selection of wines, this charming spot in Peninsula Village will be ideal for everything from quiet mornings to late-night conversations. The menu will feature savory tapas, cured meats and European-style breakfast plates. Meanwhile, the drink program will boast signature lattes with creative flavor profiles. Whether you’re curled up in a corner with a book or gathering with friends over a bottle of wine, CasaDamí will be a destination of comfort and sophistication.
Location: Newport Beach
