These Are the Best Car and Restaurant Combos in OC
Keep scrolling for a second because this is one of those articles you’ll want to forward along to your significant other with a hint hint and a nudge nudge in the subject line. We’ve got some seriously fancy schmancy spots to test out your flirty banter at and some equally enviable cars to get you there. When it comes to both the whips and the restaurants, we have some hot new options and some old-school classics too. Whether you like the top up or down, something sporty or a little more lavish, these five dinner date ideas in Orange County will fulfill all of your passenger princess dreams. Vroom vroom! Date night awaits!
1 | Restaurant: SET Steak & Sushi at Pendry Newport Beach
Car: CLA Coupe
SET Steak & Sushi at The Pendry is a super sexy setting to cozy up at after cruising up in your Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe. This sporty little number will have you turning heads at the valet with its sleek exterior and luxury interior. You’ll love its aerodynamic shape, powerful engines and advanced technology—including all the bells and whistles like wireless Apple CarPlay and a hands-free Bluetooth-enabled display. Offering both style and substance, the CLA Coupe is a fun car to cruise down PCH in before heading to SET to split a bluefin tuna pizza and a PNB roll. Be sure to request an outdoor table to dine beneath the beautiful trees and lanterns, and don’t forget to order the caviar if you’re feeling extra fancy. And if you have a designated driver and really like your date, have a Baby Maker or two!
Location: Newport Beach
2 | Restaurant: Lōrea at Paséa Hotel & Spa
Car: GLA SUV
There’s a new sheriff in town, who goes by the name of Lōrea at Paséa Hotel & Spa. This new Orange County restaurant has taken the place of Tanner’s and is already making waves. Its menu of elevated coastal cuisine starts with homemade Parker house rolls and ends with passionfruit pavlova. Hit the highway to Huntington in your Mercedes GLA, which is basically a halfway house between a sedan and an SUV. It’s zippy, easy to drive and the “Hey Mercedes” voice activation feature means you can basically ask it to do anything. With not one but two 10.3-inch displays, this thing is cherried from the wheels to the roof. There is no chicer way to transport your doggy bag full of leftovers home.
Location: Huntington Beach
3 | Restaurant: Javier’s Newport Beach
Car: GLB SUV
Guess who’s back, back again? Javier’s! After undergoing a beautiful facelift, Newport Coast’s crown jewel is back open and the masses are flocking. The gorgeous renovated interior is light, bright and airy, and reservations are booking up quicker than you can say, “Una margarita, por favor.” The drive to dinner will be an experience in and of itself in a 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB, a versatile luxury SUV that seamlessly blends style, comfort and practicality. With its spacious, three-row seating and advanced technology, it offers a comfortable ride and plenty of space for more people, should you want to turn this into a double date! The GLB features a robust engine lineup, intuitive infotainment system and premium interior materials. As you roll up to valet at Javier’s, this car is sure to turn heads.
Location: Newport Beach
4 | Restaurant: Ocean 48
Car: C-Class Sedan
Ocean 48 is the new it girl. Taking over the old Fig & Olive spot at Fashion Island, this sassy seafood joint is getting rave reviews for its sea-to-surface cuisine that people cannot seem to get enough of. Roll up in your C-class sedan complete with five drive modes, a four-cylinder turbo engine and a luxury leather interior that’ll make you feel like you’re your own personal chauffeur. The workers at the valet are going to want to park this one up front while you head inside through the sleek, oversized front door to an ocean-inspired oasis featuring the freshest of catches. Enjoy chicken-fried lobster tails, corn creme brulee, plenty of surf, lots of turf and some of the best people-watching Orange County can offer.
Location: Newport Beach
5 | Restaurant: Salt Creek Grille
Car: GLC SUV
New owners, new menu, same beloved South County spot, Salt Creek Grille is back and better than ever! Cruise the coast in your GLC SUV, which couples practicality with high-grade performance. The mild-hybrid system creates a fuel-efficient and smooth driving experience while your nine-speed automatic transmission does all the work for you. This small but mighty SUV can handle all the twists and turns of Pacific Coast Highway so you can get some sightseeing in before settling down for a delicious meal of fresh-baked sourdough, short-rib beignets, sea bass, seared steaks and something to sip on. Reserve for a more intimate indoor table or opt for an outdoor spot in their beach pit, where you can enjoy cocktails while playing classic games like corn hole.
Location: Dana Point
