These Elegant Venues Steal the Show in Terms of Ambiance
On the hunt for a spot to host a gathering other than your home? Whether you’re planning a whimsical garden party or an intimate celebratory dinner, this assembly of unique event venues in Orange County will help you easily set the perfect scene. So gather with friends, coworkers or your crazy extended family—bring them all! No matter the occasion, these 12 venues in Orange County are sure to take your guests’ breath away.
Palapa
We may have just found your new favorite coastal oasis—or should we say sunset spot? Located at 2nd and PCH, a vibrant seaside lifestyle center, Palapa is an Insta-worthy eatery and bar with Tulum-like vibes. This marina-front hotspot is adjacent to its sister restaurant, Ola Mexican Kitchen, which both offer sweeping views of the boat-filled bay. With an enviable selection of tasty tapas and craft cocktails, dining in Long Beach doesn’t get any better than this! The menu will have you daydreaming about their pork belly tacos, shrimp ceviche and crispy flautas for days on end. To drink, we highly recommend the Spanish Mai Tai, but you can’t ever go wrong with their Lavender Yuzu Martini either. Seafood-forward fare isn’t the only specialty at Ola Mexican Kitchen and Palapa. From weddings to corporate events, the dreamy ocean views can be yours for the day or evening! Curated menus crafted for individual events and an upscale ambiance create the perfect space to host private events in true beachfront fashion.
Location: Long Beach
Tavern House Kitchen + Bar
Accommodating up to 50 guests and overlooking Newport Harbor, it doesn’t get much better than Tavern House. Whether you’re looking to host a baby shower, wedding rehearsal dinner or epic birthday party, this tried-and-true Newport Beach restaurant takes the stress off of planning. With multiple seating options, a large stone fireplace and operable windows and skylights, guests will love the elegant, coastal space. From tray-passed hors d’oeuvres to custom menus created by Chef David Wilhelm, all menus offer the highest-quality all natural and organic ingredients. Buyouts of the entire restaurant are available, as well as offerings for corporate events and presentations. Look no further, Tavern House is the Newport Beach destination family, friends or coworkers will all love.
Location: Newport Beach
Skyloft
The sky’s the limit for an elite dining experience when paired with a gleaming seaside panorama. Located in the glamorous yet quaint town of Laguna Beach, Skyloft offers weekly live music and an innovative menu of craft cocktails, small bites and decadent desserts. So when it comes to your next event, Skyloft is the ideal place to elegantly celebrate any occasion, no matter how big your party is. The restaurant’s private rooms can host up to 20 people, and the beautiful rooftop is perfect for around 100 guests (ocean views included). Or, opt for an entire buyout for up to 300 people! With Skyloft’s Early Bird incentive, you can book your December or January holiday event before Thanksgiving and receive a gift card to use for a future visit!
Location: Laguna Beach
Mozambique
Hovering above Pacific Coast Hwy, Mozambique provides a stellar setting for your next event. This South African-inspired retreat whisks you away with their live music and zesty plates such as the Durban Curry, a local favorite. Plan a business affair, wedding reception or other celebration in one of their seven spaces available throughout the restaurant. With multiple dining areas and extensive, flavorful menus, guests are sure to be impressed. Mozambique makes being the “hostess with the mostess” easy with its dreamy ocean views and unbeatable ambiance.
Location: Laguna Beach
OUTPOST Kitchen
As an Aussie-inspired eatery, community is at the forefront of OUTPOST Kitchen’s trendy cafe that doubles as a dreamy event space. The neutral color palette emulates a natural coastal aesthetic, brought to life by soulful dishes crafted from a rainbow of colorful ingredients. Craving a freshly pressed green juice? Blueberry pancakes with good-for-you ingredients? OUTPOST Kitchen checks all the boxes! Airy indoor event spaces and a spacious patio are ready to reserve for parties ranging from 12 to 100. Whether you’re looking to host a curated farm-to-table lunch experience, a company-wide brunch or a private cocktail hour, OUTPOST Kitchen has you covered!
Location: Costa Mesa
Rock & Brews
Cruise on down to Rock & Brews for classic American fare and your next big celebration. This rock-’n’-roll-inspired burger joint can host up to 300 guests in its casual yet fun environment. Crack open one of their local craft brews, and kick back amongst the walls plastered with beloved rock icons while watching video highlights of the greatest rock moments. The beer garden is the perfect place for a private party. Senior marketing manager of Rock & Brews, Katy Connelly, states, “With over 20 TVs playing your favorite classic rock music videos, a vast selection of craft and international beers and specialized menus, we’ve got the details covered—you just bring the party!”
Location: Tustin
Roger’s Gardens
This well-adorned nursery brings natural beauty to the table with it’s on-site restaurant, Farmhouse. The intense yet delicate gazebo that hovers above this serene space is a stellar scene for a more intimate gathering, such as a small wedding or simply catching up with friends. Full dining service is available and provided by Farmhouse, which features a full menu of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. Your group is sure to love the rustic feel of this indoor-outdoor restaurant, complete with wood tables, suspended chandeliers, surrounding greenery and blankets on the back of each chair!
Location: Newport Beach
The Ecology Center
An organic 28-acre farm, learning center and pop-up stand is what makes The Ecology Center a dreamy space for any occasion. While providing regenerative-organic produce, an intimate summer dinner series was created. Hosted by the chef in residence, this botanical setting is perfect to reserve for up to 40 friends and family celebrating business ventures, birthdays or a milestone anniversary. And if you’re not one to plan your own event, check out the center’s calendar for a variety of upcoming dinners, pop-ups and workshops!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Rancho Las Lomas
The lovely Rancho Las Lomas, hidden away in the foothills of Silverado, has enchanting views and a dreamy setting for any big or small gathering. Wedding receptions and corporate gatherings are magically brought to life at this spectacular private resort and zoological garden. The possibilities to decorate are endless with their woodland backdrop and ornate structures! So, book a giant farm table for you and your family or friends or relax on velvety couches by the majestic fireplace.
Location: Silverado
Anaheim White House
The classy and lavishly decorated Anaheim White House combines romantic themes and tasteful artwork that fine-tunes the beauty of each room. The chef’s table is the fanciest wine cellar culinary experience—an exemplary option for smaller groups. Looking to host something bigger? The national historical landmark and restaurant features a broad selection of rooms like the West Wing, which is perfect for casual or corporate gatherings. There’s even an option to rent out the entire property!
Location: Anaheim
The Hacienda
This breathtaking outdoor oasis is quite a choice when it comes to hosting your next event. With a balcony that hovers above a grand seating area, this Spanish-inspired courtyard in Santa Ana features a trickling central fountain and climbing vines along the roofline. Weddings can be held at The Hacienda with an outdoor chapel and a full reception to follow. Meetings and special events are also beautifully accommodated either outdoors or inside, no matter the season!
Location: Santa Ana
The Harper
Channeling timeless European glamor in an industrial setting, The Harper is a creative event space nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa. Whether it’d be the grand dining room with LaCantina accordion doors or the beautifully appointed private suites, each corner of the space provides a lovely backdrop for gathering (and photos!). Fun fact: most of the brilliant paintings hung are designed by Portia De Rossi’s General Public Art studio! Up to 300 guests can enjoy the bar, salon and luscious gardens.
Location: Costa Mesa
