After the interviews are done and my notebook closes, the real insights begin. My go-to question for Orange County chefs? “So, where do you like to eat around here?”
The answers, sometimes surprising yet always enlightening, offer direct intel on the local dining scene. While many food critics can share their preferred places for you to spend your money, I wanted to create a guide that goes straight to the source: the best restaurants in Orange County as chosen by some of the best chefs in Orange County.
I asked each chef to pick their three favorite restaurants (excluding their own) in Orange County, from upscale eateries and grab-and-go spots to taquerias and doughnut shops and everything in between. Some expected patterns emerged during the creation of this guide: Truly Pizza and Heritage Barbecue were frequently mentioned, with newcomers Darkroom and Pizzeria Irene also receiving praise. However, seemingly under-the-radar spots, like Mini Cafe in Huntington Beach and Tacos Luci food truck in Santa Ana, to name but a few, also earned recognition. When it comes to cities, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Westminster seem to be preferred dining hamlets with our chefs, with Tustin and San Juan Capistrano ranking closely behind.
ALSO READ: How the fall of Saigon cultivated a culinary legacy in Orange County — and beyond
Keep in mind that all of these chefs spend the bulk of their waking hours at their own restaurants; none are food critics with bylines in major publications. But their choices, coupled with their trained palates and industry expertise, can help you choose the perfect spot to make a reservation or join the queue when hunger strikes.
Michael Alvarado and Josué Maldonado of Tacos Los Cholos:
Anjin (Costa Mesa): The No. 5 prime ribeye cap is thinly sliced, tender and full of flavor. Make sure to pair it with No. 43 hot pot rice. 3033 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-979-6700
El Cabrito (Santa Ana): Tacos de birria enchilados y dorados, the goat birria is excellent and so is the salsa matcha. Do not forget to order a side of the consommé. 1604 W. 1st St., Santa Ana. 714-543-8461
La Chiva Torta (Costa Mesa, Santa Ana): The torta ahogada is for sure the best in O.C.; good carnitas, lots of pickled onions and a flavorful salsa. You can’t go wrong. 2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, (no phone). 514 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana. (No phone).
Jeffrey Boullt, chef in Orange County, formerly of Social:
Detention 2.0 (Santa Ana): The food here is just as good, if not better, than Playground ever was. If it weren’t for chef Jason Quinn and his tenacity, I wouldn’t be the chef I am today. I’d suggest a dish, but knowing their approach, they’ll already have something even better by the time this article comes out. 220 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana. 714-560-4444
Darkroom (Santa Ana): It’s amazing to see Zach Scherer bring his ideas to life in his own venue. We cooked side by side and had many conversations about food, life and growing up. He’s always been a unique force and one of the most educated chefs I’ve known. Try everything you can for dinner, but make sure to save room for the dark chocolate, maple, sesame and caviar dessert. 3751 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana. 657-777-3275
ALSO READ: Darkroom, Orange County’s most ambitious restaurant this year, opens in Santa Ana
LSXO (Huntington Beach): My favorite spot to look out at the ocean and indulge. The food and drinks are always spot on. Imperial Rolls and Lemongrass Chicken are my favorites. Don’t leave without trying some cocktails — they perfectly complement every dish. 21016 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-374-0083
Michael Campbell of Capo, Capas and Pacific Pearl Catering Co.:
Gema (San Clemente): I love dining in Mexico, whether it’s an outdoor ceviche shack or a fine-dining spot in Valle de Guadalupe; it’s just a different experience down there. For me, Gema is the closest we can get on this side of the border. Best meal I had last year. 110 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 714-640-9371
Royal Hen (Newport Beach): This place is simple, well-designed and a fun, little hidden gem. I like to bring out-of-towners here. One of the few places I’ll get fish and chips because I know they’ll be perfect. 311 Marine Ave., Newport Beach. 949-873-5603
Seabutter (Laguna Beach): Sushi Sundays are a big deal in our household because that means I don’t have to cook. There are quite a few great sushi spots in the area, but for me Seabutter is the best. If you happen to get a seat on the patio with a view, it’s one of the most coveted dining spots in all of Orange County. They have an adventurous side without doing sacrilegious sushi stuff. 1100 S. Coast Highway, #303, Laguna Beach. 949-942-6042
Daniel and Brenda Castillo of Heritage Barbecue and Le Hut Dinette:
Truly Pizza (Dana Point): The chef-driven pies and flavors at Truly are phenomenally good. Recently, we got lucky and chef Chris Decker treated us to a special off-menu pie called the Industrial, which showcased the simple but high quality ingredients they use and also shows the level of thoughtful execution that goes into each pie. (We also love RIIP’s pan pizza — they go perfectly with their award-winning craft beers and it’s kind of the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.) 24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949-218-8220
PhởHolic (Westminster): Having spent so many years living in Little Saigon, Vietnamese food is one of our favorites for comfort food. PhoHolic hits every time — I love the giant beef rib and the big beef bones with all the tendons and beef meatballs, too. No Sriracha or hoisin for me, I keep it pure. 14932 Bushard St., Westminster. 714-733-8822
Alta Baja Market (Santa Ana): Alta Baja Market in Santa Ana is a true neighborhood gem. We love everything they are doing over there. We’ve been trying to eat healthier so have really been enjoying their grain bowls and veggie hummus sandwich for lunch whenever we’re working at Le Hut Dinette. 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. 714-783-2252
Gino Choi of Gino Omakase:
Fable and Spirit (Newport Beach): I really like smoked salmon toast, blue prawns and Guinness brown bread. It’s a restaurant that feels relaxed and comfortable, which is why I usually go here during the day on my days off. 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach. 949-409-9913
Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana (Fullerton): I enjoy the margherita at Fuoco pizza. It’s a comfortable family-style restaurant that always maintains the same quality and taste. 101 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-626-0727
The Olde Ship (Fullerton): A few dishes I enjoy here are the fish and chips (best in town), steak and ale pie and a glass of Guinness. It’s an old British pub. I’ve been going here for almost 20 years. It’s nothing fancy, but a relaxing place, like going to a close friend’s house. 709 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-871-7447
Cesar Cortez of El Brewjo:
Anepalco (Orange): Anepalco fuses French techniques with bold and authentic Mexican flavors bringing familiar Mexican dishes in an elevated fashion. Their chilaquiles for brunch are what made them famous but for dinner I highly recommend the molé enchiladas. Their molé is top notch, complex in flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. 415 S. Main St., Orange. 714-771-2333; 3737 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714-456-9642
Darkroom (Santa Ana): My buddy Zach Scherer and his partner Drew Adams have created something truly unique with Darkroom; an environment that encapsulated the love of food, music and low light vibes. Highly recommend the tuna crudo and the scallop tostada. Want a higher end experience? Enjoy their more intimate restaurant within the restaurant, Chrysalis, a 14-course meal that is truly a one of a kind dining experience that left me speechless. 3751 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana. 657-777-3275
Pizzeria Irene (Orange): Brand new in the Orange Circle, Pizzeria Irene is the closest pizza I’ve had that fully compares to what I’ve experienced in Italy. Their bianca is my absolute favorite pie, the Caesar salad is bursting with lemon zest and loaded with fresh parmesan and for dessert, their tiramisu is absolute heaven. 123 N. Olive St., Orange. 714-602-7861
Chris Decker of Truly Pizza:
Oliboli Donuts (Tustin): I’ll start sweet first, I love everything about Oliboli donuts. The thought, dedication & care they put into their donuts is so beautiful. 135 W. 1st St., Tustin. 800-771-0382
Broadway by Amar Santana (Laguna Beach): Next, probably the best meal I’ve had since moving to O.C. has been Broadway. The flavors, professionalism and dedication to making beautiful, thoughtful food is unmatched. 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. 949-715-8234
ALSO READ: Heritage Barbecue changed OC’s restaurant landscape — and beyond. Here’s how they did it.
Heritage Barbecue (San Juan Capistrano) This is where I could eat everyday, the quintessential O.C. spot. It’s like walking onto a movie set, and the food is always perfect. You will never hear me complain about waiting in line for beautiful, delicious food. I think chef Daniel Castillo has put together a crew and built a culture that all restaurant owners dream of. I am so lucky they are only a short 10-minute drive from me. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (No phone).
Karlo Evaristo of 61 Hundred Bread:
Hana re (Costa Mesa): Chef Atsushi Yokoyama and his crew are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. You can’t beat a place where you eat world-class sushi and feel at home at the same time. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-545-2800
Din Tai Fung (Anaheim, Costa Mesa): Super consistent, service is always on point, and just very comforting food.1547 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; 714-202-7598; 3333 Bristol St., Ste 2071, Costa Mesa; 714-549-3388
Viamara at the Elwood Club (Newport Beach): Amazing and creative food inside a beautiful restaurant at Pendry Newport Beach. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-688-8001
Ryan Garlitos of Le Hut Dinette:
Manaao Thai Comfort (Tustin): Thai food is one of my favorite Asian cuisines and for a long time it felt like I had to drive far from home to get Thai food on the level that I was craving. Manaao hits that mark for me and it is 5 minutes away from where I live. The owners are super nice, it’s a Mom and Pop shop and their quality and standards are really high. Crying Tiger, Crab Fried Rice and Khao Soi Noodles are some of my favorite dishes there. I have seen the business get busier and grow, so I know I am not the only one who appreciates what they do. They recently moved into a bigger space and have plans to open a second location at the Irvine Spectrum. 13842 Newport Ave., Tustin. 949-818-8424
Bandito Taqueria (Santa Ana): Orange County has many good options when it comes to tacos, but I think Bandito captures a lot of what makes a great taqueria. The corn tortillas for their Tijuana-style street tacos are handmade, served “con todo” with onions, cilantro, salsa and guacamole. I have been visiting them since they were a street vendor in Santa Ana, and now they have a brick-and-mortar which has allowed them to expand their menu. My go-to there is the Al Pastor Quesotaco, with melted cheese griddled on the tortilla and their Al Pastor, which they do on the trompo. The Torta is a sleeper hit too if you are in the mood for a sandwich. 300 W. 5th St., Santa Ana. 714-760-4862
Boil and Bake (Costa Mesa): Boil & Bake is a great grab-and-go breakfast option. The owner, Carlos Perez, comes from the Shirley’s Bagel family and is a really cool guy with bagel making in his blood. I go for the “East Village,” a bagel sandwich made with scallion cream cheese, their house smoked salmon and homemade pickled green tomatoes. I also like the “Don’t Go Bacon My Heart” bagel sandwich with scallion cream cheese, Nueske bacon and pickled green tomatoes. They often collaborate with other great local spots, like Mario’s Butcher Shop, to create specials. I like when they have the smoked fish platter special, which has all the elements of a lox bagel deconstructed so you can build it the way you want. I constantly find myself craving Boil & Bake. 270 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-494-9609
Carlos Gaytán of Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita:
Marché Moderne (Corona del Mar): I remember starting with the big eye tuna “en voyage Péruvien” — a cana tiradito ceviche with roasted chicken skin like chicharrón, aji, avocado, and leche de tigre. The flavors came together beautifully and opened the palate in such a memorable way. Another standout was the millefeuille ris de veau à la truffe noire. It reminded me of a dish I once served at Mexique — the buttery sweetbreads paired with celery root and black truffle were perfectly balanced. 7862 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 714-434-7900
View (Newport Beach): The Castroville artichokes with miso butter were just outstanding — rich, savory, and so pleasant on the palate. I’m also a big fan of their lobster roll. The brioche, lemon zest, and dill came together so well — a really beautiful combination of flavors. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-640-4000
Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens (Corona del Mar): Farmhouse is such a unique experience, especially for brunch or lunch. I used to sit at the bar with a glass of rosé and just take in the garden views. It’s not just the food, but the setting. One of my favorites is the Grilled Asian Beef Short Ribs — complex, sweet, tangy, and spicy. One of the best dishes on the menu. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar. 949-640-1415
Riley Huddleston of Lido House Hotel:
Vaca (Costa Mesa): I love Costa Mesa’s Vaca by Amar Santana. My favorite place to sit is the bar and enjoy their signature Vaca-tonic cocktail with a few of their tapas-style small plates. It’s the ideal date-night spot. 695 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-463-6060
Poppy and Seed (Anaheim): The brunch and brunch cocktails at Poppy & Seed in Anaheim are outstanding. The setting is unbeatable, whether you’re dining outdoors or in their beautiful greenhouse-style space. Chef Michael Reed is doing innovative and exciting things with fermentation. 350 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. 714-603-7130
Truly Pizza (Dana Point): Truly Pizza in Dana Point serves easily one of the top three pizzas I’ve had in my life. The dough is fluffy and exceptionally light, almost croissant-like in texture. The entirely outdoor seating has a dreamy Amalfi Coast vibe. 24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949-218-8220
Brian Huskey of The Jetty:
Water Grill (Costa Mesa): For decades consistently one of the freshest seafood in town. We like to do “date night” at the bar with a seafood tower and a martini. My parents in the mid-’90s would take me and my brothers to the DTLA location for special occasion dinners. it also is now one of our daughter’s favorite restaurants growing up in O.C. In my early days, I briefly worked at the downtown LA location 20 years ago. 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 949-208-7060
61 Hundred Bread (Santa Ana): A recent obsession. I’ve never been a big bread or pastry person, nor have I ever woken up early to beat the lines for a bakery, until 61 Hundred opened. Chef Karlo Evaristo is executing some of the best laminated dough products and artisanal breads. His passion for the art of baking shines. 728 N. Poinsettia St., Santa Ana. 949-491-4297
ALSO READ: 61 Hundred Bread opens its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Santa Ana
Mario’s Butcher Shop (Newport Beach): I’ve been a huge fan of this place since their opening during COVID. Being less than two miles away from my house, I’d call this place my regular neighborhood lunch spot. Super friendly staff, nice outdoor patio space and, most important, everything on their menu is delicious. My favorites include the breakfast burritos, smashburger, pastrami, fish and chips, the cheesesteak and the wood-grilled steak sandwich with chimichurri. Their meat box is always filled with the best, like fresh wagyu and prime cuts. Don’t forget to take home some candied salmon when available. Definitely my favorite butcher shop. 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach. 949-316-4318
Jimmy Le of Mama Hieu’s Vietnamese Fried Chicken:
Trieu Chau (Santa Ana): Trieu Chau in Santa Ana is more than just a restaurant — a place filled with nostalgia and comforting flavors. From childhood to the present day, it remains my go-to spot for a consistently satisfying meal. The standout dish? Mì triều châu khô — perfectly springy dry egg noodles paired with a rich, aromatic pork bone soup on the side. A true taste of tradition and comfort in every bite. 4401 W. First St., Santa Ana. 714-775-1536
Quán Mii (Fountain Valley): A must-visit destination for authentic bánh xèo (Vietnamese crepes), this spot delivers both quality and experience. The portions are impressively generous, and the addition of rice paper allows diners to craft their own fresh spring rolls — a thoughtful touch that evokes the warmth of a homemade meal. 16031 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. 714-486-1996
Tacos El May (Westminster): The best street tacos, hands down! The carne asada is perfectly grilled, and the crispy, flavorful tripas never fails to hit my taste buds with pure satisfaction. Corner of Bolsa and Magnolia, Westminster. 323-572-8827
Florent and Amelia Marneau of Marché Moderne:
Heritage Barbecue (San Juan Capistrano): We love the outdoor Texas vibes here and, of course, the bone-in smoked beef ribs are bad ass. The brisket is a no-brainer. And the smoked chicken we had there one time was ridiculous — I mean, chicken, hello! We usually will skip the crazy lines by ordering online and pulling right up for pickup; that’s our pro-tip for eating at Heritage Barbecue. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano (no phone).
Brussels Bistro (Laguna Beach), Basilic (Newport Beach): We have to give a shoutout to our fellow French countrymen at Brussels Bistro in Laguna Beach and Basilic in Newport Beach. They both possess that quaint Euro vibe. The mussels and beer at Brussels Bistro are always a must order, and the same goes for the raclette at Basilic. Brussels Bistro: 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. 949-376-7955. Basilic: 217 Marine Ave., Newport Beach. 949-673-0570
Shachi Mehra of ADYA:
Sababa Falafel (Garden Grove): A couple of years ago I went on a falafel hunt — I went to all the places on all the lists, all the places anyone told me was their favorite, I had falafel several times a week. During this search I found Sababa. Since that time, they’ve expanded to the space next door and have seating there. There’s always a line, it moves quickly. They offer a sample of just fried, warm falafel to chew on while you decide what toppings you want (everything, obviously) I almost always get a falafel pita and think about when I’m going to come back as I eat the last bite. 11011 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove. 714-242-8977
Populaire (Costa Mesa): Interestingly I’ve only ever been to Populaire for lunch. And usually because a foodie friend picked it. It’s consistent, delicious and chef Nick Weber’s attention to detail is in every plate and every bite. From the Duck Confit Spliffs to a gorgeous Rice Pudding dessert, each dish has a balanced flavor and big personality. 3333 Bristol St., 3rd floor, Costa Mesa. 714-760-4555
ALSO READ: The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in 2024
Momoyama (Fountain Valley): My husband and I celebrated our anniversary with an omakase lunch at Momoyama. We sat at the counter and chatted with the chef about flavors and travels. He told us about an adventurous trip he took to India many years ago. Each course was thoughtful, simple yet complex. At $58 for lunch omakase, we won’t wait for a special occasion to return. 18906 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. 714-714-0514
Viet Nguyen of Kei Concepts:
Mỹ Vị Mì Gia (Garden Grove): This is the ultimate comfort food for me, something that always reminds me of home. It’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that’s the gold standard for Chinese-Vietnamese noodles. 9790 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove. 714-636-8588. 10141 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove. 714-537-3386
Ramen and Tsukemen Tao (Buena Park): A small spot serving ramen with the best broth I’ve had in California. It’s rich, fatty, and full of depth, with noodles and chashu pork that are just as dialed in. 10488 Valley View St., Buena Park. 714-699-1078
Broadway by Amar Santana (Laguna Beach): It’s like Amar is a flavor magician, and Broadway is his stage. The roasted beef bone marrow says it all. In my opinion, he’s the most skilled chef in Orange County. 328 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach. 949-715-8234
Luis Perez of Lola Gaspar:
Le Hut Dinette (Santa Ana): I love everything about it! The location and setting, the vinyls playing over the sound system, the staff, and the food is just so delicious. Everything on the menu here is a must try. 730 Poinsettia St., Santa Ana. 714-450-5600
Mini Cafe (Santa Ana): Located next to the Fling at the Stater Bros shopping center on Tustin Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue, this no-frills, family-owned and -operated spot feels like you’re eating at the family’s own home. The huevos rancheros are especially tasty. And the red salsa is delicious and spicy! Excellent service too. 2370 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana. 714-648-0891
Fat of the Land (Santa Ana): Again, the hospitality here is impressive. I love sitting at the bar to enjoy their salads and vegetable options, which are just delicious. Great wine and beer selection too. 700 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 714-486-2372
David Pratt of Finca:
Heritage Barbecue (San Juan Capistrano). I ate here every Friday for four months while I was building Finca. Consistently outstanding quality. And the pork ribs — wow. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (No phone)
Mercado González (Costa Mesa): I’m addicted. I’ll drive up for any reason. I drink tepache while I source really great ingredients. I’ve tried each of their locations inside, and I feel like I’m on vacation when I’m there. 2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. 949-238-6470
ALSO READ: First look inside Mercado González, Costa Mesa’s colossal new food hall and marketplace
La Vaquera (San Juan Capistrano): Chef Aaron Zimmer is doing something really special at La Vaquera. His food is creative, presented beautifully and is delicious. He sources from the Ecology Center (like myself) so I appreciate the quality ingredients. Try the octopus! Top notch. 31888 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. 949-749-4200
Jason Quinn of Detention 2.0 / Trust:
Anjin (Costa Mesa): #43 extra crispy at Anjin Costa Mesa. Probably my favorite individual dish in OC. Amazing crispy stone pot rice with mountain vegetables, ground chicken and lots of gochujang. 3033 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-979-6700
The Parlor at Stafford Prime (Tustin): Margarita pizza at the Parlor. I’m a pizza purist and this is probably my favorite iteration in OC. 15771 Red Hill Ave., Tustin. 714-760-4325
Bandito Taqueria (Santa Ana): Al pastor taco at Taqueria Bandito. Perfect masa, Al pastor and pineapple sliced to order. Doesn’t get any better. Proper TJ-style street taco. 300 W. 5th St, Santa Ana. 714-760-4862
Robert Rodriguez of Carnitas Uruapan:
Tikiyaki (Orange): This is one of the most underrated spots in OC, in my opinion. I order the chicken teriyaki plate with extra chicken, which comes with a generous portion, served hot and fresh. At $13 for the plate, it’s priced like it’s from the 2010s — a rare find. You leave full and satisfied. They also offer orange chicken (crisp with a punch of flavor), volcano chicken, and shrimp, which are overlooked, plus coconut shrimp that truly tastes like coconut shrimp and some of the best short ribs. Very underrated. The cashiers are friendly and great, too. I usually call ahead, place my order and pick up. 2271 N. Tustin St., Orange. 714-283-1628
Naan and Kabob (Tustin): The main reason I love this place is the generous portions of meat for a great price. My brother and I get the Zafrani special, which includes three lamb chops, chicken, and beef with rice and a fire-grilled tomato. I also really enjoy their tea. My mom orders the lamb chops, which are tender, juicy, and melt in your mouth. The meat is consistently cooked perfectly, though once or twice it was dry. However, when I mentioned it to the server, they promptly replaced it with a fresh, juicy piece. Service is OK; expect to wait an extra 10 minutes to refill your water. 416 E First St, Tustin. 714-665-2262
Tacos Luci (Santa Ana): You often find the best Mexican food where you least expect it, and that’s Tacos Luci. This food truck serves amazing tacos, burritos and tortas. My favorite is the taco de cecina — while other places skimp with one slice of meat, Luci is generous. Don’t get me started on the salsas: very tasty, very spicy, especially the creamy green salsa. It’s a great spot to hit with the boys before the night starts. 1931 N. Tustin Ave. (next to In-N-Out), Santa Ana. (no phone)
Jessica Roy of 608 Dahlia:
LSXO (Huntington Beach): My hometown favorite. I love their dumplings, Vietnamese crepes and any of their craft cocktails. I really love the vibe and sweeping beachfront views. 21016 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-374-0083
Il Barone Ristorante (Newport Beach): I dream of their scratch-made, wood-fired pepperoni pizza paired with a Drunken Monkey cocktail. Hands down the best pizza I have ever had. 6700 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-955-2755
Vaca (Costa Mesa): I love going to Vaca before I attend the theater. It’s the perfect spot for great cocktails, tasty tapas, unbelievable steaks and the best paella I have had outside of Spain. 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 170, Costa Mesa. 714-463-6060
Nokmaniphone Sayavong of Nok’s Kitchen:
Phở 79 (Garden Grove): Being in the heart of Little Saigon, there are so many pho restaurants to choose from, but hands down Phở 79 is the spot! My go-to order is a small bowl of pho tai with beef meatballs, chili sate, a side of oxtail meat and a café sua da to drink. 9941 Hazard Ave., Garden Grove. 714-531-2490
OC & Lau (Garden Grove, Westminster): When I’m in the mood for seafood, OC & Lau is my go-to spot because they have such an extensive menu and the food always hits. I normally order the house special mango salad with squid and escargot for the appetizer, grilled razor clams (when they don’t sell out), the garlic butter queen clams and seafood fried rice. 10130 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove. 714-636-2000; 9892 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove. 714-583-8100
Nightingale (Huntington Beach): A cute breakfast-brunch place tucked away in the Bella Terra shopping center. They have the best pancakes in Orange County! My go-to plates are tres leches hot cakes or the lomo saltado burrito. 7631 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. 714-580-2939
Zach Scherer of Darkoom:
Boil and Bake (Costa Mesa): Whenever I travel I always think, “I wish we had something like this back home.” Boil & Bake has really captured the best parts of New York bagels, with a big influence of California. They’re perfectly chewy and come with optional toppings from Santa Monica Farmers Market. 270 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-494-9609
Pizzeria Irene (Orange): From the former sommelier at Taco Maria, Rick Guzman, who I also call a good friend, this place offers a California take on Neapolitan pizza just outside of the Orange Circle. Don’t miss the Caesar Salad! 123 N. Olive St., Orange. 714-602-7861
Irrawaddy Taste of Burma (Stanton): Irrawaddy Taste of Burma, featuring incredibly underrepresented flavors in Southern California, shows up in a big way. The vegan fermented tea leaf salad is insane, and really shows a fun versatility of ingredients. 7076 Katella Ave., Stanton. 714-252-8565
David Shofner of Fable and Spirit:
Heritage Barbecue (San Juan Capistrano): I’m a huge fan of barbecue, although never really experiencing true regional barbecue besides drooling while watching it on TV. That was until chef Daniel Castillo opened Heritage Barbecue. He is truly a master of his craft. I love the entire experience: Lining up early on a Sunday and enjoying a nice cold beer while we wait in anticipation for the culinary adventure. My favorite stand-outs include the ribs, daily sausage, brisket beans, chili and potato salad. But the true star here is the brisket itself, which is sublime — perfectly cooked, smoked and seasoned to perfection with the fat coating your lips like a beef tallow lip gloss. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (no phone)
Truly Pizza (Dana Point): was anxiously awaiting the opening of Truly Pizza. Once opened, it quickly became my favorite pizza spot. They are always on point, it’s always perfect. Chef Chris Decker is a true master of the dough. The square pizza is great. I get the sweet and spicy, but my go to is the crispy pepperoni round pizza. It is, as its name suggests, truly pizza heaven. They also have my favorite wings in Orange County, which is saying a lot. (Shout out to Santoras’s “nuclear” hot wings, though, which I also love.) The crisp on these wings are ridiculous. The cook is always perfect. I get them prepared Buffalo-style; the Point Reyes blue cheese and pickled celery take these wings to the next level. 24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949-218-8220
Broadway by Amar Santana (Laguna Beach): This is the go-to anniversary spot for me and my wife. Broadway ticks all of the boxes: the service, the food, the ambiance, the drinks. Perfect. Our favorite dish is the egg yolk raviolo. Sometimes we order two. These flavors work in harmony — the richness of the yolk, the creaminess from the ricotta, the salinity from the duck prosciutto, the crunch from the hazelnut and the sweetness from the balsamic all make for a perfect dish. 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. 949-715-8234
Delilah Snell of Alta Baja Market:
Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa): Knife Pleat is a great restaurant, but what really stands out to me is their outstanding service. Really, it’s such a pleasure to observe and see how everyone works here as a team. 3333 Bristol St., 3rd floor, Costa Mesa. 714-266-3388
Anepalco (Orange): Creative cocktails and I am always a fan of anything Chef Danny Godinez creates. 415 S. Main St. Orange, 714-771-2333; 3737 W. Chapman Ave, Orange. 714-456-9642
Burritos La Palma (Costa Mesa, Santa Ana): Need I say more? 1170 Baker St., Costa Mesa. 949-652-2424. 410 N. Bristol St., Santa Ana. 657-266-0575
Vince Terusa of Selanne Steak Tavern:
Truly Pizza (Dana Point): A standout spot for authentic, well-crafted pizzas. I love that they offer two distinct styles of dough — one reminiscent of focaccia, and the other a lighter, crispier option. Both are exceptional. As a chef, I appreciate their dedication to in-house production and high-quality ingredients. Even the dessert is a must-try. They offer a soft-serve ice cream drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The restaurant is entirely outdoors, with a fun, upbeat atmosphere that adds to the experience. 24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949-218-8220
Miyabi Shabu and Grill (Irvine): Another favorite that I frequent, probably a little too often. This mom-and-pop shop is a true hidden gem, offering incredibly flavorful broths and a great selection of meats, including A5 wagyu. Their 90-minute all-you-can-eat shabu dining experience is a must, and somehow I always leave feeling satisfied but never overly full. 15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine. 949-551-0200
Piccolino’s (Mission Viejo): This place holds a special place in my heart. I used to live just a block away, and it became my go-to date night spot with my then girlfriend (now my wife), making it a part of our early love story. As someone with Italian roots, I find their warm, welcoming atmosphere and handmade pastas especially comforting. Their food is always outstanding, and the friendly vibe makes it a place I look forward to revisiting. 28719 Los Alisos Blvd., Mission Viejo. 949-380-7261
Jason Yamaguchi of Konpa Restaurant:
Hamamori (Costa Mesa): The sushi at South Coast Plaza’s Hamamori is excellent. I especially appreciate how James Hamamori incorporates authentic Okinawan techniques and ingredients, such as shikuwasa, a unique citrus fruit native to Okinawa with a distinctively tart flavor. 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. 714-850-0880
Fonda Moderna Taqueria (Tustin): Fonda Moderna, created by Chef Daniel Godinez of Anepalco’s, blends his French and Mexican heritage beautifully. This fast-casual taqueria inside Tustin’s Mess Hall serves innovative tacos with house-made, hand-pressed tortillas and premium ingredients like A5 wagyu ribeye and locally foraged mushrooms. 1705 Flight Way, Tustin. 714-941-5418
L’Hirondelle (San Juan Capistrano): If you’re craving classic French cuisine, L’Hirondelle in San Juan Capistrano is the spot. Their osso bucco is fantastic, and timeless dishes like escargot, frog legs, and beef bourguignon are executed to perfection. 31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949-661-0425
Winnie Yee of Smoke Queen Barbecue:
Kim Ky Noodle House (Westminster): I’m an old Chinese soul at heart. When it comes to my quintessential comfort food, it has to be noodle soup. And this place does it simple and well! My favorite dish there is the pork kidney plate dressed with scallion oil and soy sauce. And the reason why this place is the best, is the fried lardons in the condiment offerings. 15041 Moran St., Westminster. 714-898-8141
Cơm Gà Nam An (Westminster): So far this place makes the best Hainan chicken I’ve ever tasted in the states. They start with a specific breed of chicken, slimmer, yet silkier texture with more of a bite than the typical. The fat layer between the skin and meat is also thinner than most chickens purchased at the market. I love that they offer the chicken deboned and skinned as well. Their Hainan chicken is very reminiscent of those found in Malaysia and Singapore. 15562 Brookhurst St., Westminster. 714-775-7192
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HNTea Organic Tea House (Irvine, Tustin): I love how this place uses organic tea leaves and real milk in their milk teas. Most boba places use nondairy creamer in their milk teas. My go-to order is Mountain Rock Tea Latte at 50% sugar with agar boba. 15366 Alton Parkway, Irvine, 949-822-9709; 17595 Harvard Ave., Irvine, 949-979-7325; 14001 Newport Ave., Tustin. 657-224-7459
Aaron Zimmer of La Vaquera:
Folks Pizzeria (Costa Mesa): Truly unique pizza crust with a long fermentation and high hydration makes for a crispy, bubbly crust with an amazing sour taste. Everything is great here. When I eat with my family, we go for pepperoni pizza or meatballs. And who doesn’t love fries cooked in beef tallow? 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. 714-617-4888
Heritage Barbecue (San Juan Capistrano): Best barbecue in Southern California! All of the staples — ribs, brisket and tri-tip — are always on point. What makes Heritage special is Daniel Castillo’s playfulness with his daily specials. One day you could see Hawaiian-style ribs, then the next day it could be Korean barbecue pork belly. Don’t forget the sides, either (if you’re lucky, Daniel will have queso and chips on the menu). 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. (No phone)
Finca (San Juan Capistrano): The burgers here are solid, but where chef David Pratt really shines is with his vegetable sides. He partners with local farms to source top-quality produce, bringing it to life on the plate. It’s the only burger-centric spot I’d confidently recommend to all my vegetarian friends. 31888 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. 949-388-8899