ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANTS

Overview · Restaurants · Hotels

Anaheim White House 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA, USA	714/772-1381 Read Review
Several small dining rooms are set with crisp linens and candles in this flower-filled 1909 mansion. The northern Italian menu includes pasta, rack of lamb, and a large selection of fresh seafood. A three-course prix-fixe lunch, served weekdays, costs $16. AE, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Chat Noir 655 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA, USA	714/557-6647 Read Review
With a decor that evokes Belle Epoque Paris, Chat Noir vamps it up with dark wood and red velvet. As it's near the theaters, it's especially handy for a preperformance meal. Live jazz, proximity to South Coast Plaza and businesses, and updated takes on French bistro classics such as omelets, escargots, and mussels and fries make for an eclectic crowd. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Gulfstream 850 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar, CA, USA	949/718-0187 Read Review
This trendy restaurant has an open kitchen, comfortable booths, and outdoor seating on warm evenings. Especially tasty are the short ribs with mustard barbecue sauce, served with fries and slaw; the most popular item is a tuna burger. Salads are healthy and good -- particularly the grilled vegetables. Things get noisy near the bar area, so come early if you like quiet. AE, D, MC, V.
JW's Steakhouse 700 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, CA, USA	714/750-8000 Read Review
This subdued steak house inside the Anaheim Marriott specializes in aged beef but also serves seafood. The clubby, gentleman's library-style room has sectioned-off dining booths. The extensive wine list includes some double bottles. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch.
La Brasserie 202 S. Main St., Orange, CA, USA	714/978-6161 Read Review
You'll find the perennial elements of a fine French restaurant here: a warm welcome, a softly lighted dining room with oil paintings, and classic fare. You could start with vichyssoise or terrine of foie gras before sampling the chef's veal special. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.
La Vie en Rose 240 S. State College Blvd., across from Brea mall, Brea, CA, USA	714/529-8333 Read Review
It's worth the detour to Brea to sample the traditional French cuisine served in this faux Norman farmhouse. The menu hits many familiar favorites like onion soup and steak au poivre, but you can also find Normandy's characteristic ingredients: shellfish, apples, and rich, creamy sauces. For dessert, try the apple tart or Grand Marnier soufflé. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun.
Morton's of Chicago South Coast Plaza Village, 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, CA, USA	714/444-4834 Read Review
Hearty eaters flock to this wood-panel eatery, the quintessential steak house, for huge portions of prime aged beef and fresh seafood. During the week check out happy hour to soften the blow of the check. The soft lighting contrasts with all the noise. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Mr. Stox 1105 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA, USA	714/634-2994 Read Review
Intimate booths and linen tablecloths create an elegant setting at this family-owned restaurant. Prime rib, mesquite-grilled rack of lamb, and fresh fish specials are excellent; the pasta, bread, and pastries are made in-house; and the wine list is wide-ranging. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.
Napa Rose Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA, USA	714/300-7170 Read Review
In sync with its host hotel, this restaurant is done in a lovely Arts and Crafts style. The contemporary cuisine here is matched with an extensive wine list (600 bottles on display). For a look into the open kitchen, sit at the counter and watch the chefs as they whip up signature dishes such as Gulf of California rock scallops in a sauce of lemon, lobster, and vanilla and spit-roasted prime rib of pork with ranch-style black beans. A four-course prix-fixe menu ($75 without wine, $120 with wine) changes weekly. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
Pirate's Dinner Adventure 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA, USA	866/439-2469 Read Review
During this interactive pirate-theme dinner show, 150 actors/singers/acrobats (some quite talented) perform on a galleon while you eat a three-course meal. Food is mediocre and seating is tight, but kids love making a lot of noise to cheer on their favorite pirate. AE, D, MC, V.
Studio Montage Hotel, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA, USA	949/715-6420 Read Review
In a nod to Laguna's art history, Studio has food that entices the eye as well as the palate. You can't beat the location, on a 50-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean -- every table has an ocean view. Executive chef James Boyce changes the menu daily to reflect the seafood and the fresh ingredients on hand (he even has a "personal forager"). Among the standouts you might find grilled rib-eye steak and a salad of seared Catalina yellowtail with Hawaiian green papaya and lemongrass. A prix-fixe tasting menu is $115; with wine it's $170. Nonalcoholic beverages can be paired with the food, too. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch.
Tuna Town 221 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA, USA	714/536-3194 Read Review
Korn drummer David Silvera, a Huntington Beach resident, owns this Japanese-Hawaiian restaurant. Korn memorabilia is on the walls, which reverberate with music and chatter. Try the sushi dinner or sautéed chicken in wasabi cream sauce. The food takes center stage when the chefs chop and grill the food right before your eyes. AE, D, MC, V. No dinner May-Aug.