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Ò If you want one of the best poke bowls in Orange County, you want to visit Tuna Block Poke in Dana Point, which opened in June. Think creamy tuna, salmon, and musubi—yum! Native Knowledge: Order the Togarashi kettle popcorn for a fun twist. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 109 Dana Point, CA 92629 949.209.8788
Ò Founded by Jeff Clinard, Bear Coast Coffee serves coffee that cannot be found anywhere in Orange County. Once a pop-up shop, Bear Coast is now a full-service café. 618 1/2 Avenida Victoria San Clemente, CA 92672 949.482.0618 bearcoastcoffee.com
TUNA BLOCK POKE
10 New Restaurants to Experience in Orange County WRITTEN BY: LYNDSAY MARVIN
Southern California is a mecca for unique, delectable dishes and restaurants. People come from all over the world to experience the restaurant melting pot that is the West Coast. This year, Orange County is definitely making their mark. In 2016, a plethora of new restaurants have opened, with dishes ranging from Italian classics to poke bowls. Whether you are an adult or child, a native or visitor—you’re sure to find something you love from these 10 new restaurants.
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NORTH ITALIA
Ò It’s only natural that one of the best restaurants this year serves homemadelike Italian food. Between gluten-free pasta, truffle garlic bread, and slow cooked short rib, there’s something delicious for everyone. 2957 Michelson Dr Irvine, CA 92612 949.629.7060 northitaliarestaurant. com
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STEAK ‘N SHAKE
Ò Popular Midwest chain restaurant Steak ‘n Shake brings classic dishes, like steakburgers and milkshakes, with a hint of the past to Orange County. This will be their third location in California. 27002 La Paz Rd Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 949.860.1140 steaknshake.com 58 | LOCALE MAGAZINE
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WAYS & MEANS
Ò Enjoy some of the best oysters in Orange County at Ways & Means Oyster House! This sexy beachside restaurant boasts patio dining, daily specials and an At Home store. Don’t miss out on Maine Lobster Monday, where guests enjoy whole Maine lobster for $9.99 while enjoying views of the Huntington Beach pier. 21022 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.960.4300 wmoysters.com
BEAR COAST COFFEE
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PUESTO
Ò For Mexico City style tacos of all varieties, look in Irvine for the brand new Puesto as your go-to. After its success down South in San Diego, Puesto decided to bring their award winning tacos to Orange County. From chicken al pastor to carnitas to lobster, everyone is sure to get something absolutely mouth-watering. Los Olivos Marketplace 8577 Irvine Center Dr Irvine, CA 9261 eatpuesto.com
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HATCH
Ò This tiki bar’s drink list is 100 percent rum. Choose one (or all) of their options—Moo, Oink, Flap, Swim, or Sprout—for the tastiest sliders in town. Native Knowledge: Hatch also has 20 microbrews on tap. Union Market at the District 2493 Park Avenue Ste 27 Tustin, CA 92782 949.433.3854 eathatch.com
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IRONWOOD
Ò Brand new restaurant Ironwood is making its debut with from-scratch fine dining, and has given a permanent home to the one pound meatball. 25250 La Paz Rd Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949.446.8772 ironwoodlagunahills.com
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IRENIA RESTAURANT
Ò Pop-up restaurant turned legit, Irenia serves seasonal and modern Filipino cuisine. Native Knowledge: Irenia is named after owner and Chef Ryan Garlitos’ grandmother. 400 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701 657.245.3466 ireniarestaurant.com
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SNOOZE EATERY
Ò Opened in July, Snooze is a breakfast eatery with a conscience; they donate their goods (like pancakes!) and services to various causes and organizations. 3032 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92782 snoozeeatery.com
Photos - North Italia: Adam Gentry | Ways and Means: Gil Cope
EAT/DRINK