DINING
DIN TAI FUNG > Chinese $$ Taiwanese icon known for xiao long bao; watch the Shanghai-style dumplings being meticulously folded, then work your way through the menu. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., 714.549.3388 Map J13 HABANA > Latin $$ Hip Nuevo Latino destination with elaborate brunch and sultry dinners. Ropa vieja; tamale pie. L, D (daily); Br (Su). The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., 714.556.0176 Map D5
Pan con tomate at Cafe Sevilla in Costa Mesa
FARMHOUSE > American $$$ Rich Mead’s field-to-fork-inspired cafe, a centerpiece of Roger’s Gardens, is a hit, especially with the lunching ladies. Superb cocktail team. L, D (daily). 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, 949.640.1415 Map L16 FIVE CROWNS > Continental $$$ Lawry’s institution in English inn replica known for prime rib. New chef, new bar and new seasonal menu. Acclaimed SideDoor Gastropub adjacent. D (nightly). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., 949.760.0331 Map M16 PIROZZI > Italian $$$ Convivial spot offers olive fritte, limoncello-infused taglierini and heart-shaped Nutella pizza for two. Excellent pizzas. D (nightly). 2929 E. Coast Hwy., 949.675.2932 Map M16 SIDEDOOR > Gastropub $$ Spot shares replica of England’s oldest inn with Five Crowns. Artisanal cheese, charcuterie, seasonal plates and world-class brews—plus elevated British pub fare. D (nightly). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., 949.717.4322 Map M16
COSTA MESA / SOUTH COAST METRO ANQI BISTRO > Vietnamese Fusion $$$ Innovative small plates in sexy setting with backlit bar and glass catwalk over running stream. Garlic noodles; secretrecipe garlic crab on Tuesdays. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., 714.557.5679 Map J13 ARC > American $$ “Flame, flavor, finesse” amid rustic-apothecary decor. Legendary burger; best fries; Butcher’s Love cap of the rib-eye for four; top-tier cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., 949.500.5561 Map J12 CAFE SEVILLA > Spanish $$ Opens presently. Cuisine and culture of España: tapas, paella and live flamenco. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., 949.688.1555 Map K12 THE CAPITAL GRILLE > Steak $$$$ Elegant spot offers superior dry-aged beef—notably the bone-in kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin—amid local portraits. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., 714.432.1140 Map J13 COSTA > Peruvian $$ Petite, chic spot near performing arts venues offers ceviches and tiraditos, arroz con mariscos, filet-mignon lomo saltado. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 650 Anton Blvd., 714.852.3299 Map J13 THE COUNTRY CLUB > American $$ Like a Gatsby-esque sports club. Popcorn-infused Shinnecock cocktail; hamachi tacos on jicama shells; caramelized white-chocolate bread pudding. L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). 330 E. 17th St., 949.281.2582 Map K12
THE HALL GLOBAL EATERY > Food Hall $-$$ New. Top Chef finalist Amar Santana and partner Ahmed Labbate open with multiple concepts including a crudo and charcuterie bar, a shawarma counter, a cafe for pastries and sandwiches, and beautiful cocktails. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., 800.782.8888 Map J13 HAMAMORI > Japanese $$$ White-on-white room with undulating curves offers beauteous sushi. Signature tamari-marinated black cod; Japanese whiskies. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., 714.850.0880 Map J13 HANA RE SUSHI > Japanese $$$$ Transporting omakase-only meals in serene minimalist environment, one of the county’s two Michelin-starred restaurants. “Short” tasting course available Tu-Th. D (TuSa). The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., 714.545.2800 Map J13 KNIFE PLEAT > French $$$ New. Former owners of L.A.’s Church & State unveil stunner at South Coast Plaza. Légumes de saison; Crescent duck; Caramel dessert; Dior cocktail. Sunday tea. L (daily), D (M-Sa). 3333 Bristol St., 714.435.2034 Map J13 LEATHERBY’S CAFÉ ROUGE > Steak $$$ Chic dining at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Elaborate starters; Snake River Farms New York steak; Valrhona chocolate beggar’s purse. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, 714.429.7640 Map J13 MARUGAME UDON > Japanese $$ New. Japan’s premier cafeteria-style udon restaurant specializes in made-to-order udon noodles. Dozens of tempura and musubi selections offered. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., 714.619.5688 Map J13 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE > Steak $$$$ Swanky spot offers larger-than-life portions, white-jacket service. Wet-aged hand-cut bone-in filet; crab gnocchi; warm butter cake. Generous cocktails, live music in the bar. D (nightly). 633 Anton Blvd., 714.546.7405 Map J13 MEMPHIS > Southern $$ Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwestern dishes in a hip retro setting. Start with gumbo. B, L (M-F); D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 2920 Bristol St., 714.432.7685 Map J13 OLD VINE KITCHEN + BAR > Global Italian $$ Old Vine Cafe moves next door, adds a bar. Always a pleasure—for caramel apple French toast, beef-tongue panino or four-course tasting menus. B, L (daily); D (TuSa). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., 714.545.1411 Map J13 OUTPOST KITCHEN > American $$ Inspired by the go-to Aussie beach cafes of the 1970s. Popular Caveman Skillet, Bagel on the Lox. New second location near South Coast Plaza. B, L (daily). 1792 Monrovia Ave.; 3420 Bristol St.; 949.873.5123 Map D3 (V) SEABIRDS KITCHEN > Vegan $$ New at South Coast Plaza. Plant-based purple taquitos, artichoke drumsticks (like fried chicken!), chaffle (churro waffle). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., 714.549.2584; South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., 800.782.8888 Map J13
SEASONS 52 > American $$ Lower-calorie. Lots of flavor. Fab bar, stylish decor, eclectic seasonal menu, Mini Indulgences desserts. Brick-oven brioche “French toast” at brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., 714.437.5252 Map J13 SILVER TRUMPET > California $$$ “A symphony of flavors” in a lakeside setting opposite Segerstrom Center for the Arts, ideal for a repast before or after a show or concert. B, L, D (daily). 3350 Avenue of the Arts, 714.442.8593 Map J13 SOCIAL > American $$ Hip spot offers intriguing cuisine and inventive cocktails (e.g., PB&J). Wood-fired oysters; Akaushi-beef Drive Thru Burger; wagyu tri-tip. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 512 W. 19th St., 949.642.2425 Map K12 TACO MARÍA > Mexican $$$ One of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Orange County features Carlos Salgado’s fascinating “Chicano cuisine.” Tacos at lunch; four-course prix fixe dinner. L, D (Tu-Sa); Br (Su). SoCo & the OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., 714.538.8444 Map J12 TERRACE BY MIX MIX > Eclectic $$$ Acclaimed chef Ross Pangilinan offers mostly small plates, mostly on a covered terrace. Three-course express lunch is a steal—$20. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., 657.231.6447 Map H13 TOAST KITCHEN + BAKERY > American $$ Brunch and dunch! Highlights include Cajun shrimp and grits, Nashville hot chicken, and malasadas. B, L (Tu-Su); D (Tu-Sa). 1767 Newport Blvd., 949.873.5057 Map B4 TRENTA > Italian $$ Sicilian owners and American chef John English offer tightly edited menu of distinctive and thoroughly enjoyable pizzas and pastas. D (Tu-Su). 1661 Superior Ave., 949.270.6652 Map D3 VACA > Spanish $$$ Tapas, paellas, house-made charcuterie, 50-day aged steaks and superb cocktails (e.g., Vaca Tonic, house-made vermouth) from Amar Santana, a Bravo Top Chef runnerup, and partner Ahmed Labbate. L (M-F), D (W-M). 695 Town Center Drive, 714.463.6060 Map J13 WATER GRILL > Seafood $$$ Upscale spot opposite South Coast Plaza includes O.C.’s best oyster bar. In the dining room: off-menu whole-fish ceviche, wild Barents Sea red king crab, superior salmon, 1-pound Prime rib-eye, indulgent desserts. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., 949.208.7060 Map J13
DANA POINT AVEO TABLE + BAR > Mediterranean $$$ Coastal bounty, cool chandeliers, ocean views. Eggs al forno, porchetta sandwich, paella for two. “Farm to Bar” cocktails under a vaulted ceiling. B, L, D (daily). 1 Monarch Beach Resort, 949.234.3915 Map J17 BOURBON STEAK > Steak $$$$ Luxe Michael Mina spot offers spectacular tableside presentations including cast-iron-broiled shellfish platter and hay-smoked rib-eye cap. Remarkable old- and newschool cocktails; martini cart. D (nightly). 1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive, 949.234.3405 Map J17 CHART HOUSE > Seafood $$$ The architecture alone—circular pods atop a harbor-view bluff—is worth a visit. Lobster bisque; wok-fried whole fish; Port of Manhattan cocktail. D (nightly). 34442 Street of the Green Lantern, 949.493.1183 Map J16 CRAFT HOUSE > New American $$ Chef Blake Mellgreen, whiskey man Garth Dokken never bore! Knife + Fork spicy fried chicken sandwich; Better Than Nick’s butter cake; 100 whiskeys. D (nightly), Br (Su). 34094 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.481.7739 Map J16
COURTESY CAFE SEVILLA
THE CRACK SHACK > American $$ Bravo Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais offers chicken- and egg-centric dishes amid chicken-themed decor. L, D (daily). 196 E. 17th St., 949.383.5040 Map K12
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