Californian Archives - Orange Coast Magazine

Memphis was one of the county’s first retro restaurants. It’s set in a sassy shoebox, with a ’50s look and a menu to match: fried chicken, cornbread, gumbo, and steaks…

Website: http://www.memphiscafe.com

Neighborhood: Costa Mesa, South Coast Metro

Category: Californian, Restaurants, Southern/Soul

Opah

26851 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656

949-360-8822

Trendy and sleek, this neighborhood hottie oozes a hip energy that attracts single minglers and ‘burban scene-hunters in search of artfully prepared California cuisine…

Website: http://www.opahrestaurant.com

Neighborhood: Aliso Viejo

Category: Californian, Restaurants

Pitfire Artisan Pizza

353 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, CA, 92627

949-313-6333

The first O.C. shop from this thriving L.A.-based chain is not your nonna’s pizzeria…

Website: http://www.pitfirepizza.com

Neighborhood: Costa Mesa, Orange County, South Coast Metro

Category: Californian, Italian, Restaurants

Seasons 52

3333 Bristol Ave., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

714-437-5252

The ground floor of the departed Clubhouse has been replaced with this attractive bar and grill from Darden Restaurants…

Website: http://www.seasons52.com

Neighborhood: Costa Mesa, South Coast Metro

Category: Californian, Restaurants

Slowfish

16051 Bolsa Chica St., Huntington Beach, CA, 92649

714-846-6951

Easily missed in a strip mall along busy Bolsa Chica, this slightly hip storefront serves up distinctly modern Cal-Asian fare…

Website: http://www.slowfishusa.com

Neighborhood: Huntington Beach

Category: Californian, Korean, Restaurants

Studio

30801 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651

949-715-6030

After a stellar run at Pasadena’s Langham Huntington hotel, executive chef Craig Strong brings his considerable talents to Montage resort’s ocean-view fine-dining venue…

Website: http://www.montagelagunabeach.com

Neighborhood: Laguna Beach, Waterfront

Category: Californian, French, Restaurants

Sundried Tomato Café and Catering Company

31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675

949-661-1167

These breezy cafes are a great find for light lunch and uncomplicated dinners. Small and large plates for the California palate…

Website: http://www.thesundriedtomatocafe.com

Neighborhood: San Juan Capistrano

Category: Californian, Restaurants

The Cat & The Custard Cup

800 E. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, CA, 90631

562-694-3812

There aren’t many options in La Habra, but this reliable English-themed tavern charms, with fireplaces, a cozy bar, and smiling service…

Website: http://www.catandcustardcup.com

Neighborhood: La Habra

Category: Californian, Restaurants

The Wild Artichoke

4973 Yorba Ranch Road, Yorba Linda, CA, 92885

714-777-9646

Chef-owner James D’Aquila and his winsome crew raise the culinary bar at this teensy, modest storefront…

Website: http://www.thewildartichoke.com

Neighborhood: Yorba Linda

Category: Californian, Fusion/Eclectic/Global, Italian, Restaurants

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

2647 Park Ave., Tustin, CA, 92782

714-258-7600

The O.C. power crowd doesn’t care that The Winery isn’t a winery, but a huge, handsome restaurant crafted to attract disciples of steak, wine, and cigars.

Website: http://www.thewineryrestaurant.net

Neighborhood: Tustin

Category: Californian, Restaurants

Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille

854 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar, CA, 92660

949-760-8686

Ongoing nips and tucks keep this perennial favorite fresh. The fare remains reliably coastal and fresh: sole with yuzu-lilikoi butter…

Website: http://www.tommybahama.com

Neighborhood: Corona del Mar

Category: Californian, Fusion/Eclectic/Global, Restaurants

Vine

211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, 92672

949-361-2079

Take a wine country detour at this top choice for poised California cuisine supported by an enlightened wine selection…

Website: http://www.vinesanclemente.com

Neighborhood: San Clemente

Category: Californian, Restaurants