Orange County’s Best New Restaurants of 2020

A look back at this year’s winners in time for our annual Best Of issue!

July 9, 2020

Cocktails #togetherwetoast, left, and Beets by Drew; Photograph by Emily J. Davis

Our picks reveal wildly different inspirations—from Irish folk tales to Manhattan nostalgia to magnified French luxury—but share a confident, indie spirit. And for 2020, we peek back 10 years at these locations for clues to what we loved back then.

Restaurant of the Year: Fable & Spirit

➜ Fable & Spirit Is Our 2020 Restaurant Of The Year
orangecoast.com/best-of/fable-spirit-is-our-2020-restaurant-of-the-year/

Bello by Sandro Nardone

➜ Bello By Sandro Nardone Showcases Progressive Italian Cusine
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-bello-by-sandro-nardone-showcases-progressive-italian-cusine/

Benchmark

➜ Benchmark Is A Santa Ana Hot Spot With Alfresco Dining
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-benchmark-is-a-santa-ana-hot-spot-with-alfresco-dining/

CdM Restaurant

➜ CdM Restaurant Is A Lavish Coastal Venue With a Subterranean Speakeasy
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-cdm-restaurant-is-a-lavish-coastal-venue-with-a-subterranean-speakeasy/

Crudo at The Hall Global Eatery

➜ Crudo at The Hall Global Eatery Has An Upscale, Yet Low-Key Vibe
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-crudo-at-the-hall-global-eatery-has-an-upscale-yet-low-key-vibe/

Knife Pleat

➜ Knife Pleat Arrives With Glow of Michelin Starlight
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-knife-pleat-arrives-with-glow-of-michelin-starlight/

Old Brea Chop House

➜ Old Brea Chop House Sizzles With Steakhouse Classics
orangecoast.com/article/best-new-restaurants-2020-old-brea-chop-house-sizzles-with-steakhouse-classics/

Tavern House

➜ Tavern House Pairs Fun Favorites With Fresh Creations
orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-tavern-house-pairs-fun-favorites-with-fresh-creations/

The Drake

➜ The Drake Pairs Distinctive Cuisine With Primo Live Music
https://www.orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-the-drake-pairs-distinctive-cuisine-with-primo-live-music/

The Yellow Chilli

➜ Yellow Chilli Serves Faithful Indian Fare in a Nifty Setting
https://www.orangecoast.com/ocdining/best-new-restaurants-2020-the-yellow-chilli-serves-faithful-indian-fare-in-a-nifty-setting/

Head to orangecoast.com/readersrave to vote for your favorites from this year’s Reader Picks!

Visit orangecoast.com/best2020 for the rest of our Best Of picks.

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