The Best New Restaurants in Orange County in 2023 So Far

The OC restaurant scene is getting better and better.

Over the last few year , Orange County restaurant have help the area climb towards culinary realisation , despite being so often overlooked in favor of metropolitan neighbors Los Angeles and San Diego . Its clear - cut of meat repute has divide into something more eclectic , finally reaping the welfare of its pristine coastline and various universe of local and visitant .

In 2023 , a craw of exciting young restaurants has already emerge , each bringing unequaled flair to the region . Fromstunningly good new breweriestocreative cocktail lounges , and fromkiller barbecuetooutstanding mariscos , Orange County has grown into anexcellent dining region . These are the good new restaurants in Orange County .

JOEY

Newport BeachPerhaps the buzziest restaurant chess opening of 2023 so far has been JOEY Newport Beach . The Canadian restaurant chain ’s new addition to its grow US compendium is at glitzy Fashion Island , which joins locations in LA , Seattle , and Houston . Guests are fulfill with a glass of Champagne-Ardenne upon arrival , then offered seat in the lovely dining elbow room or on the expansive outdoor patio . The blank space is both chic and casual , with design elements let in cozy flaming pits and a plethora of great - scale artwork from local natural endowment . The menu is equally eclectic , featuring ravisher that range from sushi to chicken parmesan . Unlike many Orange County restaurants , JOEY delay open late , serving until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 am on the weekends . How to book : Reservations uncommitted through theirwebsite .

Beachwood Pizza & Beer

Huntington BeachLocal guile beer loversalready know just how special it is when a brewery step up their food for thought plot . awarding - advance Southern California workmanship brewery Beachwood Brewing is taking things even further , give people even more of their company to hump with a raw pizza pie and beer eating house in Huntington Beach . Located just inland from Bolsa Chica State Beach , you’re able to partner off your hazy IPA with a 16 - in sourdough Proto-Indo European , a killer Meatball Sando , or apps including Fried Pickles and Smoked Wings . How to book : Walk in or place online throughToast .

Postino Wine Cafe

IrvineIf you desire shareable plate that go the distance , Postino hits the spot . The young restaurant at Irvine Place is the chain ’s first elaboration into California , joining locations in Arizona , Colorado , Georgia , and Texas . The bruschetta boards are massive and offer a wide mixed bag , with classic like brie , apple , and fig spreadhead ; sweet and zesty pepper jam and goat high mallow ; and mushroom-shaped cloud and mascarpone . The best seats may be at the bar , so you’re able to get a flying education from the bartenders about Postino ’s expansive wine list . The eclectic ‘ 70s interior decoration feature colorful pendant , low curved velvet lounge , and burn orange galore . How to reserve : take the air in or order online throughToast .

Laguna Fish Co.

Laguna BeachRestaurateur Ivan Spiers , know forMozambiqueandSkyloft , has open his newest concept in the artsy beach city . For this new fast - casual seafood eating house , Spiers and his squad raise and refined the former Tommy Bahama Restaurant space , with shining concrete floor and slat Sir Henry Joseph Wood ceilings and wall coming together to evoke an old - school day Pisces firm pass away modern . Grab a ginmill arse and order up a twelve oyster , some Spanish Octopus Ceviche , Seafood Nachos , or maybe a Seared Tuna Sandwich . Do n’t lose the family made Sangria , served by the carafe to wash it all down . How to reserve : manner of walking - Indiana only .

The Goldfinch

IrvineThe Goldfinch is the situation to go for might lunches and romantic dinners on the Irvine Concourse . Located at Eighteen Main — a 17,000 - square - foot space on the former site of McCormick & Schmick’s — the restaurant is a fusion of food for thought , interior decoration , and energy . Absurdly high ceiling offer a modern , severe setting , while gold mend and velvet booth warm up things up . The bar takes halfway point , maintain matter nonchalant despite the elegant ambience . The ever - evolving seasonal menu currently sport creative dishes like a Shrimp Pho Burger , and also plenty of classic — there ’s an Iceberg Wedge , a Maple - Glazed Double Pork Chop , and Lobster Mac and Cheese . How to book : Reservations uncommitted through theirwebsite .

Bloom Restaurant & Bar

San Juan CapistranoBloom Restaurant & Bar is ideally situated across from the Mission San Juan Capistrano and within walking distance of the string station . The arresting 2,400 - square - invertebrate foot blank space is build to withstand heavy invertebrate foot dealings from all those visitor — but that does n’t mean they ’ve sacrificed food , imbibe , or dash . The eating place is adjust in a 1930s - earned run average brick building , and the new construct infuse beautiful forward-looking touches into the historic distance . There are beamed ceiling , a retractable glass exhibition kitchen , and a 10 - seat measure with moody lighting . The monolithic arched windows allow plenty of natural light to filter in , and give diners a glance of the hustle and bustle of the fondness of San Juan Capistrano . The computer menu leans into comfort , with dish like Crispy Pork Belly and Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi , Country - fry Prime Hanger Steak , and a Wagyu Beef Burger . How to book : qualification available throughOpenTable .

The Beach House

Seal BeachThis eating place is exactly what it sounds like : an approachable , energetic new spot situate flavor splash on the sand . As window shopping go , it ’s operose to envisage walking by without block up in for a bite of modern California consolation nutrient . The entirety of the eatery , from its wide patio to its cosy interior , feels like the perfect place to slurp back oysters on the half shell and sip on a Bloody Mary for Sunday brunch . But the best time to visit may be sunset , when you’re able to watch the Lord’s Day dip below the Pacific while you nosh on Cauliflower Ceviche , Fish & Chips , and Grilled Jumbo Shrimp . How to hold : Walk - ins only .

Kai Lounge

Huntington BeachPacific City Mallhas no shortage of restaurants , but the indoor - outdoor shopping center of attention has gone through its fair share of turnover . The latest dining concept from theWild Thyme Restaurant Group(known for local hitShorebird ) , has detect a home on the second flooring of the retail destination alongside successful mainstays includingTanner’sandBluegold . The Japanese - inspired card has so many exciting offering , it may be hard to contract down your order . Do you deck your table with a record of colourful sashimi and sushi roster ? Or do you fulfill up on robata skewers and wok entrees like the Black Angus Shaking Beef ? Or , best of all , can you gather a group to flow the whole thing ? The cocktail trend colourful and inventive , like the Green Tea Old Fashioned . And if you ’re palpate additional , book a pip inside the Whiskey Room for an intimate 18 - track omakase experience . How to book : Reservations available over the telephone set at ( 657 ) 259 - 0010 .

JOEY at Newport Beach