Orange County’s latest dining spots offer a variety of exceptional flavors, from fresh pasta to expertly grilled steaks, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers.
Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails
Russ Bendel, the restaurateur behind popular restaurants like Vine, Bloom, Sapphire, Olea, and Ironwood, has expanded his culinary vision with Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails in San Clemente. “We aim to deliver the ultimate modern American pizza parlor experience,” says chef Jared Cook. The menu showcases sourdough-crusted pizzas with perfectly puffed bubbles from cold fermentation, providing a crispy-chewy exterior and a soft interior. In addition to eight pizza varieties, diners can enjoy prime beef and pork meatballs, a refreshing chopped salad, and dishes like porchetta and shrimp and clam bucatini. Local brews and area-inspired cocktails, like the tequila-infused El Camino Real, complete the menu.
Ospi
Chef Jackson Kalb, a Top Chef alum with a background in Michelin-starred restaurants, continues to grow his culinary empire with the opening of Ospi in Costa Mesa. Known for his L.A. spots Jame, Jemma, and Ospi, this new venture marks his first Orange County restaurant under the Memento Mori Hospitality group. Located in Paseo 17 on East 17th Street, Ospi serves up Italian classics like housemade pasta, thin Roman-style pizzas, and country bread toasts, along with an impressive selection of wine and cocktails. Guests can look forward to enjoying lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch this fall.
Warehouse 72 Modern Bistro + Bar
Nestled within the Hyatt Regency Irvine, Warehouse 72 Modern Bistro + Bar is a unique culinary concept from O.C. native Doug Pak. Opened in mid-August, this upscale eatery blends art and dining in a 6,200-square-foot space, featuring a captivating 30-foot LED installation displaying rotating 3D artwork. Executive chef Jaime Salazar curates a menu with organic, non-GMO ingredients, offering dishes like black truffle arancini, miso-glazed wild seabass, and Australian lamb chops. For breakfast and lunch, don’t miss the ube pancakes or the chicken curry naan wrap. All-day dining is available daily.
Westwood Coast
Located in Costa Mesa’s Triangle Square, Westwood Coast combines live country music, seasonal fare, and entertainment for a fun-filled dining experience. The 8,500-square-foot venue includes a private dining room, a spacious 20-seat bar with over 100 whiskey options, and Louis, a mechanical bull for adventurous guests. On Thursdays, enjoy line dancing with an instructor, while Fridays and Saturdays feature live country music. The menu, crafted by executive chef Jayro Martinez, includes premium steaks like the 40-ounce bone-in Australian wagyu ribeye, smoked duck wings, and corn ribs served with lime aioli and salsa macha powder. Weekend brunch offers indulgent dishes such as Dungeness crab Benedict with truffle hollandaise and the hearty Cowgirl Croque.
