Orange County Scoop
Places to Eat · Restaurants

Where Orange Countyactually sits down.

From taco windows on Lincoln to chef-driven omakase in Irvine — the full range of OC dining, vetted by people who eat here every week.

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Lane 01 · Sit Down or Pick Up

Restaurants.

Sit-down, fast casual, takeout windows and everything in between. Every cuisine Orange County has to offer — from chef-driven Mexican on Center Street to quiet weeknight pho on Bolsa.

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★ Editor's Pick

Driftwood Kitchen

Laguna Beach · $$$

Perched on the cliffside in Laguna Beach with the Pacific stretching to the horizon. Chef-driven coastal cuisine, locally-sourced fish, and a wine list curated for sunsets. Reservations are essential — this is an occasion restaurant.

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Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Foothill Ranch
$$
Lake Forest

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Foothill Ranch

Mexican · tacos

<p>Each restaurant is family-owned so that we can serve you the highest quality, fresh, authentic Mexican food in a fun atmosphere. Each location also has its own specialty dishes and drink specials. Our location is known for its grande burritos and delicious margaritas.</p>

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Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Lake Forest
$$
Lake Forest

Avila's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Lake Forest

Mexan · tacos

<p>Founded in 1997 by Sal Avila and now owned by his daughter Nathalie Avila Ruttkay,&nbsp;Avila’s El Ranchito Lake Forest continues the family tradition Mamá Avila began in 1966 with recipes from Guanajuato, Mexico, right here in the heart of Lake Forest.&nbsp;</p>

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Romano Cucina Laguna Hills
$$
Laguna Hills

Romano Cucina Laguna Hills

Italian · pasta

<p>Romano Cucina serves authentic Italian food. Our family-run restaurants provide a casual and comfortable atmosphere that is sure to make you feel right at home. Our pastas and pizza exemplify the traditions of home cooked Italian cuisine.</p><p>We offer a unique selection of martinis, specialty cocktails and a variety of wines by the glass or bottle. Our Romano Cucina family looks forward to seeing and serving you soon!</p>

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Sakana Sushi & Omakase
$$$
Irvine

Sakana Sushi & Omakase

Japanese · Sushi

An intimate 12-seat omakase counter where chef Hiroshi Tanaka sources fish directly from Tokyo's Toyosu Market three times weekly. The 15-course experience is the best sushi dining in Orange County, full stop.

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