Best Restaurants In OC Worth The Hype
Deciding where to eat in Orange County can be a daunting task with all of the options and restaurants in town. With new restaurants coming in to spice things up, even the established locations have been able to maintain their hype and keep customers coming back for more. Here are some of the best Orange County restaurants that have maintained their reputation as some of the best the OC has to offer.
Pieology Pizzeria
516 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 447-4064
www.pieology.com
If you are looking to take control of your pizza, Pieology is the place for you. Create your own custom pizza with fresh ingredients and get the pie in less than five minutes. It has been said this is the Subway or Chipotle of pizza and customers tend to agree. The crust is just the perfect crisp taste that was created with the perfect blend, and the recipe remains confidential. The company's mission statement is "Be inspired to make a difference, one pie at a time." For such a reasonable price to create your own pie, it is no surprise that many flock to the restaurant for a quick bite to eat. For a custom 12-inch pie, the price begins at $7.50 and a basic cheese begins at $6. A second location is also available at the Irvine Spectrum.
Sushi Sankai
3940 S. Bristol St., Suite 112
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 241-7115
What some consider a hidden gem and a local favorite, Sankai really provides its customers with fresh and tasty sushi and Japanese food. Owned by a Japanese family, the quality of service is very welcoming and the servers are polite and friendly. Popular dishes at this location include the Love Boat, Tuna Tataki, Volcano Roll and the Oyster Shots will give you a little kick to keep you coming back for more. It is located next to the popular South Coast Plaza in a shopping center with convenient parking. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the dinner time rush because this location is a quaint and smaller restaurant.
Panini Cafe
3041 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 260-9800
www.mypaninicafe.com
If you are looking for an amazing chicken kabob or Mediterranean food, look no further than Panini Cafe in Irvine. With locations throughout Southern California including Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, the restaurant prides itself on being fresh and healthy in comparison to other restaurants serving the same dishes. Ingredients include some of the best imported olive oil and low-fat cheeses as well and the inspiration for the food at this location is an Italian Mediterranean cuisine that is the best that Europe and the Middle East have to offer. The menu is made from scratch as well and customers rave about the breakfast and lunch menus.
Related: Best BYOB Restaurants In OC
Splashes
1555 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-2779
www.surfandsandresort.com/splashes
One cannot deny the amazing view that comes with dining at this Laguna Beach restaurant located at the Sand and Surf Resort. The sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the fresh ocean air makes the delicious food even more memorable. The specials are seasonal at this restaurant and the service is top notch for a location that prides itself on its customer service. The name "Splashes" is very fitting for the restaurant being that it is located in close proximity to the Laguna sands. You not only pay for the great food, but the amazing experience and view.
Habana
2930 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-0176
www.thelab.com/shops/habana
The romantic ambiance of this restaurant proves to be a great location for a date or celebration. The Cuban food is sensational, true and authentic to what Cuban food is supposed to be. Although the parking may be a bit of an issue, the moment you step into the restaurant, you enter a different world where the empanadas, bruschetta, seafood and paella will melt your taste buds. You may not have enough room for dessert after enjoying an appetizer and meal because of the generous portion sizes. Many customers come back for more and this location tends to be the locals' favorite.
Related: Top 10 Best Burgers In Orange County
