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Best Restaurants To Celebrate An Anniversary In Orange County

Along with remembering the date and buying the present, making the right dinner reservation is one of the key components for ensuring a successful anniversary. Thankfully Orange County offers an impressive variety of romantic dining options perfectly suited for an extra-special celebration that is sure to impress your significant other. 
Napa-Rose-Verified Dave
(credit: Disneyland Resort)

Napa Rose
1313 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 635-2300
www.disneyland.com

Located in the Grand Californian Hotel, Napa Rose is not only the best fine dining option on the Disneyland property, it's one of the top restaurants in all of Orange County. Prepared to be wowed by the exquisite farm-to-table menu and extensive California-centric wine list. If you want to truly impress your partner, consider booking a seat at the chef's counter to get a first-hand look at how Chef Andrew Sutton and his team prepare their mouth-watering creations. You can even have a hand in curating your own custom tasting menu to help make the evening unforgettable. 

Stonehill Tavern 55-Verified Dave
(credit: Stonehill Tavern)

Stonehill Tavern
1 Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3200
www.michaelmina.com

James Beard award winner Michael Mina is one of the premiere names in American dining with several acclaimed restaurants across the country. His Dana Point eatery Stonehill Tavern, situated in the stunning Monarch Beach Resort, certainly lives up to the chef's reputation, with a menu focused on elevated comfort food including lobster pot pie and whole-fried jidori chicken. If you're looking for maximum luxury, the restaurant offers three different varieties of ostera caviar and multiple champagne options amidst the extensive wine list.

Tacos Maria - Anne Watson-Verified Dave
(credit: Anne Watson Photography)

Tacos Maria
3313 Hyland Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 538-8444
www.tacosmaria.com

Don't let the name deceive you. Yes, Tacos Maria serves tacos, and yes, they're delicious. But the main reason this Costa Mesa gem has earned a reputation as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the country is Chef Carlos Salgado's innovative and ever-changing four course pre-fixe menus. Fusing Mexican classics with a modern California twist, Chef Salgado offers unique spins on the familiar. Highlights from a recent menu included potato gorditas with anchovies and caviar, and tender beef birria cooked in a delightfully complex coffee-infused sauce. This is truly a one-of-kind experience.

enoSTEAK---Bob-Hodson-Photography-Verified Dave
(credit: Bob Hodson Photography)

enoSTEAK
1 Ritz Carlton Dr.
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com

Pasture-raised beef is the star at this Ritz Carlton-based steakhouse. While mouthwatering cuts of ribeye, filet, and wagyu New York steaks reign supreme in the restaurant's elegant dark wood-paneled dining room, the decadent sharable seafood sampler proves that enoSTEAK doesn't merely excel at land-based ingredients. Don't forget to end your meal with an artisanal cheese plate or one of enoSTEAK's delectable dessert offerings. Note that the restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.
 

Marche-Moderne-Verified Dave
(credit: Marche Moderne)

Marche Moderne
7862 E. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92657
(714) 434-7900
www.marchemoderne.net

It would be difficult keep track of the countless couples who celebrated an anniversary at this always-packed bistro which called Costa Mesa's South Coast Plaza home for nearly a decade. Marche Moderne is sure to keep that romantic tradition alive at its new brand new location in Newport Beach which features more seating, indoor and outdoor dining as well as an open kitchen. Regulars shouldn't worry; you can expect the same signature French favorites along with some exciting new menu additions courtesy of husband and wife chef duo Florent and Amelia Marneau. 

Nobu Newport
(credit: Shane M./yelp)

Nobu Newport Beach
3450 Via Oporto Ste. 101
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 429-4440
www.noburestaurants.com

This worldwide sensation featuring Peruvian-influenced Japanese fare was an immediate hit when it landed in Newport Beach early this year. Enjoy Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's iconic culinary creations such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and black cod miso while enjoying gorgeous views of the Lido Village Marina. If the extensive menu is too overwhelming, go omakase and let the chef make the selections for you. If you're looking for the ultimate romantic experience, make sure that you're seated during sunset.
 

Article by David Klein
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