Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Petrossian at Tiffany

5.0

5 (260)

$50 and over

French

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

The new Petrossian at Tiffany restaurant concept—located at Tiffany & Co. South Coast Plaza—brings a one-of-a-kind dining experience to Southern California. With the world’s finest caviar and a French-influenced contemporary menu, Petrossian’s Executive Chef Carlos Cabrera masterfully unites the art of caviar with the Tiffany & Co. tradition of excellence.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

Wonderful experience. Really hope they return somewhere nearby!

Discover more

Descanso - Plancha Dining

4.9

4.9 (594)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

THIS PAGE IS FOR PLANCHA TABLES ONLY (Where Our Chefs Cook at Your Table). For reservations in our standard Dining Room/Patio, please search for DESCANSO STANDARD DINING on the Open Table Website or call at 714.486.3798

PLANCHA Dining is available for Dinner Monday through Sunday and Saturday & Sunday Brunch.

Descanso is a modern taqueria in that it celebrates authentic Mexican flavors executed on a traditional plancha grill and prepared in front of you at your table.

Seating Types:

PLANCHA
Make a reservation at the Plancha Table for an intimate experience with your Taquero Chef. This is a multi-course meal option where each item is cooked in front of you!

STANDARD DINING
Make a reservation for our Standard dining room or patio on the Descanso Standard Dining Open Table Page.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

New menu since last time in ate ate at the plancha table was awesome. New sauces, presentation, taste, excellent!

Il Girasole

4.8

4.8 (30)

$31 to $50

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.

Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.

Top review

ScottVIP

Dined 3 days ago

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Il Girasole and it was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. This is not just another Italian restaurant—it’s a place where classic comfort food is elevated to a whole new level of sophistication. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with just the right touch of elegance. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their craft. The menu showcased traditional Italian dishes reimagined with creative twists, every course was it's own highlight! It’s clear that I'll Girasole is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience. They’ve managed to take the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine and elevate them with finesse, creativity, and an eye for detail. Whether you're looking for a special night out or just want to indulge in truly remarkable food, this is the place to go. Highly recommend—you won’t be disappointed!

Discover more

Experience

Komos Tequila Flight and Small Bites Pairing

Tempo Cantina - Anaheim Hills

4.7

4.7 (716)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*

Tempo Cantina brings Latin flavor to Orange County and Los Angeles from creative founder and owner MR.TEMPO.
Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the food. You will find all of your favorite Latin dishes infused with Asian flavors. Join us Happy Hour everyday, Weekend Brunch or Taco Tuesday for a dining experience like you’ve never experienced before!

Top review

La Keacsh

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

Great experience Still haven’t received the pictures I took , was supposed to send me the originals by text or email , after I purchased the ones in the glass frames

YNK

4.7

4.7 (77)

$31 to $50

Speakeasy

Irvine

About the restaurant

YNK, a speakeasy that guides you on a cocktail journey through various global regions, eras and fanciful interpretations of an ever changing cocktail experience, where You.Never.Know where the journey will lead you to next.

Top review

SavannaVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by YNK. We decided to look for new places to grab a good drink since our regular spot changed their staff and drink menu. YNK completely blew my expectations out of the water. I ordered the Smoke & Mirrors 3 times! Will be back. Shout out to Ben and Sean for being so friendly and pleasant to be around.

Hana Re Sushi

4.7

4.7 (16)

$50 and over

Japanese

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Hana re only offers chef omakase course $250 per person.
10 courses from appetizers to dessert . Hana re offers same courses at chef’s counter(bar seating )and table seating. Please check website to see more details .

Top review

Auston

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

Very lightweight, simple, in a very simple area and food is all prepared well

Discover more

Experience

Omakase Menu

Zabb Thai Cuisine

4.7

4.7 (74)

$30 and under

Thai

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Zabb Thai offers authentic Thai cuisine in a casual dining setting.

Top review

Duc

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

The food was excellent and my kids loved the Mango Sticky Rice pudding! Our server was excellent.

The Plot - Costa Mesa

4.7

4.7 (87)

$31 to $50

Vegetarian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

The Plot team is led by Jessica and Davin Waite, who have been at the forefront of San Diego's culinary scene for over a decade. The duo has earned a loyal following for their inventive and sustainable approach to seafood and plant-based dishes, gaining the attention of critics and culinary innovators far and wide as well as accolades including being named San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant of the Year” in 2020, VegNews’ “San Diego’s Best Vegan Restaurants” in 2022, and Tasting Table’s “20 Best Restaurants in San Diego” in 2023.

The Plot in Costa Mesa is located in The Camp, a sustainably focused center that highlights unique local businesses. Parking can be a bit tough at The Camp, depending on the time of your visit. In addition to parking in the main lot, Randolph Ave. is another option. Customers can walk through Camp Out into The Camp. Also, Valet service is available in the main lot. The price is $8. Valet is available Thursday through Sunday.

Top review

Shailesh

Dined 4 days ago

Food was excellent. The server was extra ordinarily attentive.

Mesa Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (506)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Mesa Lounge is a unique nightlife experience in the heart of Orange County.

For bottle service inquiries please contact Sabrina@mesacostamesa.com or by text at 949.531.2426.

Please note that we are a 21 and over venue at all times, valid photo ID is required for entry. All guests in your party must be present to be seated. We offer a 15 minute grace period for reservations before releasing the table to a guest on the wait list. Due to limited capacity and high demand, reservations are limited to a 90 minute seating.

Top review

MarvinVIP

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

It was a great experience for a group of 9. We ordered many appetizers and plates to share

Discover more

Experience

Mesa's Social Hour

Gema

4.3

4.3 (243)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

San Clemente

About the restaurant

With a moody Mexico City vibe & modern dining room, Gema has an intimate neighborhood feel & buzzy bar scene. Our scratch-made kitchen highlights the finest Mexican ingredients & the countries staples of corn, chiles & regional cheeses .Our craft cocktail program changes with the season & features house-made syrups & fresh daily juiced citrus. Our bar hosts over 100 bottles of Mexico's finest small batch Mezcals which can be enjoyed in a flight or purchased by bottle and housed for your convenience inour Mezcal Liabrary. Our wines are brought in from Valle de Guadaulape and offer an amazing taste into the emerging Baja wine region. Gema celebrates the vast & sophisticated cuisine of Mexico, its people & its culture. We are proud to serve authentic Mexican cuisine that moves beyond the stereotypical bean and rice culture often associatedwith Mexican eateries. We hope you join us at Gema to experience the true palate of Mexican dining.

Top review

Matteo Romano

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Incredible food made by scratch. The flavors and textures of the food were so unique and so delicious! Cocktails and wine all from Mexico. Entire staff is so passionate about the food!

Discover more

Explore Diners' Choice best of Orange County

Explore more Diners' Choice lists