As a food expert and a local resident of Orange County, California, I have had the pleasure of trying out numerous restaurants in this sunny and diverse county. While Orange County is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, its food scene is often overlooked. From upscale dining to casual eateries, Orange County has something for every palate. In this article, I will share my top picks for must-try dishes at local restaurants that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The Best of Seafood
Located along the coast, it's no surprise that Orange County offers some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes.One restaurant that stands out is The Cannery Seafood of the Pacific in Newport Beach. Their signature dish, the Seafood Tower, is a must-try for any seafood lover. This impressive tower features a variety of fresh oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab legs served on a bed of ice. Not only is the presentation stunning, but the taste is also exceptional. If you're in the mood for sushi, head over to Sushi Roku in Newport Beach.
Their Tuna Tataki is a standout dish that features seared tuna served with ponzu sauce and crispy garlic chips. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply divine.
Fusion Cuisine at its Finest
Orange County's diverse population is reflected in its food scene, and one restaurant that perfectly blends different cuisines is Anepalco in Orange. Their Chilaquiles dish combines traditional Mexican flavors with a French twist. It features crispy tortilla chips topped with a poached egg, avocado, and a creamy chipotle sauce.This dish is a perfect representation of the fusion cuisine that Orange County has to offer. If you're in the mood for some Asian fusion, head over to The Blind Rabbit in Anaheim. Their Korean Fried Chicken is a must-try dish that features crispy chicken wings tossed in a spicy gochujang sauce. The dish is served with pickled daikon and carrots, adding a refreshing crunch to balance out the heat.
Indulge in Some Comfort Food
Sometimes, all you need is some good old-fashioned comfort food. And Orange County has plenty of options for that as well.One restaurant that stands out is The Crack Shack in Costa Mesa. Their Fried Chicken Sandwich is a crowd favorite and for good reason. It features crispy fried chicken, pickles, and their signature sauce served on a brioche bun. It's the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful. If you're craving some Italian comfort food, head over to Cucina Enoteca in Newport Beach.
Their Braised Short Rib Pappardelle is a must-try dish that features tender short ribs served over homemade pappardelle pasta in a rich red wine sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
No meal is complete without dessert, and Orange County has some amazing options for those with a sweet tooth. One restaurant that stands out is The Dirty Cookie in Tustin. Their signature dessert, the Dirty Cookie Shot, is a must-try.It features a shot glass made out of a cookie and filled with your choice of milk, coffee, or ice cream. It's the perfect combination of fun and delicious. If you're in the mood for some classic American desserts, head over to Sidecar Doughnuts in Costa Mesa. Their Huckleberry Doughnut is a standout dish that features a fluffy doughnut filled with huckleberry jam and topped with a huckleberry glaze. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Final Thoughts
Orange County, CA is a food lover's paradise with its diverse range of restaurants and dishes.From seafood to fusion cuisine to comfort food, there's something for everyone in this county. So next time you're in Orange County, be sure to try out these must-try dishes at some of the best local restaurants. Your taste buds will thank you.
