Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

The Dock

5.0

5 (2039)

$50 and over

Seafood

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

THE DOCK located in NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA requires a valid credit card to book reservations online via OpenTable or call 949-673-3625 to provide your credit card. 24 hr cancellation fee policy. The Dock reserves the right to cancel your reservation if reservation is not CC guaranteed. VOTED TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN ORANGE COUNTY 2022 and TOP 100 in the US in 2019 and 2023 BY OPENTABLE. Our waterfront covered patio dining and every seat has a bay view, with an infused contemporary American menu. Outstanding wine list and custom craft cocktails.
Reservations are recommended.

Top review

Tom

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

My wife took me there for dinner for my 50th birthday. The service was outstanding. The staff were very interactive, chatty and friendly. The food was amazing, I had the lamb, best I've ever had, and my wife had the lobster, it was also delicious. We will definitely be going back.

Petrossian at Tiffany

4.9

4.9 (252)

$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

JenniferVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Elevated space serving creative food with caviar touches. Tasting flight of 4 different types of caviar a must as a starter.

Discover more

Table Petrossian at Tiffany Closing Party

608 Dahlia

4.8

4.8 (2034)

$31 to $50

American

Corona del Mar

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Jessica Roy brings her fresh interpretation and style to Garden and Farm-to-Table cuisine right inside the botanical oasis that is Sherman Library and Gardens. Daily pickings from the Gardens and local farms populate the ever changing seasonal menu that highlights the best and most flavorful ingredients of the season. Look for ingredients at their peak, stunning edible blooms and herbs right from the Sherman grounds, and cuisine that is nothing short of inspired and delicious. .

Please note: we are located within the Sherman Library and Gardens, to which there is a $5.00 per person admission fee. Each admission supports the Sherman Gardens (a non-profit organization), who maintain the sweeping panoramic views that our diners get to enjoy! Come for the food and stay for the views (and insta-worthy pics).

Top review

madonna

Dined 3 days ago

We were celebrating my Birthday. They did a terrific job. The food is fabulous, comes out quick and they never make you feel rushed. I favorite place for sure.

Discover more

Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens

4.8

4.8 (11457)

$31 to $50

American

Corona del Mar

About the restaurant

We are excited for your visit, and welcome you to experience our beautiful outdoor dining room in Newport Beach. That being said we are outdoors and encourage all guest to dress appropriate to the season. We have added a beautiful heated covered awning for the winter months. We offer blankets for sale that can be kept, or left behind and donated to a local charity we support. We will still be requesting a two hour dinning limit per visit.
Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens offers the freshest, locally sourced , seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails and beers. Located on a seven acre home and garden center in the heart of beautiful Corona del Mar, Farmhouse provides a dining experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else and can be quite romantic. What sets us apart is the unparalleled beauty of Rogers Gardens combined perfectly with a unique cuisine created by Chef Rich Mead.

Top review

Susie

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful lunch in a beautiful setting. Arrived early to explore Rogers Garden. Seated promptly at our reservation time.

Discover more

Popular dish

Today's Pizza

Popular dish

Asian Chicken Salad 20

Popular dish

Grilled Asian Beef Short Ribs

Casablanca The Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (165)

$31 to $50

Moroccan

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

A Superb Algerian-Moroccan and West Mediterranean Fusion Cuisine. A Culinary Adventure at
"Casablanca The Restaurant & Bistro" in the Casbah inspired atmosphere.. A legacy of more than 30 years of Moroccan cuisine in Orange County.
Our staff is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

It’s my second time here and we loved it!! The owner is so nice, he made it a wonderful experience. The food is great!! And the belly dancer was fun entertainment. I would highly recommend for a great dinner with entertainment.

The Tea House on Los Rios

4.8

4.8 (2708)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!

Top review

Megan

Dined 2 days ago

Emma our server was amazing!!!!! Food was delicious. Decorations so cute!

Discover more

Five Assorted Tea Sandwiches

Rebel Omakase

4.9

4.9 (226)

$50 and over

Sushi

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
We put all our heart and soul into a creative and unique experience. Our Omakase is a pre-fixed menu based on raw fish and shellfish. All ingredients come from Japan, prepared with Japanese techniques and elements. Our Omakase is a fine dining, intimate experience, prepared in front of our guests to highlight the integrity of our dishes.
CANCELLATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS are allowed 72 hours in advance. Less than 72 hours will be charged for the full price of Omakase per guest plus tax
TEXT MESSAGE with full information (949) 664-3186
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be informed in advance, we CANNOT accommodate no shellfish, no gluten, no dairy, or no meat requests
NO outside food or wine
THE SUSHI BAR AND TABLE SERVICE are the same menu; our servers will explain the intricacy of every dish
BE ON TIME Service starts in unison at the time of reservation if you are late, you will miss some courses
CHILDREN age 5+ are welcome, but they must order the full menu

Top review

Helena

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Really fantastic experience with new fish and delicate sauces. Delicious and fun!

Discover more

Experience

12:30pm - Sunday Nigiri Omakase

Experience

5:00pm & 7:30pm Omakase Experience

Experience

12:30pm - Lunch Omakase

Nirvana by Chef Lindsay

4.9

4.9 (1728)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.

LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required)
DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

We had our usual delicious meal and come back every time we visit Laguna Beach

Ocean 48 - Newport

4.9

4.9 (539)

$50 and over

Seafood

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.

Top review

LindaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

The space is absolutely beautiful. Sat by the pool with view of kitchen. Service was excellent as staff is well trained. Everything is served nicely. Oysters were very fresh. I did not like the salads but friends did. Sea bass was good. Very mild with lemon. Could have used a little herbs. Brancusi fish was broiled & very good. Pork chops sounded good but were quite dry. For dessert the chocolate bomb was terrific! Beneis were dry. Skip them. Overall a wonderful evening. Recommend.

Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove

4.8

4.8 (10449)

$30 and under

Californian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United States

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers.

The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.

Top review

Sendai

Dined 3 days ago

Food was excellent and the staff outstanding. The people at the Beachcomber went above and beyond to make me feel special.

Discover more

Popular dish

BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS

Popular dish

Beignets and Ambrosia

Popular dish

MAHI MAHI TACOS

Explore Diners' Choice best of Orange County