Bayside
900 Bayside Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 721-1222
www.baysiderestaurant.com
When Bayside first opened a few years ago, its modern yet white tablecloth service and friendly atmosphere pulled me in on occasion. But now the menu by one of OC’s best chefs, Paul Gstrein, keeps my husband and I coming back. We’ve dined our way through food and wine pairing events and personal meals with friends on so many occasions. The fine art also is intriguing; it changes seasonally and we’ve met customers who have purchased pieces for their homes. If you are looking for passionately prepared food, one of the best Sunday brunches around and a staff that really appreciates their customers, this place is a must.
Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
15 Crystal Cove
Newport Coast (949) 376-6900
www.thebeachcombercafe.com
Who would guess that the old cottage atmosphere of the Beachcomber would be part of the Ruby’s restaurant group? The restaurant is a bit of a split personality with a big deck right on the beach and a dedicated Bootlegger Bar, but a menu that’s quite haute casual and cosmopolitan, a Master Sommelier and a penchant for martinis? This place is one delicious hoot and it never fails to impress anyone you introduce to its oceanside charms. As for that menu, you can have a meal at any time of the day. Expect to find fantastic brioche French toast, a Tuscan morning sandwich and filet mignon tucked into morning chilaquiles. Lunch finds roasted French feta on ciabatta bread, a Tunisian pizza, an amazing bleu cheese/tomato soup and palate-pleasing takes on international sandwiches and salads. Dinner delivers things like barramundi with pecans, lemon shrimp linguine, Kobe short ribs and about 18 other delights.
Bistango
19100 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine
(949) 752-5222
www.bistango.com
This also is an enduring favorite just because it keeps on delivering memorable experiences in food, ultra stylish surroundings and ever-changing serious works of art. It is, after all, our perfect combination of sophisticated restaurant and art gallery and it happens to be the first restaurant of the Ghoukassian family, who also now owns Bayside and Kimera. This is the type of place we’d adore finding when taking in the world’s most haute cities and it is right here in Irvine. It also stands tall as a premier location for business meals and many a serious deal has been made at these dining tables. I love the understandable but fashionable food. They get extra points for the sophisticated level of nightly live music to which we can dance or just enjoy as we dine so well.
Bluewater Grill
630 Lido Park Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 675-3474
2409 Park Ave.
Tustin
(714) 258-3474
www.bluewatergrill.com
The two Bluewater Grill locations are different in decor and atmosphere, but both have the same menu that’s printed daily to reflect the many kinds of fresh fish and shellfish delivered. With seafood, having a fresh product is paramount for us. At the Newport location, the look and feel of a true Cape Cod-type fish house restaurant prevails. It sits on the water with docks for visiting boats. The Tustin location sports a very modern oceanic look with no actual water nearby at all. But, we sure do enjoy the colors of the sea, the artistic bend of the ceiling, the curvy bar area and all the comfortable seating. Specials of the day will yield more upscale preparations, while the rest of the menu allows choices of seafood cooked to your liking. The clam chowder, of course, can’t be beatBrasserie Pascal
327 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 640-2700
www.pascalnpb.com
We’ve watched this location segue through a few name changes, but it has held on to a French bistro/brasserie personality and much of the cuisine has merely gotten tweaked along the way. In the recent past, the corporation that owned it allowed Pascal Olhats (Tradition by Pascal, Epicerie Pascal, etc.) to take control and he’s given an even more definitive French edge to the food. Not much had to be done to the decor as it is warm and pretty and not intimidating. So, bring on the croque monsieur, croque madame, crepes, cassoulet and veal blanquette for lunch.
Break of Dawn
24351 Avenida De La Carlota
(949) 587-9418
www.breakofdawnrestaurant.com
Eloquent and excellent food in every way at unbelievably affordable prices (almost all in the $7 to $12 range) cooked by the former executive sous chef of the Ritz-Carlton hotel. This food is beautiful on the plate, astoundingly elaborate in flavor and it packs great delight with every bite. Factor in the use of pristine ingredients, the blend of artist and genius in the chef owner, Dee Nguyen, and it takes the honors as one of the best finds in this county. Nguyen has a penchant for melding some French influence with a contemporary California flare. Situated in a casual and friendly space, this place has garnered a prestigious following and we dine there as often as our busy schedules permit
Canaletto
545 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 640-0900
www.ilfornaio.com
While this is in the Il Fornaio family of restaurants, it is a singular concept. For us, a special fondness emerges because the food is so good and, overall, it is reminiscent of many things we adore about Italy itself. It escorts us on the most modern road to Italy via the very fashionable décor (hip bar, lovely dining room, semi-open state-of-the-art kitchen, raw food bar and salumeria station). If you’ve never been introduced to the contemporary aspects of Italy, make a reservation here. From the moment you sink into the atmosphere, see the pride in the food presentations and taste the fresh pastas, specially imported cheeses, prosciutto and such, you’ll be officially indoctrinated to Italy.
The Cannery
3010 Lafayette Road
Newport Beach
(949) 566-0060
www.cannerynewport.com
There are different places to dine within the historic Cannery that hugs the water in Cannery Village, so mention a preference when making a reservation. There’s the grill room on the water level, an al fresco dining patio overlooking the channel and upstairs is the Jellyfish Bar and the sushi bar. The design of it all incorporates a full waterfall wall, custom blown glass sea animal chandeliers and even docks for Duffy boats to pull up outside and order food. We have some wine-intensive friends who are addicted to the great wine list and special discount wine times here as well as to the food of very talented chef Felix Salcedo. We enjoy the beef soba salad, butternut squash ravioli, Maryland crab cakes, pink abalone, wild Scottish salmon, a classic steak and the Maple Leaf roasted duck (but probably not all at once)
The Cellar
305 North Harbor Blvd.
Fullerton
(714) 525-5682
www.cellardining.com
Yes, you have to go down into the cellar to dine at The Cellar. Yes, it’s very old—dating back almost to the beginning of Disneyland and designed by the park’s theme-inspired design group. However, it has withstood time with panache and still surprises guests with an aura of unexpected sophistication, white cloth service and French/California cuisine that is presented with pride. It’s very much a quieter, special occasion place—nothing frenetic at all. They take themselves seriously enough to make sure that from decor to food, it’s a total, well-conceived package. If you miss the suave touches that used to define fine dining and pretty nostalgic food, this is a good reminder.
Cha’s Cha’s Tacos & Tequila
110 West Birch St.
Brea
(714) 255-1040
www.chachasbrea.com
When we heard that longtime restaurateur Don Myers and his good friend and chef/partner Peter Serantoni were opening a California/Latin-inspired place in the energetic downtown of Brea, we had a feeling it was going to be something different. They had far too much experience under their belts to do what everyone else already had tried. Sure enough, along came this colorful and comfortable place that has us delving into chic culinary versions of cheap, but comforting, Mexican food. From marvelous queso fundido, bowls of clams, burritos and tacos unlike any others and specialty meats and seafoods, it sure is easy to go back and do it all again—with good margaritas, of course.
Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s
3333 South Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 352-2525
www.charliepalmer.com
We enjoy it because the food is highly pleasing to our palates and the artistry with which it’s presented also is impressive. It seems to us that it is the most New York-inspired restaurant in our midst and, while one would think that it must be terribly expensive, there are ways to dine without breaking the budget. That would be by way of the rather new smaller plates that are still generous enough and certainly loaded with international flavors. These smaller versions began in the bar area and now have become part of the main menus. For those who appreciate wine, their Next Vintage wine cellar is loaded with global labels that you can peruse in person or read about on the printed or electronic wine lists. There also are special tastings at very moderate prices every month.
Clay Oven
15435 Jeffrey Road
Irvine
(949) 552-2851
www.clayovenirvine.com
This has been a long-time favorite for those who understand the wonders of cultural diversity for the palate. Lest you think that an Indian restaurant must look and taste like every other Indian restaurant, this place proves that is definitely not true. The room has very modern design elements and the generous plates are artistically presented. I just had a quartet of tandoori-roasted fresh venison, rabbit, quail and wild boar (all from a historic wild game farm) with freshly made mango-guava chutney and some mixed greens with beets. The roasted fish also was sublime. Not your regular Indian fare, wouldn’t you agree?
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
455 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 720-9633
www.flemingssteakhouse.com
They’ve got so much going for them that it’s never a surprise to see the house full of customers. Quality is the first concern: the choice of steaks, chops and fresh fish is pristine and cooked to perfect internal temperature. Side dishes of vegetables and starches have become icons too. And then, there’s that winning attitude about how much fine wine can enhance everything about a meal. Fleming’s director of wines was the first to introduce the 100 wines by the glass program, an idea now copied worldwide by a few serious restaurants. Yet, we are never gouged by prices here. The trio of wines (one can select any combo from across the wines by the glass menu) allows us to compare various wine flavors with meals instead of just one wine, and I invariably go for that.
Golden Truffle
1767 Newport Blvd.
Costa Mesa
(949) 645-9858
www.goldentruffle.com
How many of you know that on the last Saturday of the month (the only time they serve breakfast) you can take a trip around the globe without leaving Costa Mesa? The food at Golden Truffle takes us on a journey and I guarantee that no other chef can top chef/owner Alan Greeley’s unusual presentations and divine tastes. A really unique and wonderful wine list also takes us around the world at prices that don’t bust your wallet. Golden Truffle looks like a cross between a bistro and an island restaurant that only locals know about—unpretentious but singularly cute. When I need to soothe my psyche, I eat here.
Il Barone
4251 Martingale Way
Newport Beach
(949) 955-2755
www.ilbaroneristorante.com
Il Barone is one of the current darlings of the OC dining scene. We have friends who have gone back three nights in a row, gathering extra friends each night to taste chef Franco Barone’s specialties that hark from childhood memories of his region of Italy. So, I think everyone will want to see this attractive food—the kinds of Italian foods not served before in OC—and savor its highest quality ingredients.
Kimera
19530 Jamboree Road
Irvine
(949) 261.1222
www.kimerarestaurant.com
Kimera is chic and suave, both in its food and vibe. Huge bamboo poles suffice for ceilings and some walls and make a unique canvas for clever artwork. The décor isn’t the only thing that delights at Kimera. Contemporary California cuisine comes attractively arranged on your plate and then delivers layers of flavor culled from seriously fresh ingredients.
K’Ya (in Hotel Menage)
1221 South Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim
(714) 758-0900
www.kyarestaurant.com
Hotel Menage brought a new dimension to boutique lodging in Anaheim and the addition of a menu called street food gave us another reason to visit here. Every plate is priced at less than $10 and is big enough to share some, thus giving us the chance to taste the dishes indigenous to major cities around the world. K’ya’s ambition is matched by our enthusiasm for the surroundings, food presentation and palate temptations. On yet another note, I’d recommend having some drinks (happy hours or beyond) at the island-reminiscent poolside Palapa Bar, which also happens to be the ideal place to watch the nightly Disneyland fireworks free of charge.
K’Ya (in Casa Camino Hotel)
1289 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 497-2446
www.kyarestaurant.com
Although the Anaheim menu of K’Ya also features global plates, the menus are different and unique to each location. Of course, this is downtown Laguna and the hotel in which K’Ya is located also boasts one of the most famous rooftop cocktail lounges along the coast. The wine country feeling of the dining room is the perfect foil for delicious French-Italian-Asian-Mediterranean- and California-style small dishes—all priced at less than $10. Allow me to add that Patrick and I often dine well for less than $20 per person because the portions are quite generous and we share three or four dishes.
La Vie en Rose
240 South State College Blvd.
Brea
(714) 529-8333
www.lavnrose.com
La Vie provided a French outpost for ex-patriots and Francophones when there were no others within driving distance. It changed hands several years ago when Louis Laulhere, a French native and global restaurateur, bought it. To say that those who speak French and those who simply respect and crave soulful French country cooking still hang out here with Laulhere and his staff is an understatement. The restaurant gives us a sense of being so appreciated as diners in charming surroundings—and the food is unpretentious. There are French dishes that are forever remembered. You can have a prix-fixe multi-course dinner for $39.75 and a lunch version for only $17.75. It’s been voted several times as the best French food in OC.
Lucca Cafe
6507 Quail Hill Parkway
Irvine
(949) 725-1773
www.luccacafe.com
Take one dedicated couple—Cathy and Elliot Pavlos—who are driven by the natural food movement and farm-to-table fresh concept and allow them to create a very pleasing and charming restaurant and you’ll get Lucca. It’s replete with a cool little wine bar, deli case filled with fine salumi and a variety of exquisite cheeses. The seasonal menu takes advantage of organic and natural products, mostly local, and cage-free poultry and meats. People who discover it love it as we do. Everything is made from scratch by chef Cathy Pavlos and mostly to order; even pastries are made daily. We are happy diners with the recently added small plates menu, the fine spread on the antipasto table and the array of signature dishes that we can take home.
Marché Moderne
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 434-7900
www.marchemoderne.net
This one is high on my “Just Because” list since it has absolutely everything going for it—an ultimate dining experience at a very pleasant price point. Chef/owner Florent Marneau cooks eloquent seasonal French food that embraces the freshest of everything, and his wife Amelia, the pastry chef/host, finishes off every one of our meals with compelling desserts. Add in the beauty that harkens to the most lovely bistros in Paris and special auberges throughout France and it dances right to the top of my favorites list. It also doesn’t hurt that the wine list is replete with French boutique wines that absolutely match the food.
Mesa
725 Baker St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 557-6700
www.mesacostamesa.com
What a major surprise this restaurant was to us. It has just the right amount of off-beat flare without comprising fine food and wine. We like to linger, relax and savor the edgy food. The space is large with a step-up lounge and dining area. The center of the room is replete with several couches and low-slung tables for the ultimate in comfortable dining, drinking and/or conversation. Along the remaining meandering wall are banquettes and a couple of fireplaces. Lamb, ceviche, shrimp, barbecue pork: you’ve never, ever had them like this chef cooks them. And then, there are the fried olives that will really send you over the top and keep you munching. There is no other food or atmosphere like this in OC.
Morton’s the Steakhouse
1641 West Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana
(714) 444-4834
1895 South Harbor Blvd. Anaheim (714) 621-0101
www.mortons.com
The private-club feel of Morton’s makes the restaurant attractive for both power lunches and romantic dinners. It’s always nice to sink into one of the booths and set up camp at one the perfectly set tables throughout the rooms to enjoy the prime steaks or high-quality seafood. All major varietals for the wine list are culled with tremendous care, ensuring plenty of perfect matching with plates. I am always so happy to see their seasonal meal specials that offer bargain dining. For those who like cigars, Morton’s smoker dinners also have come into their own. Décor is similar and menu is the same at both locations.
Mr. Stox
1105 East Katella Ave. Anaheim (714) 634-2994
www.mrstox.com
Mr. Stox introduced fine dining and wine-matching dinners to the public many years ago. Now, many restaurants have their own events, but none match up to the original. The hottest names in wineries and the most vaunted winemakers choose to pair their wines with the highly regarded contemporary cuisine at Mr. Stox. The restaurant has one of the world’s greatest wine cellar collections and some separate rooms dedicated to the enjoyment of food and wine together. For the occasional soul who is not so into wine, the beautiful ambiance of this restaurant and full bar and cocktail lounge is enough to draw you in.
Nirvana Grille
24031 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo
(949) 380-0027
303 Broadway St.
Laguna Beach
(949) 497-0027
www.nirvanagrille.com
Nirvana Grille began in Mission Viejo and reached enough success to open a sister restaurant in Laguna Beach. Both locations are nice looking, but each has its own personality. This is the collaborative effort of husband and wife team Luis and Lindsay Smith-Rosales. She’s the chef, he’s the host and they’ve gathered a loyal following for their food and hospitality. For them, it’s all about the food and the environment as they strive to use the freshest, cleanest and most sustainable products available. They purchase local and organic and nothing gets tucked in a freezer. This food is gorgeously presented. When a trio of appetizers sets such a high bar at the beginning of a meal, you know that you really are in good culinary hands. Influences from faraway countries mingle with California sensibility to make Lindsay’s food both important and fascinating.
Old Vine Cafe
2937 Bristol St. Costa Mesa
(714) 545-1411
www.oldvinecafe.com
This is one of those hidden gems that draws us in for one meal and then intrigues us enough to come back for a second. Walk beneath the soaring trees and discover this small, artistically bent room where people discuss the cuisine from intimate bistro tables. Breakfast crepes, quiches and omelets are filled with ingredients that are actually exciting to eat. Lunch will repack your culinary suitcase with unique sandwiches, salads that are much edgier than the norm and, right now, a superb summer gazpacho. Dinner takes me to handmade pasta with English peas and artisanal sausage, a good selection of natural meats and seafood, and some terribly interesting prix fixe meals.
Palm Terrace
The Island Hotel
690 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach
(866) 554-4619
www.theislandhotel.com
Call Palm Terrace an urban oasis, an island-style restaurant retreat or just one fantastic place to find great food. The food comes via the chef, Bill Bracken, who has an impeccable and longstanding reputation for a specific culinary vision. That translates to camera-ready plates of food that deliver even more dramatically on the fork. We’ve eaten popcorn drizzled with truffle oil, tomato soup with a Dungeness crab cake and an island version of paella. The fish and meat entrees also reminded us that this is a special place. Summer’s here and dining on the outside terrace, where you might want to order some of the unusual smaller portioned items, is divine.
Riviera at the Fireside
13950 Springdale St. Westminster (714) 897-0477
www.rivierarestaurant.net
A few years ago, Riviera moved from its long-time home at South Coast Plaza to Westminster and we lamented the loss of one of our dining staples. How wrong we were! Now, we always run into South County friends who, like us, travel to Westminster to find the same familiar ambiance and the same Continental cuisine that embraces roast duck, grilled fish, fine steaks and veal, a wicked bouillabaisse, and all-time favorites like steak tartare, onion soup, escargot and even some tableside preparations including flambé dishes. For classic and traditional American cuisine, this is the best.
Royal Khyber
1621 West Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana
(714) 436-1010
www.royalkhyber.com
This is our go-to place in the South Coast Metro area for complete serenity and food that always revitalizes our palates. There’s something ethereal about the soft colors, the right amount of antique artifacts, quiet background music and the perfectly set tables draped in their white tablecloths. This is not, my friends, spicy, curry-intensive items we have been induced to believe represents Indian food. Rather, it is an ultra modern blend of cuisine with the best hints of exotic spices. Some of you know that one of my great pleasures is addicting American palates to international cuisines. Here lamb shank is simmered for hours, fish swims in a sleek international sauce and vegetables delight in their freshness.
Roy’s
321 West Katella Ave. Anaheim
(714) 776-7697
453 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach
(949) 640-7697
www.roysrestaurant.com
What’s in a name? Well for Roy’s, a lot. It is part of the empire that Hawaii’s Roy Yamaguchi built on Asian fusion cooking. He started combining Asian, American and European flavors nearly two decades ago and we’re still enjoying the melding of cultures on a plate. In this case, Roy’s holds its island essences, both in the decor and food. They run very interesting prix-fixe specials that make us comfortable in the money department. Perhaps I should mention that a sake-tini in the lounge is one swell idea too.
Sage
2531 Eastbluff Drive
Newport Beach
(949) 718-9650
www.sagerestaurant.com
Chef/owner Richard Mead is a master of fusion cooking—blending California cuisine with his training in French, Asian and American kitchens. The garden-like patio is one of my favorite summertime haunts to take in the fresh-from-the-farmer’s-market produce. The chef cooks with an easy hand that lets the main ingredients stand out.
Sapphire Laguna
1200 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach (949) 715-9888
www.sapphirellc.com
Chef/owner Azmin Ghahreman has been thrilling us with his global cuisine for three years now and we stay interested because he manages to take us to so many different countries through his unique dishes. He has a category within his full a la carte menu called spice plates that deliver amazing cultural diversity. It is all so enticingly tasty. The patio is glorious with ocean views, while the inside is so architecturally pleasing that we never tire of soaking up more and more of its charms. Be sure to pay attention to the bar, which is topped with ancient wood. The adjoining deli/pantry/cheese shop is the epitome of take-home endearment.
Scott’s Restaurant & Bar
3300 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa
(714) 979-2400
www.scottsrestaurantandbar.com
Last year, Scott’s Restaurant underwent a total renovation and the sleek, modern results are very attractive. We’ve had many meals here and worked our way through a majority of the menu. The chef gives us clean flavors through the use of pristine meats, fish and fresh produce, and he doesn’t fuss over dishes too much. The clean flavors often hold a little hidden surprise that unfolds in your mouth. It’s just enough to add a layer of interest. One of my favorite dishes anywhere is Scott’s calamari done Provencal style. As we sit comfortably, sip a nice glass of wine, take in the appealing art that’s been recently added and delve into good food and conversation, life seems good indeed.
Studio
Montage Resort
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 715-6420
www.studiolagunabeach.com
Gather the absolute finest ingredients from fertile farmlands and orchards, ranches, ocean waters and food artisans of all sorts and give them to a French-trained chef and you have the essence of Craig Strong’s food. He sends dishes to the table that are so pretty on the plate it’s almost a shame to destroy them with a fork. But the taste makes it worth the artistic destruction. I call it a culinary nirvana. This is one of the most serene and lovely dining rooms in our region as well. Can you see why we love it and why it fits my Just Because theme?
Tabu Grill
2892 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach
(949) 494-7743
www.tabugrill.com
For all of us who yearned for an intimate, romantic dinner on a faraway island, this is our local substitute. It’s intimate and cute—unassuming and yet chic. One can only marvel that the good food comes from a tiny kitchen tucked into one corner of the small space. Regular diners become friends in this small space, run and loved by owner Nancy Wilhelm. It defines the term endearing and gets high marks in making a special occasion meal a unique experience.
Taléo Mexican Grill
3309 Michelson Drive
Irvine
(949) 553-9002
www.taleomexicangrill.com
We thought we knew something of contemporary Mexican cuisine until Taléo came along and gave us an education. This food celebrates the refined, labor-intensive dishes that family members take great pride in making and stylish restaurants try to update. Chef Jose Acevedo first proved his point with me when I tasted his fantastic chunk of juicy carnitas pork perfectly caramelized in a sauce unknown on these shores. Upscale, modern décor with a compelling bar is a perfect setting for the trendy dishes. Owner and host Nic Villarreal loves his customers and we certainly admire him for giving us this terrific dining scene.
Taps Fish House & Brewery
101 East Imperial Highway
Brea
(714) 257-0101
www.tapsfishhouse.com
Taps Fish House exudes energy and a New Orleans vibe that makes this restaurant/brewery a good time. We’re very fond of the dashing Sunday Brunch with so many international touches, including live Southern jazz music. This architecturally outstanding building began the revitalization project of downtown Brea many years ago and everything in this walkable, friendly area has flowed from it—so you can make special note that this is destination worthy. When it comes to attention in the kitchen, there’s a mantra of freshness, cleanliness and customer appreciation that centers on the teamwork of the staff. This place is one terrific package.
Tradition by Pascal
1000 North Bristol St.
Newport Beach (949) 263-9400
www.pascalnpb.com
This was the flagship original restaurant for Pascal Olhats after he’d spent a few years honing his skills surrounded by other French chefs in some major hotel kitchens. There arguably has never been more buzz about a restaurant about to launch than when the promise of this French eatery was taking shape a couple of decades ago. It endures today with its warm and charming atmosphere that, for us, conjures images of some of the beautiful inns we’ve stayed in on trips to France. Pascal’s food falls between haute cuisine ideas and country-style comfort foods—case in point, free range chicken in its red wine broth, a loin of rabbit in creamy mustard sauce, sea bass adrift in a moat of savory broth and a duck casserole. Love that stuff.
Wildfish Seafood Grille
1370 Bison Ave.
Newport Beach
(949) 720-9925
www.eddiev.com
Wildfish is part of the Eddie V’s restaurant corporation out of Arizona, but it carries a stand-alone reputation here for its superb prime steak and seafood menu. The restaurant serves sole as delicious as it can be done. Some of our friends contend with me that the Hong Kong-style sea bass in flavor-laden broth is way beyond good. And the steaks are famous on their own. Wildfish has the added accent of very comely décor and we love the vibrancy of the big, friendly cocktail bar. This is a place where comfort is everywhere, the staff is professional and friendly, and you just want to come down from the daily stress and relish your food.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
2647 Park Ave.
Tustin
(714) 258-7600
www.thewineryrestaurant.net
All you have to do is go to the website to see how serious The Winery is about what it does. This is the passion of partners—JC Clow, William Lewis, Yvon Goetz and Patrick “Irish” Quinn—who collectively have some really impressive years cooking, hosting, wine collecting and even bartending. They talked, they dreamed and they knew they could launch something that would be successful. That was three years ago and customer contentment is still on their side. Love the clubby, rich atmosphere, the level of professionalism, the general conviviality and the food. Despite all of their experience, the partners are a pretty young group and thus French chef Goetz’s modern California menu (built upon his penchant for working with the best purveyors) always makes dining a pleasure. They get extra points for also having a menu that suggests a few matching wines for each food you order.
