OC’s 23 iconic restaurants listed
A new roundup celebrates 23 iconic Orange County restaurants—from historic steakhouses to coastal seafood spots—that define the region’s dining legacy and are must‑visits for locals and tourists alike []. The guide is a handy cheat sheet if you want classic OC experiences rather than the newest openings [].
The Orange County City Guide runs regular dining and event coverage — including its OC Restaurant Week listings — and published the new roundup as part of that ongoing local-food coverage. (theorangecountycityguide.com) Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa [earned a Michelin star], a distinction that underscores how some entries on local “iconic” lists now overlap with Michelin‑recognized dining. (guide.michelin.com) The Hobbit in Orange [opened in 1972] and has operated as a prix‑fixe, multi‑course institution; it temporarily closed in October 2023 and was reported to reopen later that year under new ownership. (hobbitrestaurant.com) Oceanfront mainstays such as Splashes at the Surf & Sand Resort [serve coastal menus steps from the sand] and Chart House in Dana Point [sit atop bluffs with panoramic harbor views], both of which have been refreshed or spotlighted in recent local coverage. (surfandsandresort.com) Classic steakhouses remain prominent: Selanne Steak Tavern [operates from a restored 1934 home and is co‑owned by NHL legend Teemu Selanne] and Mastro’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach [is marketed as a luxury steak-and-seafood destination]. (selannesteaktavern.com) Regional roundups like this one echo broader lists — for example Eater LA’s 38‑best Orange County roundup — and appear alongside growing Michelin attention (Knife Pleat is among the county’s Michelin‑recognized restaurants). (la.eater.com)
