Food & Drink

A coalition of local restaurants are raising money for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Sara and Anthony Villegas’ twice-monthly Sunday suppers for 25 to 30 friends became the stuff of neighborhood legend before they moved from the L.A. County suburb of Claremont to San Clemente in 2021. Their hometown butcher shop and restaurant, The Meat Cellar, which they opened in 2016, was just as popular. “Once we moved down here, we came across the vibrant food scene in San Juan Capistrano,” says Sara. “It really spoke to us.” So when they heard about plans for River Street Marketplace, they saw an opportunity to open a second concept, The Market by The Meat Cellar.

Fifteen years in, this Old Towne Orange destination remains a leader in the craft cocktail movement—and also boasts an impressive whiskey collection alongside a menu of conscious tavern fare.

With its chic, art-inspired atmosphere and globally inspired menu, this new restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine delivers a delicious—and uniquely modern—dining experience.

My appreciation for Chinese potstickers took hold decades ago when I studied in Hong Kong with the late Lucy Lo, a Chinese culinary expert and cookbook author.

Top eats near the Nixon Library in YORBA LINDA.

When you consider Simms’ family history, it makes sense that he’d create a restaurant concept that’s clever and family friendly, and that offers a menu of hearty, pleasing fare.

The O.C. addition will be the eighth location for Cole's Hai Hospitality

It may be the holidays, but here, we’re lucky to have access to the flavors of summer even in winter.

The North County town marked 120 years of cityhood in 2024, so we’re celebrating with nibbles from local restaurants old and new.

Nick Echaore, executive chef at the acclaimed Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano, joined me to share the secrets of his Pork Belly Adobo.

The beachside restaurant is celebrating 10 years and a lot of history.

Oh, shepherd’s pie. It conjures thoughts of cozy dinners and comfort food. It’s warm. It’s hearty. And at Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach, it’s been a mainstay on the menu since opening day back in 1974.

Here are a few of our favorite plant-based eats in Orange County

Marco Criscoulo brought a luscious taste of Puglia to my house. The chef-owner of Trattoria Trullo in Aliso Viejo joined me in my home kitchen and taught me his secrets to preparing made-from-scratch orecchiette.

Pizza is a focal point of the menu, but there’s much more to savor at this San Clemente hot spot.

If you’re craving this popular seasonal flavor, you’ll find lots of offerings at O.C. eateries.

If you think Lupino looks like a happy guy, there’s good reason. He heads all culinary operations for Mastro’s Prime Steak Concepts, the uber-hot chain of high-end eateries founded by James Beard nominated brothers Michael and Jeffrey Mastro. That includes the new Ocean 48 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. And here’s what he had to say about this chic dining destination.

Orange County’s Definitive Source For Restaurant News & Mini Reviews

In the six years since its launch, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic has become a can’t-miss event for foodies.

The Mexican fast food chain is automating avocado peeling and food assembly at an Orange County trial

This destination restaurant’s new plant-based menu delights even a carnivore.

Dining at Brick Restaurant was always worth the drive to San Clemente. I live in Huntington Beach, so it took some time behind the wheel to savor the palate joy of Executive Chef-Owner David Pratt’s cuisine.

It may be round and topped with cheese and prosciutto, but the Facci Ri Veccia from Il Barone Ristorante in Newport Beach is no ordinary pizza.