Orange County

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Irvine   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

If you’re looking for Vietnamese and Peruvian food in one restaurant, go to Súp Noodle Bar! I highly recommend the Lomo Saltado. The filet mignon was tender and juicy, and I couldn’t get enough of the aioli with the fries.

Fountain Valley   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

Ini Ristorante is an amazing Italian-Japanese fusion spot in Fountain Valley. We had some culinary masterpieces and my palette had the best time. We started off with the Truffle Cheese Bread, which was honestly one of my favorite dishes. I loved the combination of ricotta and mozzarella—top it off with honey…chef’s kiss! We ordered a nice variety of pasta and pizzas, including the Mentaiko and Truffle Funghi pizzas and Cavatelli Ala Norcina and Uni Pasta. All were jam-packed with flavor and so delicious. My favorite dish by far was the Spicy Miso Carbonara, which had the perfect amount of heat. The spicy miso cream was perfection and I loved the udon noodles.

Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

These birria tacos were delicious! The beef was so tender and flavorful and the consomé complimented the tacos perfectly. Highly recommend!

Mission Viejo   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

Little France Coffee & Bakery in Mission Viejo is on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US. These croissants were perfectly flaky, crispy, and fluffy; it was like I was transported to France while eating them. And I loved the filling for my Grilled Chicken croissant sandwich. The grilled chicken was seasoned beautifully and so moist and juicy. Highly recommend!

San Juan Capistrano   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

I love El Adobe, a sit-down Mexican restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. I’ve only eaten here for private events with set menus but have thoroughly enjoyed my meals here and would happily come for a meal. The set menu began with chips, guacamole, and salsa spread on the tables and I had to slow myself down for the entree because they were so good. I also loved the salad because of the pepita and dressing. The entree was the star of the show though and each component was delicious. The Carne Asada was beautifully grilled and flavorful. I also loved their cheese enchilada as their sauce was so good. I enjoyed the tamale, and the beans and rice paired with the main course so well. I was astounded by the servings and enjoyed leftovers the following days. I’ve tried 2 of their desserts and preferred their Churro over the Tres Leches Cake, but both were so good. Highly recommend!

Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

Loved the flavor of the Crying Tiger, especially with the spicy lemon sauce. Satisfying meal!

Orange   |   Website

Food Rating: 10/10

Great BBQ spot in Orange! I got the Smoked St. Louis Ribs and Pulled Pork and had a slight preference for the ribs. Both were amazing though.

Dana Point   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

I’m a sucker for teppanyaki — great meal and entertainment!

Lake Forest   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

If it’s all you can eat, you can count me in! Big Wok is a great spot for AYCE Mongolian BBQ in southern Orange County.

Lake Forest

Food Rating: 9/10

I always crave pho when the weather gets cooler, and this Pho Tai Nam (rare steak and brisket) definitely satisfied my craving.

San Clemente   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

We had a Thai feast with Yellow Curry, Drunken Noodles, Shrimp Hot Tray, Egg Fried Rice, and Crying Tiger! Everything we ordered was great, but my favorite dish was the Drunken Noodles because it was so flavorful and perfectly spiced.

San Clemente   |   Website

Food Rating: 9/10

The Cellar has an extensive wine menu and great food options! Their burger tasted very “gourmet;” I loved the thickness and cook of the patty. Even though it just had the standard toppings, less was more in this case!