One of the things I always tell people about living in Southern California is that we have access to a vast and diverse selection of restaurants. OC Restaurant Week kicks off this week and offers even the most timid foodie the perfect avenue for exploring new culinary experiences. With 3-course meals starting at just $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner, you’ll discover new foods and venues without feeling anxiety overspending a lot of money, and you might just find your favorite restaurant. Over 100 restaurants will be participating this year as OC Restaurant Week celebrates its 14th anniversary, but I’m here to help you narrow it down! I’ve actually eaten at quite a few of the establishments, so most of my recommendations are from personal experience.
The Beachcomber Cafe
The Beachcomber Cafe is one of my favorite brunch discoveries. Located in Crystal Cove (Newport Beach), the beachfront vintage cottage serves award-winning California cuisine with impeccable ocean views. During OC Restaurant Week, the Beachcomber Cafe will offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Featured menu items include Chilean Seabass, Hudson Valley Duck, Grilled Churrasco, and Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut.
Habana: Despite the diversity here in Southern California, there are still very few restaurants that serve authentic Cuban and Spanish cuisine. I was drawn in by their empanadas but eventually found myself expanding my palate with their classic dishes. The restaurant’s vibe is cozy and romantic like you have been transported to a quaint venue in Havana. There are two locations in Orange County, Irvine and Costa Mesa, both of which will be participating in OC Restaurant Week. Be sure to check the website for updated specialty menus.
Cucina Enoteca: I first visited the San Diego location many years ago and fell in love with its modern but rustic atmosphere and classic Italian dishes made with local, organic, sustainable ingredients. From Polenta Boards and Hummus-filled Mason Jars to their family-style dishes, the restaurant offers a truly remarkable dining experience. Their Prix Fixe dinner menu offers a diverse selection of their signature dishes. Both the Irvine and Newport Beach locations will participate in OC Restaurant Week so be sure to stay tuned for their special menus.
The Tea House on Los Rios: Even before I moved to Orange County, I was frequenting the historic tea house in the Los Rios district of San Juan Capistrano. The beautiful 1911 cottage, surrounded by lush gardens, serves as the perfect venue for afternoon tea. In addition to their traditional high tea and famous scones, the restaurant offers a luncheon and weekend brunch menu. During Orange County Restaurant Week, locals can enjoy a Luxe Afternoon Tea complete with champagne and dessert
Seasons 52: As the name would suggest, the restaurant features seasonal menus with nothing over 595 calories! Rather than using butter or heavy sauces, the restaurant utilizes natural cooking techniques such as oak-fire grilling and brick-oven roasting to enhance the natural flavor of foods. You won’t find a fryer in their kitchen…but you will find more than 50 varieties of fresh produce. Several of my favorite dishes are featured on their prix fixe menu including their Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops, Wood-Grilled Shrimp and Grits, and Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon. You can read my entire review of the restaurant here.
Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen: Located on the historic Irvine Ranch, the Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen serves dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. As a homage to its rich history, the restaurant features small plates and shareable entrees which allows guests to enjoy a fresh, healthy dining experience. During OC Restaurant Week, the restaurant will feature a prix fixe lunch and dinner menu featuring signature dishes like their Short Rib Ragu and Roasted Cauliflower Steak.
Il Fornaio: Fresh pastas, coal-roasted meats and vegetables, and regional wines set this authentic Italian restaurant apart from the rest. Their dinner menu features my favorite Italian dish…Butternut Squash Ravioli. I highly recommend making reservations this week as I predict it will be busy with their limited-time OC Restaurant Week menus.
Restaurant Week Masters Preview Party
Celebrate OC Restaurant Week and get a first taste of some of the menu items that will be available. Hosted at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, you’ll enjoy the following:
- Be the first to sample delicious bites from OC Restaurant Week menus, Premium Wines, and Fine cocktails
- Charcuterie service by robots
- Live music
- Live broadcast of Neil Saavedra from The Fork Report
Preview Party Details
March 5, 2022 / 2pm – 5pm
Marriott Irvine Spectrum
7905 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618
Guests 21 and over only
You can visit OC Restaurant Week for an up-to-date list of all restaurants participating. I highly recommend making reservations as the restaurants are certain to be crowded.
Please note that images do not necessarily represent menu items from OC Restaurant Week.
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