A Restaurant   
This landmark along Pacific Coast Highway has a rich history of dining that dates back to 1926, when it opened as a roadside diner called The Arches. It shifted to steak and seafood in the ’40s, then turned its attention to French fare in the ’70s. This century brought a new name and a new cuisine: A Restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in a rich,
classic venue. The Spicy Yellow Fin Tuna with crispy eggplant and chili aioli starts the meal off right. The Veal Pot Roast is both comforting and flavorful, with parsnip purée, black truffle, horseradish and gremolata. With a history as rich and diverse as its menu, this gem is way more than just “A” restaurant.
3334 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach 949.650.6505; arestaurantnb.com


Antonello Ristorante   
The authentic Northern Italian dishes created by Chef Franco Barone were inspired by owner Antonio Cagnolo’s mother, Mama Pina. The restaurant opened in 1975, and half of the staff has been with Cagnolo for at least 15 years, creating a true feeling of traditional Italian family dining. But the food is the main attraction, with unique house favorites such as the Raviolette Di Mamma Pina (Mamma’s own recipe), homemade miniature ravioli with veal Bolognese sauce.
3800 S. Plaza Drive in South Coast Plaza Village, Santa Ana 714.751.7153; antonello.com


The Cellar   
With a softly lit dining room filled with chandeliers, cave-like walls and Old European arches reminiscent of Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and a diverse menu of continental cuisine with an international flair, eating out at The Cellar gives a sense of adventure to the dining experience. Start with a warm bowl of the velvety lobster bisque, then follow that up with the Chateaubriand Bouquetiére, a delectable center cut of the tenderloin carved tableside. Dine on a Wednesday and sample one of the 1,400 selections of wines from around the world for half-price.
305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 717.525.5682; cellardining.com


Five Crowns   
There’s a reason this cozy, English inn-themed house-turned-restaurant has been around since 1965. Serving top-quality meat, fresh seafood and seasonal specials, Five Crowns has developed a loyal following built on hearty meals as well as heartfelt service. The Prime Rib is a house favorite – aged, slow roasted and served with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed spinach and Yorkshire pudding, all drizzled with a delectable Port wine jus. After a satisfying meal, you’ll be ready to doze off by one of the many fireplaces gracing the dining rooms – just wake up in time for the restaurant’s outstanding brunch in the morning.
3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331; lawrysonline.com/fivecrowns_gen_info.asp


Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar   
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar offers a flavorful spin on your favorite dishes, and if you get there before 7 p.m., you can take advantage of the 5 for $6 till 7 deal, featuring five appetizers, five glasses of wine and five signature cocktails, all priced at $6 each, seven days a week. The innovative appetizers are not to be missed, especially the melt-in-your-mouth jumbo lump crab cakes, accented perfectly with the zesty flavors of roasted red pepper and lime butter sauce. The filet mignon, made with USDA prime beef, is succulent, straightforward and mouth-watering.
455 Newport Center Drive in Fashion Island, Newport Beach; 949.720.9633; flemingssteakhouse.com


Mastro’s Steakhouse   
At Mastro’s Steakhouse, guests are welcomed by the swinging sounds of jazz and led past a wall of wines encased in glass, then greeted by a friendly server clad in a white tuxedo jacket. But the highlight of the experience is the food. Start with the impressive Iced Seafood Tower – through a flowing fog of dry ice, you’ll sample a generous assortment of fresh crab legs, oysters, lobster and jumbo shrimp. The USDA Prime bone-in filet is served on a plate heated to 400 degrees, and it melts in your mouth with each tender bite. Order it with the creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes for a heavenly combination.
633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.546.7405
8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.376.6990 (Mastro’s Ocean Club)
mastrosrestaurants.com


Morton’s The Steakhouse   
Winner of the 2008 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Morton’s also offers a wide selection of cocktail counterparts to whet the appetite and complement any entrée. The filet mignon is USDA Prime aged beef cooked to perfection – and it’s rightfully Morton’s most popular steak. You’ll also find a fabulous seafood selection, including Western Australian lobster tail.
1641 W. Sunflower Ave. in South Coast Plaza Village, Santa Ana, 714.444.4834; mortons.com


P.J.’s Abbey   
Eating at this Old Towne Orange restaurant is a religious experience in more ways than one. Built in 1891 as a Gothic-style Victorian Baptist Church, it was converted into a restaurant in 1996 but retained much of the original stylistic integrity, including 20-foot-high ceilings and stained glass windows. For a fall favorite, order Abbey’s Heavenly Meatloaf, prepared Wellington style and stuffed with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
182 S. Orange St., Orange, 714.771.8556; pjsabbey.com


Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse   
You’ll find juicy steaks served sizzling on a plate heated to 500 degrees, a savory selection of seafood and Southern hospitality. It’s no wonder that what began as a small corner restaurant in New Orleans has grown to 127 locations around the globe. Start with the succulent Barbequed Shrimp, sautéed with real New Orleans flair in reduced white wine, butter, garlic and spices. And the Sweet Potato Casserole, served warm with a crisp pecan crust, will make you reconsider your traditional sweet potato preparations for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.
2961 Michelson Drive, Suite A, Building 10, Irvine 949.252.8848; ruthschris.com


Savannah Chop House   
With its cozy leather booths and stone fireplaces, this woodsy restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in an upscale but homey atmosphere. The Perfect 10 menu –  featuring premium USDA 10-ounce New York strip steak, half-pound king
crab legs, a fresh catch of the day and the signature Savannah Vegetable Risotto, all for just $10 – will leave your belly and your wallet comfortably full.
32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107
315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 (Savannah at the Beach)
culinaryadventures.com


Summit House   
The fireside seats, friendly atmosphere and fantastic food are sure to warm your soul and perk up your palate. A house favorite is the John Dory. Although it is imported from New Zealand, Summit House really makes this fish its own – pan-seared, topped with macadamia nuts and Japanese bread crumbs, and perfectly complemented with a lemon-butter sauce.
2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.671.4111; summithouse.net


21 Oceanfront   
Voted Orange County’s Most Romantic Restaurant of 2009 by foxla.com, there is plenty to fall in love with at this beautiful beachfront landmark, including $21 Tuesdays. That’s when select entrées are priced at $21 all night. Dine on a Monday, and you can indulge in the Surf n’ Turf, featuring a three-course meal for $49. Try the Abalone Alley West, a tender Baja pink abalone steak breaded in cracker crumbs and sautéed, or the Pistachio Crusted Halibut, sautéed and served with passion fruit and mango-butter sauce.
2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100; 21oceanfront.com