Orange County and Catalina Island Restaurants

Much like L.A., restaurants in Orange County are generally casual, and you’ll rarely see men in jackets and ties. However, at top resort hotel dining rooms, many guests choose to dress up.

Of course, there’s also a swath of casual places along the beachfronts—seafood takeout, taquerias, burger joints—that won’t mind if you wear flip-flops. Reservations are recommended for the nicest restaurants.

Many places don’t serve past 11 pm, and locals tend to eat early. Remember that according to California law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas.

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  • 1. Saint & Second

    $$$

    If Long Beach's 2nd Street is a treasure chest of casual communal experiences, Saint & Second is one of its gems. This on-trend modern American restaurant is the latest in a long line of successful concepts run on the same site by the same family for well over half a century. It draws diners in with its sky-high burgers, popular bone marrow, and crisp flatbreads, then keeps them in the industrial-style space with inventive cocktails and a whiskey menu longer than Long Beach. "Social hour" deals don't disappoint. You might even find artwork by a local that you can't resist taking home. Like much of 2nd Street, Saint & Second is dog-friendly, so be prepared to make friends with lots of very good boys (and girls).

    4828 2nd St., California, 90803, USA
    562-433--4828

    Known For

    • Casual dishes in an industrial space
    • Excellent happy hour offerings
    • Huge whiskey list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Brunch served on weekends only
  • 2. Sapphire and The Pantry

    $$

    This Laguna Beach establishment set in a historic Craftsman-style building is part gourmet pantry (a must-stop for your every picnic need) and part global dining adventure. Enjoy comfort cuisine from around the world paired with an eclectic wine and beer list. Brunch is best enjoyed outdoors on the sunny patio under colorful umbrellas. An iconic statue of Eiler Larsen aka "The Greeter" of Laguna Beach is a prominent feature on the corner of the property.

    1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
    949-715–9888

    Known For

    • Sapphire salad
    • Weekend brunch
    • Pet-friendly patio
  • 3. Shake Shack at Crystal Cove

    $

    This Southern California landmark sitting on a bluff off the PCH is the perfect spot to get a quick breakfast burrito or pancake combo. During lunch and dinner they make tasty Cove burgers served with a side of French fries or coleslaw, fish-and-chips, and a seared ahi sandwich. The menu also includes a vegan Impossible burger, banana date shakes, and root beer floats.

    7703 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, California, 92657, USA
    949-464–0100

    Known For

    • More than 30 different shake flavors
    • Incredible ocean views
    • Small parking lot with 30-minute limit
  • 4. The Attic

    $$

    Long Beach's famous Craftsman bungalows were built en masse during an oil boom a century ago, and while many have been torn down to make way for McMansions and apartment blocks, one now plays home to the Attic, which serves up some of the best Southern-style cuisine in the region. The comfort food on the all-day menu delights, from the Flaming Hot Cheetos mac and cheese (don't overthink it; just try it) to the Three Little Pigs sandwich. Daily happy-hour specials serve as an "intermission" between lunch and dinner offerings. Score a coveted indoor table in the home's former rooms, or enjoy the low-key outside patio. In the mood for adventure? Try to score a reservation for the communal weekend Attic Supper Club, nestled in a gorgeous private dining room. Like much of Long Beach, the Attic is dog-friendly.

    3441 E. Broadway, California, 90803, USA
    562-433--0153

    Known For

    • Modern Southern cooking
    • Century-old cottage setting
    • Supper Club experience on weekends
  • 5. The Stand Natural Foods

    $

    Since 1975, this old-school, artsy eatery in Laguna provides healthy, organic vegan salads, bowls, burritos, tamales, veggie burgers, pita pocket sandwiches, fresh fruit soft serve, and smoothies.

    238 Thalia St., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
    949-494–8101

    Known For

    • 100% plant-based vegan food
    • Brown rice burritos
    • Nut-milk shakes
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Urth Caffe

    $$

    A local favorite in the morning and throughout the day for organic heirloom coffee and hand-blended fine organic teas, Urth also serves health-conscious food as well as pastries outside on the charming garden patio looking out at the Laguna Art Museum across the street. For lunch and dinner, they offer a variety of salads, soups, bowls, pizzas, and signature sandwiches. Heartier fare includes a Mediterranean platter, Urth tamales, lasagna, and an Asian-style nori plum rice wrap. There is a children's menu, too.

    308 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
    949-376–8888

    Known For

    • Health-conscious cuisine
    • Organic coffee and tea
    • Long lines on the patio during peak hours and weekends
  • 7. Zinc Café and Market

    $$

    It's always brunch time at his small Laguna Beach institution where—from 7 am to 4 pm—you will find reasonably priced breakfast-to-lunch (okay, brunch) items that include everything from signature quiches, poached eggs, and homemade granolas, to healthy salads, homemade soups, quesadillas, and pizza. All the sweets are homemade, including the megasize brownies. There are some gluten-free and vegetarian items, too, including a Zinc Rubenesque on rye bread made with beets. A large beverage menu includes lattes, lemonade, beer, mimosas, and red and white wines by the glass.

    350 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, California, 92651, USA
    949-494–6302

    Known For

    • Gourmet pastries, some gluten-free
    • Coffee bar
    • Busy outdoor patio

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