Orange County's Best Martini

Sleek and dynamic Cal cuisine draws sophisticates, not surfers, just a block from the beach.

Reviews:

• “good food, wont make you bankrupt”
• “230 Forest Sub par review”
• “I loved it for the New York feel”
• “Do Lunch”
• “Awesome restaurant”

Tips: Street parking is competitive, and the restaurant doesn’t offer valet. Try one of the low-priced lots a block or so to the east.

230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar or email 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar

Historic industrial cannery-turned-restaurant provides fresh seafood and a full Japanese menu on the Newport waterfront.

Reviews:

• “Master Chef”
• “From Marietta, GA to The Cannery just for dinner”
• “Great sushi, would be better if you could order it from every table in restaurant”
• “Great Location and Atmosphere – Food is Uninspired”
• “Bring your own snacks”

Tips: Martinis are the specialty: Try the Key lime martini, made with vanilla vodka, Midori, lime juice and pineapple juice.

The Cannery or email The Cannery

Eclectic Asian-inspired American eatery welcomes upscale diners with live jazz and oysters.

Reviews:

• “Amazing atmoshpere, delicious food, great location”
• “Amazing food”
• “Fantastic!”
• “This Place is a "WOW""
• “Overpriced yummy oysters with snootty service”

Tips: What goes perfectly with the eponymous bivalves? One of owners-vinters Walt and Mona Babcock’s (of Babcock Vineyards) light chardonnays.

Oysters or email Oysters

Sip martinis and catch a game at the bar inside the original Peppino’s Family Italian Restaurant; weekday happy hour available.

Tips: Stop in for happy hour weekdays from 4pm to 7pm.

Joe’s Place

Sip martinis, catch live jazz or stop in for weeknight happy hour specials after dining at the adjoining Peppino’s restaurant.

Reviews:

• “Martinis down the tube!”

Joe’s Place

Sip martinis, catch a game, or stop in for weekday happy hour after dining at the adjoining Peppino’s restaurant.

Joe’s Place

Upscale Cal-Mediterranean cuisine in mirrored room with chandeliers draws professional crowd for steak, seafood and martinis. Live music and patio.

Reviews:

• “Over priced for what you get”
• “Supposedly good seafood (Med-Cal cuisine) but HORRIBLE service!”
• “Opah? Maybe……..”

Tips: Lunch and dinner reservations are only accepted for parties of six or more, and may be faxed.

Opah Restaurant & Bar or email Opah Restaurant & Bar

Powered by Citysearch