When you hear the name Orange County, California, you likely imagine images of sun-soaked beaches, surfers, and the eponymous TV show from the early 2000s. However, those who are not well-acquainted with this area may not realize that the region has an exciting food scene that some believe outshines nearby Los Angeles, a renowned culinary destination. Put simply, Orange County is a gastronomic wonderland with an assortment of global flavors. For instance, the region is home to Little Saigon, where you can chow down on Vietnamese fare, while Santa Ana is celebrated for its Mexican cuisine. When it comes to gourmet and elevated dining, Orange County will not disappoint.
Dotted with chef-driven establishments, multi-course experiences, and more, Orange County is packed with culinary adventures. If you’re looking to taste your way through the region and don’t know where to start, allow Islands to point you in the right direction with the five best restaurants for high-quality dining in Orange County. Curated by using articles from the Orange County Register, the Michelin Guide, and reviews from past patrons, these are the spots where you can have your next delectable meal in Southern California.
Truly Pizza, Dana Point
Pizza lovers, listen up. Did you know that Orange County is home to what has been named one of the best pizzerias in the country and the world? Located in Dana Point, Truly Pizza creates specialty artisan pies. In an article about Orange County chefs’ favorite restaurants, Riley Huddleston from Lido House in Newport Beach told the Orange County Register, “Truly Pizza in Dana Point serves easily one of the top three pizzas I’ve had in my life. The dough is fluffy and exceptionally light, almost croissant-like in texture.” Notably, Truly Pizza uses a technique called micro-blistering to perfect their crust.
Huddleston is one of several chefs who revealed to the Orange County Register that Truly Pizza is one of their go-to restaurants. David Shofner, who was previously the Orange County Business Journal’s chef of the year, also praised the establishment and recommends the crispy pepperoni pizza. However, the eatery offers other creative creations (all of which are $30 or under, at the time of writing) like the umami mushroom pizza, featuring onion and garlic sauce with sesame oil. That said, the contemporary two-story structure that houses Truly Pizza is arguably just as impressive as the food. Surrounded by lemon trees, this spot only offers patio seating…