Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Diners' Choice: Best Ambience restaurants in South Orange County

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambience in South Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of The Dock restaurant
The Dock
5.0
5 (2039)
$50 and over
Seafood
Newport Beach
About the restaurant
THE DOCK located in NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA requires a valid credit card to book reservations online via OpenTable or call 949-673-3625 to provide your credit card. 24 hr cancellation fee policy. The Dock reserves the right to cancel your reservation if reservation is not CC guaranteed. VOTED TOP 10 RESTAURANTS IN ORANGE COUNTY 2022 and TOP 100 in the US in 2019 and 2023 BY OPENTABLE. Our waterfront covered patio dining and every seat has a bay view, with an infused contemporary American menu. Outstanding wine list and custom craft cocktails.
Reservations are recommended.
Top review
Tom
Dined on 5 Dec 2024
My wife took me there for dinner for my 50th birthday. The service was outstanding. The staff were very interactive, chatty and friendly. The food was amazing, I had the lamb, best I've ever had, and my wife had the lobster, it was also delicious. We will definitely be going back.
A photo of 608 Dahlia restaurant
608 Dahlia
4.8
4.8 (2023)
$31 to $50
American
Corona del Mar
About the restaurant
Executive Chef Jessica Roy brings her fresh interpretation and style to Garden and Farm-to-Table cuisine right inside the botanical oasis that is Sherman Library and Gardens. Daily pickings from the Gardens and local farms populate the ever changing seasonal menu that highlights the best and most flavorful ingredients of the season. Look for ingredients at their peak, stunning edible blooms and herbs right from the Sherman grounds, and cuisine that is nothing short of inspired and delicious. .

Please note: we are located within the Sherman Library and Gardens, to which there is a $5.00 per person admission fee. Each admission supports the Sherman Gardens (a non-profit organization), who maintain the sweeping panoramic views that our diners get to enjoy! Come for the food and stay for the views (and insta-worthy pics).

Top review
Dwayne
Dined 1 day ago
The entire environment is magical. Restaurant is decorated very whimsical and the food presentation is meticulous. I always feel like it is a celebration.
Discover more
A photo of Specialty Biscuits of a restaurant
Popular dish
Specialty Biscuits
A photo of Harvest Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Harvest Salad
A photo of Garden Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Garden Salad
A photo of Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens restaurant
Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens
4.8
4.8 (11432)
$31 to $50
American
Corona del Mar
About the restaurant
We are excited for your visit, and welcome you to experience our beautiful outdoor dining room in Newport Beach. That being said we are outdoors and encourage all guest to dress appropriate to the season. We have added a beautiful heated covered awning for the winter months. We offer blankets for sale that can be kept, or left behind and donated to a local charity we support. We will still be requesting a two hour dinning limit per visit.
Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens offers the freshest, locally sourced , seasonal farm-to-fork cuisine paired with exclusive wines and craft cocktails and beers. Located on a seven acre home and garden center in the heart of beautiful Corona del Mar, Farmhouse provides a dining experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else and can be quite romantic. What sets us apart is the unparalleled beauty of Rogers Gardens combined perfectly with a unique cuisine created by Chef Rich Mead.
Top review
Peter
Dined 6 days ago
Michelle was an amazing server. Her support staff was awesome, I constantly got my water glass refilled. Then food was top notch and we met Chef Rich as we left and thanked him personally. We just love eating here and spending the day admiring the lush grounds, especially during these festive holidays.
Discover more
A photo of Today's Pizza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Today's Pizza
A photo of Asian Chicken Salad 20 of a restaurant
Popular dish
Asian Chicken Salad 20
A photo of Grilled Asian Beef Short Ribs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Asian Beef Short Ribs
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
4.8 (2698)
$31 to $50
Afternoon Tea
San Juan Capistrano
About the restaurant
Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!
Top review
Perry
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered the tea experience (victorian and mission) and two entrees (quiche and salmon). All the food was excellent and we had lots of leftovers from the tea experiences. The biggest highlight was the wonderful service. I forgot to tell the server at the beginning about my food allergies. But when they heard about it, they immediately told the kitchen to change my next course. And throughout the full meal, even though it was getting busy, our server always made sure to check on us and make sure we were doing ok! Everyone was so warm and lovely! Absolutely will be coming again with more friends!
Discover more
A photo of Fresh Fruit of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fresh Fruit
A photo of Quiche Lorraine of a restaurant
Popular dish
Quiche Lorraine
A photo of Five Assorted Tea Sandwiches of a restaurant
Popular dish
Five Assorted Tea Sandwiches
A photo of Rebel Omakase restaurant
Rebel Omakase
4.9
4.9 (226)
$50 and over
Sushi
Laguna Beach
About the restaurant
PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
We put all our heart and soul into a creative and unique experience. Our Omakase is a pre-fixed menu based on raw fish and shellfish. All ingredients come from Japan, prepared with Japanese techniques and elements. Our Omakase is a fine dining, intimate experience, prepared in front of our guests to highlight the integrity of our dishes.
CANCELLATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS are allowed 72 hours in advance. Less than 72 hours will be charged for the full price of Omakase per guest plus tax
TEXT MESSAGE with full information (949) 664-3186
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS must be informed in advance, we CANNOT accommodate no shellfish, no gluten, no dairy, or no meat requests
NO outside food or wine
THE SUSHI BAR AND TABLE SERVICE are the same menu; our servers will explain the intricacy of every dish
BE ON TIME Service starts in unison at the time of reservation if you are late, you will miss some courses
CHILDREN age 5+ are welcome, but they must order the full menu
Top review
Helena
Dined on 6 Dec 2024
Really fantastic experience with new fish and delicate sauces. Delicious and fun!
Discover more
A photo of 5:00pm & 7:30pm Omakase Experience of a restaurant
Experience
5:00pm & 7:30pm Omakase Experience
A photo of 12:30pm - Lunch Omakase of a restaurant
Experience
12:30pm - Lunch Omakase
A photo of 12:30pm - Sunday Nigiri Omakase of a restaurant
Experience
12:30pm - Sunday Nigiri Omakase
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.9
4.9 (1728)
$31 to $50
Farm-to-table
Laguna Beach
About the restaurant
We are a neighborhood independent restaurant owned by Laguna Beach Native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith with Wine Country Inspired California Coastal Cuisine in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts. Her main focus is to feed our guests the way she chooses for her our own family. In a warm and inviting atmosphere, the hope is that each guests leaves as if she were welcoming friends and family into her home. We take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients available when creating our menus with Free Range & Organic Poultry, Sustainable Seafood, Antibiotic & Hormone Free Meats, Seasonal, Local and/or Organic Produce. We are conscious about the food we serve, the impact of our waste in lessoning our environmental footprint & supporting the local community we are within. Named one of the Top 10 Chef's in Orange County and Top 5 Chef's in Laguna Beach, Chef prides herself on quality food, friendly service and an experience to return for.

Top review
Stevenvip
Dined 4 days ago
We had our usual delicious meal and come back every time we visit Laguna Beach
A photo of Ocean 48 - Newport restaurant
Ocean 48 - Newport
4.9
4.9 (517)
$50 and over
Seafood
Newport Beach
About the restaurant
The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.
Top review
Angela
Dined today
After decades OC has what the best restaurants in New York offer but with a relaxed charm.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
4.8 (10434)
$30 and under
Californian
Newport Beach
About the restaurant
Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United States

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers.

The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.
Top review
kathe
Dined 5 days ago
What's not to love about the Beachcomber?? Beautiful sunny, late fall day; delicious seasonal lunch and excellent service!!
Discover more
A photo of BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS of a restaurant
Popular dish
BEACHCOMBER BEIGNETS
A photo of Beignets and Ambrosia of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beignets and Ambrosia
A photo of MAHI MAHI TACOS of a restaurant
Popular dish
MAHI MAHI TACOS
A photo of Coliseum Grill - The Resort at Pelican Hill restaurant
Coliseum Grill - The Resort at Pelican Hill
4.8
4.8 (2285)
$31 to $50
American
Newport Beach
About the restaurant
At Coliseum Pool & Grill, every meal is a vacation. Dig into California grill favorites like our fish tacos, steak salad, flatbread pizza or signature chicken. Whether you sit under the sun or under the ceiling, we can’t help but show off our fresh flavors and amazing views.
Top review
Amaanvip
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing food, and amazing service. Would bring my family here or it’s also a perfect date spot.
Discover more
A photo of Baja Fish Tacos of a restaurant
Popular dish
Baja Fish Tacos
A photo of O'Neill's Bar & Grill restaurant
O'Neill's Bar & Grill
4.9
4.9 (1116)
$30 and under
Californian
Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
About the restaurant
O'Neill's - our 4,600 square foot bar and grill - is a very popular place after a round of golf. Enjoy great meals and cocktails while you also take in the breathtaking views of the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, Trabuco Creek, and the course.
Top review
Robvip
Dined on 4 Dec 2024
Excellent place for a covered patio lunch on a SoCal December afternoon.
Discover more
A photo of Napa Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Napa Salad
A photo of Caesar Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caesar Salad
Explore Diners' Choice best of South Orange County
Best Overall
Best Overall
Best Food
Best Food
Best Service
Best Service
Best Value
Best Value
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo