Remote Surveillance Trailer in Orange, CA

If there’s one article you’ll want to read thoroughly, it’s this one. There’s sort of this not-too-subtle competition around town to try out the best new restaurants once they hit the scene. Lucky for you, we’re here to dish! Orange County has become a culinary hub for adventurous chefs and rambunctious restaurateurs looking to brand their names onto our forever-hungry hearts. If you’re in need of a date night spot or a place to gather with the gals, we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 new restaurants in Orange County that have us totally obsessed!

Family recipes get a fresh OC debut at Pasta Sisters. Known for their cult-favorite LA locations, the Da Re family brings their hand-rolled pasta, slow-simmered sauces and comforting Italian classics to Costa Mesa. The menu, featuring bolognese, cacio e pepe and spinach lasagna, is crafted with care that you taste in every bite. While the takeout-only setup keeps things casual, the flavors are deeply personal, a direct line from a Padova kitchen to your OC table. It’s a delicious addition to the best new restaurants in OC, and one locals are already lining up for.

Location: Costa Mesa

Fire and flavor meet at Tierra de Fuegos. This Argentine-inspired spot turns dinner into an immersive experience. Their wood-fire cooking infuses smoky depth into every steak, seafood dish and vegetable that hits the grill. The warm, rustic dining room hums with the scent of sizzling chimichurri-drenched ribeyes, while curated South American wines keep the conversation flowing. It’s passionate, hearty and unapologetically bold, exactly what makes it a standout in OC’s 2025 dining scene.

Location: Laguna Niguel

Retro charm takes a modern twist inside Le Hut Dinette. Housed in a restored Quonset hut, the space blends midcentury nostalgia with chef-driven creativity. The menu offers dishes like coconut creamed corn and grilled chicken inasal that pack serious punch. Plus, the bright, laid-back vibe makes it perfect for a solo coffee date or a leisurely brunch with friends. This playful yet skillful approach to casual dining makes Le Hut a must-try among the best new restaurants in OC this year.

Local insight: Stop by at different times to sample all the brunch, lunch and dinner offerings: each mealtime menu is unique!

Location: Santa Ana

Coastal cool comes alive at Casa de Onda in Costa Mesa. Picture palapas, string lights and firepits creating the backdrop for a meal that fuses Mexican and American coastal flavors. Chef Ryan Perez and Karlo Wabe’s sharable menu tempts with seafood tostadas, charred street corn and cocktails begging to be sipped under the stars. And make sure you save room for dessert! The bold tres leches cake with yuzu curd & praline and white chocolate and lime flan are divine. It’s relaxed, stylish and built for everything from date night to post-beach happy hours.

Location: Costa Mesa

A taste of Peru now has a home by the Huntington Beach pier with Rocoto Pesca Bar. This modern, sunlit space is as much about the atmosphere as the food. Peruvian classics take center stage with bright ceviches, flavorful tiraditos and hearty lomo saltado. The beach-adjacent location adds to the allure, inviting you to linger over cappuccino long after the plates are cleared. It’s a vibrant addition to the best new restaurants in OC, marrying Latin American soul with California’s flair.

Location: Huntington Beach

At the Pendry’s members-only Elwood Club, Viamara offers Italian coastal elegance with a distinctly Newport Beach sensibility. Sunlit interiors and polished service set the stage for oysters, hand-crafted pastas and high tea that feels like the Italian Riviera. The exclusivity makes each visit feel like a special occasion, but the relaxed, sophisticated vibe keeps it approachable. It’s a hidden gem for those lucky enough to have access, earning a place among the best new restaurants in OC.

Location: Newport Beach

For lovers of refined Italian flavors, Molo in Newport Beach delivers with confidence. This osteria focuses on regional specialties prepared with simple, seasonal ingredients that let the flavors speak for themselves. The chic yet cozy dining room invites lingering over handmade pasta, fresh seafood and an expertly curated wine list. It’s an understated but impactful addition to the 2025 OC dining scene, proving that less can indeed be more.

Local insight: There are gluten-free and vegan options available, just ask your server!

Location: Molo

Barbecue gets a refined yet soulful interpretation at Harper BBQ. Smoked brisket, tender ribs and inventive sides show off pitmaster-level skill while the casual-chic atmosphere makes it fit for a weeknight celebration. The wood smoke aroma hits before you step inside, and the portions ensure no one leaves hungry. For fans of hearty flavors done with finesse, Harper BBQ is a standout in the new restaurants OC lineup.

Local insight: For sandwiches, mac n’ cheese or salted caramel banana pudding, skip the line, and order at the bar!

Location: Costa Mesa

Dumpling devotees have a new temple in Seven Folding Dumpling House. The menu is a love letter to hand-folded perfection. It offers everything from soup dumplings that burst with rich broth to pan-fried varieties with an irresistible crunch. Popular orders include sauteed broccoli with beef, pork wonton soup and beef onion dumplings. As a bonus, the sleek interiors and open kitchen views make the dining experience feel interactive and inviting. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll order “just one more” and plan your next visit before leaving.

Location: Mission Viejo

Laguna Beach’s dining scene feels brighter with Piatti’s arrival. This Italian-inspired restaurant blends seaside views with a menu celebrating coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy grilled branzino, wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes layered with fresh herbs and flavor. Not to mention, their Italian wine list has dozens of options! The relaxed elegance makes it a natural fit for everything from a pre-theater bite to a slow weekend dinner. It’s a polished yet unpretentious star in the 2025 OC dining scene.

Location: Laguna Beach

Wooden Pearl serves elevated New American cuisine with global touches in a sleek, modern setting. Expect artful plating, seasonal ingredients and a cocktail program that feels as thoughtfully crafted as the food. You’ll find crab cakes, shrimp scampi, chorizo + clams and so much more! The atmosphere strikes a balance between date-night sophistication and neighborhood warmth, encouraging return visits. It’s a fresh face in OC that delivers both style and substance.

Location: Anaheim

San Clemente’s Smalls Smash Club proves that burgers can be both fun and serious. Their perfectly seared smash patties come stacked as singles, doubles or triples. Get them a la carte or choose a combo with a drink and onion rings or fries deep fried in beef tallow. The space hums with casual energy, making it ideal for group hangs or low-key date nights. For a crave-worthy, no-frills-but-all-thrills addition to the new restaurants OC list, Smalls is already a fan favorite.

Location: San Clemente

Nick’s in Newport? It just makes sense. This South OC favorite expanded north in January. This opening is the SoCal chain’s third location, replacing Gracias Madre on Westcliff Drive. Nick’s is known for American comfort foods and is an upscale spot without being pretentious. This is the kind of place that feels like home. It’s casual enough for working lunches yet elegant enough for a date night dinner. The prime rib sandwich is a fan favorite, and their butter cake is mandatory! Current locations include Laguna Beach and San Clemente.

Location: Newport Beach

For those in search of a cozy yet refined cafe, CasaDamí offers a little slice of Europe in Newport Beach. With an all-day brunch menu, artisanal pastries and a handpicked selection of wines, this charming spot in Peninsula Village is ideal for everything from quiet mornings to late-night conversations. The menu features savory tapas, cured meats and European-style breakfast plates. Meanwhile, the drink program boasts signature lattes with creative flavor profiles. Whether you’re curled up with a book or gathering with friends for Wine Wednesday, CasaDamí is all comfort and sophistication.

Location: Newport Beach

Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Oto Sushi is redefining the sushi experience with a focus on sustainability and creativity. Chef Connor Mathison, a Portland transplant with a deep commitment to eco-friendly practices, presents a menu that caters to all tastes, from sushi lovers to vegetarian diners.

The sushi offerings include 20 nigiri and sashimi options. Meanwhile, the Robatayaki Sticks section features dishes like Jidori chicken and smoked mackerel served with dramatic flair. Rolls like the Tidal Viper (spicy tuna and tempura shishito) and the citrusy Eternal Stream (steelhead, avocado, kumquat yuzu) highlight Oto’s adventurous spirit. The sake and soju-based cocktails, like the floral Dragonfly, round out the experience.

Location: Laguna Beach

Dana Point’s Lantern’s Edge combines stunning ocean views with a modern Mediterranean menu crafted by Chef Kristine Davis. Located at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, the restaurant offers a unique al fresco experience with dishes inspired by the California coast. Start with the bright and refreshing hamachi crudo or the earthy grilled maitake mushrooms. Then, dive into mains like charcoal-grilled branzino. For brunch, indulge in the Endless Brunch, featuring a seafood bar, carving station and bottomless mimosas.

Location: Dana Point

In Dana Point, seafood lovers have found their new altar to flavor. Hook & Anchor pairs ocean-view romance with a menu that reads like a love poem to the sea. You’ll find lobster roll legends, oyster rockefeller and a seafood risotto that’s practically a hug in a bowl. The rotating raw bar ensures each visit tastes fresh and unexpected, while sunset patio seats make every bite feel like a celebration. Between the warm, personable service and cocktails designed for lingering, this coastal darling is already topping the list of the best new restaurants in OC.

Location: Dana Point

Stepping into Monaco Italian Kitchen feels like crossing into a dream somewhere between Naples and Newport. Opened in April 2025, Tony Monaco’s latest venture blends Italian heritage with California ease, serving house-made pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas and risottos worth writing home about. The space is chic yet warm, with its wraparound bar, black-and-white tiles and golden lighting setting the mood for leisurely dinners. Signature plates like the lamb bolognese and spaghetti alle vongole pair beautifully with cocktails. Try the aperol spritz or the “Over The Rainbow”, and the result is pure magic in OC’s 2025 dining scene.

Local insight: Do not skip the $12 cocktails and pizzas under $15 during Happy Hour!

MIAMI, Florida, Aug. 23 — The No. 15 Orange [CA] Lutheran Lancers made the long road trip from California to Florida a successful one Saturday night, beating the 14 Northwestern [Miami, FL] Bulls, 17-15.

Orange Lutheran is one of California's Trinity League powers playing alongside the likes of No. 1 Mater Dei and No. 3 St. John Bosco.

Northwestern, meanwhile, is Florida's defending FHSAA Class 3A state champions.

The game kicked off at 7 p.m. EST in Miami, Florida.

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Refresh for updates ...

FINAL — ORANGE LUTHERAN 17, NORTHWESTERN 15

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And Orange Lutheran hangs on for the win, 17-15, on the road in Florida!

Orange Lutheran has to settle for a field goal and leads 17-13 on the road late at Northwestern [Miami, FL].

Orange Lutheran is deep in Northwestern territory with a chance to just about sew this thing up.

Northwestern scores to trim Orange Lutheran's lead to a single point. A 2-point conversation fails, however, leaving the Bulls a point short.

4th Qtr — ORANGE LUTHERAN 14, NORTHWESTERN 13

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Orange Lutheran moves back into the lead at 14-7 on this play by Nico Bland.

3rd Qtr — ORANGE LUTHERAN 14, NORTHWESTERN 7

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|| FIRST HALF ||

Northwestern marches promptly back down the field helped along by some penalties on Orange Lutheran to tie things up in Miami, Florida, at the half

Halftime — Northwestern 7, Orange Lutheran 7

Orange Lutheran gets the scoring started late in the first half with a touchdown to take the lead.

2nd Qtr — ORANGE LUTHERAN 7, NORTHWESTERN 0

Still scoreless in Miami. Orange Lutheran thwarted a Northwestern drive with an interception.

Live updates, game time, how to watch; No. 14 Northwestern [FL] vs. No. 15 Orange [CA] Lutheran under way

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We're underway!

|| PREGAME ||

TOP 25 AND THE GAME OF THE WEEK ...

While you're getting ready for tonight's big game, get yourself up to speed on our Top 25 here:The Sporting News High School Football Top 25.

Then check out our TSN Game of the Week Recap featuring the No. 14 Milton (GA) Eagles at the No. 12 Buford (GA) Wolves on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

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OUR PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS ...

Finally, don't miss out on The Sporting News Preseason All-American Teams.

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MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HEADLINES ...

City leaders in Orange are racing the clock, said consultants hired by the city to evaluate the city’s finances. Without swift action, the city could face bankruptcy in roughly three years.

Their financial projections show a potential $46 million deficit by 2031 if current spending and revenue trends continue, the consultants said.

To prevent a crisis, consultants from Grant Thornton laid out a possible path forward in a report recently presented to the City Council, but it’s not an easy one. They’re calling for a 12% cut to the general fund, a 1% sales tax hike and a fast-tracked push to bring in new businesses. While expanding the city’s tax base could eventually cover rising costs, the consultants warned that immediate action is needed to keep the city afloat.

“I think where we are is we’re at an inflection point for the city. If you do nothing, you have three to three and a half years, and you’ll be at a really bad spot,” Shawn Stewart, a partner with Grant Thornton, told the City Council at its recent meeting.

City leaders had pinned their hopes on a half-cent sales tax hike last November that was projected to bring in as much as $20 million annually for a decade. But voters narrowly rejected it.

Bob Hawkey, a Grant Thornton consultant, said the city has to work on convincing voters that the potential 1% tax hike won’t be about padding the budget, but about ensuring long-term financial stability. If the city moves forward with a ballot measure, residents would likely vote on it in the 2026 general election.

Not everything from the firm’s report was grim. Consultants pointed to the city’s strengths — its prime spot near Disneyland, underused commercial property and potential partnerships with Chapman University — as opportunities that could help Orange get back on track.

“The assets that this city has in many cases are untapped,” Hawkey said. “One of the other things that we did not see — and it is a best practice of cities of your size — is to take about 1.5% to 2% of general fund activities and apply that to economic development funding outreach. The city of Orange largely does not do that.”

“Disneyland would love to see the side where potential hotels could be. They would love to see what transportation options could look like going back and forth to the park. They’d love to see the entertainment zones that would surround it so their guests can have the Disney experience, but they could do it in Orange, at a lower price point, compared to what they could do at Anaheim,” Hawkey added.

According to Grant Thornton, the city’s budget issues stem less from overspending and more from revenue that hasn’t kept up with long-term costs.

“We don’t see the problem with the city as overspending or a bloated government,” Stewart said. “What one of the department managers said was we have a Nordstrom’s appetite and we have to operate on kind of a Walmart budget. And that’s a challenge.”

Part of the shortfall comes from temporary COVID-era funding. The city received two one-time payments of $14 million each, primarily used to hire additional fire and law enforcement staff. Because that money wasn’t ongoing, the positions it funded now strain the long-term budget.

“It’s very clear one-time money was spent in a way where it has a long-term impact,” Stewart said.

Compounding the problem, deferred maintenance across city facilities could create additional challenges over time, Stewart said.

According to Grant Thornton’s estimates, there are about 70 vacant positions in the city totaling $12 million, but the city doesn’t have the budget to fill them all. Stewart told the council, “We need to stop thinking about those … being open.” That means more city services could be reduced unless the financial picture improves.

Already, the city has reduced library hours, canceled summer events, cut funding for holiday celebrations and proposed cutting personnel and overtime.

Economic development has lagged for years, Stewart said. He added that Grant Thornton’s conversations with businesses painted a picture of a city that is difficult to navigate for new ventures. The report says Orange’s “excessive red tape” and onerous planning requirements make the city feel “closed for business.”

“We talked to various businesses that may be attracted to the city, and what we heard was the way the city operates today … if we wanted to bring our business to the city, we’d likely think about other cities in other locations to bring it to Orange County,” Stewart said. “The perception is, it’s difficult to do business here.

“We also talked to people within the city who had businesses,” he added, “and they said that, ‘Unfortunately, we also see it difficult to do business with the city and to work with the city.’”

Consultants urged the city to move quickly to leverage its location and assets. Potential projects include mixed-use developments geared toward students, entertainment zones and hotels to attract Disneyland visitors. Hawkey said the city’s mall could become a hub for residents to live, shop, work and be entertained. He suggested creating a small project management office to help jumpstart these initiatives.

Council reactions to the report were mixed. Councilmember John Gyllenhammer questioned some of the data in the report.

“There is an assumption made on revenue and there is an assumption made on expenses,” he said at one meeting, and later told his council colleagues he believes the three-year bankruptcy timeline projected by Grant Thornton won’t hold up.

“Some of the numbers they’re operating on have assumptions built in that are not realistic,” he said.

Stewart said the consultants based their estimates on steady revenue and expenses, while also factoring in the impact of deferred maintenance on future costs.

“We looked at what we’re projecting out to be your increases in expenses and also the increases in revenue over time,” Stewart said.

Councilmember Arianna Barrios voiced that the council should verify all the figures in the Grant Thornton report before moving forward with any decisions.

Mayor Dan Slater has framed the discussion around opportunity.

“I think it’s finally time we put a stake through the heart of ‘the Orange Way.’ This is clearly not working … it probably did work at one point in time, but it’s time to change it up,” he said, proposing a “new Orange” way focused on business-friendly policies to attract growth and improve sales tax revenue.

The city plans to better leverage being home to Chapman University, which Slater called an important “brain trust.” He said a three-member liaison committee will focus on partnerships with the university.

Councilmembers discussed other potential revenue sources as well. Councilmember John Dumitru asked staff to develop an inventory of all unoccupied, underdeveloped or undeveloped properties and suggested making the full Grant Thornton report publicly available. He also noted that allowing cannabis dispensaries in industrial zones could generate sales tax revenue currently going to neighboring Santa Ana.

Councilmember Ana Gutierrez suggested, with support from Slater, that the council provide updates to residents on the city’s progress by discussing the topic at every meeting.