Long walks on the beach and picnics at sunset are timeless date night staples, but every now and then, you and your better half want to switch it up. Put on your favorite outfit and get ready to hit Orange County's lively food and drink scene for the perfect night out.
For a Fine Dining Date...
Knife Pleat
Indulge in South Coast Plaza’s finest French fare at this star-studded favorite from Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, his wife. The pair are serving up delicious delicacies from crisp kampachi crudo to Tsar Nicoulai golden caviar. Begin your meal with shareable black truffle brie before indulging in rabbit strozzapreti pasta. For a sweet finish, try poached apricot complete with rosemary honey jelly. Costa Mesa, knifepleat.com
Louie’s by the Bay
Enjoy views of the Newport Bay at this Italian steakhouse, where head chef Daniele Cambria is dishing up classic cuisine. Twirl your fork into cheesy cacio e pepe or share a 32-ounce bone-in tomahawk, doused in roasted garlic and rosemary glassato. Looking for a lighter dish? Try a charcuterie board complete with 12-month-aged parmesan reggiano “gelato” and smoked albacore tuna. Newport Beach, louiesnewport.com
Marché Moderne
Take a one-night vacation to the French countryside at the sophisticated yet relaxed Marché Moderne. With a fromagerie and patisserie, the finest macarons, chocolate souffles and truffle Boursin cheeses are right at your fingertips. Or spend the evening indulging in a five-course tasting menu with top-tier tuna millefeuille, lavish lamb ribeye crépinette, and burnt honey yuzu ice cream—c’est bon. Newport Beach, marchemoderne.net
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Enjoy an evening at Mastro’s—the masters of upscale steak dining. Savor top-of-the-line dungeness crab cocktail and sauteed scallops to start as you take in views of the Pacific. Choose from chef Angel Carbajal’s sushi selection, including bigeye tuna tostadas and maguro lime rolls, or slice into a Snake River Farms wagyu tomahawk steak with gooey lobster mac and cheese, all while listening to the soft sounds of a live band. Newport Beach, mastrosrestaurants.com
For a First Date…
CdM Restaurant
Blue velvet booths and whiskey neats are the perfect beginning to a budding romance. At CdM, there’s a little something for everyone. Start small with Niman Ranch pork belly with chicharron papaya slaw, and end on a larger note with Alaskan halibut doused in roasted yellow bell pepper sauce. Not quite finished? Fork into a classic New York blueberry cheesecake blanketed with fresh blueberry emulsion before heading to the restaurant’s underground speakeasy for a nightcap. Corona Del Mar, cdmrestaurant.com
Javier’s
Dive into Mexican staples at this O.C. favorite, where queso fundido and sizzling fajitas await. Looking for a seafood fix? Try the trio de ceviche featuring ahí, camarón and pulpo. Let the good times flow with a primo selection of tequila or sip a sweet and refreshing tamarindo margarita. Newport Beach, javiers-cantina.com
Lido Bottle Works
Get to know each other right by the sea. Waterfront bistro Lido Bottle Works is serving up small-bite favorites with a twist, from caramel pork ribs to curried beef meatballs accompanied by mint yogurt. Share a plate of chili tahini cauliflower and carrots or creamy burrata with peaches. Close the night with a chocolate honey truffle bar and a smooth glass of Austin Hope red wine. Newport Beach, lidobottleworks.com
For a Drink Date…
Hive & Honey
Sip and savor endless views and drinks at Hive & Honey at Marriott Irvine Spectrum, the ideal spot to break the ice. Feel the buzz with the bourbon-spiked Buffalo Soldier or try the spicy Wasp’s Nest made with fresh jalapeno and Casamigos mezcal. If vino is your pick, indulge in bottle service and try the Harvey & Harriet bordeaux blend or The Prisoner chardonnay. Irvine, hhrooftopbar.com
Tanner’s
California coastal cuisine and handcrafted cocktails complete with panoramic ocean views? Reservation for two, please. Pair your fresh cioppino and shishito burger with a crisp Cucumber Delight cocktail with elderflower, a sunny Sevilla Summer sipper, or the Naked & Famous libation with yellow chartreuse, Los Javis mezcal and Aperol. Finish the evening with a SoCal sunset at the upstairs Treehouse lounge. Cheers! Huntington Beach, tannershb.com
The Cellar
Myriad wine options and top-notch charcuterie boards make The Cellar the ultimate date-night destination. Mellow out to live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7PM while sipping on Louis Roederer Champagne. Try a glass of Tyler chardonnay from Santa Barbara or Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley with accoutrements of mixed olives and stuffed peppadews to taste. We can toast to that. San Clemente, thecellarsite.com
Photography by: Freddy G/Unsplash
