These are the hardest reservations to make in Orange County.
Knife Pleat occupies a stylish 5,000-square-foot space on the penthouse level of South Coast Plaza INTERIOR PHOTO BY TOM BONNER
Created by culinary power couple Tony Esnault and Yassmin Sarmadi, this Michelin-rated restaurant excites with a three-course prix fix menu from Tuesday through Thursday and a deluxe tasting menu on Friday and Saturday. knifepleat.com
Marche Moderne serves rustic French cuisine and a five-course seasonal tasting menu inspired by water. Featured dishes include layers of prime dry-aged filet, main lobster and black truffle, to barely seared Saint-Jacques scallops finished with sea urchin butter—with wine pairings to match it all. marchemoderne.net
A consistent classic, A’s blossomed from a basic roadside diner into an elevated spot for French food and a fleet of famous guests. Its seasonally-inspired, contemporary menu incorporates local ingredients turned into dishes of land and sea to be enjoyed in cozy yet lively atmosphere. riverjettyrg.com/a-crystal-cove
This fan-favorite wows with a deluxe array of steaks and seafood. Guests must uphold an upscale dress code for admittance into the upscale venue, where they can choose from small dishes like hamachi with crispy onions, and white cheddar lobster mac & cheese, to mains such as wagyu tomahawk chops and Alaskan halibut. mastrosrestaurants.com
This nine-seat, countertop omakase-style dining experience is so highly coveted that reservations can only be made every second Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. instagram.com/omakasebygino
A seaside spot located in Surf & Sand resort, Splashes serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a patio perched above Pacific waves. Each dish is made from fresh, local ingredients to please any palette. surfandsandresort.com
One hundred and eighty-degree views, an abundance of California wines and craft cocktails plus unforgettable dishes make Larsen a highly-acclaimed spot in Laguna Beach. The three-meal restaurant captures the California ethos in its cuisine and setting. hotellaguna.com
The lemon tart at Larsen.
Photography by:
