With 2024 just around the corner, Orange County’s restaurateurs are ending the year with a bang. Here are five of the most exciting new restaurants to open in the past few months—your reservation awaits.
The lox avocado toast at Aria Kitchen; PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSHINE PR
Sisters Mahta and Anahita Ariad are the brains behind Irvine's new Aria Kitchen. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTSHINE PR
It’s a family affair at Aria Kitchen, a new Persian-Mexican fusion concept from sisters Mahta and Anahita Ariad in Irvine. While this is the second restaurant for the pair—they opened Irvine Grill in 2020—their love of hospitality began with their father, who owned globally-focused market Super Irvine for more than 25 years. “It was magical to see how my father’s market gave both immigrants and locals a sense of belonging and connection,” says Mahta. “With the opening of Aria Kitchen, we aim to foster that sense of connection while expanding cultural horizons.” Expect traditional Mexican dishes infused with Persian spices and sauces, Halal meats and Mediterranean ingredients across breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. 2636 Dupont Drive, Irvine, 949.932.0620, ariakitchen.co
The beautiful interiors at Benny and Mary's in Irvine; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Sip flower-festooned cocktails at Benny and Mary's; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Fellow Irvine newcomer Benny and Mary’s bowed in October, welcoming guests to the delicious home of fictitious characters Benny and Mary, the creation of husband-and-wife duo Chad Reinhardt and Cynthia Vigil. “We are confident that this wholly unique space with a fabulous atmosphere will captivate with its vibrant energy and whimsical sophistication,” says Vigil, who invites diners to enjoy lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at her seventh dining concept. (Vigil and Reinhardt are the brains behind O.C.’s Toast Kitchen & Bar, Mimosas Brunch & Dinner and Julep Cast Iron Kitchen & Drink.) In the kitchen is chef Matthew Kessler, who’s cooking up delicious dishes ranging from the Drunken Goat Burger slathered with roasted garlic aioli to 12-hour braised short rib osso buco. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 100, Irvine, 714.439.1733, bennyandmarys.com
A fiesta awaits at the new Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina on Pacific Coast Highway; PHOTO BY SHARON WILLIAMS
Order a platter of crispy tacos at Bodega Laguna; PHOTO BY SHARON WILLIAMS
Tucked within the former Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store is the sexy new Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant brimming with sizzling meat and seafood dishes, tacos, margaritas and more. Behind the vibrant concept is Ivan Spiers, the Laguna Beach hospitality veteran who brought locals Skyloft, Mozambique and Rumari. For his latest eatery, Spiers tapped Jimmy Duval of Jimmy’s Famous Tavern to outfit the space in bold colors, textiles, beautiful ceramics and enchanting blown glassware sourced from Central Mexico and Baja California. Don’t miss the on-site marketplace to grab a cold beer, Mexican-imported goods and select menu items. Let the fiesta begin. 400 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.715.1002, bodegalaguna.com
The tequila bar at the new Caló Kitchen + Tequila at South Coast Plaza; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Following locations in El Segundo and Laguna Niguel, Caló Kitchen + Tequila has opened its third outpost in the space that previously occupied The Hall Global Eatery at South Coast Plaza. The Mexican restaurant is the passion project of Clemente Heredia, CEO of Authentic Hospitality Group, who was inspired by the work ethic of his grandparents, who opened their first restaurant more than six decades ago. Step into the 8,000-square-foot oasis to discover salads, enchiladas, tacos, seafood and meat dishes, plus seven types of margaritas. You can also enjoy a flight of tequila served tableside. Cheers! 3333 Bristol St., Ste. 1876, Costa Mesa, 714.462.1445, calokitchen.com
It's all about artisan toasts topped with delicious ingredients at Balboa Island's new Toastique. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
East Coast transplant Toastique opened its first California location on charming Balboa Island in mid-September. Billed as an elevated toast and juice bar concept, the 1,500-square-foot eatery specializes in artisan toast topped with sweet and savory ingredients—don’t miss the PB Crunch featuring fresh fruit, honey-roasted peanut butter, berry jam, granola, peanuts, honey drizzle and mint on walnut raisin toast. You’ll also find tropical smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, coffee and plenty of other delicious bites perfect for grabbing on the go. Stop by daily between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. 226 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.430.9395, toastique.com
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