The dreamy outdoor veranda at Selanne Steak Tavern; PHOTO BY JASON NIEDLE
Book a table at this modern French restaurant in Newport Beach for a taste of amour on your next date night. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, expect nothing less than impeccable service, sleek interiors and indulgent eats from chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau. If you want to impress, opt for the decadent tasting menu, featuring langoustine dieppoise with caviar, rich pecorino, Italian ricotta dumplings and a French wine pairing.
Indulge in an order of caviar when dining at Marché Moderne; PHOTO BY RON DE ANGELIS
Adorned with dark velvet booths and floor-to-ceiling drapes, the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat’s sultry setting on the penthouse floor of South Coast Plaza is the perfect romantic escape. After a cocktail at the bar, graduate to a table for two to enjoy a four- or six-course tasting menu by lauded chef Tony Esnault. Expect artful dishes brimming with Osetra caviar and Snake River Farms American wagyu. Don’t forget to treat your date to a box of homemade macarons on the way out!
For a cozy evening out, head to Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach, a novel restaurant-within-a-house concept that enchants every guest who walks in. While the steakhouse features five different dining areas, date night is best held on the chandelier-lit veranda, warmed by a roaring fireplace, bottles of California cult wine and grilled-to-perfection steaks.
Booths at Bourbon Steak are the perfect option for those looking to get cozy during date night; PHOTO COURTESY OF WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH
At chef Michael Mina’s renowned restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point, couples are met with modern yet welcoming interiors and a glass wine cellar showcasing some of the finest pours in O.C. Once tucked into a booth with a stunning ocean view, savor top-of-the-line steak cuts and a cocktail repertoire that offers old-school and new-school creations.
If you’re looking for dinner with a view, let Splashes in Laguna Beach host your next evening out. The oceanfront establishment, helmed by chef Ron Fougeray, serves coastal cuisine ranging from roasted pine nut hamachi tartare to whole roasted branzino with sweet potato gnocchi—perfect for splitting! While indulging, top off your glasses with sommelier-selected wine pours.
Finish date night with the refreshing tropical mousse dessert at Splashes restaurant; PHOTO COURTESY OF SURF & SAND RESORT LAGUNA BEACH
Venture skyward in Orange, where Orange Hill restaurant serves upscale American fare and whimsical cocktails high above the clouds. Whether seated indoors or outdoors, you and your significant other will be surrounded by spectacular 360-degree views of Orange County while dining on inventive cuisine for an ultra-memorable date night.
At Five Crowns, travel to the English countryside for a charming dinner date with cozy fireplaces, period paintings and authentic antiques. The two of you will feel miles away from Corona del Mar during a decadent dinner of half-shell oysters and Lawry’s famous prime rib. For dessert, seal the deal with a dark chocolate soufflé.
THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Book date night at one of Newport Beach’s most celebrated dining destinations. Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and chef Yvon Goetz have crafted an intimate dining experience, pairing seasonal menus with an extensive wine program to create the perfect backdrop for romance. Whether seated in the vibrant dining room or sipping premium pours on the outdoor patio, breathtaking views of the Newport Harbor await.
New to Fashion Island, Ocean 48 in Newport Beach elevates coastal dining with chef-prepared USDA Prime steaks and globally sourced seafood in a sophisticated setting thanks to acclaimed restaurateurs Jeffrey and Michael Mastro. Make a reservation for two to experience this chic oasis, where select tables surround a soothing water feature. The expert culinary team will prepare gourmet offerings, like caviar cones, crispy shrimp deviled eggs and grass-fed New York strip, to ignite the flames of romance.
Host your next date night at RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, a spectacular dining spot rooted in pan-Latin flavors and sustainable seafood. Whether indulging in the wagyu tartare prepared tableside or playfully fighting over who gets the last crispy Piloncillo shrimp, your dinner will take place high above the Pacific, with floor-to-ceiling windows capturing the rolling tides below. Sweeten the night’s end with an order of the beloved churros.
Photography by:
