American • Brew Pubs • California Cuisine • Chinese • Continental • Cuban • Eclectic • French • Indian • International • Italian • Japanese • Mediterranean • Mexican/Southwestern • Persian • Quick Bites • Seafood • Steak • Supper Clubs • Tea • Thai • Theme
 C’est La Vie Ocean-view restaurant; romantic sunset dinners 4:30-6:30 p.m. Lobster bisque amuse-bouche. All meals daily. (AE, DC, MC, V) 373 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.5100 $$ Map H15www.cestlavierestaurant.com
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Gemmell’s Fairly traditional French fare with California touches from chef Byron Gemmell. Lunch, dinner Tues.-Sun. (All major cards) 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063 $$$ Map K16 |
Pacific Whey Cafe Everything made from scratch. Fans devour cinnamon custard danish, filet mignon over biscuits. All meals daily. (AE, MC, V) 2622 San Miguel Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.0303. Crystal Cove Promenade, 7962 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.2200. 25672 Crown Valley Pkwy., Ladera Ranch, 949.542.7744 $$ Map L15, M17, I16 The Cellar Lighter versions of classics; silver-dome service; 1,400-selection wine list. Occupies original cellar of ’20s-era California Hotel. Lobster bisque with Armagnac; veal chop with chanterelles and brandy cream sauce. Dinner Tues.-Sat. (AE, MC, V) 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$$ Map A2 Tradition by Pascal Lauded spot near John Wayne Airport gets rustic menu, relaxed ambience, Vin de Pays wine list. Lunch weekdays; dinner Mon.–Sat.; prix-fixe dinner Sun. Adjacent Pascal Épicerie is excellent for quick fare. (All major cards) Plaza Newport, 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.263.9400 $$$ Map K13 Vie de France Casual, European-inspired fare (French cheese steak; shrimp and spinach capellini; seafood-stuffed portobello mushrooms). All meals daily. (All major cards) South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734. $ Map J13 |
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| Ambrosia Michael Harrah reopens his posh spot, now offers French and Pacific Rim cuisine from chef Jean Marie Josselin (of 808 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas) amid seductive décor. New O.C. Pavilion entertainment venue and lounge is downstairs. Lunch Tues.–Fri.; call for dinner hours. (All major cards) 801 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.550.0811 $$$ Map H13 Basilic Modest French Swiss menu (saffron seafood stew, sautéed veal with wild mushrooms and brandy sauce) and top-notch service in intimate quarters. Dinner Tues.-Sat. (AE, MC, V) 217 Marine Ave., Balboa, 949.673.0570 $$$ Map M15 Favori Fine Vietnamese-French fare draws fans despite inelegant location. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) 3502 W. 1st St., Santa Ana, 714.531.6838 $$ Map H13 Golden Truffle Expect the unexpected, expect it to be good! Specials are the ticket. Fun wine list. Lunch Tues.-Fri.; dinner Tues.-Sat. (AE, MC, V) 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.9858 $$$ Map L12 La Brasserie Traditional fare in upscale neighborhood fixture. Lunch weekdays; dinner Mon.-Sat. (AE, DC, MC, V) 202 S. Main St., Orange, 714.978.6161 $$ Map B40 La Vie en Rose Classic French cuisine in Normandy-style faux farmhouse near Brea Mall, civic center. Lunch weekdays; dinner Mon.-Sat. (All major cards) 240 S. State College Road, Brea, 714.529.8333 $$$ Map A3 |
L’Hirondelle French, Belgian dishes near Mission San Juan Capistrano. Lunch Wed.-Sat.; dinner Tues.-Sun.; Sun. brunch (AE, MC, V) 31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0425 $$$ Map I17 |
Pinot Provence Bistro from Joachim Splichal (acclaimed Patina in Los Angeles) and chef Florent Marneau is among county’s very best. Lunch weekdays; dinner nightly; brunch weekends. (All major cards) Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900 $$$ Map J13 |
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American • Brew Pubs • California Cuisine • Chinese • Continental • Cuban • Eclectic • French • Indian • International • Italian • Japanese • Mediterranean • Mexican/Southwestern • Persian • Quick Bites • Seafood • Steak • Supper Clubs • Tea • Thai • Theme
Champagne French Bakery Bistro favorites: croissants, crêpes, French onion soup, salade niçoise, viennoiseries in casual setting. All meals daily. (All major cards) 1120 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.646.0520 $ Map L13
Chat Noir “Parisian bistro and jazz lounge” in seductive reds near performing arts venues. Sibling to David Wilhelm’s French 75 restaurants. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 655 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa, 714.557.6647 $$$ Map J13
French 75 Irvine Spin-off of French 75 Laguna. Classic French bistro in seductive red hues; great bar. Lunch, dinner daily. (All major cards) Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Drive, 949.640.2700. $$ Map I15
French 75 Laguna Romantic bistro and champagne bar (with great champagne cocktails) from David Wilhelm. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444 $$$ Map I15
French 75 Fashion Island New American-in-Paris–style bistro from David Wilhelm. Dinner nightly. (All major cards) Irvine Market Place, 13290 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.573.7600 $$ Map C5