New American Restaurants near Aliso Viejo, CA

“Very quick service. Sandy was super helpful since I’ve never been here to this location and only had their food one other time. The salmon was a bit bland but cooked well (I must have got a different one last time I came) the mashed potatoes and asparagus were delicious“

“After a long days work of watching friends and spouse at tennis camp, what better way to refuel than healthy salad and a filling sando? The restaurant has a pleasant sit down style layout with more cushy seats on the far wall, but we weren’t just looking for a place for its looks. Our cashier took our orders with lightning speed and we got our food in less than 10 minutes with 5 ppl ordering. Service to get seated was *chef’s kiss*. Wife ordered the steak chimichurri sando with home made buns and I got the keto salad with extra meat. HIT THE SPOT. After nearing food coma, we brought our plates back to its storage home for clean up near the exit, and went back home on our merry way. Would I come back here? You darn right I will.Let’s go!!“

“Been coming to this location for last 7 years and not once was I disappointedThe food is always deliciousThe service is beyond exemplaryI try to dine in or order to go at least once a weekBeats cooking nowadays with my busy schedulesShout out to the GM, Kenton, and his staff of excellence of the food and the services“

“I was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional dining experience it offered. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance set the stage for what was to become an unforgettable evening. The fusion of great food, an impressive beer selection, and live music created an atmosphere that was both elegant and inviting.The culinary journey began with a salad that was far from ordinary. The freshness of the ingredients, paired with a dressing that perfectly balanced acidity and sweetness, made for a promising start. However, it was the sea bass that truly stole the show. Cooked to perfection, the fish was flaky and moist, with a crust that added just the right amount of texture. Each bite was a testament to the chef's ability to elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.Not to be overlooked, the beer selection was commendable. Each option was carefully selected to complement the menu, offering a variety of styles and flavors that catered to both casual beer drinkers and connoisseurs alike. It was evident that "The Drake" places a high emphasis on providing a holistic dining experience, where food, drink, and atmosphere harmonize to leave a lasting impression.The live music added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. The selection of music was thoughtful, enhancing the dining experience without overwhelming it. It was the perfect backdrop to a night of indulgence, contributing to the overall sense of satisfaction and contentment.Above all, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making us feel welcomed and well-cared for throughout the evening. It's rare to find a place where every aspect of the experience is executed with such care and precision.In conclusion, "The Drake" in Laguna Beach is a gem that offers not just a meal, but an experience.“

“GREAT quality restaurant/bar with fresh and delicious appetizers and entrees, and quick and friendly staff and service. They also have AWESOME Happy Hour service with a generous timeslot from 4-7 p.m., Mon. - Fri. We'll DEFINITELY be back, as regulars!“

“After a long day at a conference at The Ritz, ten of us took an uber to this gem of a restaurant. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. The smell of wood-fired pizza immediately set my mind on pizza and wine. We were greeted warmly and seated quickly. Everyone in our party raved about the food they ordered. Our server was delightful, fun, and knowledgable and she managed our party perfectly. I look forward to returning.“

“So after reading about this Hillstone copycat we finally decided to try it. Houston’s which is one of the Hillstone brands has changed their signature Tortilla Soup recipe and not liking the new version I decided to try the Coastal Kitchen version. I rate it a 9.5 copy of the original from Houston’s. It needed a little more cheese but was excellent in every other aspect and it alone will bring me back. The starter salad with the honey mustard dressing was on point and actually better than Houston’s. Our guests had the chowder which in every way resembled the Houston’s version. Their French Dip was enjoyed by our other guest and the fries were perfect. My wife’s blackened grouper sandwich was merely ok and quite frankly since most of the menu is an excellent Hillstone knockoff then I would suggest recreating the Gulfstream Gulf Coast Style Fish Sandwich. The only negative menu item we sampled was the Chicken BLT. It was not awful but the chicken was overcooked as was the bacon and it doesn’t even come close to competing with the Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich at the Hillstone locations. I’m all for innovation and signature changes but if you’re going to do that then maintain the same high quality and taste standard for all the menu items. All of us agreed we will be back to try the rest of the menu for lunch and dinner. Service was excellent and the atmosphere although a little acoustically challenging was comfortable and inviting. I came close to rating this establishment five stars but they just fall a little short of that mark. Still well worth a visit and I hope to revise my rating in the future. Look out Hillstone you have a worthy challenger and that’s high praise in itself.“

“Bloom is the #1 spot for brunch! I love the location, the food, and the ambiance! The people who work there are also exception, especially our server, Makenzie! She was friendly and informative about the dishes. I highly recommend the waffles! Will definitely visit again “

“For many years was my favorite place in town. I would give it five stars, but they no longer have the blue cheese, bacon burger that I so desire. The art there is amazing and affordable. It's a real kick ass place to relax. The people that worked there are very nice. And if you can find Captain Frank you will have a loyal friend for the rest of your life.“

“Happened upon this place by chance while looking for vegetarian/vegan options and all I can say is that it did not disappoint at all!!! The food was so good! Every single dish that my husband and I tried ( he’s not vegetarian/vegan) was incredible, we had the dips with bread and veggies and I had the fried eggplant and the falafel while hubby had the beef kebabs and we ended with coffee and sticky toffee pudding (yum) we now have a new place to go for future lunches and dinners. It was THAT GOOD! Service was great, our waiter was Knowledgeable and attentive.. we really enjoyed it ( can’t you tell ha) and will be returning soon!“

“FIG continues to be one of the best restaurants in Orange County. High quality, interesting food choices. Carnivores and diabetics can be very happy with a wide-ranging menu offering many options. An extremely good Caesar Salad that an only be improved with the addition of anchovies (didn't get the memo?) Fish options are uniformly good. One recommendation would be to order each stage of the meal separately (i.e., finish the salad before you order the main course, etc.) You will enjoy it more, and it avoids the sometimes problem of main dishes arriving cold.“

“Great all -american fare,we are on the patio which is clean and relaxing our waitress Janel.was a doll,so helpful, attentive and together, explained how the dishes were prepared that we were interested in and just all together made our dining experience first class.I had the seafood bisque soup which was perfect,not much of it but it was delicious.The Swordfish entre with mash potatoes and sauteed vegetables was great,the, swordfish was prepared just right as were the vegetables and potatoes,just the right amount of seasoning and the vegetables sauteed in a sauce that was light and tasty.All I all the food,service and ambience were just right,I would suggest asking for Janel.as your waitress we returned for dinner a few days later,food was still just as good but our server was fine,but nowhere near as good as Janel.who was working that evening but was super busy with a bunch of other tables,but she helped us just because she could see we needed a couple of things and was close by and because she really is that good at her job and cares,am A -Class Person and waitress.This place is well worth the visit.Vegetarian options: Not a great place for vegetarians,I saw NO vegetarian or Vegan four way tasting offering.Parking: Saffire is definitely worth a visit,great food,not unreasonably priced,portions are honestly a little small for my liking(but that's me) but would highly recommend.Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair ramp at both entrances,very easily accessible.“

“Good food, good service, don't be surprised at the prices.The pomme in the menu is not fries (pomme frites), it's (apparently) pomegranate.Parking: The restaurant entrance is a little hard to find if you haven't been there and it's raining. There appears to be outside seating.“

“Nice little shop in the Target parking lot. You feel welcome when you are there. The menu is A-la carte. I ordered the cold roast beef half sandwich and a pasta salad on the side. About $11. The sandwich was good and the meat was fresh sliced. It had the normal toppings. The pasta salad was not what I expected so, I am going to guess the wrong one was put in the bag. It's a good lunch spot and seems to have many regulars.“

“Came here for a birthday lunch on a Wednesday. The lunch menu was very limited and I wish they included a seafood or fish option for a main option. Nonetheless, the food we ordered was delicious! We shared the steak and frites, Caesar salad, lemon bucatini, and classic cheesecake. The filet was incredibly tender - I loved the spice from the peppercorns. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the taste was great. The saltiness from the pork bits balanced so well with the lemon flavor. The Caesar salad was my least favorite. The dressing tasted a bit too fishy and the "croutons" were comparable to soft bread.. not crunchy enough. Lastly, the classic cheesecake was one of the best I've ever tasted. I had no complains about the service. Nonetheless, this restaurant's ambiance is incredible. I recommend you to make reservations, even for a weekday! We went right when it opened at 11am. The main dining room was full when we left around noon.“

“We went here for dinner. It’s a laid back beach town atmosphere; a little loud but that’s to be expected in a beach town. It was peak rush hour and service was a little slow which we knew would happen. The food was very good. We had coconut shrimp, wagyu burger, mushroom and truffle pizza. All items were delicious. Reservation highly recommended, especially on weekends.“

“Chef's kiss! Food was amazing! My husband ordered a Vietnamese coffee and soufflé pancakes with a side of biscuits and gravy. I ordered a strawberry lemonade and a sausage breakfast burrito. So filling! You order at the counter and your food is brought to your number. Outdoor seating but it was such a beautiful sunny day which made the experience even better! Everyone was so polite and helpful especially since it was our first time and not knowing the menu. First timer and definitely a next timer!“

“This Irish pub is our frequent stop when we are in the mood for its authentic European food experience. A small patio makes for intimate dining, weather permitting. Heat lamps abound for more robust weather. It is not to be missed near St Patty's Day. The place bustles with good old Irish exuberance! Though extremely rushed, our waiter took his time with our large party of 9, and did not make a mistake when serving what everyone ordered. He even added accoutrements without our asking. Definitely stop by during St Patty's to have a rousing good time. And plan to drink a lot of Guinness!“

“We did Door dash for pick up. I personally didn't care for the spicy sauce on the spicy green beans so if I order them again I'd get just the green beans, BUT that's a personal preference. The turkey pot pie was good especially because it was dairy free and I don't usually get to have dairy free pot pie. My family was impressed with the mashed potatoes. If you order a Bite Box it is a single side and a main. The Single Box requires three sides, which is a lot even too much food for lunch or a light dinner. (We were ordering online on DoorDash for the first time so we were confused about how to order just one side and one main but we eventually figured it out.) It was a good healthy lunch and I appreciated that they do dairy free food quickly. It was fast.Vegetarian options: You can specify vegetarian or veganDietary restrictions: Dairy free and Vegan options“

“I don’t typically leave reviews, like ever. But I gotta say this place was such a treat. We came across it randomly and were drawn in by the photos of the brunch, and oh man did it not disappoint. The staff were incredible thoughtful and nice, and while ordering the owner (amazing woman) overheard me trying to decide between two options and was kind enough to point me in the right direction. I decided to get the breakfast burrito, but chose not to upgrade the meat to the steak because of the 10$ price difference. The owner caught us sitting outside and asked me what I went with, when I told her I had gone with the standard breakfast burrito she told me she was going to upgrade it to the steak FOR FREE! I’m not kidding when I say this was the best breakfast burrito I’ve had in years! Food was amazing, coffee was amazing, service and atmosphere were top notch. The owner was so passionate and focused on our experience, she went above and beyond for us! Thank you!!!!“

“This is the best burger in Orange County! The people working here are genuinely kind and helpful.The location isn't great but they should not deter you from trying this gem out!I suggest the Hole in the Wall Burger and the Carne Asada Fries.“

“Great place. We have eaten here several times. Service and atmosphere is always top notch. The food is really good. Salads are big enough to share. It may be our imagination but while the prices are on the high side the servings seem to be getting smaller.“

“Liam is an exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates a friendly and respectful demeanor. His genuine concern for others is evident in his interactions, and his expertise is widely recognized. It is clear that he is a valuable asset to the company.“

“My husband and I love this place for date nights. The food is consistently great. The music and dancing is romantic. And Frankie and the bar staff always provide top notch service. My favorite drink is the Irish-O and my husband likes the old fashioned. Guacamole and chips is a great appetizer. And we usually order the steak and chicken entrees. I am never disappointed at Bistango.“

“Our meal here was absolutely fantastic... We tried the hummus and liver pate appetizers to start, our companions had the salmon and we tried the lemon sole and lamb(the Volcano). Everything was so delicious and beautifully presented. Great service and yes one could carry on a conversation...“

“Went on a Saturday night. Fairly busy, but not too crowded. It was just 2 of us, so we ordered drinks and played ping pong while we waited for a pool table to open up. Had to wait about 10 min. Server was very kind, bartender was busy and direct. Overall it was a clean place with decent tables and cheap drinks. You pay hourly for the tables. Would come back again.“

“This is the restaurant in the Sonesta Hotel in Irvine and deserves to be frequented by more than hotel guests. The staff is really lovely and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, of course the food is very good and portions are plentiful. I hope you get to enjoy this spot sometime:)“

“What a wonderful experience ! Had to come back after coming in I came in December when the lake had its Christmas tree lightening. I can't and have stopped talking about the bacon covered stuffed dates and how the food was hot and fresh in everything that was ordered. Yesterday I came in with someone who hasn't experienced and lives near the one in yorba linda. With the experience, atmosphere and delicious food he's making sure to attend his local. Miles our server was the absolute best!!! I mean just down right genuine! He was able to catch on with our humor and laugh. When you have employees like this it just makes experience being there and the people your with so much better. We also asked for his opinion on selections for our meal. Instead of saying "I don't know" he was able to pick something from each section in what he enjoys but also what other customers truly enjoy. Having this knowledge and able to share just puts a little more confidence in what you are choosing. I split the pastrami dip sandwich with my friend and we both found it down right delicious. the pickles on that amazing. The dipping sauce was amazing too and I couldn't decide to dip or not. My husband got the chipotle sandwich which was amazing especially the sauce. With that I will definitely be back-hopefully to get pictures next time- but also will be checking for miles to be our guy if he's working!“

“I absolutely love black market meal prep. They have saved me so much time I have still allowed me to eat healthy while at work. As a first responder, I don’t always have time To go to a restaurant to eat, so having my food with me Makes my life easier. Between the chimichurri sauce, and the green salsa, I swear I could eat every meal with that. The service is always on point. I actually found a workaround for the straws because I love their smoothies and protein shakes but yes, they are a little bit thick for the straws. So I ended up bringing my own straw which are a little bit thicker. I bought them off of Amazon after California decided to make everything out of paper. Keep up the phenomenal work black market, I love your food and your service.“

“Amazing. Ordered the Shrimp for the protein. Side of roasted Broccoli with seasoned bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. The very fresh fruit bowl consisting of grapes ( sliced in half) a few segments of very sweet tangerine and pineapple as a delightful finish.Oh yes; and the encore... The cookie and lemon cake..My wife and I will be back.“

“Our Place Lake Forest is a great neighborhood Bar/Restaurant. The staff is very friendly and they take good care of the customers. I host an Open Mic there on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday every Month. It is always Taco Tuesday when I am there. I get the Beria Tacos and they are delicious. Our Place has great music on many other nights. They also have comedy nights and are great supporters of the LGBTQ community. The owner cliff is a great guy and does an awesome job of running the place. I highly recommend Our Place.“

“Nothing bad to say, the food was outstanding, the meatballs and potatoes wedges were excellent. Nichole, our server was kind and incredibly organized, we brought our dog and multiple employees came out to learn her name and talk to us about her. The drinks were great too! (Mai tai. The pricing was fair for the quality of food and atmosphere.“

“Had an amazing and delicious dinner with my family this weekend. We showed up at 11 and were quickly attended by our server Emily. She was great in refilling our drinks, brining the tab and recommend us the lobster garrick noodles which were so good. Also the Garden Nachos were served in a large platter so it was enough for everyone to grab. Honestly great experience for our first time here.“

“Super impressed by this place. We will definitely go to Barnoa Wine Company again. We were here on a Friday for Happy Hour. The wine was delicious and the charcuterie board very good. We sat outside and they did a great job making it feel secluded. Live music is always a plus for us. They say it’s a “hidden gem”, and we agree.“

“I love this place. Every fish option i've tried here is always excellent. And friends with much more depth of wine experience than me, have mentioned that the wine list is top-notch as well. Stacey and the rest of the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend!“

“I Google search for healthy lunch option in this area. Yes, there were many popped up, but since this place closes at 3pm(I think lunch is served until 2:30), we wanted to go right away.Wow!!! We are so happy we went there.It was very easy to find, and easy to park!All the staff were so kind. The place was very clean and well organized. Surprisingly, it was not loud either.Yes, their Food was wow, too!!! Every bite was so delicious and felt refreshed even after the meal.Thank you for providing a delicious healthy food!We ordered…Lunch(built your own plate):-Seared Salmon w/Citrus Tzatziki,-Spiced Cauliflower w/Sauce Verde,-Autumn Farro Salad.Grains & Greens:-Beets Around The Bush(Fried goat cheese was new for us, but texture was good! And I think it went well with roasted beets and pistachio vinaigrette.) yum!Plus, Boxed Water and Ginger Ale.Our Total $40+ for 2 of us.Parking: Easy to park“

“Great small restaurant with delicious food for affordable price. It was really cool to find this place during my Christmas shopping in Spectrum Mall. The service was fast, although there were many people. You should try their sandwiches, they taste great, especially when they’re warm.“

“I have now been here a couple of times on my travels down to southern Orange County. The service is outstanding. My bartenders were very attentive without being pushy. The food is great too. A better value than what I used to in Santa Barbara. I will be back. It had just the right feel for me. A lot of TVs with unobstructed views and it was very casual and comfortable. The crowd was a solid mix of old and young people.“

“A great burger stand with a great staff, and great food. One of the best burger and salad combo we had. Everyone was working with a smile at their faces, fast, and attentive. The burger was perfectly cooked, the salad was way better than expected, not using burguer ingredients, but actual salad stuff. Very tasty. Please come by and try for yourself!“

“This place was such a vibe! I love the lighting the decor the drinks are incredible. I had a goodnight Irene and it was soooo good. Food was tasty not a lot of options on the food menu but what they have is great! The service was good our server was nice and attentive. Will definitely be going again!“

“By far my favorite sandwich here! The yogi is made perfect every time and go great with the rosemary fries. I was greeted eagerly upon arrival & was given recommendations on which beer to try by the nice young man, Angel. Will definitely continue coming here!“

“If you want a fantastic comfort food joint with some solid drinks Mama's does NOT disappoint! Their portions are huge, so leftovers for the smaller appetite, but the food is delish! I normally have my tuna melt which is a cheese pull from heaven ?, but I've never been disappointed with their tots either, so good!“

“AMAZING BURGER. You must get the burger. Fries are good, too, a little too garlicky for me with my heartburn but ya know that's just a matter of taste. Love the vibe here. Cool place to hang out on the weekend. All of their foods looks good. Prices are fair because the food is so damn good. Definitely give it a try!Parking: You can park in the neighborhoods nearby but check for no parking signs. Or park on the street“

“Outstanding fried chicken. The Nashville style chicken sandwich was phenomenal, sweet tangy spicy sauce, and it’s so huge it’s nearly impossible to eat in the best way lol. You can choose your spice level with any item. Very generous portions, a whole box of chicken strips for 8 or 9 bucks. Highly recommend getting extra to take home and eat with syrup and waffles for brunch, you will not regret it.“

“Came here this morning around 10:30-11am. The people were great from the start. They were super welcoming and informative about the menu. I was kinda confused because they handed us 4 copies of the same menu LOL. We ordered the biscuits and gravy and the sweet heat cutlet. The friend that I was with said the biscuits and gravy were super good. I didn't try them because they really aren't my thing in general. I had the sweet heat cutlet. The chicken was cooked so perfect. However, the cheese did nothing for me except add a strange gamey texture. I ended up pulling it off as best I could. All of their sauces are homemade. Their ranch was super yummy. Overall the food and service were good and the ambiance is super trendy and whatnot but it was honestly a little overpriced. We got 2 entrees and 2 drinks and it was nearly $100 bucks. Not sure if we will be back.“

“This place is my new spot for Nashville hot chicken. Hands down the best Nashville hot chicken sandwich in OC. Given them a try and check out their menu for lunch and dinner. The place is fire. I recommend eating there or at the outdoor seating for the best experience. Take out option is still solid. The bird is spicy and flavorful and holds great.“

“We've been coming here since it opened and it's always the best!Edit Feb 2023: Still the best! The Valentine's dinner on Friday was a blast, and Ari was an especially awesome server.Edit Apr 2024: Still the best! Wednesday night trivia is fantastic.“

“The server was great! Need more vegan options for dinners. Also, it was my birthday, and I told the server I was vegan. He brought desserts to the table that were not vegan. Thank you for the desserts though! Service was great. Wine was good. The noise level was very high.“

“We needed to find a place last minute to host a small baptism dinner in Dana point and we are from SanDiego area, I was looking online and found this Gem!!! Not only were they accommodating and very patient the whole staff there were great!! They were all happy and polite. The food came out at perfect timing. All the guests were happy and kept saying how they enjoyed themselves. The food was Delicious (prosciutto flatbread) was my favoritethe desserts were good too! The prices were very reasonable The atmosphere was perfect for the occasion. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town can't wait to try their breakfast menu and one of those cupcakes!“

“The experience was enjoyable, the establishment was clean, and the cuisine was of high quality. The cost may be considered somewhat elevated, however, I find this to be a positive aspect as it generally ensures a more mature and sophisticated clientele. I am willing to pay a premium for such an environment.“