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Bluefin
7952 E PCH, Crystal Cove Promenade, Newport Beach, CA 92657 · 949-715-7373
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NEWPORT BEACH. Sleek, elegant Bluefin is a minimalist's dream, composed of straight lines, intersecting planes, and the contrast of dark and light. The interior is a lovely complement to the clean, unadulterated flavors of chef Takashi Abe's fare. Beautifully composed and perfectly prepared, each dish is a revelation of flavor and culinary consideration. Start with steamed abalone or sashimi soup, and then enjoy grilled salmon, seafood tempura, or a range of sushi offerings. The latter are invariably fresh and make for delectable dining, as does the lunchtime omakase, a multi-course, chef-created meal.
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LAGUNA BEACH. Weathered brick walls and an industrial-themed, art-prominent decor provide an interesting counterpoint to the Eastern cuisine at this iconoclastic restaurant. Head chef Michael Kang's featured entrees include catfish with tomato ginger citrus sauce, Kung Pao chicken with dry chiles and peanuts, and a dish aptly called "Hot Sisters" – braised North Sea lotte, Canadian lobster, and Caribbean jumbo prawns over penne pasta. A wine list spans the globe and perfectly complements the unparalleled experience.
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Mosun & Club M
680 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 · 949-497-5646
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$$$16 - $30
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None |
LAGUNA BEACH. A favorite with Laguna Beach's fashionable set thanks to its contemporary atmosphere and some of Orange County's best eye candy, this trendy dance club and sushi joint makes a larger-than-life impression. Sleek Asian decor, evocative lighting, and pulsating dance beats set the stage for an evening of high-octane sophistication. Featured main dishes include panko-crusted halibut with sautéed spinach, calamari tempura with tendashi dipping sauce, and butter fish miso yaki with a vegetable tempura roll.
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LAGUNA BEACH. A regal contender for the title of "OC's Top Thai," Royal Thai wins high praise for its elegant setting and exotic fare. The waitstaff, professional and attentive, eagerly point out favorites, and the menu boasts no shortage of them. Choose from meat and seafood options – tofu or calamari, scallops or pork? – and select from any number of sides. You'll also want to try Kang Khiao Wann (green curry with bamboo shoots and eggplant), Hot Thai Basil (with bell peppers and mushrooms), or Panang (red curry with carrots and bell pepper). Options are many, and it's safe to say that you can come here 100 times and never have the same thing twice. The Newport Beach location can be found at 4001 West PCH (949-645-8424).
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WESTMINSTER. S's finely articulated, romantic decor evokes both the Asian and French elements of Vietnam, enveloping diners in palms, wrought iron, soft piano music, and vibrant artwork. The sensory pleasure also extends to taste, courtesy of spring rolls, noodle soups, meat skewers, and entrees like lamb tinged with garlic and peppercorns, pan-roasted duck breast, and lots of noodle-and-vegetable dishes. Premium teas and wines are also part of the culinary seduction.
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WESTMINSTER. This casual eatery is known all over Orange County for its superb dim sum, unparalleled Kung Pao frog legs, and charbroiled seafood. Huge in-house tanks provide temporary housing for a bevy of jumbo shrimp and lobsters, ensuring that your meal is, indeed, fresh-caught. Reasonable prices make it an ideal lunch and early-dinner destination, especially with savvy members of the business crowd.
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Taiko
14755 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 92618 · 949-559-7190
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IRVINE. One of the area's more popular Japanese restaurants, Taiko earns high marks for terrific food, quick and friendly service, and reasonable prices. Perhaps the restaurant's best perk, though, is that you can sidle up to the sushi bar and have rolls made to suit your taste. House specialties include sesame chicken, a tempura and sashimi combination plate, and roast salmon cheeks.
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Thai Bros
238 Laguna Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 · 949-376-9979
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$$$16 - $30
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| Reservations: |
Available |
| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
LAGUNA BEACH. Folks in the know unabashedly proclaim this Laguna Beach treasure as one of Southern California's top Thai joints, and it attracts big crowds for weekday lunches and late-night weekend dinners. If you're looking for a quick bite between meetings, this is definitely the place to frequent; however, if you're looking for a leisurely meal, you might think twice, because the kitchen and waitstaff can have you in and out the door faster than you can say "drunken rice."
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STANTON. With a house specialty like barbecued chopped catfish and curries that have set more than a few mouths ablaze, this casual Thai eatery is not for the faint of heart. Boasting a diverse menu that's decidedly not your standard Americanized Thai fare, Nakorn places little emphasis on smoke and mirrors. Instead of kitschy decor or overworked standards, all you'll find is good, homestyle Southeast Asian cookery. And what more could you really want?
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Thai This
24501 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA 92629 · 949-240-7944
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DANA POINT. Dana Point received a culinary boost when Thai This opened its doors. First-rate, homestyle Thai fare is the little restaurant's forte, and diners can expect to enjoy such traditional favorites as chicken curry in coconut milk, shrimp sautéed in garlic and cilantro, Thai noodles with shrimp and ground peanuts, and pork with fried rice and mixed vegetables. The atmosphere, casual and without pretense, is ideal for a lunch meeting or a quick bite before a movie.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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