The city of Orange is famous for its gorgeous, heavily preserved historic downtown (the Orange Circle) and its antique charm. While the central plaza gets incredibly busy with students and tourists, the true culinary depth of Orange is found by digging just a little deeper. From highly exclusive, multi-course fine dining hidden in old homes to incredibly authentic Mediterranean spots tucked away in side streets, Orange boasts an amazing food scene. Here are five hidden gems you absolutely need to explore.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit is not just a restaurant; it is a highly exclusive, multi-hour culinary event. Hidden inside a gorgeous, historic home, this restaurant offers a massive, seven-course fine dining experience that completely flies under the radar of most locals. Your evening starts deep in the massive, dimly lit wine cellar, where you enjoy champagne and incredibly intricate hors d’oeuvres while chatting with the chefs. Eventually, you are led upstairs into the elegant dining rooms to experience a highly curated, French-continental menu. It is an incredibly unique, highly romantic hidden gem that requires reservations well in advance.
2. Felix Continental Cafe
Located right in the heart of the Orange Circle, Felix Continental Cafe has been a massive local staple for decades, yet it remains a hidden gem for anyone outside the immediate neighborhood. This unpretentious, deeply nostalgic spot serves incredibly authentic, massive portions of traditional Cuban and Spanish cuisine. The dining room feels incredibly cozy and old-school. You absolutely must order the traditional roast pork (Lechon Asado) served with black beans, rice, and perfectly sweet, caramelized plantains. The flavors are rich, heavy, and completely uncompromising.
3. Byblos Cafe
Finding truly exceptional Lebanese cuisine in Orange County is easy if you know where to look. Byblos Cafe is tucked away off the main drag, offering an incredibly vibrant, highly authentic Mediterranean dining experience. The owner takes massive pride in executing deeply traditional recipes using incredibly fresh ingredients. The chicken shawarma is deeply marinated and incredibly tender, and their baba ghanoush is smoky and perfect. It is a quiet, comfortable space where you are guaranteed to get massive portions of highly flavorful, healthy comfort food.
4. Francoli Gourmet
While there are plenty of Italian restaurants in the area, Francoli Gourmet is a massive standout for its dedication to authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Located right in the plaza, this spot feels exactly like stepping into a traditional Italian trattoria. They boast an incredible, highly curated selection of imported Italian wines and cheeses. Their homemade pastas are delicate, perfectly al dente, and tossed in deeply rich, incredibly complex sauces. The service is highly professional and warm, making it the absolute perfect spot for an elegant, quiet dinner.
5. Smoqued California BBQ
If you want massive, unabashed flavor in a completely relaxed environment, Smoqued California BBQ is the ultimate local hangout. Located just off the main plaza, this modern, laid-back joint serves up some of the best smoked meats in the county. They utilize massive, slow-cooking smokers to turn out incredibly tender brisket, heavily barked pulled pork, and fantastic, sticky ribs. Their side dishes, especially the smoked gouda mac and cheese, are legendary. Paired with a massive, constantly rotating list of local craft beers, it is the perfect, unpretentious spot for a heavy, deeply satisfying meal.
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