Restaurant Reviews
Take a behind the scenes look at our in-depth restaurant reviews covering our favorite dishes from the best Orange County restaurants, Los Angeles restaurants, San Diego restaurants, Southern California restaurants, and restaurants located at popular travel destinations.
From the Cuban Black Market to The American Dream, the Inspiring Success of Porto’s Bakery
If you live in Southern California there is not a chance you haven't heard of Porto's Bakery. Maybe you've seen the lines wrapped around the building all hours of the day or you've been one of those patrons waiting for your chance to take home a box of their amazing...
Vancouver’s Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar Perfectly Embodies Canada’s French Culinary Influence
Vancouver's Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar is a wonderful example of expertly executed cuisine that beautifully blends French and western influences. The wonderful city of Vancouver has a blossoming culinary scene heavily influenced by the French culture in...
Angelina’s Pizzeria Might be the Best Pizza in All of Southern California
Growing up in New York so I've always been extremely selective about my pizza and Angelina's Pizzeria might be the best I've found in Southern California. New Yorkers tend to prefer their crust thin and more importantly they are all about the sauce. We often...
Old Vine Cafe in Costa Mesa Serves Unique Brunch Dishes With A Twist
Old Vine Cafe in Costa Mesa is a quaint rustic hipster equivalent spot located at The Camp in Costa Mesa. The Camp is like a more luxurious version of Silverlake in LA with cute trendy restaurants and boho shopping boutiques. It's also home to one of the best...
Discover Why A Restaurant Newport Beach Is A Favorite Among Local Diners
Each year we choose a new dining destination to visit during restaurant week and A Restaurant Newport Beach was an easy selection. Their sophisticated menu featuring selections like Foie Gras with kumquat relish and Polenta with freshly shaved truffles made...
Provenance in Newport Beach Will Make You Feel Like You’re Dining in a Garden – Closed
Update 1/2021* After 6 years, Provenance in Newport Beach has had to close its doors. We love Chef Cathy and are truly heartbroken by this news. May this article serve as a tribute to her exceptional and wonderful cuisine. [gallery targetsize="medium" size="large"...
Top 5 Orange County Brunches to Cure Your Weekend Hangover
We've found some amazing Orange County brunches that might help make that pounding headache and empty stomach just a little bit better. After a fun-filled weekend of adventures and maybe one too many drinks, these restaurants are the perfect solution to your annoying...
Trending: BEST English Afternoon Tea in San Diego
We've recently discovered the best English afternoon tea in San Diego at the Westgate Hotel. For the past several months we have noticed a new trend on the rise, English Afternoon Tea. Ladies are skipping brunch and opting for dainty tea sandwiches, scones, sweets,...
Our Drool-Worthy List of The Best Burgers in Orange County
We are bringing you our drool-worthy list of the best burgers in Orange County in celebration of OC Burger Week. We basically spent 2 weeks stuffing our faces with ooey gooey meaty burgers to bring you our personal faves. Updated April 2022 Table Of ContentsshowWhat...
SOCIAL Costa Mesa Introduces an Incredible New Menu
My final visit for OC Restaurant Week was to SOCIAL Costa Mesa. They just revamped their already awesome menu with tasty selections like lamb lollipops, an amazing beef tartare, and creative cocktails. Their new menu is incredible and making its debut right in time...
Cava Grill Brings a New Elevated Experience to Fast Casual Dining
Cava Grill recently opened in Irvine and delivers an elevated fast casual Mediterranean dining experience. Imagine the convenience of Chipotle with the selection and ingredients of an expensive restaurant. If you are looking for a meal that is healthy, insanely...
At Green 2 Go in Brea You”ll Be Eating Organic Gluten Free and Wont Even Know It!
It's often difficult to eat healthy when you're a die-hard foodie. That's why I was so excited to find Green 2 Go in Brea, CA. Everything they serve is Organic, Gluten Free, and so delicious you would never know unless they told you. Healthy food often has a stigma...
CHEERS!
Sondra Barker
I created this site for purveyor of exceptional eats and escapes; our team is always on a journey to find the perfect bites in the most wonderful places.
Looking for Authentic Italian Food in Orange County? Head to Piccolino Restorante in Mission Viejo
I've spent some time recently looking for the best Italian food in Orange County. My favorite restaurants are those intimate, family-owned, unassuming restaurants you have to discover. The restaurants that have been open for...
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe Just Might Be The Coolest Looking Restaurant in Orange County!
The Lighthouse Bayview Cafe is a special hidden gem located on Balboa Island in Newport Beach. Not only is this restaurant adorable, but the menu is equally as magnificent as the views. You could not help but notice the reaction...
Head to Hopdoddy Burger Bar to Indulge All Your Naughty Cravings
This week I decided to head to Hopdoddy Burger Bar to indulge in some of their delicious gourmet burgers. I'm a firm believer that if you're going to eat a burger, you should go to a place that specializes in them. I try to find...
La Barra in Dana Point Impresses With Their Coastal Mexican Cuisine
Sometimes the best cuisine can be found in the most unexpected places and La Barra in Dana Point impresses with a creative menu of coastal-inspired Mexican cuisine. La Barra is the new sister restaurant to Lupe's which also has...
Five Crowns in CDM Safely Reopens With New Summer Selections!
Five Crowns in CDM safely reopens and is also offering a few new summer selections to welcome guests back in for dining. Five Crowns has taken extra effort to ensure the safety of its diners at this time which we greatly...
The New Restaurant Guidelines for Reopening in Orange County with Olea in Newport Beach
Restaurants have finally reopened and we wanted to provide an inside look at the new restaurant guidelines for reopening in Orange County. As soon as restaurants announced reopening, I was eager to get out of the house and enjoy...
Nirvana in Laguna Beach Delights Our Taste Buds With Inspiring Coastal California Cuisine
Nirvana in Laguna Beach is a hidden gem that most locals have seen, but may not have tried, as was the case with me. During OC Restaurant Week I always try to discover at least two restaurants I've never visited before. This...
If It’s Seafood You Crave, Fishbone Laguna Beach Will Be Your New Fave!
Fishbone Laguna Beach is still fairly new to Orange County, opening in the fall of 2019. They have several successful locations throughout Canada and offer artistically presented upscale seafood inspired by the flavors of...