Best of Times OC: Food and Drink

Your winners, and favorites, for 2019’s Best of TimesOC food and drink choices.

Best Bakery

Winner: Pain du Monde
561 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach 92660

PdM is about to celebrate its 32nd anniversary, and for good reason: fresh every morning using only the highest-quality ingredients, PdM’s pastries are perfect with their coffee or espresso drinks. Over the years, PdM Cafe added a breakfast menu along with fresh salads and sandwiches. Long before “farm to table” became a trend, PdM used organic eggs, locally sourced produce and free-range chicken. pdmcafe.com I 949.644.4856

Favorite: Blackmarket Bakery
The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 92626

We opened in 2013 and established a loyal following for our scrumptious sweets. Out of this world cakes, breads, croissants and more are served up in a stylish space with a dog-friendly patio. Our pastries are scratch-made using only “pronounceable” ingredients, and we pride ourselves on being “Powered by Butter.” blackmarketbakery.com I 714.662.3095

Favorite: Paris Baguette
350 E 17th St., Costa Mesa 92627

Paris Baguette’s mission is to bring happiness by serving ever-expanding palates with their decadent, unique and sophisticated pastries, breads,and cakes. We serve appetizing snacks and stunning cakes, as well as sandwiches and salads. parisbaguette.com I 949.541.0404

Favorite: Toast Kitchen & Bakery
1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa 92627

Toast Kitchen & Bakery serves classic breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes with modern technique. Thank you for voting and hope to see you soon! toastkitchenbakery.com I 949.873.5057

Best 24-Hour Restaurant

Winner: Harbor House Cafe
34157 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point 92629

Harbor House Cafe: Always Open! The Harbor House Cafe has been serving coastal California patrons since 1939. It is just the kind of traditional eatery that locals and newcomers flock to for good food, excellent service and attractive decor. harborhousecafe.com I 949.496.9270

Favorite: Norms Restaurants
Multiple locations

In 1949, Norms Restaurants opened its doors, and 70 years later they’re still serving great food, friendly service and excellent value. With new locations on the way, Norms will continue to welcome guests looking for comfort classics, 24 hours, 7 days a week. norms.com

Best Bar

Winner: The Rooftop Lounge
1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651
Located atop the historic La Casa del Camino Hotel, the Rooftop Lounge, is known for its California casual fare, hand-muddled mojitos, unparalleled coastal views, and scenic Pacific sunsets. A local favorite and a must-see for tourists is also the perfect venue for weddings, private parties, meetings or corporate events with indoor or outdoor space, on-site catering, and a staff dedicated to your every need.
rooftoplagunabeach.com I 949.497.2446

Favorite: Back Bay Bistro
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Back Bay Bistro invites guests to indulge in divine-yet-casual waterfront dining. Inspired by the city’s cultural abundance and diversity, Back Bay Bistro captures the city’s essence and is built on delicious and sustainable food.
backbaybistronb.com I 949.999.3170

Favorite: Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar 92625
Farmhouse’s mission is to support the community and the local boutique producers who care about products and how they are produced. This is exemplified in our “Cocktails for a Cause” initiative, the spirits and fresh produce used, and our bar program led by Anthony Laborin.
farmhouserg.com I 949.640.1415

Favorite: Golden Road Brewing
2210 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim 92806
Located directly across from Angels Stadium, Golden Road Brewing offers an amazing space with pet friendly atmosphere. With 40 beers on tap, most of which are brewed on-site, there is no problem finding a favorite!
goldenroad.la I 714.912.4015

Best Barbecue

Winner: Newport Rib Company
2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa 92627
Newport Rib Company in Costa Mesa was founded in 1984 and Naples Rib Company on Naples Island in Long Beach in 1992. The restaurants are family-owned and operated, specializing in the finest barbecue. Services include dine-in with a full bar, take-out, and event catering. The restaurant prides itself not only on serving award-winning food but also as a community partner to various schools and nonprofits. ribcompany.com I 949.631.2110

Favorite: Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
4050 W. Chapman Ave., Orange 92868
Lucille’s Smokehouse, founded in Signal Hill, specializes in authentic Southern and Cajun-style BBQ. Their secret? Low and slow cooking. lucillesbbq.com I 714.634.1227

Favorite: Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
8022 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim 92808
Since 1992, Wood Ranch BBQ has supplied Southern California with delicious meals, including savory signature dishes such as baby back ribs, certified Angus beef steaks and burgers, and USDA Choice tri-tip roasts. woodranch.com I 714.974.666

Best Breakfast

Winner: The Broken Yolk Cafe
2701 Harbor Blvd. Ste. E6, Costa Mesa 92626
Follow the scent of sizzling bacon, fresh coffee and warm maple syrup to find the best breakfast Costa Mesa has to offer. At The Broken Yolk, we’re changing the breakfast game with bold new creations like gravy smothered country, Hawaiian sweet bread “Tiki-Toast,” and our signature California breakfast burrito.
thebrokenyolkcafe.com I 657.231.6708

Favorite: Cultivation Kitchen
350 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim 92805
Cultivation Kitchen is focused on a picked-with-a-purpose ingredient philosophy, offering healthy, organic, and locally sourced dishes in a unique and inviting environment. From the food and drink offerings to the innovative design and aesthetic, we provide guests with a unique experience and encourage gathering and socializing in order to strengthen human connection. cultivationkitchen.com I 714.603.7076

Favorite: Farmer Boys
10 locations in Orange County
Farmer Boys is a farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant chain serving award-winning burgers and all-day breakfast, stacked sandwiches, hand-chopped salads, and signature hand-breaded zucchini sticks and onion rings. “Farm Food Ain’t Fast Food” since 1981. farmerboys.com

Best Brunch

Winner: Back Bay Bistro
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Back Bay Bistro invite guests to indulge in a divine-yet-casual waterfront dining experience in Newport Beach. Inspired by the city’s cultural abundance and diversity, Back Bay Bistro captures the essence of Newport Beach and is built on the foundation of delicious and sustainable food with a laid-back, luxe ambiance. backbaybistronb.com I 949.999.3170

Favorite: Cultivation Kitchen
350 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim 92805
Cultivation Kitchen is focused on a picked-with-a-purpose ingredient philosophy, offering healthy, organic, and locally sourced dishes in a unique and inviting environment. From the food and drink offerings to the innovative design and aesthetic, we encourage gathering and socializing in order to strengthen human connection. cultivationkitchen.com I 714.603.7076

Favorite: Golden Road Brewing
2210 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim 92806
Located directly across from Angels Stadium, Golden Road Brewing offers an amazing space with indoor and outdoor dining, pet friendly atmosphere and games for everyone! With 40 beers on tap, most brewed on-site, there is no problem finding a brew for everyone! goldenroad.la I 714.912.4015

Favorite: Old Vine Kitchen & Bar
2937 Bristol St. A103, Costa Mesa 92626
Old Vine Kitchen & Bar offers seasonally-driven menus and thoughtfully curated wine lists. Old Vine also features a variety of four-course tasting menus, full bar, lounge area, and outdoor patio. oldvinekitchenbar.com I 714.545.1411=

Best Chinese

Winner: Din Tai Fung
3333 Bristol St., Space 2071, Costa Mesa 92626
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese restaurant that specializes in the Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings. Since its founding in Taipei in 1972, Din Tai Fung has focused on providing guests with the highest quality food and service. Din Tai Fung now has eight locations in California, and more than 170 restaurants in 13 countries worldwide. dintaifungusa.com I 714.549.3388

Favorite: China Palace Restaurant
13444 Newport Ave. C, Tustin 92780
Classic Chinese dishes pair up with a tiki bar at this Tustin institution. 714.544.7167

Favorite: Golden Dragon Restaurant
2023 Harbor Blvd. A, Costa Mesa 92627
With over 30 years in the same Costa Mesa location, Golden Dragon restaurant continues our tradition of serving fine Chinese cuisine in a warm and friendly setting. Our customers are like family, and we look forward to seeing them walk through our doors every day.
cmgoldendragon.com I 949.642.7162

Best Coffeehouse

Winner: Kéan Coffee
Multiple locations
With two OC locations, Kéan Coffee is owned and operated by coffee icon Martin Diedrich, founder of Diedrich Coffee, and his wife Karen. Each coffeehouse roasts all its coffee onsite. The coffeehouses also feature fresh pastries and savories from local bakeries, as well as excellent teas, sipping chocolates, and more. Since 2005, Kéan Coffee has focused on sustainability, quality and community. keancoffee.com I 949.642.5326

Favorite: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Multiple locations
Since Herb Hyman began importing beans in 1963, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has been synonymous with craft coffee in Southern California and beyond. From the chai tea latte to the Ice Blended coffee, their innovations set the stage for almost every coffeehouse to come. coffeebean.com

Best Craft Brewery

Winner: Golden Road Brewing
2210 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim 92806
Located directly across from Angels Stadium, Golden Road Brewing offers an amazing space with indoor and outdoor dining, pet friendly atmosphere and games for everyone! With 40 beers on tap, most of which are brewed on-site, there is no problem finding a brew for everyone! Our newly expanded biergarten is perfect for hosting your event. We are honored to be chosen as Orange County’s Best Brewery! goldenroad.la I 714.912.4015

Favorite: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Multiple locations
Founded in 1978, BJ’s owns and operates 207 casual dining restaurants across the U.S. BJ’s broad menu has something for everyone with over 140 menu items including the often imitated, world-famous “Pizookie® dessert and BJ’s award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers. All restaurants offer dine-in, take-out, delivery and large party catering. bjsrestaurants.com

Favorite: Yard House
1875 Newport Blvd. A-219, Costa Mesa 92627
With an extensive beer selection and an even more extensive menu with 100 scratch-made items, Yard House Costa Mesa is here for any of your game day, special day, or any day drinks and fun. yardhouse.com I 949.642.0090

Best Dessert

Winner: King’s Fish House
Multiple locations
With outdoor patios, private dining rooms, and locations in Orange, Laguna Hills and Huntington Beach, King’s has been a destination for locals and families for over 20 years!
kingsfishhouse.com I Huntington Beach: 714.793.1177, Laguna Hills: 949.586.1515, Orange: 714.771.6655

Favorite: Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar 92625
Like Chef Rich Mead’s lunch and dinner menus, Farmhouse’s simple, creative and flavorful desserts highlight the freshest flavors of the moment and change seasonally. The quality ingredients are the stars of the show – a satisfying ending to a great meal enjoyed al fresco. farmhouserg.com I 949.640.1415

Best Hamburger

Winner: In-N-Out Burger
Multiple locations
At In-N-Out, every burger made is cooked fresh to order with 100% beef, real American cheese, leafed lettuce, and vine-ripened tomatoes stacked high on a freshly baked bun. Your burger doesn’t hit the grill until you ask for it. We even use fresh-cut potatoes for our french fries, and make our shakes from real ice cream. We wouldn’t do it any other way, because we’re cooking for someone special – we’re cooking for you. in-n-out.com I 800.786.1000

Favorite: Back Bay Bistro
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach 92660
Back Bay Bistro invites guests to indulge in divine-yet-casual waterfront dining in Newport Beach. Inspired by the city’s cultural abundance and diversity, Back Bay Bistro captures the city’s essence and is built on delicious and sustainable food with a laid-back luxe ambiance. backbaybistronb.com I 949.999.3170

Favorite: Golden Road Brewing
2210 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim 92806
Located directly across from Angels Stadium, Golden Road Brewing offers an amazing space with indoor and outdoor dining, pet friendly atmosphere and games for everyone! With 40 beers on tap, most of which are brewed on-site, there is no problem finding a favorite! goldenroad.la I 714.912.4015

Best Indian

Winner: Mayur, Cuisine of India
2931 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar 92625

For 35 years, Anju Kapoor has been hosting guests at Mayur with the same care and attention that she would at her home. Chef Dharam Singh is the reason for the flavor and consistency at Mayur. Every dish you taste will transport you back to New Delhi where he first learned his craft. Mayur serves a savory lunch buffet five days a week, dinner all seven days and a la carte lunch on Sundays. mayuroc.com I 949.675.6622

Best Italian

Mama D’s Italian Kitchen
3012 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach 92663
We specialize in delicious homemade Italian meals, coupled with an outstanding, memorable experience. We just blow the doors off “business as usual.” We are here to make a difference in the world, and a world of difference. We are extremely committed and passionate about a culture built on loyal relationships through genuine care, LOVE, fun, heart, honor and happiness. -Keith Davidson, owner and founder. mamadsitalian.com I 949.675.6262

Favorite: Nick’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano
2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa 92626

Located at the Harbor Shopping Center in Costa Mesa for 52 years, Lisa, Joe and Jennifer want to thank all of our customers for being such loyal and kind customers. We aim to please you with our delectable pizza, pastas, entrees, antipasto and desserts. nickspizzapastaristorante I 949.722.7526

Best Mexican

Winner: Avila’s El Ranchito
Multiple locations
It all started over 50 years ago. Mama brought the recipes that had been in her family for generations. It was Papa, though, who involved the whole family and created a truly special restaurant. In 1966, the entire Avila family helped at the first El Ranchito in Huntington Park. Today, their authentic Mexican cooking is served at the family’s thirteen restaurants. It is still a family business – each restaurant is under the personal care of a family member, guaranteeing that customers are treated “like part of the family.” avilaselranchito.com I 949.675.6855

Favorite: Descanso Restaurant
1555 Adams Ave. Ste. 103, Costa Mesa 92626
Descanso Restaurant has brought the flavor and charm of the beloved Mexican taco stand – and even the taco stand itself – into a full-service restaurant setting, preserving the tradition and authenticity of the foods and recipes, but presented in a comfortable modern setting... Bringing the streetside taquero to your table, a la Plancha! descansorestaurant.com I 714.486.3798

Favorite: Wahoo’s Fish Taco
13791 Newport Ave., Tustin 92780
Founded by Chinese-Brazilian brothers Wing Lam, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee, Wahoo’s Fish Taco has been serving up its eclectic Mexican-Brazilian-Asian menu since 1988. Celebrated for its fresh food, pro-athlete and celebrity support and charity involvement, Wahoo’s has 60 locations across the U.S. and Japan. wahoos.com I 714.544.1154

Best Pizza

Winner: Gina’s Pizza
420 Iris Ave., Corona Del Mar 92625

Gina’s Pizza has proudly served our community since 1975. When Gina Costa immigrated to America from Sicily, she brought a love of cooking and delicious family recipes. She dreamed of opening a small restaurant where she could share her passion with the neighborhood she loved. Today the family honors Gina by treating each location as if it were our Nonna’s kitchen. Come taste our family recipes. ginaspizza.com I 949.673.1121

Favorite: Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar 92625

Farmhouse’s pizzas change daily and are not only inspired by the ingredients themselves, but the network of friends who supply Chef Mead with the quality that Farmhouse is known for. farmhouserg.com I 949.640.1415

Favorite: Nick’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano
2300 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa 92626

Favorite: Ray’s Pizza
4199 Campus Dr. Ste. D, Irvine 92612

Ray’s Pizza was founded to meet a growing family’s need for pizza that is not only truly delicious, but undeniably good for you. Ray’s Pizza proudly stays true to the basics of pizza making in order to serve the highest quality pies in Irvine. rayspizzainc.com I 949.854.5044

Best Seafood

Winner: King’s Fish House
Multiple locations
King’s is a quintessential American fish house offering superior-quality seafood at affordable prices. Their menus are updated daily and their offerings vary from season to season. With outdoor patios, private dining rooms, and locations in Orange, Laguna Hills and Huntington Beach, King’s has been a destination for locals and families for over 20 years! kingsfishhouse.com I Huntington Beach: 714.793.1177, Laguna Hills: 949.586.1515, Orange: 714.771.6655

Favorite: Santa Monica Seafood
154 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa 92627
If you are looking for the freshest seafood in Southern California, stop by! Our Santa Monica Seafood Market stores feature the largest selections of fresh fish, live shellfish and frozen seafood in the Southwest. smseafoodmarket.com I 949.574.0274

Favorite: Water Grill South Coast Plaza
3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 92626
Water Grill is a seafood lover’s dream! Mere steps from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, it’s the perfect spot for the beginning, middle or end of any night on the town. They have a ton of private rooms, so if you’re planning an intimate get-together or a full-scale party, they’ll accommodate it perfectly. watergrill.com I 949.208.7060

Favorite: Ways & Means Oyster House
21022 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach 92648
The Huntington Beach, CA restaurant features fresh, sustainably caught seafood and seasonal dishes. The creative menu boasts small plates with bold flavors, extensive craft cocktails and hand-selected wines.wmoysters.com I 714.960.4300

Best Steakhouse

Winner: Vaca
695 Town Center Dr. Ste. 170, Costa Mesa 92626
Nestled between the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza, Vaca space combines the energy of Spain with the comfort of California. The menu ranges from traditional tapas to modern meats, including 55-day dry-aged beef rib steak, prime tomahawk and A5 Japanese Wagyu – all done with Chef Santana’s twist on tradition. The beverage program emphasizes traditional Spanish cocktails, wine and beer. vacarestaurant.com I 714.463.6060

Favorite: 555 East American Steakhouse
555 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach 90802
The 555 East American Steakhouse is located in the heart of Long Beach. “The Five” has been a downtown fixture since 1984, well-known for uncompromising food quality and warm hospitality. 555east.com I 562.437.0626

Favorite: Outback Steakhouse
Multiple locations
The home of juicy steaks, spirited drinks and Aussie hospitality. Enjoy steak, chicken, ribs, fresh seafood and our famous Bloomin’ Onion. outback.com

Favorite: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
2041 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 92802
Visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House for the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef served sizzling on 500-degree plates, award-winning wines and an unforgettable night. ruthschris.com I 714.750.5466

Best Sushi

Winner: Buddha’s Favorite
634 Lido Park Dr., Newport Beach 92663
Buddha’s Favorite is a hidden treasure located on Newport Beach’s bayfront. We offer a wide variety of Japanese appetizers, sushi, rolls and entrees. Providing the highest quality seafood is our priority, so we have fish flown in daily. Our casual atmosphere offers a lively sushi bar and a softly lit patio. With only 50 seats, we highly recommend making reservations. We look forward to seeing you at Buddha’s Favorite. Arigato! buddhasfavorite.com I 949.723.4203

Favorite: Sushi Imari
2340 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa 92626
When we first opened in 2005, we were just a regular sushi restaurant. But as time has gone by, we started treating our customers like family. As our shirt logo says, “Do everything in love.” We want our customers to feel contented from the service as well as the food. 714.641.5654

Favorite: Water Grill South Coast Plaza
3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 92626
Water Grill is a seafood lover’s dream! Nestled up against South Coast Plaza’s scenic footbridge, and mere steps from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, it’s the perfect spot for the beginning, middle or end of any night on the town. They have a ton of private rooms, so if you’re planning an intimate get-together or a full-scale party, they’ll accommodate it perfectly. watergrill.com I 949.208.7060

Best Thai

Winner: Royal Thai Cuisine
4001 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach 92663
Royal Thai Cuisine is an award-winning and exotic Newport Beach restaurant voted “gold” by Southern California Restaurant Writers. 949.645.8424

Favorite: Thai Del Mar Restaurant
2754 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar 92625
Simple Thai dishes in a casual atmosphere served very near the beach. 949.721.9220

Best Vietnamese

Winner: Lotus Bistro
325 Old Newport Blvd. Ste 1, Newport Beach 92663
Lotus Bistro offers delicious dining and takeout to Newport Beach. Lotus Bistro is a cornerstone in the Newport Beach community and has been recognized for its outstanding vegetarian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff. Our vegetarian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high-quality fresh ingredients. lotusbistroca.com I 949.287.6827

Favorite: Pho Lantern Cafe
103 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa 92627
Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Many Vietnamese dishes take advantage of fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, steamed seafood and meats, and use water or broth instead of oil. At Pho Lantern Cafe, we give our guests the healthy benefits of traditional Vietnamese cooking along with fresh Asian flavors and seasonings. pholanterncafe.net I 949.515.9090

Best Wine Selection

Winner: Hi-Time Wine Cellars
250 Ogle St., Costa Mesa 92627
Hi-Time Wine Cellars is a family-owned retail store founded in 1957. Our 24,000 square feet of retail space showcases a huge selection of rare wines, hard to find spirits, beers, cigars and much more. Truly a family operation, you’ll find three generations working at the store on any given day, as well as a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, many who’ve been with the store for 20 years or more. hitimewine.net I 949.650.8463

Favorite: Capital Grille
3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 92626
There are more than 350 world-class wines awaiting you at The Capital Grille, hailing from nearly every wine-growing region on earth. Old World and New World gems and little-known labels on the brink of stardom. capitalgrille.com I 714.432.1140

Favorite: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
The District in Tustin, 2647 Park Ave., Tustin 92782;3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach 92663
For the past decade, We have been focused on contemporary California regional cuisine. We offer a warm and passionate menu complemented by the perfect wines, endless possibilities and something to suit every palate. thewineryrestaurants.com