Orange County Dining, Bars and Pubs

While Orange County is known for its famous beaches, mega shopping centers, and "Magic Kingdom," it's also chock full of spectacular dining spots. Their restaurants offer diverse culinary sites from places around the world including Mediterranean, Greek, French, Japanese, Hawaiian, and good old American style cuisines.

Laguna Beach/Dana Point

When in the Laguna Beach area, you'll be able to eat at luxurious locations where the dishes match the spectacular views from their ocean side seating. Have a taste of Belgium at Brussels Bistro where you'll find a traditional atmosphere that serves Belgium beer. Next up for the tour of international cuisines is the Aegean Cafe whose Greek dishes are only part of the experience. Waiters will serenade you with traditional Greek songs and balance things on their noses to create an upbeat, high-energy environment for your dining pleasure. If you're in the mood for a true Hawaiian and Polynesian experience, stop in at the Royal Hawaiian. Try the Mahi Mahi or Teriyaki Halibut at Claes Seafood. For a more historical dining experience, be sure to drop by The Cottage, a home built in 1917 that has been converted into a restaurant. Made famous for their breakfast menu, you can have brunch in a comfortable, back-in-the-day setting. Want to dine on the beach without dealing with sand and seagulls? Resting merely five feet above sea level, Five Feet feels as if you're on the beach without having to be at the beach. Las Brisas is known for its authentic Mexican food right alongside the beach as well.

Newport Beach/Costa Mesa/Huntington Beach

Newport Beach offers a variety of restaurant choices that will whet your appetite. After a day of parading on Balboa Island's boardwalk, stop in The Spaghetti Bender where their marinara sauce tastes as if its homemade. The Clubhouse is a perfect place to get the country club experience without the pricey membership dues. They serve American style cuisine such as chicken potpie and mashed potatoes. Hana No Ki serves everything but sushi. They pride themselves in serving often overlooked Japanese dishes like Grilled Fish Saikyoyaki and Shime Saba. For genuine Southern-fried comfort, check out Memphis Soul Cafe. Their menu consists of Soul Meatloaf, Cajun Gumbo, Shrimp Creole, Soul Burgers, and much more. Located on a floating riverboat, Anthony's Riverboat Restaurant serves Fresh Northern Halibut, Lobster Tail, Roast Prime Rib of Beef, and New York Steak. Not to worry if you're vegetarian. The Avanti Cafe serves a vegetarian menu where dishes are made from locally grown vegetables. Located on the Newport Pier, The Rockin' Baja Lobster provides a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Their "Baja Buckets" are the thing to try. You can stuff them with whatever seafood or meat you choose.

Anaheim/Orange

After a trip to the "happiest place on Earth," try these equally incredible places to dine. Located in the Disneyland Hotel, Granville's lamb chops, fish plates, and ribs are everything but Mickey Mouse. Within the Disneyland Paradise Pier Hotel, drop in for some sushi and tempura at Yamabuki. Continue following your dreams while in Downtown Disney at Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar. They serve Mediterranean style food such as "Paella a la Valencia" and "Duck Leg Confit."

Anaheim White House marks the spot for lovers of not only Italian food, but Italian celebrities as well. Their plates, named after Italian personalities, have names such as "Versace Whitefish" and "Dolce & Gabbana Sand Dabs." Although you will have to make a reservation at least a month in advance for The Hobbit, it's well worth it once inside because you get to take a tour of the chef's kitchen which is located in a 1930s Spanish home. One place, three zones: Restaurant, Taqueria for those on the go, and the Cantina. At Tortilla Jo's, you have it all, literally.