$$$$Japanese, Sushi
The space is chic and well designed; and the kaiseki-style menu, complete with Japanese-imported fish and local ingredients, is a tribute to the seasons.These plates are meticulously prepared and enjoyably nuanced. The Bizen option may commence with the likes of tofu topped with Bafun uni and yuba, followed by a procession of cold summer bites, sashimi, and silky ankimo with nukazuke pickles. Peak-season belt fish may then be presented with yamaimo and a dashi-simmered tomato. Nigiri, like wild flounder, hagashi toro, and baby sea bream, are crafted with care; and desserts, like rum raisin ice
$$$Italian, Contemporary
Originally from Atina and boasting a lineage of chefs and farmers, Chef/co-owner Sandro Nardone brings his experience with Italian cuisine and wood-fire cooking to Newport Beach. Low lighting and large paintings set a chic tone in the dining room, while the open kitchen keeps all eyes focused on the food. It is an idyllic setting for a gastronomic retreat; and the contemporary cooking never disappoints. Get one of their skillfully made pizzas, perhaps one topped with mushrooms and green onions or tuck into a plate of pasta amatriciana, a house-made rigatoni in a guanciale and pomodoro sauce wi
$$$$Japanese, Sushi
Tucked away in the back corner of a Costa Mesa shopping mall, this intimate ten-seat counter offers a relaxing retreat from the outside world. Chef Atsushi Yokoyama skillfully oversees a leisurely omakase, beginning with variety of composed dishes such as chawanmushi with blue shrimp and smoked trout roe, perhaps followed by such delicacies as hairy crab dressed with tangy tosazu gelee, or tender braised abalone with leek puree and Hokkaido uni. Nigiri forms the final portion of the savory menu, continuing the theme of simply prepared, excellent quality seafood. To finish, a delicate almond pa
$$$Vietnamese, Contemporary
Across from beautiful Huntington Beach, find this not-so-secret speakeasy tucked inside its parent restaurant, Bluegold, where it's difficult to avoid staring at the Pacific views. But the difference is palpable—LSXO is a bit cooler, louder and has a more defined personality. There are so many terrific dishes on offer that it's hard to go wrong and helpful servers will always steer you in the right direction. Don't miss the savory pork, shrimp and crab dumplings served alongside an incendiary, peanut-loaded black vinegar dressing. Then, a big steaming bowl of cháo loaded with crab, salted cod,