Orange County Airport's Best Dining Options

where to eat orange county airport

John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport has been ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in North America. The airport boasts an impressive range of dining options, from quick bites to upscale restaurants. For those short on time, there are several fast-food options, including McDonald's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Carl's Jr. For travellers seeking a more leisurely dining experience, there are numerous restaurants nearby, such as Water Grill South Coast Plaza, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, and Bistango, offering a range of cuisines, from seafood to New American.

Characteristics Values
Restaurant names Water Grill South Coast Plaza, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, Mastro's, TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, Habana, Benihana, Bistango, North, California Pizza Kitchen, McDonald's, Carl's Jr., QDOBA Mexican Eats
Cuisine Seafood, American comfort food, steak, sushi, cocktails, Cuban, Japanese, Italian, pizza, fast food, Mexican
Other Live entertainment, award-winning wine list, outdoor seating, craft cocktails

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Seafood at Water Grill South Coast Plaza

If you're looking for a seafood fix near Orange County Airport, Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the place to go. Located just across from South Coast Plaza and next to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Water Grill is an iconic, elegant seafood restaurant that has been consistently rated as one of Orange County's top seafood destinations.

The restaurant offers a deep variety of fresh seafood options, including fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters, and shellfish. Their menu changes daily, featuring the first catch of the season and unique West Coast seafood experiences like the Dungeness Crab, known for its sweet flavour and delectable meat. They also have live spot prawns, a California delicacy, prepared to order straight from their saltwater tanks.

For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, Water Grill provides multiple customizable private dining rooms, perfect for business meetings, special events, and celebrations. The restaurant also offers takeout options, allowing you to enjoy their delicious seafood from the comfort of your home.

With its combination of high-quality seafood, excellent service, and sophisticated ambiance, Water Grill South Coast Plaza is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers passing through Orange County Airport. Whether you're hosting an event or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Water Grill is sure to impress.

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American comfort food at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

If you're looking for a place to eat near Orange County Airport, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations offers a unique dining experience with its American comfort food and expansive whiskey selection. With over 300 kinds of whiskey, including high-end bottles like Pappy Van Winkle and rare Japanese varieties, Bosscat is a whiskey lover's paradise. But if whiskey isn't your drink of choice, don't worry—their full bar and cocktail menu feature a wide range of spirits to satisfy any taste.

Located just across from South Coast Plaza, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations blends upscale and casual dining seamlessly. Their high-energy, open-spaced concept creates a lively atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. The menu features seasonal produce, meats, and spices, taking diners on a fun and delicious culinary adventure. The restaurant also has a rich history, paying homage to the Fraser family's historic liquor store, Rod's Liquor, which operated in the same location for over 70 years. The site also holds the distinction of being the first "horse and buggy repair shop" and the first gas station in Orange County.

Bosscat Kitchen Orange spans over 5,000 square feet and boasts several unique features, including a whiskey room, an intimate library, and a large patio. The restaurant is known for its energetic and spacious layout, creating the perfect setting for a vibrant dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations has you covered with their unique take on American comfort food and their extensive whiskey collection.

For those seeking a more eclectic dining experience, Orange County Airport offers a variety of options, including TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar, Mastro's steakhouses, and Water Grill South Coast Plaza for seafood lovers. Habana, located inside The Lab in Costa Mesa, invites you to step into the heart of Cuba with its romantic patio and Cuban-inspired menu, while Benihana offers a unique dining experience with communal tables and the ancient art of Teppanyaki.

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Cuban-inspired menu at Habana

For a vibrant slice of 1940s Havana in Orange County, Habana is the place to go. With two locations in the county, one in Costa Mesa and the other in Irvine, Habana offers a Cuban-inspired menu and handcrafted fresh mojitos. The restaurant features a romantic patio and an intimate bar that will transport you to the heart of Cuba. The dark and intimate ambiance provides a moody setting to enjoy their authentic Cuban recipes.

Habana's menu is a celebration of Cuban cuisine, known for its vibrant flavours and spirited culture. While the exact menu items are not listed online, one can expect to find classic Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, a traditional shredded beef stew. The restaurant also offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails, with a focus on fresh mojitos, a Cuban staple.

The Costa Mesa location of Habana is situated inside The Lab, a unique setting that adds to the overall experience. The intimate bar and romantic patio create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The Irvine location likely offers a similar experience, bringing a taste of Cuba to the Irvine Spectrum.

As one of Orange County's most popular restaurants, Habana is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant's blend of Cuban culture and West Coast vibes has earned it a reputation as a must-visit dining spot. Whether you're craving a taste of Cuba or looking for a new culinary adventure, Habana is sure to deliver an unforgettable culinary journey.

Overall, Habana's Cuban-inspired menu and ambiance offer a unique dining experience in Orange County. The restaurant's attention to detail, from the intimate setting to the handcrafted cocktails, transports guests to the vibrant world of 1940s Havana. Whether you're a fan of Cuban cuisine or looking for a new culinary adventure, Habana is definitely worth a visit.

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Teppanyaki at Benihana

If you're looking for a unique dining experience near Orange County Airport, look no further than Benihana, where you can savour the ancient art of Teppanyaki. This Japanese-style restaurant offers a blend of exquisite cuisine and teppanyaki cooking, served with flair and entertainment.

At Benihana, guests are seated at communal tables, where a personal chef performs the ancient art of Teppanyaki. The chef is not just a skilled cook but also a performer, delighting diners with mouthwatering flavours and impressive knife skills. Watch as they slice and dice your meal, preparing a feast for both your eyes and taste buds. Choose from a variety of mouth-watering options, including steak, tender chicken, or succulent seafood, all cooked to perfection on a hibachi table.

For those with a more adventurous palate, Benihana also offers sushi, prepared by a talented sushi chef. Indulge in a specialty cocktail or sample the sake, a rice wine with a unique brewing process and flavour profile. The history of sake is just as fascinating as its taste, dating back to the fourth century when it was made by chewing rice at religious festivals. Thankfully, the brewing techniques have evolved, and today, you can enjoy a smooth, full-bodied Junmai-shu sake or a delicate, light-bodied Ginjo-shu sake, served chilled or at room temperature.

Benihana's dining experience extends beyond the food. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere with immersive design elements. Subdued lighting, natural materials like stone and wood, and cosy textures create an inviting ambiance. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a casual outing, Benihana promises an unparalleled experience that transcends boundaries and ignites your senses.

With its blend of delicious Japanese cuisine, teppanyaki cooking, and entertaining chefs, Benihana is a dining destination unlike any other near Orange County Airport. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a satisfied palate.

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Italian at North

If you're looking for a taste of Italy near Orange County Airport, Italian at North is the place to go. With a focus on handmade, scratch-made Italian dishes, this restaurant offers a modern Italia experience.

At North, you'll find a variety of handmade pastas and pizzas, crafted with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavours. Their signature dishes showcase fresh flavours from the garden, farm, and sea, for a unique dining experience. To complement their food, they also offer handcrafted seasonal cocktails, like their unique Old Fashioned with hazelnut and brown sugar notes.

The restaurant has three distinct spaces to choose from: a private dining room for intimate gatherings, an outdoor patio for al fresco dining, and the main restaurant dining room. Whether you're hosting an event or simply looking for a delicious meal, Italian at North has you covered.

Located in Irvine, Italian at North is easily accessible from Orange County Airport. With moderate pricing, it's a great option for travellers looking for a satisfying Italian meal without breaking the bank. So, if you're craving handcrafted pizza and pasta in a warm and inviting atmosphere, Italian at North is the perfect destination.

Frequently asked questions

Water Grill South Coast Plaza is a highly-rated seafood restaurant located near Orange County Airport. It offers a variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish.

Benihana is a restaurant near Orange County Airport that offers mouth-watering steak prepared by a personal chef in front of you. Mastro's is another sophisticated steakhouse recognised for its world-class service and highly acclaimed cuisine.

North is a restaurant near Orange County Airport that focuses on handmade Italian food, including pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavours.

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