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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 29 times today
A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience."Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!""La buona cucina rende allegria!"Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!
A photo of Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(923)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 30 times today
Trabuco Oaks Steak House is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day in the canyon or if you just want to get away from the hustle of the city crowds. The rustic BBQ restaurant gently reminds everyone as they walk in that casual is the norm here by displaying cut ties from the ceiling. Enjoy a steak like the top sirloin, New York strip or porterhouse cooked to perfection. Trabuco Oaks understands that not everyone wants steak, so it offers entrŽes like the mesquite grilled chicken, Italian spaghetti or an order of fish and fries.Finish off the meal at Trabuco Oaks with a delicious dessert such as a hot fudge sundae or the famous hot cherry Gizmo, which is a cherry filling wrapped in a flour tortilla that has been deep fried and topped with ice cream, hot cherry sauce and whipped cream.
A photo of Domenico's on the Lake restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1238)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 27 times today
Orange County's newest upscale dining experience is now open on Lake Mission Viejo! Well known for our iconic location in Long Beach, Domenico’s was one of the first restaurants to serve pizza in California and is famous for our legendary pizzas and amazing Italian and American inspired dishes. Domenico's on the Lake is an upscale take on our original location featuring new steak and seafood entrees, while still featuring the original recipes that have made us an institution in Southern California.NOTE: OUR LAKESIDE PATIO HAS LIMITED SEATING AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED BECAUSE THE DEMAND OFTEN EXCEEDS AVAILABILITY. PATIO SEATING REQUESTS ARE SUBJECT TO A WAIT.
A photo of Pub Thirty-Two restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(424)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 8 times today
Located in Mission Viejo, California, Pub Thirty-Two represents our desire to bring the type of restaurant and bar experience we enjoy to Mission Viejo; a place you will be as comfortable holding a professional lunch meeting as you are having drinks and great conversation with friends. We strive to provide a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with food, drinks, and events that exceed expectations. Our restaurant is farm-to-fork, and our menu changes seasonally. We are proud to be partnered with local ranches and farms to bring you fresh, local, and sustainable food.
A photo of Xacalli Kitchen restaurant
4.5
Awesome(273)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Silverado
Booked 6 times today
Xacalli is a Chef Driven Modern Mexican Restaurant that highlights regional Mexican cuisine. Located in historical mining town of Silverado Canyon, in eastern Orange County next to the cities of Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest. Beautiful drive from Orange, Irvine and Tustin. The community of Silverado with her majestic mountains, state designated scenic highway is a hidden gem located at the boundaries of Cleveland National Forest.Xacalli's aim is to bring people and food together with authentic dishes that are modern and visually beautiful as well as entice your taste buds. We serve plates with the intention of sharing family style. Whether at the bar or in our dining room, we aim to showcase our passion for service excellence. Executive Chef Vincent Espinoza sources quality ingredients to create a seasonal menu alongside a craft bar. We are thrilled to welcome you to Xacalli for dinner + craft cocktails in our rustic and friendly restaurant.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2911)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 33 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4949)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 84 times today
King's Fish House - Laguna Hills is a treasure trove of seafood delights. With three generations of seafood passion, they've crafted an ultimate seafood experience, filled with fresh-caught oysters, clams, and unforgettable flavors. As one reviewer said, 'Seafood always fresh and tasty.' The ambiance is comfortable, the service is impeccable, and the food is consistently excellent, making it an ideal spot for family dining, special occasions, or business dining.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1077)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 35 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(74)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 9 times today
Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.
A photo of Capital Seafood - Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.0
Excellent(642)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Irvine
PLEASE CALL IN FOR LUNCH RESERVATIONSWelcome to Capital's newest restaurant concept. Located in the heart of Orange County inside Irvine Spectrum. With much success in its other location in the Diamond Jamboree center, Capital decided to launch another location in the O.C. Capital is most known for its award winning dim sum and fresh seafood selections. With over 100 dim sum selections to choose from daily and great fresh seafood offerings. Dim Sum favorites such as Sui Mai, Shrimp Har Gow and Baked B.B.Q. Buns are customer favorites to name a few. Live Seafood offerings from our 300 gallon tanks consist of Alaskan King Crab, Maine Lobsters, Dungeness Crab and Catch of the Day. This new concept offers a full bar with an outdoor patio dining experience. Reservations are suggested and offsite catering and private dining are available.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sumira
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    We used to come here when it was the Beach House, however the whole experience as the Driftwood Kitchen was wonderful and did not disappoint. AMAZING experience all around.
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    4.5
  • Amanda
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Piccolino is my families favorite Italian restaurant. Every time we’ve come here it has been a positive experience. To start off, BEST LASAGNA in town. They do not mess around with their lasagna, perfect sauce to meat ratio and the flavor doesn’t miss. To start off we usually get a salad. The piccolino salad is not your mediocre house salad, but rather full of flavor. Their dressing is the star of the show. The Cesar is also an honorable mention. So far, I have tried the Strozzapreti Salsiccia, the Bolognese, Pesto Fettuchini, lobster ravioli, the chicken Marsala and the chicken Piccata. I’ve never been disappointed. For dessert we enjoyed some espresso & pistachio gelato. Servers are always helpful, patient, and competent. The host is always warm and welcoming. This place truly embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality. I can’t wait to come back again soon!
    More info
    Piccolino RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.8
  • Scot
    Orange County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The Paella was excellent. The mojitos delicious and the fried plantains wonderful. The service was 9/10 (brought the food a little too quick). And the space has a great atmosphere. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    4.7
  • AnastaciaVIP
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Wonderful as always- we had steaks and burgers and artichoke for the appetizer. Churros were for desert and everything was amazing. Service was fast and efficient - friendly staff and fun atmosphere! Great destination dinner place !!
    More info
    Trabuco Oaks SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.7
  • FIONAVIP
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    Great new menu options The Halibut is fantastic and the whiskey chicken wings
    More info
    Pub Thirty-TwoPrice: Moderate• Californian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Embark on a culinary journey to Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County, where dining is truly "worth the drive." Here, you will discover a variety of restaurants that not only promise but deliver exceptional dining experiences, making them standout destinations. These eateries are celebrated for their unique blends of ambiance, quality service, and exquisite cuisine that cater to a diverse palate. Whether you're craving innovative dishes, traditional flavors, or simply a scenic view to complement your meal, this region offers it all. The dining scene in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita is vibrant and diverse, appealing to both locals and travelers seeking memorable meals. Each restaurant in this locale has been carefully vetted for its ability to provide not just food, but an experience worth traveling for. This ensures that every recommendation will enrich your gastronomic adventures and make every drive worthwhile.

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