💕 Top 5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Orange County💕
What makes a restaurant truly romantic goes beyond the menu. It’s the combination of low lighting and thoughtful pacing, service that never feels rushed, and an atmosphere designed to encourage conversation rather than distraction. These are places where meals unfold slowly, tables aren’t turned quickly, and the experience invites you to linger—making the memorable.
To help you plan, we’ve included budget indicators so you know what to expect before you book.
💡 Budget Guide
💲 Under $25 per person
💲💲 $25–40 per person
💲💲💲 $40–70 per person
💲💲💲💲 $70+ per person
MESA — Costa Mesa
💲💲💲💲 | Modern & Intimate
Mesa has long been one of Orange County’s most quietly romantic dining rooms. The focus here is on seasonal tasting menus, thoughtful wine pairings, and a dim, refined space that naturally slows the pace of the evening. It’s a restaurant built for conversation, where the food enhances the experience without overwhelming it.
Best for: Food-forward dates, anniversaries
Vibe: Understated, elegant, intimate
CDM Restaurant — Corona del Mar
💲💲💲💲 | Coastal Elegance
CDM blends coastal polish with a lively yet refined dining room that feels romantic without being overly formal. The menu leans modern California with steakhouse influences, while the atmosphere strikes a balance between energy and intimacy—ideal for couples who want a stylish night out that still feels special.
Best for: Celebratory dinners, stylish date nights
Vibe: Coastal chic, elevated, social-romantic
Selanne Steak Tavern — Laguna Beach
💲💲💲💲 | Cozy, Timeless Romance
Housed in a historic Laguna Beach cottage, Selanne Steak Tavern delivers warmth, charm, and classic romance in every room. Low lighting, attentive service, and a menu designed for lingering make this a favorite for couples who appreciate tradition, comfort, and an unmistakably intimate setting.
Best for: Romantic dinners, milestone anniversaries
Vibe: Cozy, classic, quietly luxurious
Orange Hill Restaurant — Orange
💲💲💲💲 | Scenic & Dramatic
Perched high above the city, Orange Hill offers one of the most cinematic dining settings in Orange County. As daylight fades into a sea of city lights, the atmosphere naturally turns romantic. It’s a place where the view does part of the storytelling, making the evening feel expansive and memorable.
Best for: Sunset dinners, special-occasion dates
Vibe: Dramatic, scenic, elevated romance
The Hobbit — Orange
💲💲💲💲 | Old-World, Ultra Romantic
Few restaurants in Orange County feel as intentionally romantic as The Hobbit. This immersive, multi-course dining experience unfolds through candlelit rooms and wine cellars, creating a sense of ceremony from start to finish. It’s indulgent, intimate, and unapologetically old-world—perfect for nights meant to feel unforgettable.
Best for: Anniversaries, once-a-year splurges
Vibe: Storybook, intimate, deeply romantic