Location: Aliso Viejo
Top Restaurants in Aliso Viejo
Top Things to do in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo is a city in the San Joaquin Hills of southern Orange County, California. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in Orange County to be incorporated since 2000. It is bordered by the cities of Laguna Beach on the west and southwest, Laguna Hills on the east, Laguna Niguel on the southeast, and Laguna Woods on the north.
Things to do in Aliso Viejo
1. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 236 reviews
At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. Come in and enjoy the menu created by Marc A. Cohen, One of the Best Chef's in Orange County. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Dont forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis, or have some wine outside near the fireplace on the patio. We offer live music for our patrons on certain nights as well to add to the dining experience. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.
Reviewed By rayu - Laguna Niguel, California
After reading all of the glowing reviews, we tried Opah last night. A great disappointment! Starting with lousy service, tasteless bread, dry short ribs, coconut shrimp without coconut, having to ask for butter three times, we won't be coming back for dinner. However, the clam chowder was excellent! We may come back for a bowl of chowder and a glass of wine, but the overpriced tasteless meals? Forget about it.
2. I Love Bagels
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Charlie V - Santa Clarita, California
I am a transplant from NY now living in So Cal and have always been amazed at some store fronts saying : Real NY, NY Style, Like NY etc. A NY bagel has all the goodies on both sides ( I am an Everything Bagel guy) so if I get a bagel with one side, that's not NY style. I have posted pictures with this review to show you why these are the best and this is the place to go. Great selection of smears to go with your bagels as well. One time there they were out of Everything bagels so I asked if I could get the crumbs from the bottom of the empty basket to put on an Onion bagel I bought and they gave me a small plastic cup filled with the the goodies and it was great. Just look at the pictures and picture them toasted and then covered with crème cheese.....life is good !
3. Dolce Gelato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Dolce Gelato is a family-owned business in Laguna Beach. We make each pan of gelato from scratch each day in our store using multiple milks and different sugars to achieve perfect balance and flavor, just like you'll find in the small shops in Italy.
Reviewed By Joshua L
Dolce Gelato is great, they have a theme and offer a variety of flavors based around that theme.
We had Star Wars choices, which were fantastic. They offer samples to help you make up your mind and if you still have trouble, you can just order more.
4. Montage Lobby Lounge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Ann B
I enjoyed my birthday at the Montage in Laguna. The Loft has good food and a nice atmosphere and the service was great. I was given a cute slice of cake which said happy birthday and it was delicious. The baked chicken and sausage was beyond what I expected and my overall experience was fabulous‼ The lounge is relaxing and cozy and I even picked up a few items at the gift shop. Everyone wished me a happy birthday and I picked a pack a post cards that were so beautiful.
5. Mangia Bene
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Established in 1991 Mangia Bene Cucina has been a Landmark of Orange County for over 20 years. Although we've gone through some ownership changes, we still maintain the same recipes that have made us a "most" destination for many of South Orange County's residents as well as our new and exciting monthly dishes that are sure to impress you. From the classics like our Homemade Lasagna and Penne Sonato, to our very popular salads, like the Mangia Bene Salad with Grilled Chicken and Seared Ahi Salad, as well as our monthly specials, we are confident you will have a great experience dinning with us. Come see why we've been an Orange County landmark since 1991. Bring your family to our family restaurant and experience Fresh Italian like you never have before
Reviewed By JimW551 - San Clemente, California
We ate here with friends tonight. My wife and I had the Caesar Clads as a starter and then we each had the spaghetti and meatballs. Both meals were just OK. My friends wife had the sea bass and thought it was OK. My friend had the Chicken Parmesan and liked it. The wine was nice and the service was good. Very good garlic bread!
6. Peppino's Italian Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Aliso Viejo is our fabulous Pizzeria, a place where you can get gourmet pizzas such as Pizza alla Giuseppe made fresh to order. We also carry a variety of specialty dishes created and served at this location only, such as the extremely popular Pasta Colorado. This location also has a patio for enjoyable outdoor dining.
Reviewed By Bridgetpianos - new jersey
I usually like this restaurant but I ordered the Lemon chicken with mushrooms and olives. I hated in . It had no flavor . It looked like soup. I was so disappointed. The pro was they have a nice patio in the back.i don’t think I will go back bread was good salad so so server was good.
7. Nick's Laguna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Nick's indoor/outdoor Laguna Beach venue features Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, our intimate 80-seat restaurant features a chic bar and beautiful outdoor patio. Our décor highlights several artistic touches, from inlaid abalone and oyster-shell accents to artistic mosaic tile floors. The Exotic wood-trimmed booths and hand-blown glass lamps along with warm tones of brown, blue and sand complement the exposed brick walls. Our exhibition kitchen showcases the talents of our passionate culinary team. Nick’s Laguna Beach has become a favorite in Orange County to dine, drink and escape.
Reviewed By alanroytbak - Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Excellent spot right near the Laguna Beach. Staff is very friendly here, my wife changed her mind on her side and they brought her a different plate. We had tuna tartar appetizer, which was amazing. I had the fillet mignon steak and my wife had the Chilean Sea bass. Both were great, we also had kids with us, they loved the burger and the Mac and cheese.
8. Gelato Paradiso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 310 reviews
authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto
Reviewed By Ian M - Laguna Beach, California
Great gelato and the staff are always super friendly. It's a really well run business. Congrats. Keep up the good work and thank the service staff.
9. Brussels Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best in Belgium flavors to the heart of Laguna Beach. Relax on the terrace with a premium Belgian beer or dine underground in our casual-urban setting. Offering Belgian cuisine with a French flair, our Executive Chef, Thomas Crijns has created a superb menu of authentic dishes ranging from Beef Bourguignon to Steamed Mussels. Complimenting our wide variety of imported Belgian beers are mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including Cheese Croquettes and our world-famous Belgian Fries. Join us on Friday and Saturday nights when the Bistro transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in town.
Reviewed By RFMATUTE
I went for dinner with a friend.. we had to choose from 3 restaurants and Brussels Bistro was the last we went to. It was a great choice.!!
The ambiance is cozy and it was located hidden down one level.
We had oysters, mussels in garlic and wine, half a Caesar salad and a fettuccine dish with slow cooked meat, shrimp croquettes, and a certain pie with ice cream for dessert. I cannot remember the name but it was flavorful as well.
It was fantastic!! The flavor of the food was amazing, especially the shrimp croquettes. I will definitely go back with other friends!
The servers are very friendly and helpful.
Price wise was okay but a bit in the steep side, but worth it!!
I definitely recommend this bistro to everyone!
10. The Original Pancake House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By maitaimike2015 - Laguna Hills, California
With all of the choices for Breakfast one has in South O.C. I must include The Original Pancake House for its unique menu items, tasteful quality offerings, and excellent all around service. It is located in a little shopping center between Oso Parkway & the 73 Toll Road. Although technically in the Aliso Viejo Zip code, for first timers visiting here, it is near the Nellie Gail Ranch area of Laguna Hills. If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning, a wait of 45 minutes to an hour is not unusual. Even week days bring in a steady crowd. They do not take reservations, so if you have a large group meeting for breakfast, they only seat you when everybody is here.
The recently remodeled interior now has many multiple booths configured in the center with a few larger ones on the wall that can seat 8-10, a welcome change from the rows of small "tippy" tables that were a little too claustrophobic for me. A few of these are still scattered around to fill in space. The interior is bright, and the conversation level is on the louder side. The foyer is a little cramped with a counter were you pay and the area to wait has one bench to sit inside. They now have those little gizmos so popular with busy restaurants, that buzz and light up to let you know your up. Outside is area with more benches. The sparse decor has some horse racing motif (I think the owners have some historical connection). The restrooms are small but clean.
I have visited this location some 50-60 times in the 27 years I have lived here, and can honestly attest to the consistency of the food served over that time as always being of first rate quality. My usual go to items are the Continental Crepes that is served with "Hot Tropical" syrup that is to die for. Also, the Eggs Michael that may be exclusive to this location since it does not appear on the O.P.H. website menu. An egg & sausage patty with mushroom sherry sauce on an english muffin with super crispy potato pancakes, side of sour cream and applesauce to slather - oh yes!! I have also had the signature Apple Pancake as well, but I recommend it shared among the party as dessert. It is super tasty sweet and may come to the table bubbling hot. Let it cool. The Omelettes are huge, fluffy, and oh so tasty. I prefer the lunch version with chicken and spinach.
As always, it is the little things that make breakfast here great. If you like you bacon super crispy like me, they cook it perfect every time. The Orange Juice they serve tastes better than any place else I've tried period!! I have friends who echo that same opinion. The coffee is good but not spectacular. The German Potatoes are also an exclusive side dish. I order them with onions and well done to give them some more taste, otherwise they are a little bland. Also, If I order any style egg, it is always cooked right the first time-over easy is never over hard-thank you O.P.H.!
The service I have experienced over the years has been top notch, many of the waitstaff has been there awhile, A older German lady was my favorite server in the 90's, she since retired. On the recent morning I was there with a friend, the head hostess was leaving after 20 years. That says something about this place. When I had to remind our waitress once about my orange juice, she immediately brought me a large and only charged me for the smaller size. That is executing service the right way. Yes, when the bill comes it might suprise you. Ala carte items can add up quickly. But this was never meant to be a fast and cheap place to scarf down the first meal of the day. This is where you treat people you love and care about to exeptional food. This is about enjoying life, sharing memories. I have no qualms regarding price here, totally worth it !!
