Looking to treat your significant other to a dinner they won’t soon forget? Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, planning a dreamy date night, or simply looking to impress someone special, these restaurants offer ambiance, exquisite cuisine, and a memorable experience. From candlelit oceanfront views to cozy, hidden gems, here are some of the most romantic dining spots in OC!

1. The Cellar

• Location: Downtown Fullerton

Tucked away in a historic basement under the beautiful Villa del Sol in Downtown Fullerton, The Cellar is one of the most romantic spots in Orange County. With its dim lighting by sconce and chandelier, stone walls, and rounded brick alcoves, this hidden gem gives an air of Gothic Romance, almost like you’re in a romantic castle dungeon. The menu features classic French and contemporary American dishes, with indulgent dishes like Chateaubriand and tableside flambéed desserts. Even if you don’t have dinner, it’s worth stopping in just for a few cocktails at the bar.

2. Summit House

• Location: 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton

The Summit House is a popular spot for weddings for a reason. Located at the top of a hill in Fullerton bordering Brea, the restaurant gives a view of Orange County that is stunning both day and night. With its large windows, fireplaces, and private rooms, there isn’t a table in the place that isn’t beautiful. Their prime rib and seafood dishes are delicious, and every night, they have a live pianist playing in the bar. Reservations tend to fill up fast, but the bar in first come, first serve, so you can usually snag a table there near the piano!

3. Orange Hill Restaurant

• Location: 6410 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange

Also known for its unforgettable hilltop views and being a popular wedding venue is Orange Hill Restaurant in Orange. While the Summit House is best experienced indoors, Orange Hill’s patio can’t be beat with its stunning views, fire pits, and fairy lights. The restaurant features a sophisticated menu with prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

4. The Hobbit

• Location: 2932 East Chapman Avenue, Orange

Want to take the thought out of an otherwise incredibly thoughtful meal? The Hobbit is the answer with their modern french inspired pre-fixe tasting menu. By reservation only, The Hobbit offers an incredible, modern French inspired multi-course meal in a unique, elegant setting. Guests are welcomed into a charming 1930s home and invited to enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the wine cellar before a six-course feast begins. The menu changes by the season and always chosen by the chef, but you can always get a preview of what you can expect on their website.

5. Mastro’s Ocean Club

• Location: 8112 E Coast Highway, Newport Beach

If breathtaking ocean views and top-tier steak and seafood are your idea of romance, Mastro’s Ocean Club is the perfect choice. Voted the best steakhouse in Best of Orange County 2024, out the window you’ll see beautiful foliage and the waves of the Pacific lapping beyond. This elegant restaurant offers impeccable service, live music every evening, and an upscale menu featuring favorites like butter-drenched lobster and perfectly seared steaks. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail while watching the sun set over the Pacific.

NOTE: This restaurant enforces a strict upscale dress code, so expect to dress your best!

6. Raya at The Ritz-Carlton

• Location: 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point

If you’re looking for panoramic ocean views but aren’t looking to dress quite as upscale as you’d need to for Mastro’s Ocean Club, Raya located within The Ritz-Carlton offers a luxurious dining experience while only requiring a casual dress code. The menu, curated by Chef Richard Sandoval, features Latin American-inspired seafood dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Sunset dinners here are nothing short of magical.

7. 21 Oceanfront

• Location: 2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach

While Raya gives you panoramic views from above the ocean, 21 Oceanfront provides a stunning oceanfront setting steps from the beach with an intimate, upscale atmosphere. This fine-dining seafood and steakhouse inside the historical McFadden Building next to the Newport Beach pier boasts white tablecloth service, a world-class wine list, and views of the crashing waves. They even claim to be the best restaurant to watch the sunset, and as Newport Beach is one of our favorite spots to watch the sunset, we can believe it! So cozy up in a candlelit booth and savor dishes like filet mignon and Chilean sea bass and then take a walk along the beach for dessert.

8. Marché Moderne

• Location: 7862 Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach

For a French-inspired romantic dinner, Marché Moderne in Newport Beach is a must-visit. Owned by chefs Florent and Amelia Marneau, this chic and intimate restaurant is known for its sophisticated ambiance and exquisite seasonal French dishes, many of which are plated so artistically they almost look too pretty to eat! In fact, one food writer for the LA Times said exactly as much about a dish included in their “The best dishes of 2024, according to our food writers” article. As an extra bonus, this restaurant is near the beach and trails of Crystal Cove State Park, one of the most beautiful places in the entire county in our opinion, so you can take advantage of a hike or just the views of the sunset before or after your meal.

9. Selanne Steak Tavern

• Location: 1464 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

The outside of this cozy and upscale steakhouse in the heart of Laguna Beach gives us seaside fairytale cottage vibes, but together with its interior, Selanne Steak House offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless romance. Just minutes from what we’ve called the best beach to take a date in our Orange County beach guide, Selanne Steak Tavern is housed in a historic 1934 home and serves expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Whether dining inside or on the charming outdoor Veranda, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic evening.

Did we miss one? Which restaurant will you choose for your next date night? Let us know in the comments!