Top Asian Restaurants in Orange County, California

Asian dining is scattered all throughout Orange County, but separating the very best from the "just okay" can be a bit frustrating. Below are five of the absolute best, whether you have a lot of money to spend, or not so much, or whether you're in the mood for sushi, other seafood, or general Asian cuisine.

Blue Fin

7952 East Pacific Coast Highway
Crystal Cove Promenade
Newport Beach, CA

Open daily 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-10pm

This fine Japanese restaurant is definitely one of the best in Orange County, offering fine Asian dining at its best. A very extensive wine list compliments the delicious food, as well as a small selection of Asian beers, $10 martinis and, of course, many different kinds of sake.

As most nice Japanese establishments, this restaurant is definitely not cheap, with the more simple starters beginning at around $6.50 (marinated eggplant) and moving up in price all the way to the $28 Kobe Beef and Mushroom Tobanyaki. Entree prices start even higher, at $25 for the delectable grilled teriyaki- or lemon juice-style salmon, up to the $32 seafood tempura, which includes lobster, jumbo prawns, scallops and halibut. There is also a great selection of great-tasting sushi available, which is extremely expensive - but if you have the money to spend, it's more than worth the price. For a treat, dive into the Omakase, which is a multi-course, Chef's Choice meal.

The quaint, low-key environment provides a nice atmosphere perfect for intimate gatherings or a romantic night out, with a waitstaff that is wonderfully attentive and chefs that are very social and friendly.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Website
Menu

S Vietnamese Fine Dining

545 Westmintser Mall Dr.
Westminster, CA

Open Monday - Thursday 11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm; Friday - Saturday 11am-10pm; Sunday 11am-9pm

"S's finely articulated, romantic decor evokes both the Asian and French elements of Vietnam, enveloping diners in palms, wrought iron, soft piano music, and vibrant artwork. The sensory pleasure also extends to taste, courtesy of spring rolls, noodle soups, meat skewers, and entrees like lamb tinged with garlic and peppercorns, pan-roasted duck breast, and lots of noodles-and-vegetable dishes. Premium teas and wines are also part of the culinary selection."

S is a gorgeous Vietnamese restaurant, and if you've ever been offput by this type of Asian cuisine before, then you've never tried out this place. From the nice selection of wines, with drinks chosen specifically to what they believe will properly match the style of the food, and the $6-7 martinis, to the wide selection of food choices, S's has something for everyone. There is a large seafood focus, even in the starters, so if you're looking for some delicious and unique seafood dishes (such as the Tuna Napoleon or the Chilean sea bass steamed with black bean sauce) then this is the place. Of course there are many beef, pork and chicken dishes, along with a variety of soups, salads and an entire vegetarian menu.

Be prepared to have a lot of money to spend, though - between the quality of the food and the gorgeous environment, this is Asian dining at its finest.

The dark, dimly lit interior along with a gorgeous backlit bar area and a grand piano that anyone who would like can play provides a classy and relaxed atmosphere. However, it's much more romantic indoors that on the outdoor patio, which has a perfect view of a mall parking lot.

The staff here is extremely patient and polite, giving good food presentation and able to speak both English and Vietnamese if needed.

Website

Pho Republic Noodles & Grill

30 South Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA

Open Sunday - Thursday 11am-9pm; Friday - Saturday 11am-10pm

In the heart of Orange County resides one of the most authentic Vietnamese restaurants you will ever find. The very freshest ingredients make up flavorsome meals of noodle bowls, spring rolls, and different types of pho. There is a wonderful selection for a great value, from very cheaply priced appetizers (made up of a selection of spring rolls and wraps) to very reasonably priced lunch and dinner specials, with almost nothing over $10. Try the home-made coconut ice cream! It's simply delectable.

The atmosphere is very tranquil, with a lovely decorations and a spacious dining area and option to sit on the outdoor patio. Whether indoors or outdoors, the seating is very comfortable.

Pho Republic provides fantastic service, featuring an attentive waitstaff and a chef who can prepare most dishes to your preference - a great option if you happen to have any food allergies.

Most dishes can be prepared to your preference, which is a great option if you have any food allergies.

Website
Menu

Taiko

14755 Jeffrey Rd.
Irvine, CA

Open Monday - Saturday 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sunday 4:30pm-9:30pm

Taiko is a very popular Japanese restaurant that offers what is known as one of the best sushi experiences in all of SoCal. You can choose to sit at a table, but better yet choose the sushi bar and have rolls made to your liking - you won't be disappointed, and the sushi is very fresh this way. Other specialties are offered, such as tempura and sashimi and different kinds of fresh fish, but the greatest perk of this establishment is definitely the sushi! The prices are very reasonable, with an average of around $15 per person depending on what and how much you get. But no matter what you get, the portion sizes are very generous.

This place is great for groups or casual dates, as the environment is very casual-basic, but it gets very crowded and tends to have long lines for the sushi bar, which tends to be worse on the weekends. Try lining up for the sushi bar around 4:30 when it opens at 5.

Great service is performed here, along with sushi chefs who really know what they're doing.

Seafood Paradise No. Two

8602 Westminster Blvd.
Westminster, CA

Open daily 10am-9:30pm

This casual Chinese-style restaurant is great for the seafood lovers, with giant water tanks that serve as homes for shrimp and lobster - you can see for yourself that everything here is made fresh. The seafood is amazing, but the real treasure of this place is its famous dim sum, which is recognized all over Orange County. The average price for a main course is $16, which some may consider pricey - but worth it for the mouth-watering seafood selections and the large portions, as well as the best dim sum around.

Seafood Paradise gets very crowded on the weekends, and is generally always loud and bustling, so if you're looking for quiet Asian dining this probably isn't the best choice. But once you taste the food, the atmosphere doesn't matter as much. The staff isn't exactly overly friendly, but they're very efficient, offering very quick and attentive service.