Dining by Sunset: OC’s Best Venues

It’s no secret that the sunset is one of the best ways to capture the essence of why Orange County is such an entrancing place to live and play. All one needs to do is take a look at the postcard kiosk in any local convenience or souvenir shop, and you will see a pictorial overflow of the county skyline bursting with red, orange, yellow and purple hues, just waiting to make non-residents jealous. And since the sun conveniently goes down in OC right around the block of time reserved for dinner, sundown can be an even more decadent pleasure than what these ready-to-mail photos convey. This is especially true in these summer months, when the early evening weather usually conspires with the end of the elongated days to add up to utter perfection. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best places in Orange County for you to take advantage of the season by getting your food and/or drink on as day begrudgingly gives way to night.

The Rooftop Bar at K’ya Bistro – If you desire to see and be seen while watching the sunset, then look no further than here. Arguably the sexiest spot in Laguna Beach, if not all of Orange County, the outdoor top-level cantina of the famed Casa Del Camino is considered by many to be the crown jewel among local sunset seekers, especially if you’re looking to indulge in a libation in the process. Word of warning, though: It does get packed, so patience is a virtue. After the sun sets, you and your mate can dart downstairs to the newly revamped K’ya Bistro and enjoy the full complement of their incredible array of sumptuous small plates. 1287 South Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA (949)376-9718

The Outdoor Patio at Spark Woodfire Grill – Located at the end of Huntington Beach’s lively Main Street, Spark’s prestigious outside section gives the best vantage point in Surf City to watch the sun slip behind the watery horizon. Its second story perch keeps you serenely separated from the main drag’s constant stream of sidewalk traffic and erstwhile beachcombers, while its spaciousness gives you plenty of room to take in the breathtaking views of the legendary HB shoreline as well as the adjacent Newport Beach and Long Beach skylines. 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 202 Huntington Beach (714)960-0996

Shebeen Lounge at Mozambique – Possibly the coziest place to view the dwindling daylight, the upstairs patio of Laguna Beach’s popular sprawling restaurant features an indulgent spread of deep, comfortable chairs and couches, strategically placed so you can enjoy sundown while achieving optimum relaxation. The assortment of Mozambique’s amazing cuisine featured on the Shebeen Lounge menu further enhances the luxurious atmosphere. Plus, the live music that fills the space from Tuesday to Sunday assures the fun does not stop once the sun goes down. 1740 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach (949) 715-7777

Orange Hill Restaurant – Who says that you have to be hugging the coastline to properly enjoy an OC sunset? Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, Orange Hill has long been considered the gold standard to watch the sun disappear while enjoying an elegant, intimate meal. With a stunning view of the sky that stretches all the way out to Catalina Island, the romantic ambience created by the views does not skip a beat once the natural light outside is replaced by the spectacular twinkle of the electric light that dots the landscape after dusk. 6410 Chapman Ave. Orange (714) 997-2910

Orange County Mining Company – While this rustic hillside venue is famous for succinctly capturing the old-time spirit and majesty that was the calling card of Silverado Canyon in days of yore, it is legendary in its ability to captivate your soul with its stunning panoramic view. Virtually stretching to the OC’s county lines in all directions, the venue gives an unrivaled palate for the colors and streaks of twilight to play on. 10000 Crawford Canyon Road, Santa Ana (714) 997-7411

The Oyster Bar Patio at Newport Landing – From a geographic standpoint, this venue is somewhat of an oddity, because the second level deck actually faces east. However, the cozy, narrow enclave regally overlooks the constant bustle of aquatic traffic that fills the Balboa Bay. The combination of observing the myriad of seafaring vessels great and small along with the bursts of skyline color that occurs as the sun calls it a day is a truly irresistible combination to behold. Offering a full menu that is slightly more casual than the fare available on Newport Landing’s main first floor dining hall, the limited space of The Oyster Bar’s patio will sometimes make it a tough seat to get. However, it is a spot that is definitely worth the wait. 503 E. Edgewater Ave, Newport Beach (949) 675-2373


Dining by Sunset: OC’s Best Venues
by Rich Manning