Date spot in Orange County?

[scottrj12]

Hey chowhounds,

I was wondering if anyone out there, with your plethora of restaurant knowledge, could reccommend a good date spot in Orange County. Specifically spots in or around Newport. My girlfriend and I enjoy all types of cuisine and even enjoy experimenting with new ones. Thanks in advance for your responses!

[torta basilica]

Boardwalk, Crystal Cove - we're waiting for the tourists to clear out, but if you go midweek, the wait won't be as long. Food is good, setting is very cool - ask for beachfront on the patio.

230 Forest, Laguna

Bungalow, CdM

Gulfstream's Bar for Crabcakes & a Caesar (call to make sure they're on special & they haven't run out yet)

Bamboo Terrace - CdM

Francoli patio - Fashion Island

Wildfish is loud, but fun - esp. if you get one of those tables for two right off the bar

Sage (NB) on the patio

And, if you promise not to tell anyone, mojitos at the Rooftop bar at sunset in La Casa de la Camino Hotel in Laguna - food is forgettable - go only for drinks!

[Tatter]

Here are a few places where the atmosphere and service is as entertaining as the food.

Hush, Laguna Beach, uber-hip, interesting menu, awsome patio view, go be among the beautiful people
Cafe Zoolu, Laguna Beach, crazy good seafood, jam-ass packed most of the time with Lagunatics, make reservations
Tapas, Irvine, catch the Flamenco show
Agora Churrascaria, Irvine, dont eat for a week before you go, you'll need the room
Shushi Wasabi, Tustin, sit down, shut up, eat what ever the chef puts in front of you

[212]

Ate at Blue Coral last night, food was good, atmosphere and service excellent

[Philly]

21 Oceanfront in Newport Beach---The Ritz Restaurant across from the NPB Marriott---Antonello's in South Coast Village

[mabziegurl]

five crown in corona del mar
melting pot in irvine (fondue chain, i would go just for the dessert fondues, they are to die for and super romantic, a great way to end your night)

[Jerome]

For dates - Laguna BEach
Orange Inn or Ruby's Shake Shack
both have killer date shakes.

[souschef]

Quiet and romantic - "Basilic" on Balboa Island. French cuisine done by a Swiss chef.

[russkar]

Basilic is One of our favorites.
OC is difficult when it comes to great Cusine.
Ambrosia(SA) is very Romantic and has wonderful fusion Food.

[cdmedici]

You said "date spot". Does that mean you are looking for quiet and romatic or upbeat, hip and lively?

[scottrj12]

Thanks for the recs everyone! I was thinking upbeat, hip, and lively would be perfect. How about some recs with these characteristics. I've been to La Cave a few times, and have had a great time. Thanks again!