It’s the reality TV series that launched a global sensation, and it started “behind the gates” of Orange County’s Coto de Caza. Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” has reached a major milestone: 20 seasons and 20 years of the Real Housewives franchise.
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As any loyal viewer will tell you, local restaurants have become a major backdrop for reality TV scenes. It’s a chance to see the area, and normalize the moment — reality TV stars are just like us after all, they dine!
It’s also proven to be a perk of not only an easy location to film, but for some entrepreneurial housewives, such as the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump and the “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” newbie Ashley Iaconetti, it’s a chance to show off their businesses in the hopes viewers will visit. This proved to be a smart tactic for LVP in particular, as it led to her spinoff series, “Vanderpump Rules,” which focuses on the lives of the employees at her restaurant SUR (Sexy Unique Restaurant, in case you were curious).
There’s also some curiosity as to where the Housewives eat on the show, which prompted us to compile a guide and map of all the local restaurants featured on RHOC each season. We’ve also spoken with restaurants in the area about whether being shown on the Bravo reality TV show has impacted business; spoiler alert: they say there’s an economic boost from it.
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It’s not just Southern California locals who want to give the spots on TV a try, fans of the shows are making sure that spots like the Quiet Woman, which is heavily featured on RHOC thanks to Shannon Storms Beador, are a stop in their trip itinerary when they come to the area on vacation.
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So with the celebration of 20 years of the “Real Housewives of Orange County,” we asked this season’s cast, as well as some original housewives, to share their favorite Orange County restaurant recommendations. Here’s what they had to say:
Shannon Storms Beador:
A place where I frequent at least two days a week is The Bungalow. It’s close to where I live, so I get to walk, I get to sit outside with my dog, and I think it’s great. Close second is Ocean 48.
Tamra Judge:
That is such a tough one because Eddie and I are such health and fitness freaks that we do like to cook our own food. But I would say if we were to go out and splurge and eat things we shouldn’t, I would say Truly Pizza is one of the most amazing. In fact, I’m going tomorrow night to their new location in Laguna Beach.
Carmella Garcia:
I’m old school, I love Javier’s, especially after their remodel. I love that and I love a good steak from Mastro’s. Also, there was a cute little spot we went to [this season], Palmilla.
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Emily Simpson:
I like, I think it’s called Palmilla, the Mexican restaurant. I’ve filmed there maybe like three or four times now. So good.
Gina Kirschenheiter:
Five Vines in San Juan Capistrano. It’s so funny because it’s one of our first spots that Travis and I went on a little date at and it’s so special to us. And it is a wine bar and I have been sober for five years and it continues to be my No. 1. Special, incredible place.
- ALSO SEE: Gina Kirschenheiter of ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ reveals her favorite restaurants
It’s small. The owners are lovely. They treat everybody who walks through the door like gold. The food is incredible. The chef has won awards for his soups and stuff. I mean, it’s phenomenal. So, even if you’re not, you know, a wine lover, you’ll still love Five Vines.
Vicki Gunvalson:
It isn’t just one. I mean, seriously, I live in Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, which are totally different than the Newport Beach girls. There’s really some quality restaurants in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente. I don’t want to pick just one. Everybody works hard at their restaurant and you know, wants to showcase a beautiful menu. I can’t just pick one because that would single out all the other ones that I’ve been at.
- ALSO SEE: Vicki Gunvalson rejoins ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ for the 20th season
Jo De La Rosa:
I actually really love Sol. It is super cute if you guys love Mexican. It’s like amazing. I’m a really really big fan. They have an amazing nacho cheese pan thing that is so ooey gooey and delicious. So, highly recommend if you go there.
Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Orange County” returns for its momentous 20th season with a supersized premiere on Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
Additionally, “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” premieres with a supersized episode on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
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