Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.
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Out of the entries voted on, here are the top picks for Best date-night restaurant:
1. Summit House Restaurant
2000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton; 714-671 3092; summithouse.com
With a motto like “the special occasions place,” it’s easy to see why the Summit House continually returns to the list of best date-night restaurants in Orange County, among other national plaudits.
Scenic patios, romantic English manor style gardens, gazebos and a spectacular dining room all lend to the atmosphere. And then there is the view of hills and valleys, twinkling lights and distant coastal fog that is at once seemingly infinite and intimate.
“For ambience you can’t build this again,” says Proprietor Gary Parkinson of the venue on 12 acres of secluded prime hilltop property. “It’s a unique location and it all leads to romance.”
Inside the dining room with vaulted, timbered ceiling, massive stone fireplace and exhibition kitchen, the specialness continues.
The staff, many of whom have been at Summit House for 25 years or more, are rigorously trained to provide first-class service. When reservations are made for special occasions, the staff will all sign individual cards to express thanks.
The menu is top-shelf as well, featuring award-winning steaks to John Dory fish with macadamia nut and panko bread crumb topping, and rotating specials.
There are also specialty cocktails and a nice wine and liquor menu.
Summit House is also a popular venue for parties large and small and, of course, weddings.
“We’re excited that people can come here for their special time,” Parkinson says. “That’s what we’re here for.”
2. L’Hirondelle Restaurant
31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-661-0425; lhirondellesjc.com
Tuck into the rustic chalet-style interior and elegant outdoor garden patio of L’Hirondelle Restaurant across from the old Mission of San Juan Capistrano and you can feel the Old World vibes.
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Opened in 1982 and changing ownership in 2004, the restaurant is self-described as offering “a quaint and romantic atmosphere serving Continental cuisine with a strong French and Belgian influence.”
Speaking of romance, fittingly the restaurant’s second owner, Ali Golesorkhi and his wife-to-be, Lisa Walker, had their second date at the restaurant when Goleshorhi told her it would become his restaurant.
L’Hirondelle, which translates to swallow in English, takes its name from San Juan Capistrano’s famed avian visitors. It is also visible to visitors of another sort, located as it is by the city’s downtown train station.
The fare is classic continental comfort foods, including roast duck and beef bourguignon and escargots.
3. Old Brea Chop House
180 S. Brea Blvd., Brea; 714-892-3122, oldbreachophouse.com
Co-owners Tony and Dani Fasulo had a very specific picture in mind from Back East when they opened the Old Brea Chop House.
“We created a swanky New York retro old world meets new world environment,” Tony Fasulo said, “where you feel transported to a favorite time, place and era.”
If that’s your vibe, down to the old-school, center-of-the-room bar, Old Brea Chop House has you covered.
The personal touch extends to service with two-person teams “to blanket your dining experience and pamper our guests every need or desire seamlessly,” according to Tony Fasulo.
Hearty steaks are the go-to, especially Chef Cuts, such as a 16-ounce bone-in filet, tomahawk and Delmonico.
When asked what about the restaurant appeals to people on dates, Tony Fasulo says “The Chop House is special because we created an ambiance that has intimacy and clubby steak house feel as if it’s a night out for a first-time date.”
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