LAGUNA BEACH. Weathered brick walls and an industrial-themed, art-prominent decor provide an interesting counterpoint to the Eastern cuisine at this iconoclastic restaurant. Head chef Michael Kang's featured entrees include catfish with tomato ginger citrus sauce, Kung Pao chicken with dry chiles and peanuts, and a dish aptly called "Hot Sisters" ­ braised North Sea lotte, Canadian lobster, and Caribbean jumbo prawns over penne pasta. A wine list spans the globe and perfectly complements the unparalleled experience.

LAGUNA BEACH. This hotel restaurant's arched windows and doorways, sidewalk seating, and panache render it a huge hit with well-heeled locals. The menu's Mediterranean-Franco-Asian-inspired dishes earn approving nods from regional dining critics, tempting folks with dishes like grilled filet mignon tournedos and flash fried Thai calamari. You can also treat yourself to duck leg confit, spicy curry-grilled ahi, a grilled flat iron steak, and a handful of pastas. More interested in nibbling? An array of small plates is perfectly sized.

LAGUNA BEACH. A favorite with Laguna Beach's fashionable set thanks to its contemporary atmosphere and some of Orange County's best eye candy, this trendy dance club and sushi joint makes a larger-than-life impression. Sleek Asian decor, evocative lighting, and pulsating dance beats set the stage for an evening of high-octane sophistication. Featured main dishes include panko-crusted halibut with sautéed spinach, calamari tempura with tendashi dipping sauce, and butter fish miso yaki with a vegetable tempura roll.

ANAHEIM. The upscale hotel that houses this restaurant is a frequent home base for well-to-do vacationers. The decor of the signature PCH Grill, seemingly inspired by a California beach party, springs to life with myriad colors, potted palms, and a slew of "beach" oddities. Innovative Pacific Rim-inspired fare is the calling card ­ dine on sake-marinated black sea bass, wood-fired pizzas, and panko shrimp in mango sauce. At breakfast (buffet or à la carte), the little ones can thrill to the presence of Disney characters.

NEWPORT BEACH. Under the masterful tutelage of chef Roy Yamaguchi, this restaurant's menu is a skillful fusion of European and Asian cuisines. Here, Roy's standards are joined by dishes created by the resident chef, and the place has a reputation for lively ambience, attentive service, and incredible food. A devotion to impeccably fresh ingredients and a penchant for artistic presentation characterizes the menu, full of temptations like Hawaiian-style misoyaki butterfish, tri-peppercorn-crusted ahi, and ginger-steamed Chinese chicken. There's also steak, lamb, pasta, pork, and duck. Nightly specials make an appearance too, and the signature chocolate soufflé is absolutely sinful.