ARestaurant
3334 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 650-6505. www.arestaurantnb.com .Seats: 150.Cuisine: American classics.Specialties: roasted bacon and sherry-glazed rhubarb; agnolotti with English peas, brown butter and sage; scallops with potato purée, bacon bits and béarnaise; bone-in rib chop for two.Main courses: $14-$89.Chef: Vartan Abgaryan.Owners: Chris Brigandi, Tim and Liza Goodell and Mark McGrath.
Bluewater Grill
2409 Park Ave., Tustin. (714) 258-3474. www.bluewatergrill.com .Seats: 280.Cuisine: seafood.Specialties: beer-battered fish and chips; Ipswich littleneck clams; grilled broadbill swordfish; San Francisco cioppino.Main courses: $10-$25.Chef: Brian Hirsty.Owners: Richard Staunton and Jim Ulcickas.
Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s
South Coast Plaza, 3333 South Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 352-2525. www.charliepalmer.com .Seats: 200.Cuisine: progressive American.Specialties: chilled foie gras with pineapple chutney and rum-raisin brioche; crisp Pacific sea bass with melted Maui onion and mushroom soy; pancetta-wrapped quail with cranberry beans and salsa verde; caramelized cauliflower with lemon and capers.Main courses: $26-$38.Chef: Amar Santana.Owner: Charlie Palmer.
Hamamori Restaurant-Lounge
South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. (714) 850-0880. www.hamamori.com .Seats: 70.Cuisine: Japanese.Specialties: halibut with pomegranate reduction; big-eye tuna with nori vinaigrette; tamari-marinated black cod; foie gras and Kobe beef medallions.Main courses: $12-$70.Chef: Takumi Murase.Owner: BKB Restaurant Enterprises.
Lizarran Tapas Restaurant
310 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. (714) 879-9009. www.lizarran-ca.com .Seats: 65.Cuisine: Barcelona-style tapas.Specialties: serrano ham with flat-bread spread with fresh tomatoes and olive oil; codfish and green-pepper omelet sautéed in olive oil; rib steak with Cabrales goat cheese; paella with calamari, mussels, shrimp, squid ink, peas, peppers and artichokes; rice pudding.Main courses: $7-$15.Chef: Ricardo Carriedo.Owner: Grupo Lizarran.
