To call season 18 of “Real Housewives of Orange County” a good season would be an understatement. Arguably the best season in the franchise’s 18-year history, it showcased a bevy of Orange County restaurants that set the scene for some memorable scenes: the San Juan Capistrano tea house where Shannon Storms Beador announced the cast trip to London, a Ladera Ranch cafe where Gina Kirschenheiter and Jenn Pedranti had a dust-up and the speakeasy room inside an Irvine eatery where the entire cast went head-to-head, resulting in the self-proclaimed Duchess of Corona del Mar storming out during taping.
To honor such a sublime season of the series, the following is a list of Orange County restaurants and watering holes that made cameos this year. (Although the series is rooted in South County, a few more North County spots, like in Garden Grove or Santa Ana, could help show off O.C’.s more diverse culinary offerings.)
Please note that U.K.-based restaurants, Guerneville wine tasting spots, private events venues (like Agape 38 in San Clemente, where the finale was filmed) and eateries outside of OC featured this season have been excluded.
Episode 1
Las Brisas (Laguna Beach): Cliffside dining spot where Jenn and her fiancé, Ryan Boyajian, went on a date. This place is noted for its ocean views, outdoor patio, weekend brunch and Mexican and comfort food fare. 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach.
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila (Newport Beach): Scene where Emily Simpson, Heather Dubrow and Alexis Bellino (who made a return as a “friend of” this season) meet for dinner and drinks. The architecturally stimulating restaurant describes itself on its website as a place where “award-winning design meets Sonoran-Baja cuisine” while boasting of having “the largest tequila selection in Hermosa and Newport Beach.” 3110 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach.
The Quiet Woman (Corona Del Mar): While not explicitly featured this season, the Corona Del Mar staple was namechecked for being the restaurant in which Alexis Bellino meets her fiancé, John Johansson, the ex-boyfriend of Shannon Beador. It’s also widely considered an unofficial historic landmark among the Bravo-watching community, 3224 Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar.
Episode 2
Cook’s Corner (Trabuco Canyon): Scene with motorcycle-riding Tamra Judge and her husband, Eddie. A nice cameo for an Orange County institution that suffered severe trauma; a mass shooting took place at Cook’s Corner on Aug. 23, 2023. A gunman killed three people and injured six others before being fatally shot by Orange County sheriff’s deputies. 19152 Santiago Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon.
Sapphire (Laguna Beach): Scene with Shannon and Heather having dinner together. This Pacific Coast Highway-hugging spot is noted for its expansive outdoor patio and menu (the duck meatballs and crispy duroc pork schnitzel are quite good). 1200 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
ALSO SEE: Gina Kirschenheiter of ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ reveals her favorite restaurants
The Deck (Laguna Beach): Scene with Gina, Emily and new castmate Katie Ginella where, among other issues, Heather and Terry Dubrow’s allegedly staged paparazzi photos are discussed. Pacific Edge Hotel’s beachside deck offers American seafood and cocktails galore a stone’s throw from the ocean. 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach.
Lola’s Cafe (Ladera Ranch): Scene where Gina and Jenn have a heated exchange related to eviction, professional concerns and money woes. 1101 Corporate Drive, Ladera Ranch.
Episode 3
Sahara SandBar and Pizza (Huntington Beach): Scene of après flag football match between the housewives. Alicia Cox’s beachside pizza joint, now in its second year, serves pizza, meatballs on a stick, cinnamon rolls and more. 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, #B, Huntington Beach.
Edge Bar (Newport Beach): Scene with Katie, Gina and a cameo by Sutton Stracke of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” The VEA Newport Beach hotel’s sleek outdoor bar-slash-restaurant that features with local craft beers, cocktails and house-made popsicles. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.
Episode 4
The Boulevard (Costa Mesa): Scene with copious amounts of imbibing, table-top dancing and other delightful-to-watch behavior by the majority of the cast. An affordable and homey bar featuring live music, craft beer and specialty cocktails. 1824 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa.
Episode 5
Truly Pizza (Dana Point): Scene with Emily and her husband, Shane, having a date to celebrate an anniversary, replete with a stunning boudoir shot of Emily. Dana Point’s lauded two-story pizzeria with artisanal pies and soft-serve ice cream. 24402 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point.
C’est La Vie (Laguna Beach): Scene with Katie and Gina discussing Heather’s Disneyland photos. A restaurant and bakery with French fare. 373 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
South of Nick’s (Laguna Beach): Scene with Shannon and her father discussing, among other things, a lawsuit with her ex-boyfriend. A Cali-Mexi eatery with a full bar and ocean views, plus late-night dining. 540 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Benny & Mary’s (Irvine): Scene with the group (including former castmate Vicki Gunvalson) verbally sparring inside the restaurant’s backroom speakeasy hidden behind a bookcase. This eccentric new restaurant, decked out in whimsical and colorful decor, features contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails. (Don’t miss out on the lemon bucatini.) 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine.
Episode 6
Candy Baron (Laguna Beach): Scene with Emily and Katie perusing the barrels of vintage candies while discussing their other castmates. Candy store featuring a variety of new and old sweet treats, including salt water taffy, gummies and sodas. 231 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach.
Episode 7
Mozambique (Laguna Beach): Scene with Shannon and Tamra having a tense yet temporarily amicable dinner date. Upscale restaurant and rooftop joint specializing in South African-inspired cuisine. 1740 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach.
Episode 12
Mayfield (San Juan Capistrano): Scene with Emily, Gina and Tamara dishing on other castmates during lunch. This San Juan Capistrano restaurant (regarded as one of the best in Orange County) and mini-market serves modern Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, plus craft cocktails and natural wines. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
Episode 13
Baekjeong Korean Barbecue (Irvine): Scene with Katie and her family having dinner, most notable for her son’s tear-inducing tribute to his mother. Korean barbecue spot with kimchi stew, noodles, ramen and more. 14160 Culver Drive, Irvine.
The Tea House on Los Rios (San Juan Capistrano): Scene of Shannon’s 60th birthday celebration. Shannon announces the cast trip to London. And two dresses, Shannon’s spangled Union Jack number and Jenn’s $2,000 dress, stir conversation. This flower-strewn afternoon tea house serves traditional tea service in the city’s historic Los Rios District. 31731 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.
Episode 17
Whoop Axe Throwing (Lake Forest): Scene with Emily, Shannon, Gina and Jenn throwing axes and talking exes. While not technically a restaurant, this spot serves candy, chips, popcorn, water, soda, coffee and energy drinks. 24400 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest.
The Rooftop (Laguna Beach): Scene with Tamara , Heather, Alexis and Emily meeting at the Rooftop, La Casa Del Camino’s outdoor lounge, to discuss legal strife regarding Jenn’s fiancé. This al-fresco space comes with 180-degree views of the Pacific and 180-degree views of Laguna Beach’s hillside. The breathtaking final restaurant capping off an equally breathtaking season of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” 1289 S Coast Highway, 4th floor, Laguna Beach.
