Crystal Cove Classics
Must-try drinks, dishes and desserts at the coastal center’s cafes and restaurants
Iced VTM Coffee at BLK Dot Coffee
The ultimate coastal morning jolt: the OC brand’s signature high-caffeine, slow-dripped specialty brew over ice
Smoked Brisket Sandwich at The Butchery Quality Meats
House-smoked brisket layered with creamy coleslaw, BBQ aioli, smoked Gouda and pickles on fresh artisan bread, crafted right at the deli counter
Cabo Azul Platter at Javier’s
A showcase of high-end Mexican seafood featuring a Maine lobster enchilada, an Ensenada-style shrimp taco and a poblano chile stuffed with shrimp and Dungeness crab
Golden Goddess Salad at Parakeet Cafe
A vibrant, health-forward bowl of red gem lettuce, wild arugula, spinach, shaved radish, avocado and fresh herbs tossed in a house turmeric-lemon vinaigrette
Panko-Crusted Fish Tacos at Bear Flag Fish Co.
Whitefish fried to crisp perfection, wrapped in warm tortillas and piled high with crunchy shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and house Tommy Sauce
Omakase at Bluefin
Chef Takashi Abe’s masterfully sliced, ultra-fresh seasonal sushi and sashimi, delicate and artfully plated
Tuscan Mushroom Pizza at ZPizza
Layered with a house-made roasted garlic sauce, a rich trio of cremini, shiitake and button mushrooms, finished with feta and a drizzle of truffle oil
Spicy Yellowfin Tuna at A Crystal Cove
Crispy tempura eggplant topped with spicy yellowfin tuna, sriracha aioli, wasabi tobiko and sweet soy
Short Rib Ragout Pappardelle at Modo Mio
Handmade wide-ribbon pasta tossed in a rich, slow-braised beef short rib ragout with Burgundy wine and vegetables
Canard Confit at Marché Moderne
Crisp-skinned, tender duck confit served with seasonal accompaniments — a master class in modern French bistro cuisine from Florent Marneau
Signature Warm Butter Cake at Mastro’s Ocean Club
A legendary, decadent dessert served sizzling on a hot plate, featuring crispy edges and a rich gooey center, topped with vanilla bean ice cream
5 Cocktails of Crystal Cove
For sunset chasers, weekend brunchers and aficionados of a top-shelf pour, Crystal Cove turns mixology into an art form.
Mastro’s Ocean Club
The lemon drop and the cosmopolitan are both off-menu, yet they’re the upscale spot’s top-selling cocktails. Prepared tableside with dry ice, they bubble and smoke in the glass for as long as they last, a show before dinner. Each shaker can serve two.
Modo Mio
The city’s finest tiki drink? The Taormina — a.k.a. the Mio Modo — presents Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum, Hennessy VS Cognac, Green Chartreuse, coconut, lime, basil leaves, fennel and an absinthe rinse.
A Crystal Cove
The chocolate-y espresso martini is A’s go-to concoction, but consider instead its Pecan Pie Old-Fashioned. Its surprisingly refined ingredients: pecan butter-infused Sagamore rye whiskey, vanilla-bourbon syrup, black-walnut bitters, molasses bitters and cinnamon-stick garnish.
Javier’s
Your quickest escape to a resort vacation? Savor the luxe cantina’s Piña Margarita — with Javier’s own Reserva Reposado Tequila, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, agave nectar, fresh lime and pineapple — before dinner on the spectacular blufftop patio.
Marché Moderne
For an even more creative ’rita riff, think French. The Sammy-Rita Roja — with Santo Mezquila mezcal-tequila, Aperol, maraschino liqueur, grapefruit, Grand Marnier, lime and thyme-lemongrass cloud — is as beguiling as the elevated fare that follows.