The Cellar in Fullerton (https://www.cellardining.com).
The Summit House (https://summithouse.com), also in Fullerton.
Oh! Or, the Hobbit in Orange (https://www.hobbitrestaurant.com).
They all offer memorable experiences—especially the Hobbit—and never disappoint.
Ha-ha! Just realized I chose…
Fine dining:
Anqi in Costa Mesa
Broadway by Amar in Laguna Beach
The White House in Anaheim
Taco Rosa in Tustin
The Winery in Tustin
Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach
Park Avenue in Stanton
The Hobbit in Orange
Zov's in Tustin
Habana in Costa mesa or Irvine Spectrum
Bistango…
Depends on your budget and definition of “in the area”.
Napa Rose is at the Grand California hotel in Disneyland and is fantastic but pricey.
In Orange there is an amazing traditional french restaurant called “The Hobbit”. Pre-fix menu, make your reservations like yesterday. Also very pricy but…