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.
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.