Celebrating Dads with a culinary adventure shouldn’t be limited to June 16. We’ve curated five dining experiences at South Coast Plaza Dads would love any time.

So, make a date for a father-friendly foodie outing!

BRUNCH AT TABLEAU KITCHEN AND BAR  

Many men love the ritual of going out for breakfast. The quality and creativity of Tableau’s brunch elevates the first meal of the day, with both indoor and patio seating.  Starting at 10am daily (9am Saturdays) chef Jason Abo serves up dishes like biscuits & gravy with maple sage sausage, and short rib hash with ginger soy glaze, breakfast potatoes, pickled serranos and sunny egg. There’s a different twist on chilaquiles made with grilled salmon, black beans and spicy salsa roja.

For a lighter touch, the mixed berry pancakes come with farmer’s market berries and whipped chamomile cream.  Expertly made coffee drinks or fresh brewed coffee are served in heavy handmade ceramic cups from Match Stoneware.

Tableau Kitchen and Bar
714.872.8054
Level 1, Macy’s Home Store Wing

SEAFOOD EXPERIENCE AT WATER GRILL

The Water Grill is all about straightforward seafood classics, impeccable quality and hearty portions. The rustically refined ambiance radiates energy and joie de vivre.  Bring Dad in for lunch and dig into guest favorites, such as New England lobster roll (choose traditional, tossed in lemon mayo and served chilled, or Connecticut-style, served warm in drawn butter) or the ever-popular wild Icelandic cod fish & chips.

Start dinner with pristine chilled oysters (16 Eastern or Pacific varieties to select from), shucked to order and served on chilled ice with fresh horseradish, mignonette, cocktail sauce and delicious warm bread.  Dinner favs include wild Columbia River King salmon or live spiny lobster, charcoal grilled with homemade coleslaw. An impressive wines-by-the-glass list complements the à la carte menu.

Water Grill
949.208.7060
3300 Bristol Street

POWER HOURS AT MORTON’S BAR 12-21

Slip into a dark, dramatic bar for a first-rate cocktail deftly prepared by seasoned mixologists.  Morton’s BAR 12-21 (named after the date the original Morton’s in Chicago opened) delivers classic, made with top-shelf spirits — from the Mortini, crafted with Grey Goose Vodka or Bombay Sapphire Gin, garnished with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives (and made filthy by request) to the State Street Manhattan—showcasing Woodford Reserve Bourbon with a whisper of  Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth.

Pop in during Power Hours—Sunday-Friday, from opening until 7pm, for Bar Bites at special prices.  Dads will like prime burger sliders, petite lamb chops, braised pork belly bao buns and Morton’s mini crab cakes.  Add some hand-cut potato chips (with Morton’s blue cheese dressing) or Parmesan truffle matchstick fires for decadent dining and catch-up conversations.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
714.444.4834
South Coast Plaza Village

ANTONELLO RISTORANTE

For 45 years, Antonello has been in a league of its own, serving fine but approachable Italian cuisine that will resonate with Dad. The pampering service will make him feel like a VIP, of which you will see many dining at this storied establishment.

Highly recommended entrées include pappardelle braised short ribs—a favorite of the late, great Kobe Bryant—made with homemade pasta, slow-cooked shredded short ribs, red wine and Parmigiano Reggiano. If your father likes seafood, consider fisherman’s stew–lobster, Argentina shrimp, scallops, assorted fish, sepia, mussels and clams quickly simmered in a savory tomato broth with crostini to soak up the goodness. For meat lovers, Antonio Cagnolo’s osso buco is a must: tender braised veal shank, minced vegetables, white wine with saffron rice.

Antonello Ristorante
714.751.7153
South Coast Plaza Village

THE CAPITAL BUTCHER, THE CAPITAL GRILLE

There are steaks and then there are the Capital Grille’s extraordinary, dry-aged steaks, which are

are meticulously dry aged on premises for 18–24 days to achieve incomparable flavor and texture. Meet The Capital Butcher, an online local source for dry aged and exceptional steaks cut daily to exacting standards by the Capital Grille’s in-house butcher for cooking at home. An afternoon or evening al fresco barbecue will make for happy Dads.

Select from Grille Boxes for a group (includes the Capital Grille Signature Steak Sauce) or individual steaks:  bone-in New York strip or prime rib eye, filet mignons or the amazing signature burgers—a blend of short rib, chuck and brisket by the renowned meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda—six 8-ounce burgers for $50. Comes with Brioche rolls.

The Capital Grille
714.432.1140
Level 3, Bloomingdale’s Wing, Entrance is on Level 2