The 13 Best New Restaurants in Orange County, California | Eater LA

"The follow up from radical kitchen duo: Zach Scherer and Drew Adams, Darkroom in Santa Ana opened on September 10, 2024. Known for their previous stint at an experimental chef’s table in Newport Beach, they created a buzz with local cooks, influencers, and writers at this latest project. Scherer pays attention to what’s trending in the culinary zeitgeist, and sources ingredients like braised heirloom broccolini with Tehachapi polenta and smoked, confited maitake mushrooms. The menu, influenced by global flavors, also features Manila clams with dry-aged panang and focaccia and hanger steak with koji." - Jenn Tanaka