Sandro Nardone News Today

TimesOC tries out four pizza parlors in the county, each with a different take on the classic Italian dish.

While many restaurants can offer revelers a festive countdown, a noisemaker and sparkling wine, some posh places abide by a higher standard, enticing diners with sumptuous service and exquisite dishes, all in the name of making a grand entrance into the new year.

Enjoy special prix-fixe dinners at these O.C. restaurants.

The funky, semi-underground Bello Chef’s Table is turning heads well beyond Newport Beach

If you're looking to eat something good and stay healthy, give some of these spots a try.

Some of our favorite local restaurants are offering prix fixe, multi-course dinners for the romantic holiday.

Spanish-inflected brunch classics at striking Cafe Sevilla include eggs Benedict with jamón Serrano crisp and saffron hollandaise on Kalamata olive loaf. There’s also breakfast paella with a variety of meats and fried eggs on saffron bomba rice. Tapas brunches exist, too. Start with a pear cava sangria or mezcal muddled Mary. Kick-start with brunch shots such as the Latin Lollipop. 1870 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, 949-688-1555 You won’t find the Mexican weekend mainstay menudo at El Merca...

Photograph courtesy of Sushi Roku Note: We’ll continue to update this list as more restaurants share Valentine’s day offerings. Last updated Feb. 3. Sushi Roku in Newport Beach What: The Lovers Box comes with two bento boxes (upgrade for specialty sushi), a bottled 16-ounce cocktail, and a choco bomb. Add discounted bottles of wine or sake (50 percent off). The Details: $85 (serves two), Order at bbot.menu/srnbpickup/ Adya in Anaheim and Irvine What: The meal includes: citrus salad with mi...

Valentines Day dessert at The Loft; Photograph courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach Note: We’ll continue to update this list as more restaurants share Valentine’s day offerings. Last updated Feb. 3. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach What: Pair the resort’s stunning ocean view with a four-course meal. Selections include roasted baby beet aigre-doux, big eye tuna carpaccio, roasted rack lamb, and an ivory chocolate heart for dessert. Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach What: Four courses wi...