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Orange County - Calico Fish House restaurant
7.2

Calico Fish House

  • Orange County
  • $$
  • Casual
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Spectacular freshness, questionable value

The Calico Fish House locates its culinary victory in the ultimate freshness of its seafood and vegetables, a fact consistently praised. The variety of the ever-changing menu keeps expectations high, while a nod to hearty portions amps up dining satisfaction. However, taste misses the mark, lacking that certain quality to elevate it from mere 'good'. The value also smarts, with food and drinks failing to justify the associated cost.

  • Large Portions

    Generous and hearty portions widely appreciated, adding to dining satisfaction.

  • Okay Taste

    Food generally good, but some details missing to make it remarkable.

  • Bad Value

    Some experiences fell short with food and drinks not justifying the cost.

Top 3 dishes at Calico Fish House

  1. 1

    Oysters 🏆

    Fresh, delicious, and leaves diners craving more; superb for happy hour.

    Oysters dish
  2. 2

    Sourdough Rolls with Lobster Butter

    Piping hot, perfectly salty, with decadent lobster-infused butter.

    Sourdough Rolls with Lobster Butter dish
  3. 3

    Angry Lobster Pockets

    Flavorful, spicy lobster in light, flaky phyllo dough; moderately priced.

    Angry Lobster Pockets dish

Vibe: Charming views, off-putting lighting

The location wins big points for offering sunset views from the beachside, adding an undeniable charm to the overall experience. However, the ambiance is let down somewhat by divisive elements such as the lighting, widely considered too harsh and lending an unwanted cafeteria feel to proceedings, especially unsuitable for intimate date nights.

  • Great Drinks

    Extensive drink options with signature cocktails poured to perfection.

  • Okay Ambiance

    While decor is generally appreciated, lighting and noise levels receive mixed reviews.

  • Bad For Dates

    Lighting too harsh for intimate date night, feels like a cafeteria.

Perks: Superior parking, intrusive noise

When it comes to convenience, the Calico Fish House impresses, with the quality and ample availability of parking especially appreciated. It further enhances dining comfort through a warm and inviting patio, perfect for pleasant outdoor meal experiences. However, the noise can be significantly disruptive, potentially interrupting normal conversation flow.

  • Easy To Park

    Ample, convenient parking frequently praised, especially for a beach location.

  • Okay For Pets

    Pet-friendly patio; some areas need extra shade and water bowls for pets.

  • Hard To Reserve

    Due to newness, rhythm and reservation system may need some streamlining.