Dining
Italian hot: Cucina Alessa
10.11.09
Since it opened along PCH in Newport last year, the wait at Cucina Alessa has been known to reach past an hour at the popular Italian eatery. Thankfully, the owners decided to open a second outpost in Huntington Beach on Main Street (where the old Shorehouse Cafe used to be). Expect the same homemade pastas, reasonable prices and big helpings. Chef-owner Allessandro even takes the time to greet each table. The calamari here is perfectly crisp and light with a zesty arrabbiata sauce, while many have raved about the squash ravioli in a brown butter sage sauce. The pizza here is also worth noting—the crusts are thin and crisp all the way through.
Cucina Alessa is at 520 Main St. in Huntington Beach. 714. 969.2148.
Dining
Sushi Oasis: Murasaki
10.11.09
When it comes to pleasing a plethora of sushi cravings, Murasaki in Santa Ana pretty much has it covered: Traditional, non-fussy nigiri sushi and sashimi? Sushi cut rolls? Yes to both and better yet, the elegantly cooked fish dishes at the Japanese restaurant deserve praise, too.
For more experienced sushi lovers, sit at the bar and order the omakase, or chef’s specials, which can start at a reasonable $35 per person. Or try the prix-fixe sushi set for $30, which comes with miso soup, salmon skin salad, miso cod, an 8-piece sushi selection and ice cream to finish.
Other standouts include the red-snapper sashimi, thin petals of fish drizzled in a rich shishito and scallion oil; the Negi-Toro roll with bright red cubes of tuna and minced green onion; steamed Kinki fish; raw octopus with yuzu and for dessert, don’t miss out on the soy milk pudding. For the month of October, order a pitcher a Kirin Draft or a carafe of sake and receive an order of spicy crispy fish salad for free.
Murasaki is at 2901 W. MacArthur Blvd. (at Fairview), Santa Ana. 714.241.1000. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays.
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from the blog
- 10.02.25 – Newport Beach Becomes Global Beach Volleyball Capital Oct. 7–12
- 10.01.25 – Laguna Cliffs Hosts Harvest Moon Sound Bath
- 09.30.25 – Puesto Celebrates National Taco Day with Golden Ticket Giveaway
- 09.29.25 – Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube OC This October
- 09.29.25 – Zov’s Debuts New Brunch Menu Inspired by Family Traditions
- 09.26.25 – Segerstrom Center Expands Feel Good, Do Good Donation Drives
- 09.25.25 – GLOW Coalition Hosts First Fundraiser for Save Newport Nature
- 09.24.25 – Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
- 09.21.25 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 09.19.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
- 09.16.25 – Seconds at PCH Food Week Returns to 2ND & PCH
- 09.13.25 – Pasta Sisters Marks 10 Years With $8 Pasta Day
- 09.12.25 – Wrap Up by Valerie Perez Unveils Luxe Robe Collection for Fall
- 09.11.25 – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Partners With CHOC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- 09.11.25 – Concert Shines Light on Mental Health
- 09.10.25 – Bruxie Introduces Dubai Chocolate Shake
- 09.09.25 – Is it Real or Fake? JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Explores Food Replica Culture
- 08.26.25 – Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
- 08.26.25 – Musco Center Hosts Free Heartbeat of Mexico Festival Sept. 14
- 08.24.25 – Rufus Wainwright Brings Solo Tour to Musco Center Sept. 12
More Daily Doses
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- 08.20.25 – Seafolly Opens First U.S. Flagship in Corona del Mar
- 08.16.25 – Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim
- 08.14.25 – Harvest Restaurant Showcases Seasonal California Cuisine
- 08.06.25 – ClubSport Aliso Viejo Debuts Recovery Upgrades and New Friends Membership
- 08.05.25 – A Taste of Japan in Irvine: Izakaya Osen
- 08.01.25 – Bubble Blast Brings Summer Fun to The District
- 07.24.25 – Exciting Additions at Anaheim Hills Festival: Egg Tuck, Story Bar + Kitchen, and More!
- 07.21.25 – Gala of the Stars Returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 07.17.25 – Beats & Brews: Outdoor Concert Series at The District at Tustin Legacy
