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The Californian
The Californian features fun innovative variations of signature catchy Californian cuisine focusing on local, fresh, seasonally inspired ingredients.
Join us for a relaxing evening spent on our patio. A time to join together with close friends and family and share a memorable meal while
enjoying an evening under the stars.
See more The Californian details
Join us for a relaxing evening spent on our patio. A time to join together with close friends and family and share a memorable meal while
enjoying an evening under the stars.
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(31)
- great for outdoor dining(28)
- romantic(24)
- scenic view(21)
- fit for foodies(16)
- good for groups(16)
The Californian Reviews List
Review 1 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful Father's Day dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a fabulous dinner, and the staff made us feel very special.
Thank you for a great time. See you soon."
Thank you for a great time. See you soon."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I highly recommend this wonderful beach side restaurant at the Hyatt Regency - Huntington Beach Resort. The food selections are sensational - with a nice variety of fish, meat and other noteworthy dishes to choose from. The service is absolutely outstanding. Thaddeus was our waiter and he was the very best. Service was professional, well done and Thaddeus' knowledge and recommendations of the food items was truly incredible. What impressed me the most was that management checked frequently with us to ensure the food quality was good and all our needs were exceeded. Great combination - wonderful food, world class wait service by Thaddeus and a wonderful ocean view to boot. Perfection personified."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a great time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Three women who have known one another for over 30 years decided to treat themselves to a good dinner.
the food, wine and ambiance were excellent. The service was also excellent. We had a wonderful
and memorable evening. The Mondavi wine was outstanding."
the food, wine and ambiance were excellent. The service was also excellent. We had a wonderful
and memorable evening. The Mondavi wine was outstanding."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Real Californian Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"To be frank, I was certainly not disappointed. The service was excellent and had no problems with the reservation. The food was fantastic and words cannot explain it's flavor. We had the scallops as appetize and the filet mignon, lobster and steak, and chicken for dinner. My parents absolutely loved the food and could not stop saying how delicious it was. The creme brulee was perfect with the nicest crisp and texture. The ambience was perfect as we sat outside to enjoy the beautiful Californian breeze while the sun was setting. I would highly recommend every visitor in the area to dine here at least once. I would love to go back when I get the chance."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem in Surf City
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Elegant dining at its finest in the city known for a laid back approach to life. Try the pork confit or the beef cheecks for a "foodie" experience you will nor soon forget. The Californian is THE go to restaurant for an upscale dnnner on the Southern Califonia coast."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Romantic and Delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my wife here for our 2nd anniversary, and it did not disappoint. The patio has a great view of the ocean, the giant fire pit keeps you warm and casts a romantic light on the whole area, and the music is the perfect blend of modern and romantic. The service was excellent, with recommendations from the wait staff based on your likes and dislikes. As for the food: the dressing on the caesar salad was the best I've ever had, the filet mignon was one of the best steaks I've ever had, and the cheesecake was also the best I've ever had (and I've had a lot of cheesecake in my life)."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 7 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice & Comfortable
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant was fine and the service was great. We were a bit disappointed because we had hoped to sit outside by the fire pit but because we had a party of 8 we were told we could not be accommodated near the fire. We opted to stay inside, it was quiet and a bit deserted as everyone was outside enjoying the fire and the ocean view. :-(
The food was good, not great, and the wine list was decent."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Excellent Service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first visit to The Californian and the ambiance and service was excellent, but the kitchen needs help. I was not impressed with my dish (steak). I sent it back 3 times. My friends dish (Lamb was excellent)."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 9 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
consistent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I return to the Californian often; they are consistently good. I have never had an "off-night" there and am grateful for their ability to always make it a pleasant meal."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 10 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Almost Perfect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We stayed at Hyatt for couple of nights and had dinner one night and breakfast the other morning. Dinner was outstanding. Breakfast was great too and service is great as well with the exception of the hostess that was there in the morning of May 5th. She would not even look at you while answering your question. the expression on her face was as if she could care less. The other lady helping her had the same attitude. She was rolling her eyes and smiling after people were walking away. There were lots of people waiting while 60% of the outside tables were empty. When she was asked about it, she stated that those tables are not ready yet. After 30 minutes most of those tables were still not ready..."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a reservation but our group had gotten larger. We called prior to see if we could be accommodated. They were very helpful. Once we arrived a manager came over and provided me a couple of different options. They were wonderful from start to finish. The food was outstanding!!!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view
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Review 12 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Dinner at the Californian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dinner at the Californian was excellent. We can recommend the beet salad, the grilled trout and the salmon. The quality of the food was excellent for a reasonable price. The dinning experience was only excellent rather than outstanding because the service, while courteous, was a little slow."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2007
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Review 13 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Californian
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The menu was very limited, but the food that was on the Menu was wonderful."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 14 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful service and very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wonderful service and very nice menu"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2007
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 15 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The service was awful. We
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was awful. We requested wine,took 15 minutes to get it to our table. Ordered filet mignon medium well and received it so well done it was hard to chew! My husband had the lamb and stated it was not very good either. We were the first to arrive and still had to wait to be seated. Every course of the dinner, from salad, to desert took at least 20 minutes to receive. The main course 40 minutes! It was very disappointing and not likely that we will make a second visit! :("
Dined on 03/30/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 16 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
attentive not intrusive service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Another fabulous meal. Our waiter was great, attentive, not intrusive, timing was perfect."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We could not have been happier
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We could not have been happier with our experience at The Californian this past Saturday evening during which we celebrated both my Wife's birthday and my Brother-in-Laws as well.
All was so special especially the service!
We are always excited about our visits to The Californian.
We will return soon!
All was so special especially the service!
We are always excited about our visits to The Californian.
We will return soon!
Rick and Patty Peters."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 18 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service on Saturday,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food and service on Saturday, March 16, 2013 was impeccable. The Seared scallop salad of Brussel Sprouts and Cured Pork, White Polenta scallop appetizer, which my wife and I shared was delicious. My wife had the soup and I had the salad. I found it interesting that the chef had the confidence and wisdom to serve the beet salad sans lettuce which would only have detracted. I enjoyed the Figs, Whipped Ricotta, Spicy Walnuts, Red Wine Syrup,Uncured Applewood Smoked Bacon Vinaigrette. The Agave-Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque with Spiced Pepitas was delicious. For our entree we each had the Filet Mignon, perfectly cooked, with Organic Mushroom and Rutabaga Hash,Pumpkin-Seed Butter, Red Wine Jus. Our server was amazing. Great experience."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 19 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our dinners and the service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our dinners and the service was excellent. I would only suggest that the menu be expanded to include a vegetarian dish. The only vegetarian dish on the menu was Risotto which I ordered and it was good but very rich and not for everyone as an entre. A plate of various seasonal vegetables or a vegetarian pasta dish would have been a nice option. Thank you."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 20 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall an amazing food experience considering the restaurant is in the hotel. Everyone in the group loved all the different courses that were ordered. The lavender creme brulee is a must try. Also, the wine prices are extremely fair. Great selection. Excellent!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 21 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We enjoyed a lovely dinner sitting on the outside Latino near the fire and heaters, very lovely!! We had a great server, Greg. We had the Caesar salad, filet steak, and the lemon cheesecake, all very very good. We brought our nice special bottle of wine and it was a $20 corkage fee which is fine. We have had their wine selections on another visit, so either way your fine. Everyone there has always been very friendly! We live right behind the Hyatt, so try to come here often."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 22 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never been disappointed at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Never been disappointed at this place"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Restaurant Week experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best Restaurant Week experience ever! Definitely will return during the year."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2004
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Review 24 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Enjoyed dinner at The Californian.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed dinner at The Californian. Staff was very accommodating in moving our table to match our request on Open Table."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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Review 25 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Recommended Even for Locals
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good hotel restaurant. We were staying at the Hyatt and glad we stayed there to eat. No complaints! The food was excellent, and the service very good. I am sure locals eating there will be pleasantly surprised too!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent choice
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very good food, great service, Valentines Day dinner was excellent. They also assisted me when my flower delivery was late, staff was great."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Wanted to wow my wife, too bad.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Check the menu before you go. Their menu items are seasonal. I guess I went during the wrong season."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Experience!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Californian is an excellent place we chosed to spend our Valentines at, the food was great, Service was awesome.
I will be returning and highly recommend it."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 29 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very nice place to eat. The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice place to eat. The service was very pleasant. The food very tasty. We sat next to a indoor fireplace. Very relaxing. We heard more than one time its a great little secret spot in HB."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall was a good dinner, food was good, servers were nice enough.... now here is the problem... it was really cold in the place. Their is NO front door so the cold air from the lobby just drove the temperature down. We talked to the manager and he walked all the way to the front enterance and asked the bell man to not hold the door open. Seriousley? A restaurant that can't control the temperature. Dress Warm..!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 31 for The Californian
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thanks for a real pleasant evening.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was perfect, timely and attentive. Valentine's special was really exceptional, portions were just right and complimentary. Will surely return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Californian
Based on the average of (34) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate