There’s been a lot of restaurant construction going on in Downtown Disney, and topping our “Can’t Wait For” list: Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby. An opening date hadn’t been announced at press time, but signage went up in January, and the “Hell’s Kitchen” star has been spotted at the site, which is being constructed above the Earl of Sandwich’s new location. Expect to see classic British dishes on the menu and a 1960s London-inspired vibe.
Also in the district, Michelin-star Chef Joe Isidori (who previously served as the executive chef at Florida’s Mar-a-Lago) has two concepts in the works. Arthur & Sons Steak and Bourbon, as its name suggests, will serve up prime steaks and fresh seafood, along with some casual fare, plus cocktails and a great selection of bourbons. The other establishment, Pearl’s Roadside BBQ, will offer quick-serve delights such as pulled pork and beef brisket—and moonshine cocktails.
And then there’s Porto’s Bakery & Cafe, which has been delighting folks across SoCal for some 60 years. It debuted in O.C. back in 2017, with people willing to wait in long lines for a box of the bakery’s sweet and savory Cuban bites. This location will be the first Porto’s to offer table service and a full bar.
Across the 57 Freeway near Honda Center, the $5 billion, 100-acre OC Vibe mixed-use development is starting to take shape, with plans for a two-story, 50,000-square-foot food hall—dubbed Katella Commons—that, when it opens in March 2027, will dish out offerings from 21 kitchens, and six bar and lounge operations.
And the concepts sound pretty cool. Among them: Bar Bachia, described as a cave-inspired tasting bar pouring wines and amaro-forward cocktails; Barrel Bar, a European-style cafe offering spritzes, wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates; Rea’s Ranch, touted as a beer garden-inspired spot with draft brews, natural wines, and coffee; and Vesper Lounge, mixing up martinis, spritzes, and botanical spirits in a space that blends Japanese and Scandinavian design.
The news built upon the excitement that came late last year after word that O.C.’s own Chef Debbie Lee, who has appeared on “Chopped”—and whose Ahn-Joo food truck earned her the nickname “Queen of Modern Korean Gastropub Fare”—was planning to open two concepts inside the food hall. Lee, who owns Yi Cha, a modern Korean pub on Figueroa in L.A., attended Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills. We can’t wait to say, “Welcome home!”
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