Internationally acclaimed chef Roy Choi will bring his restaurant concept, Best Friend, to Orange County with an anticipated opening at OCVibe, the 100-acre mixed-use district near Honda Center, in Fall 2027.
Best Friend is an energetic celebration of Korean barbecue, bold flavors and the cultural influences that have defined Southern California’s dining scene. Following the success of its flagship location at Park MGM in Las Vegas, the Anaheim location will become only the second Best Friend restaurant in the country, bringing the award-winning concept to the community that has long been part of its story. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Choi spent his formative years in Los Angeles and Orange County, including part of his childhood in Anaheim, where his parents owned a Korean restaurant and where he developed his love of cooking.
“Orange County has always been an important part of my life and my career, and opening Best Friend at OCVIBE feels incredibly meaningful,” Choi said. “I’ve always wanted to do something big in Orange County that represented not only my own roots here, but the voices of all that live here.”
While Best Friend’s Las Vegas location celebrates the spirit of Southern California, the OCVibe restaurant will evolve to reflect the unique character, diversity and creativity of Orange County. Inspired by the communities that have shaped the region, the restaurant will incorporate thoughtful design elements, locally inspired storytelling and collaborations that celebrate Orange County’s rich cultural identity and art. Guests can also expect exclusive menu offerings and seasonal features inspired by the region, creating an experience that feels distinctly rooted in Anaheim while remaining true to the vibrant energy that has made Best Friend a nationally recognized destination.
Best Friend represents the first signature restaurant within OCVibe’s curated collection of chef-driven dining concepts, with additional acclaimed chefs and restaurant partners to be revealed in the coming months.
“Roy Choi has fundamentally changed the way people think about food, culture and community,” said Anthony Olheiser, senior vice president of hospitality at OCVibe. “From the beginning, our vision for OCVibe has been to partner with chefs whose restaurants represent more than great dining experiences, they tell authentic stories, celebrate the communities they serve and create places where people genuinely want to gather. Best Friend embodies that philosophy, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome Roy as the first chef to join our signature restaurant collection.”
