Hazeltine’s at Sherman Library & Gardens coming late 2027
Hazeltine’s at Sherman Library and Gardens will occupy a prime Pacific Coast Highway facing space and will be managed by Damian Orozco, the owner of the beloved and historic Tea House on Los Rios. The restaurant will bring an expanded schedule of dining experiences to the gardens, centered around exceptional purveyor-to-table cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful hospitality.
The restaurant, named in collaboration with Orozco, will be named “Hazeltine’s” after Sherman Library & Gardens' namesake, Moses Hazeltine Sherman, and specifically for his daughter, whose name was Hazeltine.
“Damian Orozco was selected as the operator of Sherman’s new restaurant, because of his commitment to legacy building, community involvement, and forging meaningful connections between his restaurant and its patrons, which is exactly what we were looking for,” said Kirstie Acevedo, President of M.H. Sherman Company. “Damian’s iconic Tea House on Los Rios is a big draw from all over Southern California because of his hospitality and amazing food. Hazeltine’s and Sherman will together create an unforgettable guest experience!”
The inspiration for the restaurant's look, tone, and feel came from a trove of photos and correspondence between Moses Hazeltine Sherman and his daughter, Hazeltine. The concept for the design is “a Victorian Tea House walks into a Spanish Bar.” This design was a way to embody the “Sherman Funk,” which is an eclectic blend of Spanish, Victorian, and non traditional architectural elements to create unique spaces.
Moving the restaurant from its former restricted location inside The Gardens to a reconstructed building on Pacific Coast Highway takes Sherman back to its roots. In the early days of Sherman Gardens, the Junior League of Newport Beach would serve light lunches to members in the Tea Garden through a window that was in the former visitor center and garden shop. Now that space will be entirely reconstructed into a gorgeous two story structure that will house the restaurant with an entrance from Pacific Coast Highway and will overlook the fully refurbished Tea Garden.
“Moving the restaurant was the key to unlocking a vital education space for expanded classes, lectures, and field trips so Sherman can better fulfill its mission,” said Scott LaFleur, Executive Director of Sherman Library & Gardens. “The restaurant will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner, and will include a full service bar. Damian’s crew will be able to provide catering services for the many special events Sherman holds and our guests eagerly look forward to.”
In anticipation of the restaurant’s opening, Sherman will host Hazeltine’s Afternoon Tea Experience, allowing patrons to enjoy a foretaste of the future restaurant in an afternoon high-tea setting.
“We are so looking forward to this partnership with Sherman Library & Gardens and the chance to bring our version of hospitality to one of Orange County’s true jewels,” said Damian Orozco, owner of The Tea House on Los Rios and future operator of Hazeltine’s at Sherman Library & Gardens. “The fit between our two organizations feels incredibly natural — we both care deeply about beauty, tradition, community, and creating experiences guests will remember. We’re honored to be part of this exciting new chapter for The Gardens and can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Hazeltine’s Afternoon Tea experience.”
To reserve the Afternoon Tea Experience, visit: https://thesherman.org/hazeltines-afternoon-tea/
