While Orange County might not exactly have what the rest of the country calls sweater weather — let’s go with long-pants season or closed-toe shoe weather — that slight chill in the air is enough to shift cravings. It reminds our palates that even here in the sun, winter has arrived, and with it a desire for hearty, bone-warming foods.

From spots serving steaming congee and classic chicken pot pie to tender meatballs and fragrant bowls of pho, here are nine restaurants in Orange County that will get you in the cozy mood, be it 65 or 75 degrees outside.

The cassoulet at Butcher’s House in Costa Mesa. (Photo courtesy of Butcher’s House)

Chef Jeoffrey Offer prepares cassoulet, a slow-simmered blend of sausage, duck confit and pork loin with Tarbais beans at Butcher’s House Brasserie in C

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