The best restaurants in Santa Ana

Tampopo Sushi has been serving Yorba Linda since 2000, with fresh sushi and skillful Japanese cooking in a fun, welcoming setting. It’s a solid local pick when dinner calls for something beyond the usual takeout routine.

From the Yorba Linda newsletter, November 11, 2026

Sourdough & Co. brings Yorba Linda deli sandwiches built on freshly baked sourdough served warm, with quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh produce and house spread. It’s a solid pick when lunch calls for more than two slices of bread and a hopeful fridge rummage.

Sabor Cito has a menu that goes beyond the usual taco lineup, with shrimp empanadas, octopus tacos, aguachiles, and ceviche tostadas alongside beef and al pastor favorites. A good one to keep in mind when dinner calls for something coastal, crunchy, or happily covered in salsa.

” It’s also a nice pick for a special meal, with fine wines, artisanal beers, and catered menus for celebrations.

From the Tustin newsletter, November 9, 2026

Casa D'Oro Mexican Restaurant leans into traditional Mexican cooking, with nixtamalized corn, toasted chiles, handmade salsas, and family recipes at the heart of its menu.

From the Tustin newsletter, November 12, 2026

Yo! Sushi Kitchen serves fresh sushi, sashimi, hand rolls, bento boxes, and Japanese favorites, with chef’s specials made fresh daily. Owner and head chef John Kim brings decades of experience to the kitchen, so it’s a good local pick when your sushi craving needs more than a grocery-store tray.

Set in a former bookstore, Chapter One: The Modern Local serves pub favorites alongside a kitchen focused on local, seasonal ingredients. The bar’s specialty cocktails and selection of more than 200 whiskeys make it a good spot to linger over a drink, even if you came in saying you’d only stay for one.

From the Santa Ana newsletter, November 9, 2026

El Pollo Loco builds its Mexican-inspired menu around whole chickens marinated with herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic, then slowly fire-grilled and hand-chopped for meals, burritos, salads, tacos and more.

From the Riverside newsletter, November 10, 2026

For a bowl that feels like a little taste of home, Poke & More serves authentic Hawaiian poke alongside homemade dishes with Japanese and Filipino influences. It’s a good pick when you want something fresh and comforting, with more to explore than just poke.

Loft Hawaiian Grill Restaurant brings Hawaiian-inspired plates to Lakewood, from chicken katsu and kalua pork to saimin and Spam musubi.

From the Lakewood newsletter, November 9, 2026

Me-n-Ed's Pizza Parlor pairs brick-oven pizzas with plenty of ways to customize, from thin or thick crust to toppings like spicy cupped pepperoni and artichoke hearts. Or let the Signature Series do the choosing, with options ranging from veggie-packed Valley Veggie to the extra-meaty Classic All Meat.

Mr. Pickle's Sandwich Shop serves hot and cold specialty sandwiches, salads, and catering, with an inventive menu for when the usual lunch lineup needs a little shake-up. A handy Lake Forest option for a satisfying sandwich without having to build one yourself.

Sessions West Coast Deli takes the classic sandwich shop in a fresh, imaginative direction, with “radical eats” that make lunch feel a little less routine. A good Mission Viejo stop when you want a satisfying sando and a change from your usual order.

El Pollo Loco brings Mexican-inspired favorites to Lake Forest, built around whole chickens marinated with herbs, spices, fruit juices and garlic, then fire-grilled and hand-chopped. Pick from chicken meals, burritos, salads, tacos and more, with handmade guacamole and salsas adding a fresh finish.

From the Lake Forest newsletter, November 9, 2026

Gengis Khan makes Mongolian barbecue a choose-your-own-adventure, with fresh vegetables, meats, noodles, and signature sauces cooked together on a giant circular grill. Go for the classic noodle bowl or skip the noodles for a low-carb protein bowl, then enjoy the pleasure of making exactly the combination you want.

Pura Vida serves all-day breakfast, protein-packed bowls, wraps, salads, and specialty coffee, with favorites like the Perfect Egg Sandwich and Spicy Tuna Bowl. Add a ceremonial-grade matcha or cold-pressed juice, and you’ve got a bright, breezy spot for brunch or a satisfying break between errands.

From the Costa Mesa newsletter, November 9, 2026

Eat Chow’s original Costa Mesa spot brings contemporary diner energy to casual American comfort food, with familiar favorites and new things to discover. It’s a solid local pick for breakfast, and the kind of place where choosing your usual or branching out both feel like good decisions.

Original Pizza Sports Bar & Grill pairs its legendary pizza with a laid-back atmosphere and TVs everywhere you look, making it an easy Newport Beach spot to catch a game or unwind. It’s also the Official 19th Hole of the Newport Beach Golf Course, though no golf is required for pizza.

From the Newport Beach newsletter, November 9, 2026

Catalina Fish Kitchen & Seafood Deli has been serving chargrilled seafood, fish tacos, lean chicken, premium beef, and veggie options since 1997. It’s a relaxed local pick for a satisfying grilled meal, with dine-in, takeout, and catering platters for sharing.

Ghost Town Grill serves burgers, steaks, and sandwiches in a setting inspired by the Old West at Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s a handy spot for Buena Park locals looking to pair a hearty meal with a little Ghost Town atmosphere, no cowboy boots required.

Papas Mexicanas gives golden fries a hearty makeover, piling them with marinated carne asada, melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, and fresh toppings. It’s a satisfying pick for Buena Park locals who think fries are great but could use a little more going on.

From the Buena Park newsletter, November 9, 2026

Kaju Soft Tofu Restaurant has been serving Korean soft-tofu soups since 1994, with 14 varieties ranging from mild to triple-spicy. Add sizzling BBQ, stone-pot bibimbap and rotating banchan, and you’ve got plenty of ways to make a comforting meal your own.

Zait & Zaatar brings traditional Lebanese cooking and Mediterranean flavors to Aliso Viejo in a homespun, relaxed setting. It’s a good pick when you want something a little different from the usual dinner rotation, without making a whole production of it.

Soka Bistro serves up a rotating lineup with an emphasis on wellness, sustainability, and options beyond the usual meat-and-potatoes routine. Its menus also flag common allergens and items made without gluten-containing ingredients, a helpful touch for diners who like to know what’s on their plate.

Kanpai Sushi serves classic rolls, sashimi, specialty creations, and izakaya-style favorites, with fresh ingredients and care for traditional Japanese techniques. Backed by an owner with more than 40 years in the restaurant business, it’s a welcoming Aliso Viejo spot for a casual meal or dinner with friends.

From the Aliso Viejo newsletter, November 10, 2026

Wahoo's Fish Taco brings Mexican fare together with Asian and Brazilian flavors, with favorites like street tacos, chipotle salad and a Hawaiian onion ring burrito. It’s a casual Aliso Viejo pick when you want something more interesting than the usual taco run.

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

Local juice-bar chain offering specialty drinks, cleanses & health-conscious snacks.

Casual restaurant offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.

Local pizza chain offering thin- & thick-crust pies, plus salads & wings, for takeout or delivery.

Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.

Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes & margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

Wide variety of carefully sourced, creative sushi rolls & other Asian fusion fare in a basic space.

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.

Casual counter-serve chain serving Mexican fare with Asian & Brazilian flavors, plus beer & wine.

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

Burgers, chicken, tacos & breakfast items fill out the menu at this fast-food chain.

Homey chain eatery serving breakfast all day & other American comfort fare in a casual space.

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

Family-friendly outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

Beachy gourmet burger chain also serving beer & tropical drinks in laid-back surroundings.

Family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes & desserts.

Plate lunches served with rice & macaroni salad are the mainstays of this Hawaiian-inspired chain.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Eclectic New American fare & cocktails furnished in a convivial setting with a tree-shaded patio

Classic American diner with a Western theme serving up old-fashioned breakfasts & lunches.

Pizza joint known for its hefty pies with ample toppings also serves calzones, pasta & wings.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Burgers, sandwiches & salads, plus Mexican-inspired breakfast in a chill haunt with outdoor seating.

24/7 chain coffee shop offering generous portions of classic American food in a no-frills setting.

Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.

Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.

Simple counter-service spot surrounded by tropical plants serving classic Mexican-American fare.

Fast food-style Mexican joint with popular items like tacos & quesadillas, plus a salsa bar.

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

Family-run Mexican joint supplying tacos, burritos & chilaquiles in a bright, counter-serve setting.

Laid-back Mexican eatery with a tiki hut-style bar featuring seafood specialties & live music.

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

Special-event venue with a romantic courtyard, serving Mexican fare Tuesdays & Sundays only.

Sleek Japanese restaurant offering shabu-shabu & small bites with sakes & Japanese whiskeys.

Relaxed pick for health-conscious cafe fare, including veggie & gluten-free options, in bright digs.

Chain offering beef, seafood & surf 'n' turf combos, plus traditional sides, in Western-themed digs.

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.

Nostalgic restaurant doling out pizza, beer & more in casual, 1920s-style surroundings.

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

Coffee shop with a bohemian vibe serving pastry, soup, sandwiches & burgers off the grill.

Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

Straightforward restaurant serving up sashimi, salads & sides, plus baked & fresh rolls.

Counter-serve, family-run joint with patio seating for burgers, fries & other typical American grub.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.

Plate lunches served with rice & macaroni salad are the mainstays of this Hawaiian-inspired chain.

Counter-serve chain offering fire-baked focaccia sandwiches & salads in a contemporary setting.

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

Cooked-to-order turkey, veggie & beef burgers are featured at this veteran counter-serve joint.

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.

Regional chain serving hot & cold specialty sandwiches & salads over the counter.

Local chain serving takeout-friendly bowls of Japanese eats & sushi in a casual setting.

New Jersey–based counter-serve sandwich chain serving jumbo subs filled with cold cuts & toppings.

Casual counter-serve chain serving Mexican fare with Asian & Brazilian flavors, plus beer & wine.

Old-world eatery providing Persian, Pakistani & Indian dishes made with halal meat, plus catering.

Casual chain for Peruvian dishes including ceviche, soltados & rotisserie chicken in a basic space.

American chain restaurant offering sizable portions from a vast menu including signature cheesecake

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.

Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.

Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Laid-back chain serving build-your-own Mexican fare, such as tacos & quesadillas.

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

Full-service chain bar & grill providing hearty American eats in an informal setting.

The rolls feature a fusion of Thai & Japanese flavors at this modern venue serving beer & wine.

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Cheery chain serving all-day breakfast, including Mexican dishes, plus sandwiches & burgers.

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.

Casual restaurant offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls.

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

Fast-food chain for Mexican standards like tacos, burritos & quesadillas plus breakfast.

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

Local juice-bar chain offering specialty drinks, cleanses & health-conscious snacks.

Casual local chain serving pizza, pasta, sandwiches & grilled American entrees, plus wine & beer.

Counter-serve chain for made-to-order burgers & breakfast items, many made with local ingredients.