Navigating Fountain Valley’s culinary landscape can feel as daunting as deciphering a complex wine list or choosing the perfect avocado at the farmers’ market. But fear not—this definitive guide cuts through the noise. Whether you crave authentic Vietnamese pho, innovative sushi rolls, or the juiciest burgers in Orange County, we’ve done the delicious legwork for you.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
$ | (714) 375-0880 | WEBSITE
You probably know Ike’s. You might even be reading this list from your car in the Ike’s parking lot right now. And it’s a great spot to know about—it’s popular, has several locations, and serves up sandwiches every day. It also happens to have the most consistently flavorful sandwiches in Fountain Valley. Just don’t come here if you’re indecisive, because with all the meat and vegan options plus limited-time specials, it’s easy to order more than you can handle.
You can get tasty sides like Zapp’s Chips, especially the Hotter ‘n Hot Jalapeno flavor, but we recommend focusing on the sandwiches, especially with that Dutch Crunch bread and Dirty Sauce.
Fortune Cookies Restaurant
$ | (714) 962-5000 | WEBSITE
Fortune Cookies Restaurant distinguishes itself from other Chinese spots in the area by offering quick delivery and consistently hot food. But don’t let the speed fool you—you’ll find all the classic favorites, including Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and chicken chop suey. Everything is prepared with care, so the proteins stay lean and tender, making each bite worth the wait.
Istanbul Grill California – Mediterranean Restaurant & Catering
$$ | (714) 430-1434 | WEBSITE
Istanbul Grill California specializes in perfectly charred grilled meats and flavorful sides, which are available as combo plates or mixed grill platters. You can choose highlights like the chicken shish kebab with creamy rice pilaf and well-seasoned veggies, or the Istanbul grill plate with different types of meats and seasonings. The interior of the restaurant feels warm and inviting with rustic Mediterranean touches, and you can sense the care put into every dish.
Bring a hearty appetite and order as many grilled combinations as possible—the generous portions and excellent food make every visit worthwhile, with many regulars emphasizing these dishes are worth coming back for.
Kawaii Bakery
$ | WEBSITE
This is the newest bakery in the Fountain Valley shopping plaza. And like a treasure chest filled with Asian pastries instead of gold, the variety of cakes coming from their cozy counter is delightful. The selection is wonderfully diverse, with options ranging from sponge-style birthday cake with mango fruit and pudding to chocolate blueberry pudding cake and vanilla egg pudding cake.
Everything we’ve tried has a perfect balance of flavor without being overly sweet, and if you pick it up, your cake will be presented in a gift box-style package instead of a plain container.
Tsuruhashi
$$$ | (714) 593-8393 | WEBSITE
As a premier Japanese BBQ spot in Fountain Valley, Tsuruhashi is a must-visit. The menu is focused, with top-quality meats and excellent sides. To help you navigate, our favorites at this welcoming spot are the prime rib (grilled to perfection with a rich marbling that melts in your mouth) and the variety of sauces, which layer complex flavors on top of the exceptional beef cuts.
The service is attentive and friendly, always checking if you need anything, and the atmosphere shifts from quiet to lively depending on the crowd. While it’s pricier than some options, especially with drinks, the quality makes it worth it for special occasions or a high-end casual dinner.
Union Jack Fish & Chips
$ | (714) 962-9500 | WEBSITE
Union Jack Fish & Chips is one of the many fish and chip spots that have opened in Fountain Valley recently. What we really like about this particular place is that their fish is very fresh—to the point where the cook mentions it when explaining the menu. They’re not exaggerating. The large portions that come out of the kitchen are foreshadowing. But the other items, like the English treats, are also tasty. Our strategy is to get the classic fish and chips and share some sides.
The small dining room is pretty cozy, with simple tables good for quick meals of all kinds. Another thing we really like about Union Jack? They have efficient service with a friendly owner who takes orders quickly. Plus, it has reasonable prices, which make a fantastic deal when you’re craving something reliable.
Lẩu Tôm 5 Ri
$$ | WEBSITE
There are so many Vietnamese spots in Fountain Valley, you’ll occasionally come across a good one that seems surprisingly quiet when you walk in. We’ve been the only people eating at Lẩu Tôm 5 Ri a few times, but don’t let that deter you—this place is great. Come here for dishes like the hot pot loaded with shrimp and tamarind, salted egg yolk plates, and garlic butter seafood. The space is casual and affordable, with most dishes around $15–$25.
Original Tommy’s
$ | (714) 842-6141 | WEBSITE
This classic, no-frills burger joint in Fountain Valley specializes in chili-smothered everything. It’s similar to other diner spots, but the chili here doesn’t skimp on flavor, so it’s a little heartier. Plus, Tommy’s straightforward menu also has options to satisfy morning cravings—like the breakfast English muffin sandwich, quarter-pound patties, and chili tamale, to name a few.
Everything comes out fresh and piping hot, so you don’t have to worry about the structural integrity of your chili cheese fries. This place is also a little messy: you’ll find limited parking, questionable cleanliness, and a straightforward atmosphere, which sounds unappealing but we promise is satisfying.
Banh Khot Vung Tau
$ | (714) 277-7705 | WEBSITE
This Fountain Valley gem has been serving up authentic flavors for years, and people still flock to its cozy space for those delicious banh khot. Dinnertime on the weekends is the busiest, when every small table and family booth is taken. But this is also the best time to visit: the restaurant is totally alive, and the kitchen churns through crispy banh khot and flavorful bot chien frequently to keep up.
No matter when you go, the meal won’t be complete without Banh Khot Vung Tau’s sweet and sour fish sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy banh khot—reminding you of the flavors from Vung Tau itself.
Tsuru Ichi Wagyu
$$$$ | (714) 884-3750 | WEBSITE
If you’ve driven through Fountain Valley, you’ve probably missed the unassuming entrance to Tsuru Ichi Wagyu. This place indeed specializes in premium wagyu beef, though all the tender, flavorful meats here are exceptional. While the whole cow course is a must-try, you can’t go wrong with the generous appetizers or sides, either—just make a reservation, because this hidden gem tends to fill up quickly on weekends.
The Sun Vegan
$ | (714) 617-5888 | WEBSITE
Listen up, because this is very important: we’re talking about The Sun Vegan in Fountain Valley, not—we repeat—not some other vegetarian spot. The Sun Vegan is where you want to be. This adorable restaurant has fantastic vegan food with amazing flavors (get the spicy pho if you like heat) and fresh salads, refreshing drinks, and that mouth-watering green cake.
You can get a full meal for around $15-20, but we prefer ordering a la carte because the menu is wide with options like burgers, fries, Claypot Ocean, and Bun Bo Hue. This place gets incredibly popular and doesn’t take reservations, so you can expect a wait. Luckily they have friendly staff who explain the menu and offer recommendations to help with that.
Subway
$ | (714) 775-6608 | WEBSITE
Subway has sandwiches, but you don’t need to concern yourself with that. This is one of the most popular late-night spots in Santa Ana, and during the rush, there’s always a crowd waiting at the counter. Get the delicious tuna Subway with fresh vegetables and soft, fragrant bread.
Nha Hang
$$ | (714) 531-0088 | WEBSITE
Also in a Fountain Valley strip mall is Nha Hang, a solid Vietnamese restaurant. This place has been around for a while, and feels like it—it has a tranquil atmosphere with plushies and cute things decorating the space. The friendly servers are very good about checking on your meal and refilling your tea—and refills are very important, because the food is fantastic. Don’t leave without ordering the crispy Com Ga.
Project Poke
$ | (714) 486-3809 | WEBSITE
When it’s lunchtime and you want fresh salmon, crunchy wonton crisps, spicy mayo, or just about anything else, Project Poke in that busy Brookhurst Street plaza is your answer. This place is open for lunch and dinner every day, which means it has you covered for a quick bite, a generous meal, or a satisfying takeout.
The poke bowls are extremely good, so make sure your friend you’ve been running errands with doesn’t get overwhelmed while deciding between the S&T burrito or the two-scoop salmon bowl. Be prepared for this place to get busy when the nearby offices let out.
CIR Lounge
$$ | (714) 698-8929 | WEBSITE
Besides both being located in unassuming strip malls, another thing that CIR Lounge and other high-end spots have in common is an extravagant atmosphere. When it comes to Asian fusion, though, we prefer CIR Lounge. This place offers a lounge-like ambiance with live instrumental jazz, but what really sets it apart is the old-world glamour, the only downside of which is that you might get distracted by the striking decor on the way to your table.
Order the steak tataki and an Old Fashioned, and be prepared for an elevated experience—the service is outstanding.
Urban Plates
$ | (657) 485-0404 | WEBSITE
There are two main decisions you need to make at this welcoming spot in Fountain Valley: whether to order the generous chimichanga steak or the tender shrimp Surf and Turf, and whether you want it with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy mac n cheese. Our go-to order here is a plate of the fantastic chimichanga steak, served with those fluffy mashed potatoes and a side of that delicious tomato soup with its pesto drizzle and crunchy croutons.
While you’re at it, get an order of the amazing-looking Chicken Tenders.
Roasting Water & 199 Restaurant
$ | (714) 531-0088 | WEBSITE
Roasting Water & 199 Restaurant is a cozy spot in Fountain Valley that offers a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere with soothing music. Unsurprisingly, the reason to come here is for their specialty drinks and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. The raspberry peach with boba is a refreshing blend of bold raspberry and sweet peach with chewy boba pearls, while the Vietnamese coffee is rich and delicious. The pepper chicken and lemongrass chicken are flavorful options that pair perfectly with the drinks.
We can’t think of a more comforting (or satisfying) way to spend $8.95 for a meal and drink combo, especially with their friendly, knowledgeable staff who provide great recommendations and go above and beyond with their service.
Chidori Sushi
$$ | (714) 885-8889 | WEBSITE
This cozy Fountain Valley gem has been serving top-quality sushi for years, and both the space and menu have been carefully refined. Now, the intimate restaurant is full of warm lighting and minimalist Japanese décor, and the menu has been focused on fresh rolls and classic sushi items. One of their specialties is the Chidori Roll, and their spicy tuna bowl is an excellent choice when you’re here for lunch.
They have about four must-try rolls, ranging from the Ghost Roll with its delicate sauces to the Rainbow Roll with its variety of fresh fish.
Halaloğlu
$ | (714) 760-4193 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of this Turkish spot in Fountain Valley. For one thing, this family-run restaurant has a cozy, clean atmosphere that feels just right. And the menu has generous portions, which is not only satisfying, but can help you share everything from the lamb shank to the Tantuni beef wrap (delicious, by the way). They have a welcoming service, where the staff will explain dishes and offer suggestions with care.
Plus, you can enjoy Turkish tea and pastries while you wait, and they’re all fresh. Come here with family or a friend, and plan to try everything.
Wendy’s
$ | (714) 964-2022 | WEBSITE
This spot delivers reliable fast food in a clean, modern setting. Everything here is fresh and tasty the way you expect it to be, and their Orange Dreamsicle Frosty and Taki Fuego meal are particularly great. But if you’re not into those options, this place also has some solid burgers, and you can customize your order with the self-order kiosks and special soda machine with a wide variety of flavors.