Whether you’re a local who’s tried every taco truck or a visitor who thinks ‘Orange’ is just a color, we can all agree that not all restaurants are worth your precious dining dollars. Many places serve forgettable food. You might be stuck with a bland meal while watching someone at the next table enjoy what you should have ordered. You won’t have to worry about any of that at these spots.
Acai Republic
$ | (714) 475-3975 | WEBSITE
Acai Republic has bright lighting, clean surfaces, and a spacious layout that makes it accessible for everyone. It’s very welcoming, but maybe check their hours to make sure you’re visiting during a less busy time, and not right at the morning rush. Despite the healthy focus, Acai Republic isn’t pretentious at all. And the açaí bowls are delicious too. Definitely order the Cali bowl, which comes topped with a generous variety of fresh fruits that the helpful staff will customize if you ask.
Service is usually quick and attentive. That’s a big reason why you’re coming here.
Tacos Jalisco
$ | (714) 771-5819 | WEBSITE
Tacos Jalisco doesn’t rely on flashy mariachi bands or touristy decor to be authentic. They do it through simplicity. Call it quiet confidence. Families lean in and share pozole sprinkled (not smothered) with fresh toppings while Mexican music and warm conversation bounce off the cozy walls. The variety of options helps if you’re an indecisive group. And the generous portions mean you’ll have leftovers for tomorrow, in case you want to savor the flavors again.
The food keeps you satisfied, the space is welcoming, and the service from Martha and Patty makes you feel at home. Here’s hoping your next visit does the same.
Renata’s Cafe Italiano & Catering
$$ | (714) 771-4740 | WEBSITE
So what if this place has been around since Orange’s Plaza Historical District began? It’s stood the test of time, and it’s still where you bring someone you want to talk to for hours while watching the lively scene outside. Renata’s classic is cozy, welcoming, and gives you what every successful meal needs: heart. With all the warmth in the dining room, you might forget you’re not the only table enjoying that amazing house salad dressing.
Plus, you can order Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Penne Sinatra, veal dishes, and Spumoni for under $120. The authentic Italian food is great.
Nekter Juice Bar
$$ | (657) 284-0123 | WEBSITE
One great thing about a healthy day is that sometimes you won’t have to wait. If that’s the case, and you’re looking for a quick nutritious pick-me-up in Orange, head to Nekter Juice Bar. This cheerful juice spot doesn’t feel like a typical fast-food joint. It feels like the clean, bright kitchen that wellness influencers film in for their social media feeds. You’ll feel refreshed and energized.
The space is so welcoming that you can linger at a table watching people order their favorite smoothies. You’ll leave thankful that the slightly higher price tag was worth every sip.
Donut Star
$ | (714) 602-8080 | WEBSITE
Maybe this isn’t the first time you’ve grabbed breakfast from a donut shop (oh, college, you were so broke) but it will be the best donut shop breakfast you’ll ever have. Because inside this Orange strip mall is a family-owned spot where you can get fresh donuts, amazing breakfast sandwiches, and have a generally wonderful morning. There’s a welcoming vibe to this place—so maybe skip it if you’re looking for something fancy and formal.
But we’ve always had fun here eating ham and swiss croissants, fluffy breakfast sandwiches, and crispy apple fritters.
Los Escalera’s Taco Shop
$ | (714) 938-0877 | WEBSITE
Orange County can’t agree on a lot: traffic patterns, sports teams, and literally everything else. But Los Escalera’s Taco Shop might just be the one thing the entire area can get behind. The family-owned Mexican spot is delicious and consistent. This makes it a very safe bet for a meal—even if you don’t know (or have never tried) the dish you’re ordering here. You’ll need to arrive early to guarantee one of the coveted carne asada burritos.
Snagging a table for lunch is much easier, in case you need something in the next 48 hours.
Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food
$ | (714) 363-3399 | WEBSITE
Tuk Tuk Thai Street Food is perfect for anyone whose ideal meal involves a cozy takeout box and some combination of chopsticks and napkins. You’ll feel satisfied with this quick, flavorful food. The staff package orders in neat containers and shuttle plates of fresh Thai dishes to your car. You and your friends can quietly marvel at a generous portion of chicken pad Thai praised as one of the best in town, and spicy fried rice that behaves more like a feast.
Avoid menu indecision by ordering both the pad Thai and mango sticky rice. And then agree to make this a weekly habit, as the food is consistently delicious and somehow feels like a little treat every time.
Arby’s
$ | (714) 538-5407 | WEBSITE
If you take someone to Arby’s and your status as a reliable friend doesn’t immediately skyrocket, you might need to reconsider your social circle. What kind of person wouldn’t appreciate being introduced to a spot that nails the balance between satisfying and straightforward? This classic American joint serves food you can genuinely enjoy together in an atmosphere that proves you know where to find the good stuff.
Some items—like the brisket sandwich with sauce—can get a little drippy for a first outing. But just go freshen up in the bathrooms, which are, to put it mildly, functional when available.
5 Star Bagelry
$ | (657) 221-0909 | WEBSITE
5 Star Bagelry is an Orange restaurant unicorn that everyone is chasing. Simply grabbing a rainbow bagel breakfast sandwich is enough to impress your morning. Everyone is friendly inside this family-run spot. That’s its superpower. You and your crew can sit next to regulars who know the owners and still feel like the only VIPs in the room.
The service makes you feel famous, the bagels taste like a chewy secret, and you’ll be able to brag to future friends that you used to go to 5 Star Bagelry “back in the day.”
The Pizza Store (Est. 1976)
$ | (714) 978-7300 | WEBSITE
The Pizza Store is ideal for a casual sports night. You can share a large pizza and watch exciting games play on multiple screens. Grab a booth and watch the staff assemble pies with pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, and savory sauce. If you’re not sure what to get, order Geoff’s pizza special. It’s a combination of two slices and a drink totaling under eight dollars. The place is clean and bright enough to feel you’re enjoying a comfortable meal in a neighborhood pizzeria.
Mika Sushi
$ | (714) 835-5240 | WEBSITE
Mika Sushi should be reserved for that long-overdue sushi craving after weeks of takeout monotony. This quaint neighborhood spot serves up consistently fresh rolls, with the Jessica Roll and Lemon Salmon roll being absolute must-orders (if you see the lobster roll on the menu, order it immediately). Every visit features some sort of perfectly balanced creation, which might surprise you with its complex flavors without needing any soy sauce.
Expect friendly staff, a relaxing atmosphere, and delicious bites from their affordable menu. To really treat yourself, try the Yuki Sake for about $8 extra. That pairing gives you a slightly sweet complement, enhances the fresh fish flavors, and access to their full selection of vegetarian options (including the vegetable tempura).
TOWN & COUNTRY CAFE
$$ | (714) 245-9890 | WEBSITE
You have to hand it to the Americans—they perfected the world’s most comforting breakfast. So when it comes to homestyle cooking, they know what they’re doing. And it doesn’t get more comforting than Town & Country Cafe in Orange. It’s casual enough for a quick office lunch and cozy enough for a tired professional that found a break between meetings and could use a one-hour vacation to grandma’s kitchen.
This spot does a convincing home kitchen impression with its chalkboard specials and warm overhead lighting. Between bites, the laminated menu on the table reads like the recipe cards of a successful meal—with buttery trails from the classic breakfast platter and a smattering of fresh sandwich ingredients. Just bring some cash if you’re planning to practice your coffee appreciation with that green tea latte after your meal.
Tabi-ji Japanese Cuisine
$$ | (714) 633-6000 | WEBSITE
Tabi-ji Japanese Cuisine is a Japanese restaurant that feels like a chef’s personal teppanyaki playground. The cozy dining space has a warm charm that makes this place the go-to spot for Orange date nights. The decor ranges from traditional wood accents to playful chef tools on display, and lantern lighting is abundant. The food is also worthy of a special evening with someone you appreciate.
It’s mostly excellent (and very generous) takes on classic Japanese teppanyaki dishes: scallop dinner, filet mignon, fried rice. They also have Orange’s most entertaining chef with tricks and personalized cooking. The plum wine is a must-try, and the miso soup, salad, shrimp, and vegetables complete the experience. Staff like the host and server are attentive, while Chef Royce keeps guests engaged. Portions leave plenty for leftovers, making it a delightful dining outing worth recommending.
The Hobbit
$$$$ | (714) 997-1972 | WEBSITE
The Hobbit’s wine pairings are thoughtful enough to elevate each course, the filet mignon will keep you savoring every bite, and the kind, genuine staff will ensure your glass doesn’t stay empty for longer than .06 seconds. The least glamorous thing about this culinary destination is the ordinary street you have to traverse to get here. Thankfully, things only go up from there. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or date night anywhere in Orange, this is where you want to spend the evening.
And only order the goat cheese cheesecake if it’s true love. It’s the only way you’ll survive a fight for the last bite.
Tamaleria Rincon Sinaloense
$ | (657) 571-4651 | WEBSITE
Finding authentic tamales in Orange can be a challenge. But Tamaleria Rincon Sinaloense is a welcoming family spot on the east side. Just about every table in the restaurant is perfect for groups, the service is outstanding, and the cheese and chicken tamales are perfect for sharing. If you’re still hungry, there’s also a cozy dining area within the establishment. You can get a dozen for $20 to $25 and enjoy them in an atmosphere that feels pleasantly hometown.
Mattern’s Sausage & Deli
$ | (714) 639-3550 | WEBSITE
The scent of smoked pork chops mingling with the warm glow of this fun old-world deli will really bring out your appetite. Mattern’s Sausage & Deli is a blast. You’ll hum along to the German tunes and browse the shelves like it’s a European market. But the real fun happens at the table, where you can share ingenious German cold cut sandwiches and piles of Black Forest ham while discreetly admiring the Gasthaus-style décor. Careful with the smoked pork chop sandwich and the variety of cheeses.
They’re loaded with authentic flavor and might make you a little nostalgic.