People want to hang out with you in Tustin. Maybe it’s your charming personality. Or maybe it’s your decent personality combined with the fact that you always know where to get great food. Either way, here’s where to go when you need to impress friends or plan a group meal. These spots have space, they’re accessible, and the food is good enough that you can keep being you and still have company.
Super Antojitos
$ | (714) 832-2252 | WEBSITE
This is another Mexican spot that’s less about the food and more about having a good time with your family. And like that grandma from childhood who had the kitchen everyone would gather in, Super Antojitos is here for you. The space is complete with colorful walls, lively music that can fit more energy than seems possible, and another dining area that has about a million authentic touches. The food is actually pretty amazing, too.
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House
$$ | (714) 316-7712 | WEBSITE
Mama Lu’s Dumpling House isn’t hard to find or break the bank – a meal at this spacious Chinese spot is a lot like sinking into a plush booth after a long day of errands. Come here with friends and grab a table (we’ve always found plenty of seating), order some tea (they also have large pots for groups), and catch up over some comforting food. It’s full of fantastic dumpling options, like juicy pork dumplings, wontons, and Shanghai noodles.
The sides are outstanding too – including must-order sautéed string beans with sausage that’s crisp and savory, and Shanghai rice cakes that are a perfect complement to the rich flavors. A table full of all of the above will guarantee that everyone leaves more satisfied than when they walked in.
India Kitchen Tustin, CA
$ | (714) 505-0300 | WEBSITE
You’ll find this popular Indian spot in Tustin, a very accessible location with ample parking just off the main thoroughfare. Inspired by traditional Indian cooking, each dish at India Kitchen is prepared fresh where the kitchen (or you, if you like throwing caution to the wind and/or are a takeout enthusiast) delivers your meal.
Most of it is made in-house (you can catch glimpses of the impressive selection displayed in the buffet while you wait for your table), with everything from dosa and chicken curry, to goat curry and spinach paneer. It’s ordered by the plate, and everything comes with some rice and naan sides and dessert. It’s a fun group dinner if everyone at the table digs the idea of having delicious, flavorful options for the night.
OOTORO BAR
$$$ | (657) 720-1365 | WEBSITE
Going out for sushi with a date is ideal – after all, it’s almost impossible to enjoy the full experience you want to otherwise. And OOTORO BAR in Tustin has you covered for all your date night sushi needs. It’s classy, with a dark modern atmosphere, and it’s praised as one of the best in Irvine. Which is helpful to know about in case you’re looking for fresh fish and a delightful dining experience, and you need a spot that gets the details right.
Wahoo’s Fish Taco
$ | (714) 544-1154 | WEBSITE
Large outdoor patios seem to be the universal signal for a casual, relaxed meal. And there’s a very nice one at Wahoo’s Fish Taco. This place has a solid menu of beach-inspired food like ceviche plates, salmon bowls, and grilled shrimp tacos – and if you prefer the indoor atmosphere, just head inside. It’s pleasant and easy to have conversations there, too, along with the restaurant being kept extremely clean.
So this is a particularly good choice if you or your friends are looking for a satisfying and reasonably priced dining experience.
Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant
$$ | (714) 486-2116 | WEBSITE
Tustin is packed. It’s full of families looking for weekend dinners, office workers grabbing lunch, and food lovers who just decided to drive over for some authentic South Indian cuisine. Fortunately, this popularity doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck waiting. But only if you know about Anjappar. Yes, it will be bustling and lively, but you won’t have to linger long (if at all) thanks to the ample seating and efficient service.
Plus, the expansive Chettinad menu is full of reliably delicious dishes that are very easy to share.
Phở Hùng Vương Restaurant
$ | (714) 731-1933 | WEBSITE
Phở Hùng Vương in Tustin is often busy, but you shouldn’t hesitate to just walk in and grab a seat – you’ll typically find a table without much wait. Likewise, don’t let the fact that the spicy beef pho isn’t the first thing listed keep you from ordering it. It’s the standout here, and it’s always ready, even if you didn’t plan ahead. It comes with a mix of meats and different style noodles, offering a surprise each time.
While some other dishes can be inconsistent, it’s worth visiting just for that pho.
Rye Goods
$ | (949) 323-3550 | WEBSITE
This is a bakery with rye sourdough – but hear us out. Not only are you desperate to find someplace (anyplace) that can seat your whole family comfortably, but the pastries at Rye Goods are objectively wonderful – whether you’re a bread enthusiast or not. You’ll find tasty things like fresh bagels with creative toppings or that unique rye sourdough with its distinctive tangy flavor.
The large space is relaxing, filled with natural light, and is bright enough that you won’t worry if the kids are getting enough room to play. And the coffee menu has thoughtful pairings with the pastries, and you’ll see plenty of families laughing and having a great time. Don’t you want to be like them?
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (714) 258-7657 | WEBSITE
That iconic Big Lebowski portrait is smiling down again, this time at a Tustin burger joint. And since Red Robin is popular and always buzzing, you’ll want a solid plan to enjoy it. Put someone in charge of snagging a booth near the bar, and make sure they claim it before the happy hour crowd arrives. Meanwhile, everyone else can grab a cold brew from the friendly bar staff, especially Steven and Becka who keep things moving.
If you’re feeling particularly efficient, a few of you can even start browsing the menu for those delicious burgers and cheese sticks. Basically, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish when working together for the common goal of a cozy, satisfying meal.
El Rincon De Guanajuato
$ | (714) 486-3692 | WEBSITE
This Tustin Mexican spot serves up seriously fresh food, from perfectly seasoned beans to warm handmade tortillas that taste like they just came off the comal. Not only is the food genuinely delicious, but this place works for different occasions. The service is consistently friendly and the relaxed, Mexican-style dining room has a comfortable vibe for casual meals. Oh, and the prices are reasonable—most dishes hover around $12-18.
So unless you just don’t enjoy authentic flavors, there are very few reasons not to give El Rincon a try, though be aware the atmosphere can feel a bit subdued at times.
CENTRO
$ | (714) 258-8817 | WEBSITE
This cozy Italian pizzeria has a small dining room with family-style tables and a few two-seaters. In fact, there’s a good chance you can come here with a small group and feel right at home, even for lunch. Get an order of the Margherita pizza with pesto and arugula (order extra dough – it’s excellent), along with a fresh salad and their Affogato. After you’re done, feel free to step out to the patio to see if you can spot some neighborhood dogs – the place is pet-friendly.
Then circle back and head inside to Centro’s intimate dining room for a warm change of atmosphere.
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
$ | (657) 218-4849 | WEBSITE
Recommending a coffee shop to your friends might feel a little basic. But Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii always has plenty of seating. The bright island-inspired space has indoor tables, outdoor patio spots, and a wide selection of merchandise to browse. Plus, there’s a bunch of fantastic drinks – like the Turtle Kick, an incredible blended drink with dark chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut. Or the delicious latte flavors, including sugar-free options that will satisfy any preference.
There’s also the blueberry scone, which has melt-in-your-mouth pastry goodness that will make your friends grateful you suggested this vibrant, aromatic spot for coffee.
Koki’s Teppanyaki Grille
$$ | (714) 505-6738 | WEBSITE
For families looking for an entertaining meal out, head to this teppanyaki spot in Tustin. Koki’s Teppanyaki Grille has a fun menu of crowd-pleasing options, like the dinner for two which includes scallops, shrimp, New York steak, and chicken. One of our favorite parts of the experience is watching the cooks, like Chris with his stuffed Ratatouille character in his hat, show off their skills right at the table.
Everything is cooked fresh on the sizzling grill right in front of you, with generous portions that leave everyone full and satisfied. And even though it’s a popular place with a cool, welcoming vibe, the attentive staff like Alex and Becca make sure your visit is smooth and enjoyable.