Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Ana

78 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Water Grill - South Coast Plaza restaurant

1. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

4.8

Exceptional(8162)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Costa Mesa

Booked 159 times today

Water Grill South Coast Plaza is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located across from South Coast Plaza - just steps from the Segerstrom Center of the Arts - Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza also offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your business meetings and special events.

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa restaurant

2. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(8158)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa

Booked 163 times today

Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant

3. Habana - Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(2727)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Costa Mesa

Booked 72 times today

Habana is located inside The Lab in Costa Mesa. Habana features a beautiful and romantic patio and an intimate bar that will transport you to the heart of Cuba. Enjoy our Cuban-inspired menu and handcrafted fresh Mojitos.

A photo of King's Fish House - Orange restaurant

4. King's Fish House - Orange

4.7

Exceptional(4037)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Orange

Booked 86 times today

Established in 1998, King’s Fish House is Orange’s choice for seafood. Located at the Stadium Promenade and minutes away from Angels Stadium and the Honda Center, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.

A photo of The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa restaurant

5. The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa

4.9

Exceptional(4901)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa

Booked 90 times today

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

A photo of Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa restaurant

6. Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(8984)

Price: Expensive

• American • Costa Mesa

Booked 136 times today

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.

A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant

7. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4.6

Exceptional(698)

Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 64 times today

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

8. The Hobbit

4.6

Exceptional(1414)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French • Orange

Booked 15 times today

* Please use 7:00 for reservations, as we only have one seating per evening. The "New" Hobbit Restaurant is open!Owner Matt McKinney invites you to a fine dining experience in a remodeled 1930's farmhouse.Several different dining rooms, with their own personalities, enhance the natural feel of the restaurant. All three floors are available for dining, even our Wine Cellar! Our six course prix fixe menu is $150.00 per person, an 18% gratuity and tax will be added to your dinner tab.

A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin restaurant

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

4.5

Awesome(2621)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Tustin

Booked 20 times today

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin is a neighborhood gem. It's a go-to place for locals, known for its excellent service, great ambiance, and delicious food. Reviews rave about the quality ingredients used in well-prepared dishes, and the friendly, attentive staff. It's a place that never disappoints, and the lively, sophisticated atmosphere is perfect for any occasion.

A photo of Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar restaurant

10. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

4.7

Exceptional(1083)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Orange

Booked 16 times today

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar is a neighborhood gem with a warm, comfortable setting in historic Old Towne Orange. It's a favorite for its high quality, freshly prepared food, extensive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, and a creative and tasty menu. The ambiance is praised as pleasant and perfect for date night or happy hour with friends. Reviews mention the excellent service, delicious options, and irresistible dishes like the cornbread and half chicken. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar is a great spot for a delightful experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jackie
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had the BEST experience at Water Grill! The service was incredible (& super helpful with reco’s… also noted that we were there for a Bday and made it very special). The food was perfect, so delicious. The ambience was everything I could have wished for. We will be back!
More info
Water Grill - South Coast PlazaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Costa Mesa
•
4.8
M
Melody
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Capital Grille never disappoints! It’s our favorite steak restaurant. The food is unparalleled, ambience is lovely, and the staff wonderful!! Thank you!
More info
The Capital Grille - Costa MesaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Costa Mesa
•
4.9
K
Kelly
Memphis / West Tennessee •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent! Perfect experience while traveling from the South wanting west coast seafood.
More info
King's Fish House - OrangePrice: Moderate• Seafood• Orange
•
4.7
M
Merida
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
It was our first time there celebrating our wedding anniversary. Customer service was excellent. And our food was not disappointing. We will be back.
More info
Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
A
Ashleyvip
Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Really nice vibe for an anniversary date night. I got the salmon which was fabulous and my boyfriend got the highly recommended El Churrasco. He was not impressed with the churrasco quite expensive for what it was. We also got the chicken empanadas as an appetizer and it was his favorite part of the meal. Overall the vibes were nice and staff was kind.
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Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
•
4.7

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Ana

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78 restaurants available nearby

1. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

2. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

3. Habana - Costa Mesa

4. King's Fish House - Orange

5. The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa

6. Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa

7. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

8. The Hobbit

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

10. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

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