Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Ana

76 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Water Grill - South Coast Plaza restaurant

1. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

4.8

Exceptional(8300)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Costa Mesa

Booked 188 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. Book your next meal, event or private room with us!

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa restaurant

2. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(8251)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa

Booked 156 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(2787)

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 Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa restaurant

4. Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(9117)

Price: Expensive

• American • Costa Mesa

Booked 119 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 The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa restaurant

5. The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4990)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa

Booked 89 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 King's Fish House - Orange restaurant

6. King's Fish House - Orange

4.7

Exceptional(4102)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Orange

Booked 64 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 Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant

7. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4.7

Exceptional(725)

Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 49 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.

A photo of Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar restaurant

8. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1096)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Orange

Booked 26 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.

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

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

4.4

Awesome(2651)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Tustin

Booked 17 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.

10. The Hobbit

4.7

Exceptional(1423)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French • Orange

Booked 12 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.

‘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

M
Mirabelle
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined today
We love the Chilean sea bass and the Kona lamb loin. Highly recommended!
More info
Seasons 52 - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• American• Costa Mesa
•
4.8
R
Rose
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food was delicious! The service was great- Autumn was amazing!
More info
The Capital Grille - Costa MesaPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Costa Mesa
•
4.8
K
KirkVIP
Orange County •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Habana is great. I have business lunches at Habana in Irvine and fun Saturday dinners at Habana in Costa Mesa. Both have great food, but Costa Mesa has a really great evening ambiance. Even if it's cold out. They heat the patio very effectively. The cocktails, including NA's, are excellent as well.
More info
Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
A
Alejandra
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We loved everything, very exquisite. We plan to make it a tradition to return for our engagement anniversary.
More info
Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
B
BrianVIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
The best service I have had in a long time in any restaurant. From the hostess switching out the white napkins to black ones because we were wearing black. My date didn’t even notice until I pointed it out to her. Service was great throughout the night. The food was delicious as well. What more could we ask for?
More info
Water Grill - South Coast PlazaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Costa Mesa
•
4.8

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Santa Ana

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76 restaurants available nearby

1. Water Grill - South Coast Plaza

2. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

3. Habana - Costa Mesa

4. Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa

5. The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa

6. King's Fish House - Orange

7. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

8. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

9. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- Tustin

10. The Hobbit

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