The 10 Best Restaurants in Santa Ana
By Grace Armstrong | Updated 3 Days Ago
Santa Ana, located in the heart of Southern California, is known for its vibrant and diverse dining scene. Whether you’re a food enthusiast chasing new flavors or a visitor looking to sample local dishes, Santa Ana has a rich array of culinary offerings.
Here are ten standout restaurants in the city, each providing unique and unforgettable dining experiences that are bound to delight your taste buds and enhance your visit.
Chapter One: The Modern Local
Chapter One: The Modern Local stands out in Santa Ana’s dining scene, offering a stylish atmosphere and a commitment to quality, locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant comes alive at night with live music and special events like ‘Mule Monday,’ where guests can enjoy unique versions of the Moscow Mule alongside dishes such as ‘sticky icky’ pork belly buns.
More than just a restaurant, Chapter One embodies the spirit of Santa Ana. Each menu item, from the OC organic vegetable basket to the adventurous squid ink pasta, showcases the local produce and the chef’s inventive flair. Whether you’re stopping by for a late-night treat or sitting down for a full meal, Chapter One offers a taste of the city’s diverse culture through its delightful culinary creations.
Playground
Playground is a dynamic dining spot where the menu constantly evolves, presenting dishes that are as creative as they are delicious. In this restaurant, traditional culinary rules are bent and reimagined, making each visit a fresh experience. Favorites like Uncle Lou’s fried chicken and the tender, maple-glazed pork chop are crafted not just to satisfy hunger but to bring diners together in a shared, joyful experience.
For those eager to explore unique flavor combinations, Playground is a must-visit in Santa Ana. The chefs here are adept at blending unexpected flavors with well-known ingredients, resulting in meals that are both visually appealing and gastronomically exciting. Known for its commitment to culinary creativity, Playground offers a dining adventure that’s both innovative and enjoyable.
Mil Jugos
Mil Jugos brings the vibrant flavors of Venezuela to downtown Santa Ana, offering an authentic taste of Venezuelan cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and traditional cooking, this casual and welcoming eatery is ideal for both quick lunches and relaxed meals. The highlight is the cachapas, sweet corn pancakes with various fillings that epitomize the rich flavors of Venezuelan street food.
Every dish at Mil Jugos celebrates Venezuelan life and culture. The menu features a variety of gluten-free options, including arepas and empanadas, catering to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Dining here is more than just eating; it’s an immersive experience that connects diners to Venezuelan traditions with every bite.
Ritter’s Steam Kettle Cooking
Ritter’s Steam Kettle Cooking brings a unique cooking style to Santa Ana with its steam kettle technique, where meals are cooked using steam. This method enhances flavors in dishes like Cioppino and Bouillabaisse, creating a rich taste experience. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for enjoying innovative comfort food.
Each visit to Ritter’s feels like a trip to Louisiana, with its menu dominated by Southern classics like Gumbo and Jambalaya, bursting with spices and robust ingredients. Don’t miss their beignets for dessert — warm, sugary, and perfect for finishing off a flavorful meal.
Lola Gaspar
Lola Gaspar, nestled in Santa Ana’s lively arts district, is a cozy restaurant known for its eclectic menu that mirrors the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. The restaurant specializes in small plates, offering bold flavors in dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and crispy chicken relleno, designed to foster sharing and lively conversation. Its intimate ambiance and creative cocktails make it the perfect spot for a romantic date or a fun evening with friends.
The chefs at Lola Gaspar draw on global influences to create a diverse menu that spans from Spain to South America. Highlighting their skill, the braised lamb shoulder tacos blend rich spices, showcasing flavors reminiscent of Mexico. Whether you choose to dine inside or on the charming patio, Lola Gaspar delivers a flavorful adventure that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Santa Ana.
Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu in Santa Ana offers a unique, interactive dining experience where guests cook their own thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables in a simmering broth at their table. This hands-on approach allows diners to customize each bite with a variety of sauces and seasonings, enhancing the flavors to their taste.
This restaurant is a favorite among both newcomers and aficionados of Japanese hot pot, thanks to its high-quality ingredients and attentive service. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner for two or a lively meal with friends, Shabu Shabu provides an engaging and delicious culinary experience, making it a top dining choice in Santa Ana.
Alebrije
Alebrije’s colorful food truck brings a taste of Mexico to the streets of Santa Ana. It is renowned for its ‘acorazado’ taco, which features a hearty portion of battered and fried beef topped with tomato, avocado, jalapeño, and cotija cheese. Each bite showcases the rich, traditional flavors that Alebrije is known for.
But Alebrije is more than just food; it’s a vibrant part of the community. Its presence at local events and street corners adds a festive touch to the atmosphere. This beloved food truck has become a symbol of Santa Ana’s diverse culture and its commitment to authentic, street-style Mexican cuisine.
Trieu Chau
Trieu Chau is a haven for noodle enthusiasts, where the modest exterior opens up to a lively space filled with flavors from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Famous for its flavorful noodle soups, the restaurant carefully prepares each bowl with a rich broth, quality meats, and fresh vegetables, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.
Despite its simple decor, Trieu Chau captivates diners with the intricate flavors of its dishes, attracting a varied clientele eager for a sample of its celebrated soups. This spot is a must-visit in Santa Ana for anyone looking to dive deep into authentic Asian cuisine, offering a truly immersive gastronomic experience.
The Hobbit
The Hobbit offers a unique dining experience in a charming 1930s farmhouse in Santa Ana, delivering culinary elegance with its exclusive single-seating policy each evening. This setup ensures an intimate setting where diners can enjoy contemporary French cuisine crafted to make each course feel like a special event, unfolding like a story throughout the evening.
Eating at The Hobbit feels like being part of a meticulously orchestrated culinary show, where the ambiance, exceptional service, and beautifully presented dishes come together to create a memorable dining experience. It’s the perfect place for celebrating special occasions, offering a luxurious atmosphere that’s ideal for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated night out.
Perla Mexican Cuisine
Perla Mexican Cuisine is a celebration of authentic Mexican flavors in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana. Family-run, the restaurant infuses traditional dishes with personal touches from long-standing family recipes. With offerings like smoky house-made chorizo and rich, complex mole, each plate tells a story of heritage and passion, ensuring a vibrant and festive dining experience that mirrors the cultural tapestry of the city.
The ambiance at Perla combines rustic charm with contemporary flair, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Santa Ana. Emphasizing freshness and locality, the ingredients enhance the authenticity of the culinary experience. Seasonal specials keep the menu exciting, inviting diners to discover new flavors with each visit. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a meal at Perla is like a warm family gathering in Mexico.
These ten restaurants encapsulate the best of Santa Ana’s dining scene, each offering a unique glimpse into the flavors that define this dynamic city. From casual eateries to upscale dining, Santa Ana invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure that promises to be as enriching as it is delicious.