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Best Authentic Restaurants in Fountain Valley

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86 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
1. Habana - Costa Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(2785)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 95 times today
Habana in Costa Mesa offers an authentic Cuban experience. Reviewers rave about the 'authentic Cuban' food and the 'Cuban vibes' all around. One reviewer even compared the food to that found in Miami, Florida, implying that it's authentic. Another mentioned the 'true to Cuban culture' dishes. So, if you're looking for a taste of Cuba in Southern California, Habana is a recommended spot!
A photo of LSXO restaurant
2. LSXO
4.8
Exceptional(1413)
Price: Moderate
• Southeast Asian • Huntington Beach
Booked 30 times today
Behind an unmarked door adjacent to the wine room, guests are transported to District 1 (China Town) in Saigon via Blackhouse’s 28-seat restaurant-within-a-restaurant, LSXO. A spinoff of the Little Sister brand (Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach & Downtown Los Angeles), LSXO is love letter to the culture, heritage, and lineage of Vietnam (Vuong’s relatives hail from the region). While Little Sister is known for its French Vietnamese menu, LSXO follows the same Southeast Asian inspiration with a more refined feel. “There is no signage for LSXO—you can spot the entrance of it tucked into a section inside Bluegold, but you’ll have to know it’s there. While Bluegold is light, bright, and airy, LSXO is its darker, edgier little sister,” says Vuong. “Both restaurants operate out of the same kitchen, though the menus are completely different. LSXO offers straight-up, honest, home-style Vietnamese cuisine—the type of food I grew up eating with my grandparents in the San Gabriel Valley
A photo of Momoyama restaurant
3. Momoyama
4.6
Exceptional(16)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Fountain Valley
Booked 3 times today
Welcome to Momoyama, a Michelin rated esteemed omakase restaurant nestled in the heart of Fountain Valley, California. Renowned for its exceptional culinary artistry and dedication to authentic Japanese cuisine. Our restaurant offers an intimate and refined dining experience that showcases the finest ingredients and the meticulous craft of our Executive Chef, who brings over 20 years of industry expertise to every dish. At Momoyama, we believe in the art of omakase, a traditional Japanese dining style where guests entrust the chef to create a bespoke meal that reflects the freshest seasonal ingredients and the chef's creative vision. Our omakase offerings are available for both lunch with options for a la carte and dinner, providing a unique culinary journey that is tailored to delight your senses.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Huntington Beach, CA | Ocean Plaza restaurant
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Huntington Beach, CA | Ocean Plaza
4.7
Exceptional(1152)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Huntington Beach
Booked 33 times today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa restaurant
5. Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(257)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Costa Mesa
Booked 23 times today
Izakaya Hachi is an authentic Japanese restaurant serving japanese tapas, yakitori, fresh oysters, shabu shabu, traditional sushi, and a variety of unique and exclusive sake from japan.We have a 15 minutes grace period. Please call us if you are running later then your reservation time. Seating availability are base on the business volume, all request are not guaranteed. If you prefer a table seat, please tell a representative or leave a comment about it. However, we may not be able to honor all requests. We look forward to serving you!$30 corkage fee per bottle up to 750ml and $60 for 750ml+Daily Operation From 5PM-11PM, Last Call at 10PM
A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant
6. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza
4.7
Exceptional(8053)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 157 times today
Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's South Coast Plaza and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Conveniently located five minutes from the John Wayne Airport, 15 minutes from the beach, and a short walk from premium shopping, our South Coast Plaza location has much to offer. Visit us at 3333 Bristol St. and book your reservation today!
A photo of Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa restaurant
7. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(177)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese (Yakiniku) • Costa Mesa
Booked 34 times today
Authentic Japanese Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant.Manpuku Community!We are now open for inside dinning ONLY.Please call at 714-708-3290 if you have any questions. Thank you!-Restaurant Policy-We hold reservations for 10 minutes. If your party has not arrived or called via phone within 10 minutes after your reservation time, the restaurant reserves the right to mark your reservation as a no-show or cancellation. Time limit of 1hour 45 min dinning must be required for all party. Please check in before your reservation time.
A photo of Descanso - Plancha Dining restaurant
8. Descanso - Plancha Dining
4.9
Exceptional(594)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Costa Mesa
Booked 22 times today
THIS PAGE IS FOR PLANCHA TABLES ONLY (Where Our Chefs Cook at Your Table). For reservations in our standard Dining Room/Patio, please search for DESCANSO STANDARD DINING on the Open Table Website or call at 714.486.3798PLANCHA Dining is available for Dinner Monday through Sunday and Saturday & Sunday Brunch.Descanso is a modern taqueria in that it celebrates authentic Mexican flavors executed on a traditional plancha grill and prepared in front of you at your table.Seating Types:PLANCHA Make a reservation at the Plancha Table for an intimate experience with your Taquero Chef. This is a multi-course meal option where each item is cooked in front of you!STANDARD DININGMake a reservation for our Standard dining room or patio on the Descanso Standard Dining Open Table Page.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
9. Il Girasole
new
4.8
Exceptional(26)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 20 times today
Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
10. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(444)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 10 times today
Known for using only natural, fresh ingredients, Il Dolce specializes in Italian cuisine. Along with a variety of pastas, salads, patrons can select from a number of pizza menu options. Inspired by authentic pies made in Naples, each pizza at Il Dolce is prepared in a wood-fire oven, giving it an authentic, smoky flavor.Family owned and operated, this award-winning restaurant provides a cozy, comfortable environment where pizza enthusiasts can watch their pies being prepared. Guests dining at Il Dolce can also enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. Dessert items along with a special gluten-free menu are also available.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Varick
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Good food, good drinks, and good times. Can’t ask for much more. This was a really cool experiance and got much more then expected with the privacy of a speak easy time feel. Would highly recommend for Birthday Dinners and such. A+
    More info
    LSXOPrice: Moderate• Southeast Asian• Huntington Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Rosi
    Las Vegas •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    nice play The restaurant is an inspiration in Cuban food and drinks. I really liked it and the service was excellent.
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Tina
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Jan 2025
    What a wonderful hidden gem! My husband and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary here yesterday, and I was so impressed that I returned today with my niece. The service was exceptional. Bao, our waiter, and the host were both attentive and warm, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The two chefs behind the counter demonstrated impressive skill and talent as they prepared each dish. As someone who has dined at several omakase restaurants in New York City and Japan, I can confidently say this place did not disappoint. The carpaccio and chawanmushi (egg custard) were some of my favorites. Must orders are the snow crab and soft-shelled crab hand rolls. Although I typically refrain from posting reviews to keep hidden gems like this one to myself, the genuine hospitality and outstanding experience made me change my mind and we will be returning!
    More info
    MomoyamaPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Fountain Valley
    •
    4.6
  • Charlene
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 26 Dec 2024
    First time visiting. Friendly staff. Tasty food. Udon was so yummy. Decor makes this place stand out.
    More info
    Izakaya Hachi Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • AlisonVIP
    Orange County •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    The ear drop soup which is are absolute favorite was very very bland tonight and it took a long time to get all our food everything took forever our soup came out after appetizers we ordered usually the soup comes out first I don't know what happened but the kitchen was very slow on everything and so was the server about refilling we had asked for everything.
    More info
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Huntington Beach, CA | Ocean PlazaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Huntington Beach
    •
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Fountain Valley

Discover the heart of authentic dining in North Orange County, specifically in Fountain Valley, where a collection of eateries offers a true taste of diverse cuisines. These restaurants in Fountain Valley are celebrated for their commitment to authenticity, providing patrons with genuine culinary experiences that reflect their unique heritage and cooking traditions. Each establishment in this vibrant dining scene focuses on delivering high-quality, original flavors, ensuring that every dish served is not only delightful but also true to its roots. The dining atmosphere in Fountain Valley is dynamic and welcoming, making it a prime destination for food lovers seeking an authentic meal. From expertly prepared dishes to the ambience that complements the culinary journey, these restaurants stand out for their ability to transport diners to different parts of the world right from their tables. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Fountain Valley's authentic dining offerings promises an enriching and satisfying experience.

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