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Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Ana

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93 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perla Mexican Cuisine restaurant
1. Perla Mexican Cuisine
3.7
Very Good(230)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Ana
Booked 4 times today
Located in the energetic, historic street of the Downtown Santa Ana on the corner of W Fourth St & N Birch St, Perla is a new authentic, family owned restaurant. Perla is truly an authentic representation of the culinary diversity of Mexico. The main focus is to introduce the traditional Mexican flavors enhanced with a personal touch of long family recipes and traditions.
A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
2. Habana - Costa Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(2826)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 67 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 Francoli Gourmet restaurant
3. Francoli Gourmet
4.6
Exceptional(536)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Orange
Booked 25 times today
WALK-INS ARE WELCOME FOR PARTIES UNDER 6 GUESTSIf you can't find availability for your desired time and date please call us 714-288-1077AVAILABLE TAKE OUT FOOD + WINE(Delivery available through third party services i.e. Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub).Extensive Italian wine selection available for take out.Francoligourmet.com for available menu. Experience authentic Northern Italian Cuisine in the heart of sunny Southern California at Francoli Gourmet. This classic eatery features classic flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Francoli Gourmet features an onsite specialty store, carrying wines from all 20 regions of Italy as well as liquors. Francoli Gourmet's menu is a gourmet tour of Northern Italy, rich in regional specialties and popular favorites. We provide also a retail section with Italian Imports such as liqueurs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, specialty pasta, plus so much more.
A photo of Jardin Autentica Cocina restaurant
4. Jardin Autentica Cocina
4.8
Exceptional(533)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Orange
Booked 19 times today
Jardin Autentica Cocina is a real treat for those craving authentic Mexican cuisine. Reviewers rave about the authenticity of the food, with one even comparing it to their grandma's cooking. The ambiance and service are also frequently praised. One reviewer even felt like they were in Mexico!
A photo of Anepalco Restaurant restaurant
5. Anepalco Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(641)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Orange
Booked 5 times today
Anepalco is a modern Mexican restaurant located next to ALO Hotel in Orange, California. Our restaurant combines traditional Mexican ingredients with a modern twist. We focus on bringing flavors from all regions of Mexico to your palate. Come and try our famous chilaquiles, organic handmade tortillas, Huitlacoche Octopus tacos or al pastor tacos for lunch. Visit us for dinner where the menu gets sophisticated with a Agua Chile Negro, Chichilo Mole, Short Ribs Barbacoa with chochoyotes or Pork Belly Tacos. Treat yourself with a dessert like corn cake with nopal ice cream or an amazing Horchata Strawberry Cheesecake. Anepalco have a great variety of Mexican wines from Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, and specialize in tequila and mezcal craft cocktails. Come and join us for a great dining experience by Chef Daniel Godinez.
A photo of Nova Kitchen & Bar restaurant
6. Nova Kitchen & Bar
4.2
Awesome(895)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Garden Grove / Westminster
Booked 31 times today
NOVA Kitchen & Bar is an experiential dining destination, exploring the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—to engage and tantalize the five senses of taste, smell, sight, touch and sound. The result? An ethereal and magical experience. Inspired by the transient astronomical event of a moving star, Nova empowers guests to experience the five dimensions of life on earth like they never have before.We have a strict 10 minute grace period for reservations. At least half of your party must be present to be seated. Parties who are running late should call the restaurant prior to your reservation time to ensure your reservation doesn't get canceled. There are no same day reservations on Friday and Saturdays. Walk-ins are always welcome.
A photo of Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa restaurant
7. Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa
4.5
Awesome(265)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Costa Mesa
Booked 13 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 Top of The V restaurant
8. Top of The V
4.3
Awesome(963)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Anaheim
Booked 21 times today
Top of The V, 12th floor rooftop setting provides spectacular views where guests can enjoy SoCal’s year-round beautiful weather as well as features an exhibition kitchen, private dining room, pool and a stunning outdoor dining terrace with fire pits. We embrace culinary influences throughout Spain and love to introduce guests to new techniques and flavors. To accompany the menu is a Spanish-influenced beverage program and modern classics, resulting in an effortlessly cool craft cocktail bar. Our bar’s feature 20 taps that pour local craft beers from across California, and the wine list features bottles from Spain, California, Oregon and the Old World.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
9. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4045)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 42 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Tustin, CA | Newport Ave restaurant
10. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Tustin, CA | Newport Ave
4.6
Exceptional(670)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Tustin
Booked 26 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!
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Scot
    Orange County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The Paella was excellent. The mojitos delicious and the fried plantains wonderful. The service was 9/10 (brought the food a little too quick). And the space has a great atmosphere. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • paul
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food, good atmosphere and friendly and attentive staff
    More info
    Anepalco RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Orange
    •
    4.6
  • JoeVIP
    Los Angeles •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    As usual, the food and experience at Francoli's is outstanding. The pricing has remained constant and the large selection of Italian and USA wines is impressive. The restaurant understands hospitality and does all it can to make your stay memorable.
    More info
    Francoli GourmetPrice: Expensive• Italian• Orange
    •
    4.6
  • zulema
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Overall, I had a wonderful time at Jardin Autentica Cocina. My friends and I went for brunch and the food for this time frame was delicious, especially the chorizo con papas empanadas and the tres leches toast. The choriza con papas melted beautifully once you had a taste and the tres leches was a perfect balance of sweet and savory. My friends and I agreed to come back for more of their brunch options. I will say though that for our experience, the lighting of the restaurant was dim/low so if you are hoping to take pictures might want to turn on your flash. Also, this restaurant has valet parking and tips are encouraged.
    More info
    Jardin Autentica CocinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Orange
    •
    4.8
  • Steven
    Los Angeles •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Feb 2025
    We always receive great service to complement the amazing food. Love the atmosphere, the mariachi team was a bonus!
    More info
    Perla Mexican CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Ana
    •
    3.7

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