Tangata Restaurant

Name: Tangata Restaurant
Address: 2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA, United States, 92706
Telephone: (714) 550-0906
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3

1286 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

8 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time today

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

Experience a culinary juxtaposition of Pacific Rim and California cuisine. Set aside the celebrated Bower Museum in Santa Ana, Tangata Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon. Deemed the "hidden gem of sophisticated California Cuisine" by the OC Examiner and winner of the OpenTable "Diner's Choice" and "Great for Lunch" Awards, Tangata is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Hours of Operation
Tue–Fri 11:00–14:00 Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Location
2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Area
Santa Ana
Cross Street
Main and 20th
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

BREAD BASKETUS$5.00
Assorted bread | whipped butter
EDAMAME HUMMUSUS$12.00
Nori | toasted sesame seeds | wonton chips
SHISHITO PEPPERSUS$14.00
Ponzu | yuzu aioli | toasted pepitas
CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTSUS$14.00
Sweet chili | garlic crunch
AVOCADO TOASTUS$16.00
Alfalfa sprouts | tomato | smashed avocado | pickled onions | whole grain bread
MARKET SOUPUS$10.00
Chef's daily Selection
AHI POKEUS$18.00
Crispy rice | wakame | cucumber | black sesame seeds | yuzu ponzu

Salads

Add grilled chicken 7, salmon or shrimp 9 to any salad

MANCHEGOUS$19.00
wild arugula | apple | walnut | manchego cheese | dates | walnut vinaigrette
WEDGEUS$18.00
Iceberg lettuce | candied bacon | cherry tomato | red onion | blue cheese | hard boiled egg | balsamic glaze
TUSCAN KALEUS$19.00
Julienne kale | beets | butternut squash | goat cheese | toasted pepitas | pomegranate vinaigrette
MISO GLAZED SALMONUS$24.00
Soba noodles | sugar snap peas | cabbage | carrots | cucumbers | green onion | wakame | ginger soy dressing

Sandwiches

Served with choice of fries or side salad

TUNA MELTUS$19.00
albacore tuna | sharp cheddar | tomato | served on marble rye
THE BURGERUS$24.00
Angus patty | sharp cheddar cheese | bacon | lettuce | whole grilled onion | tomato | secret sauce | brioche bun
OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICHUS$22.00
Roasted turkey breast | crushed avocado | tomato | red onion | candied bacon | romaine lettuce | tarragon aioli | sourdough bread
RUEBANUS$22.00
Pastrami | swiss cheese | sauerkraut | secret sauce | rye bread
CHICKEN KATSUUS$22.00
Panko crusted chicken breast | yuzu slaw | sesame aioli | brioche bread
VEGGIE WRAPUS$19.00
Edamame hummus | cucumber | tomato | red onion | alfalfa sprouts | spinach tortilla

Kids

Served with choice of fries, fruit or side salad

CHICKEN TENDERSUS$14.00
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHUS$14.00
CHEESEBURGERUS$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉEUS$12.00
Fresh berries
CHOCOLATE MOUSSEUS$12.00
Caramel Sauce
SORBET SCOOPUS$5.00
Chef's daily selection

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITAUS$16.00
tequila | agave | pineapple juice | lime juice
HOKUSAIUS$16.00
gin lemon juice | lychee syrup | lychee fruit
MAPLE BOURBON SMASHUS$16.00
bourbon | lemon juice | maple simple syrup
ASIAN PEAR MULEUS$16.00
pear vodka | lime juice | ginger beer | asian pear fruit
SANGRIAUS$16.00
rosé | brandy | triple sec | orange juice | fruit |

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France
Glass $14, Bottle $55
La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)
Glass $14
Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne
Bottle $60

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France
Bottle $65
Chardonnay, EOS, California
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France
Glass $12, Bottle $46

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma
Bottle $50
Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France
Bottle $65

Beer

Modelo EspecialUS$8.00
Coors LightUS$8.00
Peroni PilsnerUS$8.00
Lagunitas IPAUS$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural SpringUS$7.00
S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural MineralUS$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced TeaUS$5.00
LemonadeUS$5.00
CokeUS$5.00
Diet CokeUS$5.00
SpriteUS$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

$6 each

Earl Grey
yunnan black, floral, citrus
English Breakfast
robust, smooth, malty
Citron Green
nutty, toasty, buttery
Peppermint
cooling, minty, refreshing
Chamomile
herbal, floral, silky

Coffee by Lavazza

EspressoUS$5.50
MacchiatoUS$6.00
LatteUS$6.00
CappuccinoUS$6.00
Italian Roast CoffeeUS$5.00

What 1,286 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.2Ambience
1.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tangata Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with "excellent" service and fresh, delicious food. Located at the Bowers Museum, it provides a charming ambiance. While the menu is limited, the attentive staff and well-prepared dishes make it a great choice for group events and those seeking quality meals.

1,286 Reviews

TT
TinaT
VIP
San Francisco
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on 31 March 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
We went for Easter. The menu was odd for an Easter brunch. I got the breakfast burrito and it was bland and mushy. One member of our party got a burger and the bun was charred. We paid for a bread basket and we were a table of 5 and they brought 4 tasteless dry buns. The restaurant was empty and it took a very long time to get food. Will never return.
Is this helpful?
k
kuietfoodie
Los Angeles
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 13 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, very responsive. I even received a discount on my lunch for being a member of the Museum.
Is this helpful?
JP
JulianP
VIP
Los Angeles
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 9 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Limited menu, but quality and preparation of food was excellent!
Is this helpful?
P
Powayfoodie
San Diego
60 reviews
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on 2 March 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ordered quiche & burrito for breakfast, both of us really enjoyed the food. Quiche has a nice thin crust.
Is this helpful?
A
Anna
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service and food. It was Valentine's and despite the crowds, service was personal and attentive. The tuna rye sandwich and quiche were fresh and delicious as was the creme brulee dessert. Setting and ambience were great for conversation. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Orange County
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 11 February 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tangata is a fabulous lunch experience in Santa Ana. We went for the Valentine’s brunch on Sunday. We have been there many times and are never disappointed. Server was fantastic and food was delicious, as usual. A hidden gem at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.
Is this helpful?
h
hungrynomad
Orange County
72 reviews
4.0
72 reviews
Dined on 7 January 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The menu is quite limited and unexciting. Years ago before new management, the menu was creative and enticing with unusual offerings, all of which were delicious. This was our first visit since the pandemic. We found the food overpriced for what was offered. Service was very prompt and courteous, which did make for a pleasant dining experience. If this restaurant were not so conveniently located within the museum, we probably would dine elsewhere.
Is this helpful?
M
Momograce
Orange County
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on 6 January 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Our server, Nikki, was excellent but it took 45 minutes to get our food: soup and 1/2 sandwich, wedge salad. This is unacceptable. One couple who had paid to hear a lecture at 1:30 had to wolf down their food when it arrived at 1:30 so went to lecture late.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
VIP
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 5 January 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service at this wonderful and restaurant at Bower’s Museum! Their food is so fresh and delicious and carefully prepared. They have comfortable indoor seating and lovely outdoor seating overlooking the courtyard. I’ve gone to Bower’s sometimes just to eat at the restaurant, but I’m always drawn in by the excellent exhibits at Bowers also!
Is this helpful?
JH
JaniceH
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 4 January 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was the end of two major exhibitions at the Bower Museum. The restaurant was packed. We had a reservation and even though the traffic made us thirty minutes late, our reservation was honored with no problem. The restaurant was packed and we sat within minutes. Our server was gracious and gave great service. The food was amazing and would be reason enough for this long drive. Not one complaint! I wish that there was a Tangata Restaurant located in West Los Angeles. An amazing restaurant! Thank you.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tangata Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 1286 OpenTable diners.

Tangata Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

8 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 1 time today

2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Additional information

Cross Street
Main and 20th
Area
Santa Ana
Hours of Operation
Tue–Fri 11:00–14:00 Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Payment Options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Tangata Restaurant

Make a booking

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

To Start

BREAD BASKETUS$5.00

EDAMAME HUMMUSUS$12.00

SHISHITO PEPPERSUS$14.00

CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTSUS$14.00

AVOCADO TOASTUS$16.00

MARKET SOUPUS$10.00

AHI POKEUS$18.00

Salads

MANCHEGOUS$19.00

WEDGEUS$18.00

TUSCAN KALEUS$19.00

MISO GLAZED SALMONUS$24.00

Sandwiches

TUNA MELTUS$19.00

THE BURGERUS$24.00

OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICHUS$22.00

RUEBANUS$22.00

CHICKEN KATSUUS$22.00

VEGGIE WRAPUS$19.00

Kids

CHICKEN TENDERSUS$14.00

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHUS$14.00

CHEESEBURGERUS$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉEUS$12.00

CHOCOLATE MOUSSEUS$12.00

SORBET SCOOPUS$5.00

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITAUS$16.00

HOKUSAIUS$16.00

MAPLE BOURBON SMASHUS$16.00

ASIAN PEAR MULEUS$16.00

SANGRIAUS$16.00

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France

La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)

Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough

Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France

Chardonnay, EOS, California

Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California

Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma

Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France

Beer

Modelo EspecialUS$8.00

Coors LightUS$8.00

Peroni PilsnerUS$8.00

Lagunitas IPAUS$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural SpringUS$7.00

S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural MineralUS$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced TeaUS$5.00

LemonadeUS$5.00

CokeUS$5.00

Diet CokeUS$5.00

SpriteUS$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

Earl Grey

English Breakfast

Citron Green

Peppermint

Chamomile

Coffee by Lavazza

EspressoUS$5.50