Mediterranean restaurant offers a cozy, calm atmosphere with classical chamber music softly playing, creating a quiet, pleasant dining room. The space includes a great little patio and features clean, cute decor. The vibe suits relaxed lunches or dinners with a peaceful energy.
Lentil soup appears frequently and is a staple option. Pumpkin soup offers a wonderful, rich flavor. Soups here complement Mediterranean dishes like Lamb Shawarma and Tabouli.
Mediterranean food stands out for its amazing flavor and high quality. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the type of dishes served.
"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the falafel."
"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."
"I found the lentil soup to be delicious and fresh."
Good to know
The restaurant offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Prices are reasonable for a full-service restaurant in the area.
The menu features many options beyond typical Mediterranean fare.
Small, intimate restaurant with wood interiors and dim lighting creates a cozy, family-like atmosphere. Seating is limited to about 7 indoor tables and a few outdoor ones, making the space feel very personal and exclusive. Chef interaction adds a warm, dedicated vibe uncommon in similar places.
Mushroom spinach soup stands out with its rich flavor and glorious taste. Portions come small but pack a punch.
Exceptional Swiss food offers delicate and tasty plates with unmatched regional quality. The dining experience feels unique and cozy, complemented by well-paired wines and attentive service.
Good to know
Reservations are required due to limited seating with only 8 tables available.
Parking can be challenging on Balboa Island, so plan accordingly.
The menu is small, offering a few carefully selected appetizers and entrees.
Mediterranean restaurant offers modern warm decor with a spacious heated patio and live guitar music outside. Atmosphere feels upscale and friendly, with options for bar, patio, or dining room seating. Plenty of parking and easy accessibility support a relaxed dining experience.
Thick lentil soup offers a bold flavor and a golden color. It pairs well with happy hour items like kabobs and sliders.
Food features exceptional flavors and consistently excellent quality. Dishes deliver a fantastic taste experience.
Good to know
There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.
The restaurant is easy to access for handicapped persons.
Zov's offers great vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Unassuming space with air conditioning offers a noisy, rushed atmosphere. Local casual favorite known for authentic Thai food with medium spice levels that balance heat and flavor. Popular for brisk takeout and delivery near the beach.
Tom Kha Gai soup stands out with its perfect spice balance and fresh mushrooms. The tofu in the soup has a perfect texture and it arrives on a burner to keep it hot throughout the meal.
Food here offers authentic Thai flavors with great quality and generous portions. Dishes come out quickly, perfect for sharing family style, and the prices are reasonable.
Good to know
Expect high spice levels when ordering; be cautious if you're sensitive to heat.
The average meal costs around $22 plus tax, making it affordable for Thai food.
Ample parking is available, which is rare in the area.
Indian and Nepalese restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a homey vibe and quiet, open space suitable for relaxed conversation. The decor is simple but clean, complemented by catchy Himalayan music that enhances the experience.
Complimentary soup arrives with meals, often a lentil soup that is flavorful. Lunch specials include soup alongside rice and naan for a set price.
Indian cuisine here features well-balanced spices that avoid overpowering powdery flavors. The chicken thali offers a moderate spice level option, and the food consistently tastes fresh and flavorful.
Good to know
Free parking is available in the lot, which is a plus.
Lunch specials offer great value with reasonable prices.
Expect large portion sizes that provide good value for money.
Small, cozy Chinese restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a flower-filled, dimly lit ambiance. The atmosphere feels elegant yet casual, with excellent music enhancing the experience. It draws a steady crowd, offering fresh, carefully made dishes that rival well-known competitors.
Soups here stand out for their light and savory wonton soup and incredible pork soup dumplings. The hot and sour soup offers a rich, satisfying flavor that complements the spicy pork wontons well.
Freshness stands out with high quality ingredients served warm. The menu stays simple but delivers delicious dishes complemented by pictures in the menu for easy selection.
Good to know
Sunday Dim Sum features servers rolling carts of dumplings and small plates.
Takeout typically takes about 15 minutes.
Parking is ample in the Chase Bank/Vons Pavilion shopping center.
Quasi brasserie space with rustic French décor and soft candlelight creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Heated patio offers a great view while French music plays softly in the background. Frequented by those seeking an authentic French bistro vibe with a small market selling French products.
Hearty broth with plenty of onions defines the French onion soup here. It features chewy cheese and bread soaked with rich, beefy flavor.
French dishes come with authentic flavors and impeccable quality. Prices stay reasonable for the level of food and service.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends.
Expect a $30 corkage fee for bringing your own wine.
The restaurant closes early at 8 pm on weekdays.
Outdoor seating offers a tropical vibe with live guitar music enhancing a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The space combines modern decor with coastal views, creating a resort-like feel ideal for leisurely dining.
Chicken tortilla soup stands out as thick and quite good, often described as exceptional and outstanding. The lump blue crab bisque also appears well prepared and presented alongside other dishes.
Food here stands out for its excellent quality and consistently high-quality dishes. The menu pairs well with great drinks in a setting that balances relaxed coastal elegance with polished dining.
Good to know
Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6pm with food and drink specials.
Seating for happy hour is only available at the bar stools.
Parking is usually available nearby.
Dining happens beside water views with sights of sailing vessels and a marine breeze. Atmosphere blends romantic vibes with spots for singles at the bar. Sound dampening in booths adds comfort to the vibrant setting.
French onion soup stands out as a favorite, often paired with lunch specials that include soup, salad, and fries. Lobster bisque and French Dip also appear as notable soup options.
Food here is consistently delicious and served in generous portions. The combination of great taste and exceptional service creates a satisfying dining experience.
Good to know
Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.
Prime Rib is served on Fridays and Saturdays, a must-try for meat lovers.
Valet parking costs $6, but street parking is limited in the area.
Outdoor French bakery and cafe with authentic European spirit and vibrant atmosphere filled with French-speaking staff and customers. Plenty of outdoor seating with umbrellas creates a relaxed, Parisian vibe despite occasional loud music. The place offers fresh pastries and breads alongside a small deli and gift shop nearby.
French onion soup appears frequently and stands out as a signature item. It comes alongside dishes like quiche, crepes, and grilled chicken, making it a consistent choice for soup lovers here.
Offers amazing French food with exceptional pastries and outstanding service. The food consistently tastes incredible and the atmosphere feels cozy.
Good to know
They close at 3 pm.
There was no indoor seating available at MOULIN.
Prices for pastries can be high, like $11.52 for a croissant.
Upscale Indian restaurant with dim lighting and cozy, romantic vibe creates a quiet, welcoming atmosphere without music. Staff customize dishes and accommodate families with amenities like booster seats. Decor is beautiful and authentic, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Mulligatawny soup features chicken with a rich, spiced broth. Lentil soup stands out as amazing and hearty. Butter chicken serves more like a tomato-based soup with shredded tandoori chicken.
Authentic Indian food offers excellent quality and reasonable prices. The street food menu features delicious dishes with an overall amazing flavor and atmosphere.
Good to know
Parking can be a hassle during peak hours.
The restaurant has been under the same ownership for over 40 years.
The menu is smaller compared to other Indian restaurants.
Outdoor patio with potted plants and subtle lighting creates a charming atmosphere for dining. The deli offers authentic New York style fare with generous portions and a variety of options. The back patio is dog friendly and provides comfortable seating with sunny and shaded areas.
Matzo ball soup stands out with its comforting and delicious taste. Staff serve it quickly and with care, ensuring perfect timing. Chicken soup tends to be watery and lacks flavor.
Food features freshness and high quality with an extensive variety of options. Prices stay reasonable while the food consistently impresses.
Good to know
The deli offers high-quality New York-style sandwiches.
Expect to pay around $20 per person.
The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Small shack with limited indoor seating and outdoor stools creates an intimate, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, often attracting those who prefer takeout or quick bites. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients define the food experience, setting it apart from typical cafes.
Tomato bisque stands out with its rich flavor, often paired with grilled cheese melts. Soups come as part of varied meals, including options like BBQ burger combos.
Food features fresh ingredients mostly from their own farm, including orange blossom honey and eggs. Dishes like the pork sausage stand out for being healthy, made to order, and very tasty.
Good to know
Indoor seating is limited to two tables each seating two people.
Parking is usually hard; consider street parking or getting food to go.
They serve breakfast all day, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Bright, fun interior with cozy booths and a glass atrium creates a comfortable, beachy vibe. Outdoor patio offers a relaxing atmosphere with views under blue skies. The place fills with lively energy as people enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas and a friendly environment.
Chicken soup stands out with rich, flavorful broth that fills a bowl enough for a full dinner. The chicken tortilla soup also draws repeat visits for its satisfying taste.
Food here is consistently fresh, flavorful, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Traditional dishes come with a genuine taste that stands out.
Good to know
Parking is fairly easy for lunch at Avila's El Ranchito.
I recommend making a reservation.
Our total bill for dinner for four people was $190 before tip.
House-turned-restaurant offers outdoor patios with ocean breeze and picturesque views. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for relaxed gatherings. Bar serves excellent margaritas and coffee, enhancing the laid-back vibe.
Tortilla soup features a broth base made entirely with chicken thighs and leans more toward a clear broth than creamy. Presentation could improve with shredded chicken, but the flavor stays solid.
Food here is consistently authentic and delicious, with well-priced dishes that capture genuine flavors. Friendly staff and a great atmosphere complement the excellent service.
Good to know
Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is popular among locals.
Happy Hour runs from 4-6pm with special drink prices.
Dogs are welcome on the patio, making it pet-friendly.
Japanese restaurant offers a cozy, chill atmosphere with quiet, spacious seating including a great patio for outdoor dining. The vibe is relaxed and not stuffy, with a beautiful view enhancing the experience. Sushi and sashimi are fresh and authentic, presented with care and high quality.
Red miso soup with shiitake mushrooms appears on the menu, reflecting a style seen in Japan. Some find the soup and other dishes like salad and sushi rolls to be below average in quality.
Food here is consistently fresh and high quality with a focus on authentic Japanese cuisine. Dishes come out clean, flavorful, and well executed.
Good to know
Parking can be very challenging, especially during peak hours.
Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.
The restaurant does not allow babies or strollers inside.
Small, cozy spot near the beach offers a relaxed, calm atmosphere with a strong sense of family. Fresh, high-quality sushi and poke bowls stand out as highlights. Tables and floors show some wear, but the place maintains a hidden gem vibe.
Miso soup comes with meals and tastes fresh. Some noodle soups are too salty and hard to finish. Overall, soup quality varies.
Food features fresh ingredients and generous portions with highlights like ramen and tiger roll. The dishes come from a family-owned kitchen and taste consistently delicious.
Good to know
The restaurant closes at 8:30pm, so plan to arrive at least 1.5 hours before.
Self-service is available, but a tip fee is added to the bill.
The menu lacks clear allergy information, so ask staff if you have dietary concerns.