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Dinner spots with desserts in Santa Ana

Desserts that are worth staying for after dinner instead of something you feel obligated to skip.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - Santa Ana, CA image 1
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - Santa Ana, CA image 2
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - Santa Ana, CA image 3
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Casual dining space with Mediterranean decor and comfortable seating offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with Greek music playing softly. Lighting is bright and the vibe suits casual gatherings or celebrations. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option.

Baklava ice cream blends traditional layers with creamy ice cream and honey. Rice pudding and a dessert sampler featuring baklava and rice pudding also stand out as sweet options.

Dinner options come with huge portions that often leave leftovers. The spot closes early, shutting down by 8 pm, so dinner service is limited.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and fresh."

"The dinner portions here are huge; you'll have leftovers!"

"The baklava dessert here is delicious and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of parking space available.

2

The restaurant is very clean, including the restrooms.

3

It was easy to park nearby.

02
Fat of the Land image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with only seven tables creates an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Decor blends elegance and warmth featuring velvet drapes and detailed accents. Guests share tapas-style small plates paired with quality Spanish wine in a cozy, personable setting.

Only one dessert appears on the menu, a Basque cheesecake. It features a creamy, decadent texture with a perfectly golden-brown top.

Offers a casual vibe suited for small parties and dinners with friends. Serves well for post-work drinks and relaxed gatherings.

People are saying

"The wine here is served with such a welcoming and helpful attitude."

"The small plates and tapas are great for sharing at these dinner spots."

"You have to meet the owner; he's so friendly and passionate."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to guarantee a seat due to limited capacity.

2

Parking is available around the building, but metered parking may be necessary.

3

The menu features changing items, offering new dishes regularly.

03
Le Hut Dinette image 1
Restaurant

Renovated quonset hut offers a 1950s diner style with a modern twist and tiny, funky space. Atmosphere feels vibey yet homey, with outdoor seating preferred due to indoor temperature and loud music. Crowd tends to reserve ahead, drawn by unique ambiance and standout dishes.

Dessert options are limited but include a bread pudding and a cake with a texture and flavor partly like bibingka and partly like a donut. The bibingka dessert tastes fine but is not very memorable.

Dinner offers a genuine experience with shareable dishes and standout lamb. Service is personable, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

People are saying

"The bread and lamb were standouts at this dinner spot."

"The American Food patty melt and fries were the best parts."

"The bibingka chocolate cake has hints of coconut."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed to dine here, especially during peak hours.

2

Street parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during busy times.

3

The fried chicken sandwich often sells out, so arrive early to get one.

04
Perla Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers live mariachi music that creates a lively atmosphere with occasional loud moments. Outdoor seating provides a bohemian vibe with Spanish music in the background. The space feels well-designed with good table spacing and a unique locale.

Churros stand out as a recommended dessert here. Desserts pair well with iced coffee, though timing for service can be tight due to reservations.

Dinner arrives promptly even when busy. Staff provide helpful service and create an intimate atmosphere with fun, not too loud music.

People are saying

"The live Mariachi music really made the Mexican food experience amazing."

"The dinner spots here are amazing; the staff went above and beyond for our event."

"The desserts here are amazing and the service is excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounts on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

Mariachi bands perform on weekends, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Parking is available at a garage right behind the restaurant.

05
Antonello Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with intimate, romantic ambiance and mid-century modern decor offers private dining rooms and tableside pasta preparation. Atmosphere feels rustic yet elegant, with old time rock & roll music adding to the vibe. Space includes upstairs and downstairs seating, creating a roomy but cozy setting.

Chocolate soufflรฉ with GanMarinier sauce and ice cream stands out as a special dessert here. Other desserts include fruit sorbet and a variety of unique options, though some find them less remarkable.

Every course impresses with amazing quality and thoughtful preparation. Guests receive attentive service that makes dinners feel special and memorable.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta here is made daily and melts in your mouth."

"The dinner spots here treat you like royalty and make you feel welcomed."

"The chocolate soufflรฉ dessert is so special, it's worth coming here just for it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights like Saturday.

2

The restaurant has private dining rooms available for larger groups.

3

Expect to pay a $35 corkage fee if you bring your own wine.

06
Niki's Halal Grill & Karahi - Authentic Pakistani and Indian Food image 1

Small, modest halal restaurant with a casual, unpretentious atmosphere and cozy, home-like vibe. The space feels like a hole-in-the-wall family-run spot offering authentic Pakistani and Indian flavors. Seating is limited but improved, creating a simple, no-frills dining experience.

Rice pudding stands out with a touch of rose water and almonds. Staff often offer dessert and chai on the house, highlighting their friendliness.

Dinner options come without combo meals and lean toward the pricey side. Food is available for quick pickup, making it convenient for a fast dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentically Pakistani."

"The dinner spots here have excellent, flavorful food."

"You have to try their kheer; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for menu items, especially the chicken karahi.

2

Portion sizes are smaller than expected for the price.

3

The dining area may not be well-maintained or clean.

07
DIN KY Vietnamese Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious dining room with beautiful decoration and a cheerful, clean atmosphere welcomes groups comfortably. The place offers flavorful, homemade-style pho and unique dishes like goat curry not commonly found elsewhere. It stays open late, creating a lively spot for late meals.

A small bowl of free chรจ dessert arrives after the meal. It is a hot, lightly sweet treat served to everyone.

Late hours make it easy to grab a late-night dinner. Prices stay affordable and the place stays uncrowded during dinner on both weekdays and weekends.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic Vietnamese."

"The dinner spots here serve delicious, authentic Vietnamese dishes."

"They offered a free small dessert, specifically chรจ."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 am on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; consider parking next door.

3

A take-out fee and tip fee are automatically added to orders.

08
Black Angus Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse with old west interior design and private cozy booths creates an intimate, family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels quiet and peaceful, suitable for calm evenings and catching up with friends. A bar area with sports on TV adds a casual, fun element to the setting.

Desserts include a chocolate chip cookie with ice cream and a Big Mountain chocolate fudge cake. Flavors evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia and often feel rich enough to take home.

Dinner offers consistent quality with meals enjoyed on special occasions like Mother's Day and birthdays. The menu suits celebratory dinners and memorable final nights out.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are super delicious."

"It's a quiet place, perfect for conversation."

"The desserts here are like a childhood dream, especially the chocolate chip cookie with ice cream."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour specials are available daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

3

Kids' meals are priced between $6-8, making it family-friendly.

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Santa Ana, California

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