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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Santa Ana

Food

You want a meal that actually anchors your time in the city.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Papercup Coffee image 1
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Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends European cafe charm with vintage chairs and large windows for a warm atmosphere. Owner-made meals use fresh ingredients for delicious taste that pairs well with coffee. Weekdays buzz with energy while weekends offer a laid-back vibe perfect for work.

Food comes fresh daily, made by the owner using best ingredients. Meals offer a delicious and unforgettable taste that pairs well with coffee.

People are saying

"The cafe's owner is so warm and welcoming, it feels like visiting a friend's home."

"The pistachio baklava was amazing, not too sweet, and simply perfect."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and made with love."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend brunch hours.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak coffee hours.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

02
Omakase by Gino image 1
Sushi restaurant

Modern sushi spot offers an intimate vibe with top-tier sushi and house-made soy sauce from aged Spanish mackerel. Plates arrive beautifully prepared and super fresh, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Advance reservations are a must due to high demand.

Plates come out beautifully prepared and super fresh. The food feels thoughtful and inspired with a comfortable atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious."

"The Omakase experience with Gino was so welcoming and entertaining."

"I had one of the best omakase fish experiences ever."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must because they’re usually booked up at least 2 months in advance.

2

Omakase dining costs $275 per person.

3

The table size may be small for larger groups, accommodating only 8-10 guests.

03
Santos Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small window setup with a pizza oven creates a hip vibe. Outdoor seating in an alley and patio invites casual hangouts. Food shines with fresh ingredients and hot honey, delivering consistently amazing flavors and great service.

Food features quality ingredients and consistently amazing flavors that draw repeat visits. Service complements the food with a great experience overall.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing and delicious."

"The food here is amazing, with fresh, quality ingredients."

"The pizza at this Local Spot was delicious, hot, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during peak hours due to its popularity.

2

Pizzas are ready in about 20 minutes after ordering.

3

There is a paid parking structure nearby, but street parking can be tricky.

04
Bandito Taqueria • Tacos Estilo Tijuana image 1

Mexican restaurant buzzes with lively corridos music and a free salsa bar that energizes the space. Food comes fast and tastes next level delicious with prices that won't break the bank. Plenty of seating fits groups comfortably in a vibrant, authentic setting.

Food arrives quickly, even for larger groups, showing efficient service. Dishes offer excellent quality and next level delicious flavors with reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor tacos here are out of this world."

"The pink tortillas are fresh, handmade, and taste very good."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were the best food I'd ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.50 each, making it a great deal.

2

Parking is available at 420 N. Main with free one-hour parking.

3

The taqueria does not serve alcohol, making it a relaxed spot after work.

05
Cafe Cito image 1
Coffee shop

Calavera-themed decor creates a unique vibe while the cozy upstairs lounge offers a perfect spot for studying or hanging out. Coffee quality is consistently great, paired with delicious food and well-crafted beverages. Fire playlists blend indie bands and game soundtracks, adding to the super chill atmosphere.

Food here stands out for being consistently delicious and really good. Beverages complement the meals well, making the overall dining experience satisfying.

People are saying

"The cafe's coffee and latte options are delicious and plentiful."

"It's a great spot to get some work done, especially upstairs."

"The food here is delicious, especially the croissants and muffins."

Good to know

1

There is public parking adjacent to the store.

2

Cafe Cito offers great vegan options.

3

On the first Saturday of each month, they extend their hours until 9 PM.

06
Don Churros Gomez image 1
Dessert shop

Freshly made churros delight with tasty treats and friendly service. A lively food truck with a brick mural sets a fun, authentic Mexican street vibe. Upbeat 80s music and a welcoming aroma create a lively atmosphere where people often dance while waiting.

Offers tasty churros with good customer service and reasonable prices. The food truck serves an amazing treat experience.

People are saying

"I thought the churros were the best I ever had."

"These authentic Mexican churros are freshly fried and delicious."

"The food here is perfectly crispy outside and soft inside."

Good to know

1

Get there early - the line gets long fast, especially after 7pm.

2

The wait time after 7pm could be 30 minutes or more.

3

There is plenty of parking available in the lot.

07
Perla Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with live mariachi music that energizes the space. Outdoor seating offers a bohemian vibe with Spanish tunes. Food is fresh and delicious, perfectly matching the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.

Food here is consistently fresh and delicious, with flavors that often exceed expectations. The atmosphere complements the meal, making dining enjoyable and relaxed.

People are saying

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

"Our servers were friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything."

"I found the food here to be delicious and tasty."

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.

08
I Can Barbecue- Korean Grill image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Robot servers add a tech touch while delivering Korean grill dishes that taste delicious. Vibrant Korean décor creates a cozy atmosphere with music and laughter. Spacious seating and cool air keep the space comfortable and inviting.

Food tastes consistently tasty and delicious with a Korean grill style. A robot delivery system brings the food, adding a fun tech touch to the meal.

People are saying

"This Korean BBQ is fresh, flavorful, and worth the money."

"The wagyu here is so marbled and decadent, it's a perfect date spot."

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Dinner pricing applies all day on weekends.

2

The all-you-can-eat option is available for $50.99 per person.

3

A service fee of $80 is automatically added to the bill.

09
Cerveza Cito Brewery image 1

Huge three-story building with spacious outdoor patio offers a laid-back vibe and lively music with DJs. Food trucks like SaborCito serve octopus tacos that pair well with the brewery's IPAs. Games and a dog-friendly space make it great for families.

A food truck called SaborCito serves octopus tacos and other dishes on site. The food pairs well with the brewery's IPAs and offers a solid variety from the truck.

People are saying

"The beertender was so nice and helpful with beer suggestions."

"The food trucks here have a great vibe."

"I loved the food from the food truck."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday with karaoke starting at 10pm.

2

A taco truck is usually available outside around 6 pm for food options.

3

Street parking is available, but meters are expected to be installed soon.

10
Hopper & Burr image 1
Coffee shop

Studio-style coffee bar blends industrial chic design with a calm vibe perfect for work or quiet moments. Menu balances classic staples and summer specials with a fine dining touch. Creative espresso drinks invite lingering in a minimalist, softly lit space.

Food here offers a well curated menu balancing classic staples and summer specials. The dishes bring a fine dining aesthetic to coffee and pastries with appetizing cuisine options.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be extremely good and tasty."

"The pastry here has such a beautiful, artisanal vibe."

"The avocado toast here is so good, they even remade it for me."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but street parking is available nearby.

2

They charge $5.25 for a cappuccino, which is higher than average.

3

The total cost for the coffee flight is $10.

11
El Indio Botanas y Cerveza image 1
Mexican restaurant

Brick buildings hold a lively Mexican restaurant with excellent quality food and bumpin music. Staff go above and beyond, creating a fun vibe with affordable drinks and a tight dance area. Crowds grow on weekends with a DJ, drawing many locals.

Food stands out for its excellent quality and delicious flavors. Staff contribute to the experience by going above and beyond during service.

People are saying

"You can host large group events in their outdoor space."

"The barbacoa here is amazing Mexican food."

"The food here is delicious, especially the barbacoa."

Good to know

1

Expect crowded conditions during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Restroom facilities may be limited; plan accordingly.

3

Parking is available in a nearby structure for convenience.

12
Café Cultura image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy old theatre setting with Day of the Dead decor creates a warm vibe. Menu offers delicious flavors that impress visitors from afar. Small space with indoor and patio seating complements the modern Mexican music and strong heritage feel.

Food here stands out for its great quality and delicious flavors. The menu offers consistently amazing dishes that impress even those coming from out of state.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are amazing Mexican food."

"I loved the abuelita coffee; it's so chocolatey."

"The food here is delicious, especially the chilaquiles."

Good to know

1

Café Cultura closes at 2 AM, and they start cleaning as early as 12:30 AM.

2

Parking is scarce, so plan ahead for your visit.

3

Café Cultura has a separate line at the bar for drink orders.

13
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken image 1

Southern-style fried chicken offers bold flavor and spicy heat in a no-frills spot. Blues music sets a cool atmosphere that matches the meal. Tables have Louisiana hot sauce for an authentic touch, making the food experience truly comforting.

Fried to order chicken takes a little time but delivers flavorful, authentic Southern food. The menu features comfort food that pairs well with consistent service and atmosphere.

People are saying

"This fried chicken is juicy, spicy, and perfectly crispy."

"The coleslaw is chopped cabbage in a creamy dressing."

"This fried chicken is so juicy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Gus's offers a special menu from Monday to Thursday between 2 and 5 PM.

2

Parking was easy at Gus's.

3

Food takes a little time since the chicken is fried to order.

14
Next Round Bar & Grill image 1

Outdoor seating and multiple TVs make it great for sports fans. Friendly servers deliver a varied menu that fits the lively vibe. A DJ spins music all night, adding to the lively atmosphere with well-curated art and IPA selection on tap.

Food features a varied menu with dishes that pair well with the lively atmosphere. Servers provide friendly and attentive service throughout the meal.

People are saying

"The IPAs on tap and great vibe make it a fun spot."

"I considered this the best bar in Downtown Scottsdale."

"They had a good variety of drinks to choose from."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere for dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy weekend brunch hours.

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Downtown, Santa Ana

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