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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of South Coast Metro

Authentic spots

Dining experiences that hold onto their cultural roots without catering to the tourist-friendly version of the menu.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated July 2026
01
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 1
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 2
Taibat Noodle House 泰巴特清真面馆 image 3
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Noodle shop serves authentic XinJiang noodles with hearty beef and lamb soups that are halal and flavorful. Cozy, clean space features Islamic calligraphy and a family-friendly vibe. Modern QR code ordering adds ease to the chill experience.

Noodles here are authentic and delicious, especially the XinJiang and Xibei styles. The beef noodle and lamb soup stand out for their hearty, halal comfort and clean flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Halal food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"The lamb soup broth is rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting."

"I found the noodles to be authentic, chewy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

All meals are halal and prepared with care for halal practices.

2

The kitchen is clean and well-maintained.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.

02
Kebab Kurry Express image 1
Afghan restaurant

Cozy Afghan spot offers authentic flavors like chapli kabob and qabli plow. Family-run with traditional decor and soft lighting creates a warm vibe. Quiet space with gentle music ensures a relaxed dining experience.

Dishes like chapli kabob, qabli plow, and leek bolani deliver strong authentic flavors with balanced spices. The menu features a variety of kebabs, curries, and traditional Afghan items that taste fragrant and genuine.

People are saying

"I found the Afghan food here to be really delicious and authentic."

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing, especially the tender and flavorful kebabs."

"I found the food here to be really delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

A single to-go order feeds two to three people.

2

Prices are generally higher compared to other Afghan restaurants in the area.

3

Expect to pay around $147 for a meal for four.

03
Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Yakitori and ramen offer authentic Japanese flavors while the lively atmosphere features DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Notable sake selection complements the well-crafted dishes perfectly.

Yakitori and ramen here show authentic Japanese flavors with the lamb and sushi also standing out. An open kitchen lets you watch chefs prepare dishes, adding to the genuine vibe.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is some of the best I've had outside of Japan."

"It's a laid-back spot to chill with your crew and lose track of time."

"The yakitori here is so authentic, it's like being in Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Expect to spend over $100 for two people on average.

04
Little Pan Santa Ana image 1
Dumpling restaurant

Semi-open kitchen showcases handmade pan-fried buns with a 24k gold black truffle option. Shanghai-style dishes deliver authentic flavors in a cozy, lively space with dog-friendly outdoor seating. Modern decor blends trendy Chinese style with a clean, bright atmosphere.

Shanghai-style dishes feature authentic pan-fried buns and dumplings with a warm, filling taste. The food stays true to traditional flavors, offering delicious, well-made pancakes and other Chinese staples.

People are saying

"The pan-fried buns here are amazing with crispy bottoms."

"I found the bullfrog soup incredibly fresh and flavorful."

"I found the pan-fried buns to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot, but it can get tight during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a special combo available Monday to Friday.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

05
949 Grill Lounge image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space blends aerospace decor with a cozy, smoky vibe and lively music. Northeastern Chinese barbecue shines with authentic flavors and generous portions, especially the sweet and sour pork. Karaoke adds a fun, social touch to late-night hangouts.

Northeastern Chinese barbecue here is authentic with generous portions and rich flavors. Guo Bao Rou, a sweet and sour pork dish, stands out for its delicious taste.

People are saying

"The Northeast BBQ here is smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor."

"It's a chill lounge with a fun, vibrant atmosphere late at night."

"I found the barbecue here to be really authentic Northeastern style."

Good to know

1

Expect high tax and mandatory 18% tipping during lunch.

2

The lounge is open until 2am, making it a great late-night spot.

3

Happy hour features $1 beers and runs on weekdays.

06
Tacos Madre Kitchen & Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant shines with authentic dishes like sizzling fajitas and flavorful tacos. Intricate artwork and lush plants create a vibrant setting. Live DJ and saxophone add lively energy, while spacious layout and outdoor patio invite socializing.

Sizzling fajitas, flavorful tacos, and classic enchiladas showcase authentic Mexican taste. The menu offers a wide variety of genuine dishes.

People are saying

"I ate all the enchiladas before I could post a picture."

"I found the fish tacos to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

"The interior is stunning and perfect for photos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and margaritas.

2

Live DJ plays during Taco Tuesday on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Expect a $5 charge for extra toppings like lettuce and sour cream.

07
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with authentic shawarma and traditional kabobs. Bright, clean space with a cozy patio invites casual meals. Lively vibe and great music make it perfect for fun, relaxed dining.

Food offers authentic Mediterranean flavors with dishes like beef shawarma wrap and chicken shawarma pita. Portions come well-sized and the kabob dishes feel true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the kebabs and hummus, was fantastic."

"I loved the fresh and flavorful Mediterranean salad."

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample, but it gets busy around lunchtime.

2

The best time to visit is before or after the lunch rush.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of grilled meat and side options.

08
Antonello Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers authentic recipes with dishes like mushroom risotto. Intimate, romantic ambiance blends mid-century modern decor and rustic charm. Private dining and tableside pasta prep add to the cozy setting with old rock & roll music.

Food features traditional Italian recipes with high quality ingredients. Dishes like mushroom risotto and pasta deliver a genuine, authentic taste.

People are saying

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

"The service here is outstandingly friendly and attentive."

"The pasta here is amazing and tastes so authentic."

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.

09
Xishang Roodle image 1
Chinese noodle restaurant

Cozy space with woven pendant lights offers a welcoming vibe for groups of all sizes. Authentic Yunnan dishes shine with chewy noodles and rich broth, delivering true flavor. Modern, clean tables add to the comfortable dining experience.

Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles deliver authentic Yunnan flavor with chewy noodles and a rich, savory broth. The dishes closely match the traditional Yunnan experience, especially the Yunnan-style specialties.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Yunnan rice noodles and rich, flavorful broth."

"The crossing the bridge rice noodle experience is truly unique and delicious."

"The service here is attentive and friendly."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekends during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a customizable noodle bowl experience with fresh ingredients.

3

Parking is convenient as it's located in a large shopping plaza.

10
Taqueria Zamora image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant serves authentic dishes like verde cheese enchilada and asada breakfast burrito with great sauces. Live mariachi music creates a loud, energetic atmosphere that fills the small space. Friendly vibes attract diners who enjoy large portions despite noise making conversation tough.

Offers authentic Mexican food with dishes like the verde cheese enchilada and asada breakfast burrito featuring great sauces. The overall menu stays true to traditional flavors.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent."

"I loved the freshly made tortillas; they were delicious."

"I found the food here to be very authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $6 each.

2

Lunch for two costs over $40 including tip.

3

Gratuity is added for parties of six or more.

11
MasalaCraft - Santa Ana image 1
Indian restaurant

Bollywood posters create a themed atmosphere with a friendly vibe. Outdoor patio offers plentiful seating alongside simple indoors. Food is authentic Indian, freshly made with southern flavors. Free fried onions and chutney add a unique touch.

Food offers authentic Indian taste with dishes that are freshly made and reflect southern Indian cuisine flavors.

People are saying

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

"The lunch combo here is a great deal."

"I found the Indian cuisine here to be very authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available on Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm.

2

The lunch special with garlic naan and an order of samosas costs around $16.

3

Parking is generally easy on Sundays.

12
Tasty Zone image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space offers authentic Sichuan dishes with large portions. Menu features unique items like lamb and pickled pepper pork kidney. Atmosphere feels like a home-cooked meal with some dishes skillfully prepared and others pre-made.

Sichuan dishes here are very authentic and flavorful, matching the taste of restaurants in China. Portions come large and the flavors stay true to traditional Chinese cuisine.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I found the Szechuan food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the Sichuan food here to be so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, with dishes averaging around $15-$19.

2

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

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South Coast Metro, Santa Ana

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