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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in South Coast Metro

Dinner spots for food

You want a dinner that feels like a deliberate choice rather than a last-minute decision.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Afghan restaurant

Cozy Afghan restaurant with traditional decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Family-run with spacious seating and Afghan art displayed on walls. Quiet environment with gentle music supports relaxed dining and authentic cultural experience.

Food offers authentic Afghan flavors with dishes like Aushak, featuring thin ravioli filled with ground beef and topped with a herbaceous sauce. The taste is consistently delicious and comforting.

Cozy and inviting ambiance with traditional Afghan decor sets a relaxed mood for dinner. Suitable for intimate dinners or gatherings with friends and family.

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."

"This dinner spot offers a spiritual awakening with poetry on your palate."

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.

02
Gokumi Ramen & Yakitori image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Small space with an open kitchen and bar seating facing the skewer grill creates an authentic Japanese izakaya vibe. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, often featuring DJs and groups enjoying themselves. Sake selection is notable, complementing the well-crafted yakitori and ramen offerings.

Food arrives super quick and stays very fresh. The menu offers a wide variety with consistently amazing and delicious dishes.

Late weekend hours make it easy to grab dinner even when plans run late. The spot offers a chill atmosphere ideal for relaxed meals with friends.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and always tastes fresh."

"The ramen, sushi, and yakitori dinner spots here are all delicious."

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.

03
Fresh Off the Boat Fish Grill South Coast image 1

Eclectic Mediterranean spot offers outdoor patio seating with warm candlelight and dark red cushions, creating a cozy vibe. Indoor space features a bar with large TV for sports viewing and a lively atmosphere with loud music. Dining resembles fast-casual style with varied seating options including tables, bar, and patio.

Food features a fresh and delicious quality with a mix of Mediterranean flavors including Mexican, Italian, and Greek dishes. Salmon stands out as a particularly good option.

Offers dinner options suitable for eating out close to home. Serves meals that encourage repeat visits and family sharing.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The dinner spots here have delicious, flavorful seafood and great sauces."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great variety of tacos at discounted prices.

2

Dine-in specials on Taco Tuesday are not available for takeout.

3

Happy hour starts after 3:00 pm with beer specials.

04
Dvine Mediterranean Experience image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers a clean and bright space with a quaint outdoor patio that feels cozy and inviting. The atmosphere stays laid back and lively, supported by a great music selection that encourages dancing. It suits casual lunches or dinner dates with friends and family.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with a strong Mediterranean influence. Staff are friendly and the dishes offer great taste for the price.

Dinner offers a casual vibe suited for dates and quick meals. Baklava serves as a notable sweet finish that can be enjoyed later as a small lunch.

People are saying

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

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

"The chicken shawarma pita pocket for dinner is yummy."

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.

05
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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.

Italian dishes showcase authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Presentation is beautiful, and every dish tastes delicious.

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 food here is delicious and high quality."

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

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
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Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with open doors creates a loud, chilly atmosphere filled with a friendly, chill vibe. Families enjoy the life-size shark decor and casual setting while watching sports on TV. The place stays busy without feeling chaotic, offering bibs for messy meals and a simple, clean design.

Food stands out for its freshness and exceptional taste. Every dish delivers delicious flavors that make the wait worthwhile.

Dinner here draws large crowds, often requiring a two-hour wait without a reservation. It suits groups like families or friends looking for a casual meal together.

People are saying

"I found the seafood boil here to be the best I've tried."

"I thought the food here was great and very tasty."

"The seafood dinner spots here are so fresh, especially the oysters."

Good to know

1

During celebrations like Fatherโ€™s Day, the waiting time can be up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2

On weekends, you have to make a reservation to dine there.

3

The restaurant opens at 3 PM on weekdays.

07
MasalaCraft - Santa Ana image 1
Indian restaurant

Bollywood movie posters and videos create a themed atmosphere with a friendly, homey vibe. Seating includes plentiful outdoor patio space alongside basic indoor arrangements. Free toppings like fried onions and chutney add a unique touch to the dining experience.

Food here is consistently delicious and authentic with excellent flavors. The menu offers great Indian dishes that stand out for their quality and taste.

Dinner offers good food suitable for a quick meal. Outdoor seating provides a relaxed atmosphere. Staff members like Edward assist with menu choices.

People are saying

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

"The lunch combo here is a great deal."

"Edward's service for dinner spots was great and attentive."

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.

08
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful interior design and a classy yet relaxed atmosphere. Music shifts from Mexican banda to reggaeton and salsa, creating a lively but sometimes loud environment. A popular salsa bar and variety of Mexican drinks attract crowds, especially during lunch and dinner.

Food arrives very fast and maintains consistent quality. Flavors are exquisite and the overall experience combines great taste with quick service.

Extremely busy during lunch and dinner, this spot serves solid meals for dine-in or takeout. It works well for both lunch or dinner occasions.

People are saying

"I found the fish tacos to be the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The Dinner Spots here have amazing tacos and burritos."

Good to know

1

The place can get very busy during peak times around lunch and dinner.

2

I suggest arriving early to avoid the busy times.

3

Baja Fish Tacos does not accept American Express credit cards.

09
Tandoori India Cuisine image 1
North Indian restaurant

Cozy interior with a star on the wall stands out in a simple setting. The atmosphere feels inviting with a mix of fresh herbs and generous wine pours enhancing the dining experience. Lunch specials offer affordable pricing compared to other options nearby.

Food features fresh ingredients and excellent quality with a focus on Indian cuisine. Staff provide polite and informative service about the dishes and maintain a clean, family-owned environment.

Dinner includes Matter Paneer as a notable dish. The spot serves Tandoori cuisine suitable for family meals.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has amazing, affordable lunch specials."

"The Indian pickles were a crowd favorite with our dinner spots."

"I found the Indian food here to have the best flavor."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available before 3 pm with a 2-item combo.

2

Takeout process is easy and reliable for quick meals.

3

The restaurant offers a vegan section on the menu with many options.

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South Coast Metro, Santa Ana

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