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Best Authentic Restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Todos Santos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(126)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 11 times today
Located in El Paseo Plaza, Todos Santos is a newly renovated restaurant specializing in modern authentic Mexican cuisine.With an extensive tequila & mezcal selection, heated outdoor dining, a brand new bar patio and a culinary team with decades of experience in Mexican cuisine, Todos Santos promises to deliver an amazing experience no matter the occasion.
A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2059)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 17 times today
A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience."Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!""La buona cucina rende allegria!"Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!
A photo of Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(896)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 13 times today
Trabuco Oaks Steak House is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day in the canyon or if you just want to get away from the hustle of the city crowds. The rustic BBQ restaurant gently reminds everyone as they walk in that casual is the norm here by displaying cut ties from the ceiling. Enjoy a steak like the top sirloin, New York strip or porterhouse cooked to perfection. Trabuco Oaks understands that not everyone wants steak, so it offers entrŽes like the mesquite grilled chicken, Italian spaghetti or an order of fish and fries.Finish off the meal at Trabuco Oaks with a delicious dessert such as a hot fudge sundae or the famous hot cherry Gizmo, which is a cherry filling wrapped in a flour tortilla that has been deep fried and topped with ice cream, hot cherry sauce and whipped cream.
A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant
4.4
Awesome(136)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 6 times today
Hacienda on the Lake is a beloved spot in Mission Viejo that offers a truly authentic Mexican experience. The restaurant's ambiance, featuring spectacular lake views, has been praised in numerous reviews. One reviewer mentioned the 'real authentic Mexico feel'. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, seafood, and grilled entrees. They also have a catering service, perfect for planning special occasions. Overall, Hacienda on the Lake is a perfect place for those looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(946)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 3 times today
Chef Santiago is at the helm of this South County Favorite. Delizie offers daily specials including homemade pastas, imported Italian delicatessens, and the freshest fish and meats available daily as well as an extensive listing of wines from California and Italy. Delizie also features a full bar and banquet room, available for private parties.
A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4639)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 112 times today
Habana- Irvine Spectrum is authentic because it offers a genuine Cuban experience with its cuisine and cocktail program. Reviews rave about its 'authentic and very delicious food', 'great Cuban vibe' and 'immersive atmosphere as if you're in Cuba'. It's been a favorite culinary destination for 20 years, further testifying to its authenticity.
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1763)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 30 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1217)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 48 times today
Little Sister in Irvine is authentic Vietnamese, with dishes that blend the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. As one reviewer said, 'edgy Vietnamese food while maintaining authenticity' and another praised it as 'authentic Vietnamese cuisine' with 'exceptionally fresh and tasty dishes.' The restaurant also features an excellent wine and beverage program, curated by Chef Tin.
A photo of Fennel Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(174)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 15 times today
Fennel Kitchen and Bar is a contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that offers an authentic, healthy, and vibrant dining experience by seamlessly blending the flavors of the sun-kissed Mediterranean shores with exotic Middle Eastern cuisine. Our thoughtfully crafted menu meets diverse dietary preferences, including traditional kabobs bursting with flavor, to simple, authentic vegetarian dishes. We believe beauty lies in the details and we strive to ensure that every aspect of your dining experience is memorable.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1029)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 36 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Discover the essence of authenticity in the culinary landscape of Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County. This region boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater to lovers of genuine flavors and traditional culinary practices. Each restaurant in the area presents a unique ambience, reflecting the local culture and the authenticity of its cuisine, whether it's through traditional recipes passed down through generations or innovative approaches that stay true to the original flavors. The dining scene in this part of Orange County is vibrant and eclectic, offering a blend of casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Patrons can expect to find establishments that emphasize authentic dining experiences, where every meal is crafted with attention to detail and a deep respect for the culinary heritage they represent. From intimate settings perfect for a romantic evening to lively venues ideal for family gatherings, there is something to satisfy every palate. These restaurants not only promise delicious, authentic meals but also prioritize creating a memorable dining experience for all guests. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the authentic dining options in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita is sure to be a delightful culinary adventure.

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