Best Restaurants for People Watching in Santa Ana

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perla Mexican Cuisine restaurant

1. Perla Mexican Cuisine

3.9

Excellent(228)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Ana

Located in the energetic, historic street of the Downtown Santa Ana on the corner of W Fourth St & N Birch St, Perla is a new authentic, family owned restaurant. Perla is truly an authentic representation of the culinary diversity of Mexico. The main focus is to introduce the traditional Mexican flavors enhanced with a personal touch of long family recipes and traditions.

A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant

2. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4.6

Exceptional(710)

Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 28 times today

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

3. Byblos Cafe

4.6

Exceptional(91)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Orange

Byblos Café, originally a Mediterranean market, has been a staple in the orange circle since the 50’s. It was sold to Adel and Zalfa Mahshi in 1989. The family run business became a favorite in the town for Lebanese cuisine. Many locals loyally frequented the spot for their famous Turkish coffee. In 2022, Daily Dose Hospitality, the crew that also runs Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, purchased the business from the family. While Adel and Zalfa had the opportunity to retire, their son, Tim, joined the team alongside Pedram Yazarlou as operating partners. They have transitioned the cuisine to a Mediterranean fusion style with influences from Greece, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, & Jordan.

A photo of Leatherby's Cafe Rouge restaurant

4. Leatherby's Cafe Rouge

4.7

Exceptional(1864)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Costa Mesa

Booked 7 times today

We believe in locally sourcing seasonal, farm fresh vegetables and the freshest, most sustainable seafood available. Our artisanal craft cocktails are the ideal aperitif and we offer a range of wines from which to select the perfect pairing.

A photo of Ocean 48 - Newport restaurant

5. Ocean 48 - Newport

4.9

Exceptional(547)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Newport Beach

Booked 139 times today

The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.

A photo of Palmilla Newport Beach Cocina y Tequila restaurant

6. Palmilla Newport Beach Cocina y Tequila

4.8

Exceptional(113)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Newport Beach

Booked 24 times today

Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila features home-style Mexican cuisine featuring the freshest seafood and the finest cuts of beef, along with an amazing selection of premium tequilas, mezcals and globally inspired wines. Both Palmilla Hermosa Beach and Palmilla Newport Beach feature lovely outdoor patio areas, perfect for soaking up the sea breezes from the Pacific ocean just footsteps away. Palmilla’s sophisticated, yet inviting dining rooms showcase imported, custom-made furniture and decor that transports guests to Mexico’s luxurious coastal landscapes. When dining at Palmilla, you will feel as if you’ve been transported to an upscale boutique hotel in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which is where much of the inspiration of the design came from.

7. Paseo

4.4

Awesome(204)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Anaheim

Booked 62 times today

From the heart and mind of Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, the Downtown Disney® District’s newest authentic Mexican restaurant blends cultural legacy with the present day. Enjoy delicate, rich flavors blended together with zest and spice over an inspiring meal with friends and family.

8. Centrico

4.4

Awesome(109)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Anaheim

Booked 33 times today

From the heart and mind of Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, the Downtown Disney® District’s new open-air Mexican restaurant and cantina is the perfect gathering place. At Céntrico, create memories over the vibrant flavors of outstanding specialty cocktails and authentic dishes inspired by Chef Carlos’s childhood in Mexico.

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

9. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2722)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 67 times today

CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.

A photo of Great Maple - Fashion Island restaurant

10. Great Maple - Fashion Island

4.4

Awesome(2088)

Price: Moderate

• American • Newport Beach

Booked 105 times today

With stylish, midcentury modern-inspired spaces, Great Maple serves elevated American comfort food made from scratch with the highest quality of seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients. A full bar and unique All-Day Menu allow customers to order brunch, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails at any time of day.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
mike
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful staff, good food! Great ambience. Totally enjoyed the experience.
More info
Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
•
4.6
K
Krista
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We loved the sides as well as the main entree! So much fresh produce! The ambiance was cozy.
More info
Byblos CafePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Orange
•
4.6
J
Judith
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
A++++ Last night was my second visit, and it will not be my last. We requested the bar area. It was perfect for my two sons. It was her first visit.. I appreciate that the restaurant has different seating areas that you can try out and decide which is best. Food was amazing. Scallops and Chilean Sea bass wee cooked to perfection. My son’s medium + rib eye was right on point. We both wish they would offer the Porter house option. Their cookies and cream gelato cake was a perfect ending. I believe our waitress had too many tables,therefore it wasn’t the service level i experienced on my first visit. definitely the best seafood and steakhouse. I believe in Orange County.
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Ocean 48 - NewportPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Newport Beach
•
4.9
J
John
Orange County •63 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Dec 2024
Our server Mika made us feel welcome and honored with her attention to us and attention to detail. We had a wonderful evening.
More info
Leatherby's Cafe RougePrice: Expensive• Californian• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
L
LisaVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 Nov 2024
Perla was amazing. Food was so delicious. I brought a party of 20 from my company and they were so impressed. Thank you for your service and good food and drinks. The night was special!
More info
Perla Mexican CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Ana
•
3.9

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Santa Ana

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Perla Mexican Cuisine

2. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

3. Byblos Cafe

4. Leatherby's Cafe Rouge

5. Ocean 48 - Newport

6. Palmilla Newport Beach Cocina y Tequila

7. Paseo

8. Centrico

9. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

10. Great Maple - Fashion Island

See what locals rave about

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