Best Restaurants for People Watching in Santa Ana

Price

€€
€€€
€€€€

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanRegional American (Contemporary Southern)

Regions

North Orange CountySouth Orange County

Areas

AnaheimCorona del MarIrvineNewport BeachSanta Ana

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perla Mexican Cuisine restaurant

1. Perla Mexican Cuisine

3.8

Excellent(230)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Ana

Booked 7 times today

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(743)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 47 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.

A photo of JOEY Newport Beach restaurant

3. JOEY Newport Beach

4.7

Exceptional(463)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• American • Newport Beach

Booked 279 times today

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. In the heart of Orange County’s luxury shopping destination, Fashion Island, JOEY Newport Beach is an opulent oasis. The space features a gallery wall highlighting several hand-picked local artists and a unique Bocci light installation. Boasting 9,367 square feet, it includes an open patio which features a bar and retractable sections of roof, providing coverage and the ability to open to the day or evening sky. A large-scale outdoor fire pit offers guests an inviting lounge area, this space is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of well-deserved champagne fireside after a day of shopping.

4. Paseo

4.4

Awesome(239)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Anaheim

Booked 63 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.

5. Centrico

4.1

Excellent(120)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Anaheim

Booked 37 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

6. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2754)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 74 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 Sushi Roku - Newport Beach restaurant

7. Sushi Roku - Newport Beach

4.8

Exceptional(1313)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Newport Beach

Booked 40 times today

Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

A photo of Rothschild's Restaurant restaurant

8. Rothschild's Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1742)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Italian • Corona del Mar

Booked 13 times today

Rothschild's has been the cornerstone of Corona Del Mar for over 40 years. It has been family owned since early conception and has become a place where our customers and staff have come to call home.

A photo of Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio restaurant

9. Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio

4.5

Awesome(1618)

€€€€Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Anaheim

Booked 36 times today

Building on two decades of tradition, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio is a fun, casual and modern celebration of the Gulf and Pacific coasts.Reimagined in 2023, Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio brings a vibrant California-fresh energy and approach to our menu, dining spaces, and outdoor patios, while staying true to the heart of New Orleans.The updated concept and design intentionally weave in California's light and inviting vibe, drawing inspiration from the vibrant sunsets on the Gulf and Pacific coasts. Each dining room showcases a unique story, color palette, and decoration. Outdoor patios are lush, shaded and inviting - the perfect perch for people watching.Chef Darrin Finkel’s all-day menu features New Orleans fan favorites and coastal cuisine highlighting fresh, grilled Gulf and Pacific seafood, meats, and vegetables. The contemporary menu pairs perfectly with an expanded wine list from California vintners, and seasonal, seaside-style

A photo of Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine restaurant

10. Del Frisco's Grille - Irvine

4.5

Awesome(2290)

€€€€Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Irvine

Del Frisco's Grille is a modern and stylish spin on the classic bar and grill, drawing inspiration from bold flavors and market-fresh ingredients. Our menu is a tempting mix of prime steaks, fresh seafood and twists on American comfort cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
dale
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Excellent modern great spot to eat in Disney highly recommend
More info
PaseoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Anaheim
•
4.4
C
Christi
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Ambience was great (we sat on the patio, there were heaters and a fire pit), our server Jenny was delightful, and the food, both presentation and taste, was wonderful! (We had the truffle fries, steak & tuna sushi, and the molton lava cake.) The patio wasn’t very busy, as it was a Monday night. Everything was top notch, right down to the glass of champagne when we arrived! Love that! We’ll definitely come back again!
More info
JOEY Newport BeachPrice: Moderate• American• Newport Beach
•
4.7
J
Judith
Orange County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I had been to the original location years ago. It is consistent with great staff. I specifically want to give a shout out to Nick who is patient and very informative. When we asked about the different offerings we decided on their Ahi tuna wraps and for dessert their fried apple pie.
More info
Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
•
4.6
C
Christine
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 Feb 2025
Excellent quality food, great drink menu and everything was delicious. We enjoyed the carne asada tacos, fish tacos, burrito Norteño, quesabirrias quesadilla’s. Great and friendly customer service. We will definitely return.
More info
CentricoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Anaheim
•
4.1
S
Steven
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 Feb 2025
We always receive great service to complement the amazing food. Love the atmosphere, the mariachi team was a bonus!
More info
Perla Mexican CuisinePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Ana
•
3.8

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