The Most Scrumptious Tapas/Small Plates in Anaheim

Tapas & Beer

★★★★☆ 4.2 (367) • $$

"I always wanted to try tapas and, so, we found this little neighborhood place. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are indeed in Spain. We noticed that, like Spain and many of our local neighborhood places, most people there seemed to know each other and/or the very warm staff. Everyone was socializing. This is one of the main ideas of the tapas place and other cafés and eateries in Europe. Even strangers meet and converse with other strangers. I ordered the paella for one, and my son, who was taking me out for my birthday, ordered the beef sliders and some spicy chicken wings. He's a connoisseur of the latter, and they definitely exceeded his expectations. They were a two napkin affair. LOLMy paella was exquisite and was just like I remembered it in Spain. It was just the right amount for one person. I was even graciously given substitutes for the calamari. Like I said, the staff is very warm and friendly and accommodating as well. I tried one of the craft beers there, Golden, a pilsner, and it was also delicious and very smooth. So, I had to have two. Well, it was my birthday. I was also gifted with two delicious dessert churros accompanied by a huge, sweet, ruby red and delicious strawberry with chocolate and caramel sauces in which to dip them. All and all, we had an excellent meal. We will definitely return. I can definitely recommend this wonderful place."

Tres Muchachos

★★★★★ 4.8 (397) • $$

"We were trying to go to Mi Casa but the parking lot was full! I looked on Yelp and found Tres Muchachos. Very happy we did. The food was amazing and the service was spectacular! Very fresh and a unique taste. We tried the guacamole, salsa and this hummus (not quite sure what was in it) but had this really yummy chimichurri on top. Next, I ordered the New York Steak and Eggs, I'm not the biggest fan of breakfast so I asked if I could sub fries. The steak had the same chimichurri on top, DELISH! It also came with roasted veggies! My husband got the Chef Oso's breakfast burrito with these breakfast fries. 10/10"

Mori Izakaya

★★★★★ 4.5 (452) • $$

"Cute Japanese izakaya vibes!! Came for my cousins birthday. Good variety of food options for those that love Sushi, skewers, apps, meats, & more! Staff were kind and friendly. Wasn't a long wait if you get here at opening quickly filled up on a weekend though. Would definitely come back and try more food. Uni pasta & rib eye cap steak were my faves!! Also ordered the gizzard, spicy pork, scallops, eggplant, and salmon belly's"

Izakaya Okan

★★★★☆ 4.1 (34)

"4.5 rounding it up to 5I missed the small parking lot for the strip mall but was able to go around the block with ease. It's located near a nail salon shop and Wahoo is nearby as well. Service was very good, they were on top of it and even brought me the Nanami Togarashi to add a bit of a kick and spice to the food. I'm Korean so this is a must and it paired well with everything that I put it on, especially the pasta. The food came out fairly quickly and they filled our water and tea regularly as we ate our meal.The restaurant is not very big but they have plenty of seating. We opted for a larger table since we were going to be ordering a bunch of food to try out. I wanted to eat things that I don't normally eat so we ate: eggplant with grated mountain potato, this was lighter than I thought it was going to be and my friend appreciated how nice it looked plated. We also got the creamy uni udon. It had a good sized amount of uni in the dish. I thought it was a bit TOO creamy, it was definitely decadent. I liked how it tasted with the Nanami Togarashi too. This I had to take home as leftovers because we had other food to eat. The pork cheek with green onion sauce tasted a bit like Samgyupsal or grilled pork belly to me. The fat just melted in my mouth. There were some pieces that were a little chewy but still edible. I've never had pork cheek before so I'm unfamiliar with the texture. The yellowtail collar was fantastic, it had a lot of meat to it and the miso black cod, well I could have eaten three orders of that by myself. I've had this before at other restaurants, but I have to say that theirs is the best thus far, the piece was bigger and fresher too. I saw later on the wall menu that they had nigiri. Y'all...you know I had to get the bluefin tuna and toro. It was a little bit on the pricier side but the pieces of fish were thicker and it was oh so tasty. I also could have ordered more but we had to stop ourselves.I'll definitely go back there for the nigiri and miso black cod. But I also want to try their other dishes like their prime beef skirt skewer, scallop skewer, takoyaki balls, and quick seared US Kobe beef with garlic ponzu. And their happy hour sounds legit!"

Snipe Island Crafthouse

★★★★☆ 4.4 (140) • $$

"We popped in after a walk on Balboa Island on a Saturday. It wasn't too crowded, we got seated right away. Our server was friendly, service a bit slow but we weren't in a rush and most people are here to relax and have a good time. We got a burger and a pizza, both were yummy! Seems they have a lot of local craft beer options, and cool seating options."

Oak

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"Came for some late night bites and a drink. They have some outside bar seating that was nice to get a view and some fresh air at the end of the day. I had the ahi tuna tacos and the sweet and spicy ribs. The tacos were fresh and flavorful, the jicama was a nice added crunch. The ribs were small but you got a pretty nice size stack. Juicy and fell off the bone easily with a fork and knife if you're not looking to dive in. The drinks were tasty I had the lemon and lavender martini and pineapple vibes cocktails. The martini was a bit on the sweet side, good but the meringue topping had some added sweetness. The pineapple vibes was a good balance of a spicy sweet combo. Overall good but a little on the pricey side. It is also pretty far down on south coast so I would say it's more of a destination that there isn't much to do in the area after you eat. Parking is located under the building. Easiest to enter off of Glenneyre Street. The restaurant will validate for the first 2 hours just ask the hostess."

Chapter One: the modern local

★★★★☆ 3.7 • $$

"The food was so amazing! We haven't been here in a while because the quality of the food was not great. They've made some amazing improvements! We went for a brunch and both had the steak and potatoes. The hollandaise sauce was amazing, and it wasn't overwhelming. Next time I'll ask for an additional side of the hollandaise. The potatoes were beautifully seasoned with lots of spices. I cleaned my plate, it was so good!! We'll be coming back more often. Our waiter was so busy but regardless, attentive. Enjoyed that lots of natural light came in from the windows.Again the food was so good! We bought the back a round of beers."

Haus Lounge

★★★★★ 4.8 (68)

"The taste and atmosphere are wonderful, and I appreciate the staff's kindness. The seafood nurungji soup is rich in flavor, featuring shrimp, flower crab, and mussels. I crave it again today!"

Wine Gallery Laguna Beach

★★★★☆ 4.4 (313) • $$

"This place 1 is super cool and 2 the food is great. 3 amazing staff. The tacos and meatballs are amazing and great wine selection. But what really made this place a 10/10 was the staff. Especially Courtney. What an absolute gem of a human. If you go tip her well (always tip well) but she really deserves it. This place is kind, wonderful, and a great vibe. Highly recommend if you're in town"

Lido Bottle Works

★★★★☆ 4.3 (605) • $$

"My dog (yes dog friendly) and I popped in for a happy hour bite. I ordered the hummus and the cucumbers, but the waiter suggested I just combine them and save a buck. I got a lavender beer, it wasn't my fave but wasn't awful. Fun to try something new. I'm pretty basic and tend to find their food too fancy, but I enjoyed this visit. Sit outside and enjoy the view!"

Social

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$

"Brunch was fantastic! James and Natalie were very inviting and made sure we had everything we needed. Stephanie at the bar made some great cocktails and shots. Food was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend you try Social if you are in town for brunch or dinner.Thank you Mike for inviting my wife and I to come have brunch."

Gurume Sushi

★★★★☆ 4.2 (431)

"We've been enjoying our Gurume visits for years now and are so impressed by the consistency when it comes to fresh ingredients and service! Recently, Gurume rolled out a revamped, new Gurume Omakase multi-course (15!) tasting menu, so of course we had to give it a try. Everything was super fresh and tasty, and we liked this Gurume Omakase even more than the prior version! This version includes:House Salad (but in a fancy rolled up way, almost like eating a spring roll salad)Clam Suimono: still so flavorful, comforting, and deliciousSanten Mori trio of appetizers: absolutely love the uni, oyster, caviar combo - so decadent Bluefin Tuna Tartare: super tasty3 Pieces of Premium Sashimi: an edible work of artAnkimo (Monkfish Liver): I usually don't like liver, but Gurume's version is yummy and didn't have any of the flavors I normally dislike in liverA5 Wagyu with truffle: What a showstopper! I could eat so many of these.Carpaccio (Shima-aji or Kanpachi): we were given the Shima-aji and it was excellent.Salmon Curado: great flavor and preparationMushi Awabi: yummy Steamed Abalone served in a beautiful shellTiradito: Hirame or MadaiScallop Miso Zuke3 Pieces of Premium Nigiri: chef's choice and always such a hitMixed Tempura: Shrimp and VeggieChoice of Dessert: Ice Cream (Yuzu Sorbet, Matcha, or Black Sesame) or Mochi Ice Cream (Matcha, Mango, or Strawberry)Such a lovely way to celebrate a friend's milestone birthday! Definitely recommend this amazing feast for a special ocassion. Gurume's casual but nice ambiance is versatile - not too casual for a celebration, but also not too stuffy or fancy."

California Vintage Wine Bistro

★★★★★ 4.9 (39)

"Options abound in a tidy and tastefully decorated space with tall tables and lots of TVs. We tried the chicken karage, hummus, truffle fries, and the Brussels sprouts. Each dish was delicious, and they all had a nice touch to elevate above and beyond the typical bar fare. Service was prompt and friendly. We will be going back.We visited on a random weekday afternoon so the place was fairly quiet. I can imagine this place as a great pre-game stop before a Ducks or Angels game."

Bizarra Capital

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"Boyfriend and I stumbled up on this on our morning walk and so glad we came in. We ordered the veggie omelette and blue corn pancakes. I am now deeply in love with blue corn pancakes. I don't think I can have pancakes any other way. Service was impeccable and the restaurant is gorgeous. It wasn't very crowded which I like. You also have the option to build your own fideo which I will do next time. Look forward to my next visit!"

Cafe Sevilla

★★★★☆ 4.2

"My girlfriends and I went here to celebrate a birthday. We found this place on Yelp and were so glad we gave it a try. The food was delicious, margarita was good, and service was amazing! Initially we were going to another restaurant and glad we decided to go here because wow best service we've had in a while. Our server was very welcoming and nice, always checked on us. Even other staff that walked by checked in!We went on a Friday night so there was live music. We got the halibut & shrimp ceviche, the sampler empanadas (it came with 3), and the traditional paella. They were all very good! My favorite was their empanadas! All 3 were so flavorful and the outside pastry was buttery and flakey. Delicious! Margaritas were good too!Note that if you don't like loud, maybe sit outside because indoors and in front of the music was pretty loud. I def recommend this place!"

Darkroom

★★★★★ 4.8 (116)

"Steven our server was very knowledgeable and talked us through the whole menu. Everything he recommended was fantastic. I don't think you can go wrong with anything. We got the steak tartare, the Parisian gnocchi and the Nashville hot swordfish. Everything was very flavorful. The donuts were just ok. Probably wouldn't get them again."

Vaca

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"Vaca is hands down one of the best spots for Spanish-inspired cuisine in Costa Mesa! The ambiance is stylish yet welcoming, with a great vibe that makes it perfect for a night out. We started with the croquettas de pollo, which were crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside--so good! The bikini sandwich was another highlight--loaded with Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, and a touch of truffle oil. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.While the tapas can be on the pricier side, it's totally worth it for the quality of the ingredients and the overall experience. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made great wine recommendations to pair with the meal. If you're in the area, definitely check out Vaca for a memorable dining experience!"

Tempo Cantina

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"Holy Guacamole!! This was the best Sunday Funday ever! Bacardi sponsored and everything for our 1st visit. We couldn't believe the fun this place was and how it was decorated and vibes to the highest. I mean good food and sponsored drinks hit the ultimate spot. They also gave all the people goodies which were sunglasses, bags and fancy fans, cups, shot glasses... we got it!! David the manager and the entire staff was just on point to make this restaurant super exciting. We ordered mango margaritas and then the shot plate. It had 5 delicious shots. I must say they were strong and very tasty. The burrito was bomb. I ordered enchiladas and they were the best I ever had. Just enough spicy to call it perfect. We will definitely be back for the new location coming in a few weeks. Thank you again David for the great food, drinks and service!!"

Terrace by Mix Mix

★★★★☆ 4.2 (719) • $$$

"I love to drop by here for lunch. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the mall and there is a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. I tend to sit inside because it can get windy outside sometimes. I really enjoy their lunch menu. You choose a appetizer, main course, and dessert from a preselected menu for a flat fee of $32. I got the salad, pasta and sorbet. Very filling and the food was amazing! Service was great as well. There weren't too many ppl at lunch so our server checked on us throughout and was easy to wave down if we needed anything. The restaurant was overall very clean. Coming for lunch meant less ppl so it was a nice atmosphere. Although I have seen the occasional event usually held in the outdoor space. Overall, I had a good experience here."

The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 • $$

"One word: Perfecto! This is our new fav for a Friday night/date night local spot, on the same level with Capone's. Wait, that's the same owner: well done Chef Dino!Alfredo (host/Manager) who took us in for a walk-in sat us at the chef's table within 15 minutes. He was such a great host, always checking on us all through the night. I would highly recommend a reservation though. Noting to self for next time for us. We were very fortunate since the restaurant was filled.Keri who was our server was excellent too. We ordered the Crab Croquettes-tasty, French Onion Soup-the best, and the Meat Paella-worth a shout-out. We finished the night with Panna Cotta-so delish. The chef's table was worth seeing all the action by the busy-ness of how the real pros prepare the meals to perfection. Everything was perfect and as my husband's said: It was super good. Great night to finish the week for us. Thank you Black Trumpet!"

Perla

★★★★☆ 4.2 (749) • $$

"We happened to be attending the Dia De Los Muertos event so it was understandably busy but we got lucky and our party of 4 got sat within 5 minutes.We ordered their chips & guacamole which was small but delicious, especially those home fried chips!Our party had the veggie fajitas, shrimp ceviche, shrimp enchiladas and a chile relleno and we were super happy with their unique flavors and freshness. We had to add sides since those are ordered separately.I had 2 of the Horchata Martins (delicious!) and we ended with their flan and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The service wasn't as attentive but we totally understood because of the event so we were very patient. Our waitress always had a smile on her face.We sat on their patio which was very family friendly.I would have given it 5 stars except for all the sides you have to order separately & they're very small portions. Even chips & salsa are extra, and again, small little salsa.But you know what? The food was so good we will be back!"

Wine Lab

★★★★☆ 4.1 (569) • $

"I've been coming to the Wine Lab in Costa Mesa for years whenever I'm in Orange County and it's become my go to spot for a nice glass of wine & good vibes. This place has been a wonderful addition to the LAB with multiple dining places/shops in the same plaza. It's a great spot with a lovely ambiance, good wine, and delicious cheese is always a treat. Whenever I come in I'm always greeted by the friendly staff and mellow atmosphere. The Tasting flights are fantastic for exploring different varieties and they have such a wide selection, It's like a journey through flavors!They also have a wine shop and you can pick up a bottle of any of the wines they have on the menu. Definitely drop by if you're in the area and looking for a good wine bar."

The Corner

★★★★☆ 4 (950) • $$

"only writing a review because of the current 3.9 stars when they absolutely deserve at least a 4.5. we came here one night when we had to wait for sushi at the spot in the lot and now crave this place regularly. I think we've tried most if not all the appetizers including the 48 hour fries, chips and dip, deviled eggs, tuna tartare, tostadas, and bacon wrap dates. The dates while a common place that many restaurants are so good here for really what stands out is the deviled eggs with the crab. When it comes to entrées, we order the halibut every time, the celeriac purée is so good it will have you licking the plate. Desserts and drinks are also incredible here just truly can't go wrong"

Tango

★★★★☆ 4.1 (62)

"If you're in downtown Laguna Beach, Tango is the place to be! The vibes are maximalist, boutique and killer. Their cocktails, like the Sunset on Forest, are as tasty as they are Instagram-worthy. The food? Absolutely drool-worthy. You have to try the EVERYTHING ON THE MENU - game changers. And the staff? Super friendly and on point. Perfect spot for a fun night out or a lazy afternoon. Don't miss it!---"

Foo Foo Tei

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"Came here recently because I was craving omelet rice or omurice. I ended ordering the omelet rice with the curry and to start, I ordered the natto (again - just like my first visit here). I really do enjoy the natto and it's definitely growing on me overall. The way it's served with taro, mustard, and okra here gives it dimensions of flavor and texture. The omelet rice was great. It came with some miso soup and a side salad. The portion here is really large. I ended up taking leftovers and eating it for dinner that same night. Although I've only visited this place twice as of 4/24, I really love this place. Just a feeling of a family owned /operated, old timey Japanese cafe. Plenty of options to choose from and just very friendly people and from what I ordered so far I have loved everything.On my previous visit, I thought it was crazy since there was a long wait during a weekday. I've been working in the area for about 8 months and it was the only time I've had to sign up and wait for a table (not complaining, just an observation). On this past visit, while the restaurant was still busy, I was able to sit right away. I'm guessing on my previous visit, it was that odd time of the year during the holidays when students were off and people were in town so people were going to lunch here during a weekday."

Cafe Sevilla

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$$

"Came here for my boyfriend's birthday and absolutely loved it! Better to come on Sundays for the half off paela. They also offer a happy hour where all tapas are 50% off! The paela was SOO full of flavor. The bamba rice was my favorite part of the dish. Really liekd their apps too and would recommend the papas bravasThe male waiter working on 12/1 was really friendly and brought out a free birthday dessert. It was cold outside but the heater wasnt working so the workers brought out the fireplace tooThere is a 2 hour free parking lot on 3rd street"

Pita Grill Express

★★★★☆ 3.6 (489) • $$

"Unfortunately, nothing memorable about the food. I came here for lunch on a Monday. This place is called California Pita Grill, so not sure if there was a switch in owners. First time coming here, and probably last unfortunately. There are a lot of options here. I got the chicken pita wrap combo with Greek salad for an additional $3.50. Total came out to be about $12.50 which is not bad for lunch. The combo comes with a drink as well. The lunch portion size is enough to fill you up with just the wrap alone... but the chicken was extremely salty and sour. I should have gone to Doner G's instead. I took out most of the chicken because it was so salty. The Greek salad was okay, although it too was doused in sauce also. Better luck next time."

BO-beau kitchen + roof tap

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$$

"The rooftop is a great place to hangout and people-watch if you're sitting at the ledge. Service was great, food was tasty and we enjoyed being outside.The noise level wasn't bad. I guess it may have been if we had a larger party, but the hubby and I were huddled close together so it was perfect!"

Fable & Spirit

★★★★☆ 4.2 (740) • $$$

"Fantastic meal and staff at F&S. This place is popular for good reason. Go to Resy and make your reservation. High energy - so bring your peppiest self, it's loud! The interior is thoughtfully designed and decorated very inviting and warm. Lovely selection of wines by the glass and something on the menu to please anyone. We decided on meat and veg for a stick to your ribs kind of dinner. Super satisfying and portions were generous. Mangalitsa pork belly with couscous - great deep flavor and not too fatty. Couscous - nice and cheesy good.Brussels sprouts - yum-o, fried and caramelized perfection, the bourbon maple syrup and the Dijon took it to another level. Huge bowls - get your fiber folks!Short ribs - solid and the horseradish topper was the perfect contrast to cut the richness of the dish. Impressive food and restaurant - highly recommend."