Mouthwatering Diners in Santa Ana

The Classic Q

★★★★☆ 3.6 (476) • $$

"Their zucchini sticks are ! The BEST in town. The pool table rentals are usually easy to get a table and the service is great!"

Sammy's Stackhouse

★★★★☆ 4 (564) • $$

"the service was great, we got seated right away even for it being kind of busy. our waitress oliva was so sweet and attentive! i'm currently 9 months pregnant & really needed my bacon to be extra crispy, oliva had no problem making sure my bacon was perfect!! on top of the good service, our food was sooo yummy! make sure to order the pancakes they are super fluffy!"

The Beachcomber Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"I visited the Beachcomber recently for my dad's birthday and it had been a few years since my family and I have been here. I think this restaurant is in such a beautiful location and the service is great, but I think the food here can be hit or miss. I also had a minor issue with my reservation. I had my reservation here booked 3-4 weeks in advance so I was expecting to be seated immediately but unfortunately despite our entire party being there on time, we waited an additional 20 minutes past our reservation time before we got seated. It could've been worse if we were hungrier and if the view wasn't so nice, but I think that's a bit much of a wait for having reservations.The appetizers we got were solid! We ordered the Ahi Nachos, Mini Brioche Lobster Rolls, Ceviche de Camaron, and Clam Chowder. The Ahi Nachos were so fresh and flavorful, and the texture of the wonton nachos were soooo perfect! The Lobster Rolls were so cute and had amazing flavor and the lobster was cooked perfectly. The Ceviche was also super fresh and limey. The Clam Chowder was a bit salty for me unfortunately. If I had to pick one appetizer though, definitely go for the nachos.As for the entrees, we got the Pan-Roasted Blue Crab Stuffed Salmon, Frutti di Mare, Miso Glazed Butterfish, and the special of the day which was the Swordfish. All portions were generous which is appreciated.I was disappointed by the Frutti di Mare as someone that loves seafood and pasta. I think the flavor was more tomatoey than it was seafoody despite being packed with seafood (and I love tomatoes too). I was most excited for this dish, but it fell kind of flat for me. I just expected a little more flavor and the texture of the sea bass wasn't my favorite since it was kind of firm. But the bread it comes with is delicious, we ended up asking for extra!The rest of the entrees I only had little tastes of so take what I say with a grain of salt. The Blue Crab Stuffed Salmon wasn't my favorite but I think that may just be personal preference. I like both blue crab and salmon but maybe not together. I feel the same towards the Swordfish which was average for me, but that's mainly because I find swordfish to run drier.BUT the star of the show here is 1000% the Miso Glazed Butterfish. This is the one dish I remembered from my last visit here and it continues to be the best entree I've gotten to try here. It's so so so good. Buttery, flaky, juicy. The crust is even better, just perfectly thin and crispy but packed with flavor. I LOVE this dish, it's a must have.Cocktails!! All solid, but beware of the big jars hahaha they're pretty strong. If that's what you're going for though, good bang for your buck. They taste good though! Love the Watermelon Mojito the most.Since it was my dad's birthday, they brought out a warm gooey brownie with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream on top. I swear these simple desserts are always the most unsuspecting but it was delicious. The brownie was PERFECTLY gooey which is just the best paired with vanilla ice cream and that's all I have to say about that :)Loved our server, she was super sweet and attentive. We enjoyed having her for the evening!The ambience is warm, visually, but also literally. I love how they have their heater set up to run up through the ground. You will feel nice and toasty even on the chilliest day on the patio. Love the lighting and the aesthetic here, it's a cute upscale beach shack.A tip if you're a first timer here, park at the Los Trancos Parking Lot ($15) and either take the $2 shuttle or take a short 5-10 min walk to the restaurant. Arrive a little early to enjoy the nice view and take some pictures! I definitely take the beach for granted despite living so close.Overall, my experience at Beachcomber was on the positive side. This place is a good destination type restaurant and has that unique flair, but it's the kind of place I'll only come to every once in a while for a celebration."

Howard's Coffee Shop

★★★★☆ 3.6 (157) • $$

"I really like how comfy this place feels like you're in a quaint little shop. The service is attentive and welcoming. The food is good, especially the potatoes. Instead of cubes of potatoes, they make thin crispy slivers. It's pretty good. I would only really knock down 1 star because of the price. It's a little too steep for diner food."

Woody's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (392) • $$

"Whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, Woodys consistently serves up great quality and excellent service! The salads are all super fresh, but my favorite is their loco moco for breakfast and fajitas for dinner. Their shakes and desserts are also to die for. We enjoy going to Taco Tuesday in their bar area. We usually sit out on the patio and they turn on the heaters when it's chilly. The tacos and condiments are all delicious and a great deal at $1.50 per taco. They also have a full bar and make wonderful cocktails."

Fantastic Café

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (450) • $

"Best customer service ever. The cook and the employees are very welcoming and generous. Thank you soooooooooo much for the best customer service ever!! We were just trying the food out and ended up falling in love with the best customer service and food quality and taste. Definitely, recommend it!! 5 stars!!"

Arthur's Coffee Shop

★★★★☆ 3.6 (538) • $$

"La comida en general esta muy rica todo es preparado en el momento , fresco y la attention es unica uno se siente como que esta en casa Recomendado 100%"

Woody's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (270) • $$

"After a bike ride down PCH this past weekend, my wife and I stopped by Woody's Diner in Sunset Beach for a bite--and we're so glad we did!She ordered the Eggs Benedict, and I went with the Texas Burger. Both were fantastic! The Eggs Benedict had perfectly poached eggs, a rich and creamy hollandaise, and a nicely toasted English muffin. My Texas Burger was everything you want in a burger--juicy, flavorful, and stacked with BBQ sauce, crispy onion rings, and bacon. It hit the spot after the ride!The diner has that classic beachy, laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home. Service was friendly, and the food came out quickly despite it being a busy weekend morning. Definitely a solid spot for breakfast, lunch, or just to soak in that Sunset Beach atmosphere.We'll be back for sure!"

The Local Spot

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"Food was great, atmosphere was awesome. Ambience was good, however it was pretty windy. Service was a let down, we waited 20-30 minutes to get our order in. Eventually a nice lady came and helped us (she was not our server). Portions are huge, coffee is alright."

Ruby's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (292) • $$

"I'm so sad... this place has changed so much. I usually door dash, but today we dined in. All the things I've loved about Ruby's are no more. No juke boxes at the tables, bottomless fries, or what's going on with their cinnamon roll French toast (see image) that has always been a go-to favorite. I've never seen a skinner French toast, it was more like a crepe. I came here with someone who is not from the US, hoping to give them a classic American diner experience and it was a disappointment :( I know it's not their fault, but came for good food, and a full 1950's theme, but no waitress in their cute uniforms and food was mediocre I'll definitely try again, hoping it was just an off day. I will add that I appreciate that they still have the paper cars for the children, the gum ball machine, and the train operating on the ceiling track."

Paul's Place

★★★★☆ 3.9 (514) • $$

"Lots of cozy booths..they serve brisk fast lunch and dinner always...I had chicken taquitos ..it was complimented with salad, rice, salsa, sour cream and cucumber slices. My sister had roasted chicken (like half of the chicken was served...with rice and salad.. A very nice time..stayed as long as we wanted..staff took your orders upfront and called your name to pick up...seat yourself."

Woody’s Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (171) • $$

"Woody's is a restaurant that tries to create a retro diner's ambiance, but its interior reflects a mixed theme. There are surfboards hanging from the ceiling but the shelves above the booth partitions display homey traditional decorations. It's nice to have more than half a dozen TV's showing a handful of games as well as a full bar. But then it gives the place more of a sports bar feel.We ordered a couple of burgers. The classic cheeseburger was fine. It came with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, and thousand island dressing.However, the fries were disastrous. They were hard, stale, and tasteless. They tasted exactly like cold, leftover fries getting reheated in the frier.The Hawaiian burger came with a slice of ham, pineapple, and cheese. There was so much teriyaki sauce that it was dripping all over the place and also made the bun very soggy. The sauce was so sweet that it completely overwhelmed the flavor of the burger.Another annoying experience is that this restaurant felt like a dinosaur that was moving backwards in time. In the year 2024 when the World is moving toward cashless transactions, Woody's charges a 3% "processing fee for non-cash payments".Will not be back."

Denny's

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (297) • $$

"The best service, it gets pretty busy on Mondays but that doesn't stop the bomb food.Leslie is the best, she's so funny and welcoming. We enjoyed coming to this Denys we're located in YL.Thank you Denys! See you soon maybe tomorrow"

Goldenwest Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (311) • $$

"Food was very tasty. The place needs some TLC for sure. Staff were friendly and attentive. Overall I would go back."

NORMS Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (697) • $$

"Always a welcoming and family friendly" type restaurant with yummy food selections at a comfortable price with amazing service! Our favorite waiter is Esteban! He gets 5 stars! Love the atmosphere and mellow music! Cleanliness and coziness like an "old fashion diner" ! It's our "Go to" place always!"

Fairview Char-Broiler

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (68) • $

"I had a surprising experience at Fairview Char-Broiler! If you're a fan of juicy, flavorful hamburgers, this is the place to go. Their charbroiled hamburgers are pretty good and I loved that they have a lot of meal options. I also tried their breakfast burrito, and it got the job done. It's clear that they use high-quality ingredients, and everything was made to order.The cashier Joanne was friendly and attentive, which really made the experience even better. One thing to note: Sunday mornings get really busy, so I recommend arriving early if you want to avoid the wait. But trust me, it's definitely worth it. I'll definitely be back!"

Cucina Alessa

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"Absolutely obsessed with this place, especially their happy hour!!! When I first discovered it I was mad it took me so long. Every single thing I have eaten here has been incredible!!! The bar area is small but it's a lovely atmosphere and the staff makes you feel like family. I go out to eat alone a lot and being here makes me happy."

Denny's

★★★★★ 4.5 (698) • $$

"We had a funeral reception at this location and I was amazed. We were given the back room which was closed off for privacy. The restaurant accommodated the time frame, which needed to be moved up almost an hour (we called and asked if we could arrive "now" basically). The staff was busy the entire time and very attentive. Props to Johanny our waitress. She was amazing and professional from start to finish. She definitely stood out as a great employee. We usually don't go to this restaurant, (Denny's in general) but based on the staffs desire to treat people like family we will definitely put it on our radar. Thank you again Johanny for doing an exceptional job."

Mel's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (277) • $$

"The absolute best hash browns I've ever had!! Biscuits and gravy were delicious, service was great!!"

The Filling Station Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 • $$

"We need to come back here more often! We came on a Tuesday around 12pm and were sat right away. We sat inside as most people did because of the heavy wind.Our sever was very polite and we got our food pretty fast. I got the eggs Benedict and hash browns which were delicious, my cousin got the machaca and eggs, and my boyfriend got the buffalo chicken salad (not on the website but still on the menu). Most tables have a nice view of at least a few of the Old Town Orange buildings which I think give it a cute, trendy, cozy vibe."

Victory Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (579) • $$

"I've been meaning to write a review for this place for a while now, and I'm so glad I finally took the time to do it. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for a great experience. The customer service at is truly second to none. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and always goes above and beyond to make sure you feel like a valued guest. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, they make you feel at home.Now, let's talk about the food--absolutely amazing! The burgers are hands down some of the best I've ever had. The patties are juicy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. The variety of toppings and sides makes each visit an exciting experience, and everything is served fresh and hot. Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheeseburger or something a little more adventurous, they've got you covered.Every time I visit, I'm blown away by the combination of great food and top-notch service. If you're craving a delicious burger and want to be treated with the utmost care, this place is a must-try!Highly recommend! I can't wait to come back again !"

Sea Salt Japanese Eatery

★★★★☆ 4.4 (386) • $$

"Came in with a couple girlfriends for dinner a couple weeks ago and we ordered the tuna tataki special and edamame to start which were delicious. Had an iced green tea and put in our orders of Jessica Alba specialty roll and two spicy tuna rolls and a rainbow roll. They were all delicious loveee the Jessica Alba roll!! Fresh sushi and everything was so yummy. Server seemed a little frazzled and was a little short wasn't that busy but overall had a great dinner"

San Pedro Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (704) • $$

"Visited this place for breakfast one morning during our stay in San Pedro close to the harbor. We were seated immediately. The restaurant isn't particularly elaborate, but the food was outstanding. Generous portions and incredibly tasty! The staff was exceptionally welcoming. The establishment was tidy and adequately staffed. There's an outdoor seating area too. Everything was superb! The service, food, and ambiance were all impressive. The cinnamon swirl pancakes were amazing! The bacon was cooked just right, along with the eggs. We will probably return in the next few days while we're in town."

Woody's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.7 (355) • $$

"Visited Woodys for brunch with our running crew. The service was great. Our waitress was friendly and attentive to our table. The wait for the food was about 20 min but all our 6 meals were brought out together. I had the biscuits and gravy and it was 10/10. The eggs and bacon with hash brown was also tasty. Very clean restaurant and friendly staff. Will be coming back when in the area."

Denny's

★★★★☆ 3.5 (383) • $$

"Awesome service from Patricia! We love coming here for a quick dinner after a long day at work."

La Casa Garcia

★★★★☆ 3.5 (556) • $$

"Honestly, it was easy to understand the low ratings from afar before going here. Not much of a vibe or niche, with Tex-Mex-y fare that seems more of the standard grade Mexican offerings you'd find outside of California and a decor that feels a bit beige.However, having been invited to La Casa Garcia selected for an extended family catch-up, I was forced to walk in with an open mind. Would it be possible to escape with a decent order for the evening?Happy to report that my order of a steak picador ($19.95) definitely made for a salvaged meal. This entree comes with a salad, and a rather sizable one. The main dish itself was everything I hoped for, with beef that was not overcooked, decently portioned, and reasonably flavored thanks to the pool of sauce it swam in. Rice and beans (topped with some cheese) made for a nice round out.In brief, it seems possible to eat perfectly decently here, though I don't find myself rushing back on my own volition with the quality and quantity of Mexican options around north OC"

Dick Church's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (620) • $$

"MEREDITH!!!! She was a fantastic server! She got our order down right. She understood when I said, just a "splash" of OJ in my mimosa. Not only did she provide amazing service, but the food is GOOD. I had the 2 eggs with bacon and sausage plate. My Fianće got the Eastside omelette. It did not disappoint. Def go here. You won't regret it and you will leave very happy."

Woody's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (231) • $$

"This is a good solid choice for reasonably priced diner food in Newport Beach, in an area where you might pay $25 for a burger at a boutique restaurant. I came with my partner for a quick bite and it was fast service and the food came quickly because there were only like 4 other patrons there (on a Saturday late afternoon/early evening).The ambiance is better than a Denny's or ihop for sure, it's a very comfortable diner with ample seating and looked very clean. I enjoyed my build your own omelette and my partner's burger looked very juicy and he said it was good. The ingredients were fresh and tasted good/cooked well. I have no complaints about this place, it was an all around good experience. Would return again!"

Phans55 - Los Olivos

★★★★☆ 3.6 (495) • $$

"Great food at a reasonable price! I love their shrimp spring rolls and egg rolls. My husband is hooked on their shrimp pho. The service is fast, and the staff are friendly. There aren't many good enough Vietnamese restaurants in the area and this place offers good variety for its value. I love their clean and modern vibes too."

Tortas La Corona

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (133) • $

"I SHOULDVE READ THE REVIEWS FIRST. $18.60 for a steak and eggs breakfast burrito and a large drink??? That's nuts! Yes I added beans but damn. I take a few bites and no beans. Lol I take it back and she's she asked if I want a new one or put the beans on the side. Lol for what I paid i need a new one. I get the new one, beans...check. Steak...no where to found. Not even worth the hassle of bringing it back to the register and risk my food being tampered with. Any way, insult to injury, it's not even that good. Breakfast was ruined lol"

Early Bird

★★★★☆ 3.9 • $$

"This place has been one of my top favorite brunch spots to come to. I've been coming here for a good 8 years now, I just now noticed I never put a review for it! Crazy that I haven't post before. I want to start off by saying the food always has good flavor. The carnitas chilaquiles are my favorite, this time I couldn't choose between that one or the chef Vic green chilaquiles so my server asked if I could get half and half and so I did thanks! It was amazing! I told my server we liked the brioche and the churro waffle but were undecided on which to get, she informed me they were able to do the brioche French toast churro style and omg! It did not disappoint! The fluffyness of the bread and the sweet churro sauce made the perfect combo. ( we ended up getting two!)As for the ambiance, the place is bright has background music that can be pretty enjoyable not too loud, just enough to hear but you're able to hear everyone else as well. The place keeps pretty clean and the art on the walls is nice. This place will keep being on my books, and definitely returning once again"

Mollies San Juan

★★★★☆ 4.2 (91) • $$

"I was on my way to TJ and I was craving for some breakfast and this one came out and it did not disappoint me at all actually I recommended I will definitely come back friendly staff in the parking situation was just in front."

Carlitos Diner

★★★★★ 4.5 (680) • $

"Who would have thought a small, rinky, hole in the wall Mexican diner would offer one of the best chicken fried steaks!! Being from the south, I grew up on hearty breakfasts. Everything loaded with gravy. Carlito's CFS did not disappoint!! Crispy chicken steak smothered, no, drowning in sausage gravy! For the price you really get a large portion too. It included 3 eggs made your way, I opted for hashbrowns and a side of toast. The diner itself is very tidy and clean. Excellent customer service. Upon entry, go to the counter to place your order then they will bring your food out."

Sunny on South

★★★★☆ 4.4 (512) • $$

"Delicious food and friendly service. Party of seven on Saturday at noon. Seated right away, food came out quickly and pipping hot. Will be sure to come again."

Aunt Cass Café

★★★★☆ 3.9 (655) • $$

"Recently rethemed, but still the same great sourdough if you are looking for it. This location seems to rotate bread pudding, so constantly on the lookout as the recent pumpkin spice one was PHENOMENAL. Yes, ALL CAPS GOOD. Love the ability to mobile order and the staff is always friendly. Lots of outdoor seating, so usually a great area to find a seat to enjoy your food. Definitely a solid quick service option for dining when visiting Disney California Adventure."