california Date: 05-15-2026

Highly Recommended 14 Dinner Restaurants Near Santa Ana, California

Planning dinner tonight? Check out highly recommended restaurants in [Santa Ana] known for quality food and memorable dining experiences.

RestaurantsAddressPrice_level
1Euro Caffe3950 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704Moderate
2Costa Azul Restaurant800 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706Moderate
3NORMS Restaurant102 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706Inexpensive
4The Boiling Crab1500 W MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704Moderate
5Black Bear Diner Santa Ana3355 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704Moderate
6Santa Buffet & Grill2321 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704Moderate
74th Street Market201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701Moderate
8Black Angus Steakhouse1350 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705Moderate
9MasalaCraft - Santa Ana2 Hutton Centre Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92707Moderate
10Bella Cuba Restaurant3940 S Bristol St #114, Santa Ana, CA 92704Moderate
11Spoons Grill & Bar2601 Hotel Terrace, Santa Ana, CA 92705Moderate
12Chapter One: the modern local227 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701Moderate
13Wursthaus305 E 4th St #106, Santa Ana, CA 92701Moderate
14Taqueria El Taquero Guzman925 W Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707Inexpensive

1.Euro Caffe

Address: 3950 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

images Euro Caffe

(984) user ratings total:

Lynn Maui I loved my turkey pesto panini with sourdough.. I would order it again Arugala & Turkey only & light pesto. The side salad with the raspberry dressing on the side. Loved the lavender matcha!
5 /5
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2.Costa Azul Restaurant

Address: 800 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706

images Costa Azul Restaurant

(968) user ratings total:

CMF Costa Azul restaurant is the place to get some great food and wonderful atmosphere, The music was very loud though, could not hear a conversation at the table, though we went during music band. The food was great the people were very friendly.
5 /5
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3.NORMS Restaurant

Address: 102 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706

images NORMS Restaurant

(5012) user ratings total:

Chris Yanke I open the shop on Halloween night. It was extremely busy and I had to admit they maintained their concentration. They didn’t let the stress get to them and they managed to carry themselves through, but I had to try something new on the menu the crisp apple pie and of course you added a scoop of vanilla ice cream and get it warmed up. I swear to God I should’ve ordered two slices. This is so good. I sat at the counter and enjoyed my cup of coffee. They’re going to be a lot of specials to try in November but this location is different than the one I usually go to, but the service is equal to the same and everybody is really friendly… But I’m going to try that ham traditional dinner for 1999 that’s coming up next on my dream list.
5 /5
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4.The Boiling Crab

Address: 1500 W MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704

images The Boiling Crab

(3572) user ratings total:

Brenton Clamor Best crab pot that I have been to in the US! If you are foodie, you have to try this place out. Their sha-bang sauce is unique. Love the combination of fresh garlic along with their spices. It goes well on top a side of their white rice. This location has the best customer service. I’ve always been met with the kindest staff. The sizes of some of their shellfish are seasonal, but I’ve always felt the shrimp, clams, and mussels have a consistently good amount of meat. If you are dying for some kind of crab, my favorite is the snow crab. And if you need a metal crab cracker, don’t be shy to ask for one. Thank you Boiling Crab for the good food and memories!
5 /5
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5.Black Bear Diner Santa Ana

Address: 3355 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

images Black Bear Diner Santa Ana

(3244) user ratings total:

Carolina Luna Martha our server was sooo sweet and attended our every need!! She went above and beyond to get our food ready fast knowing we were starving!! Tony the supervisor also attended our needs and they both kept coming to check up on us!! They were amazing at explaining our menu options…Will definitely keep coming and recommend Black bear diner to my friends and family etc
5 /5
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6.Santa Buffet & Grill

Address: 2321 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704

images Santa Buffet & Grill

(2186) user ratings total:

TIN MAN One of the few remaining affordable buffets that offer Snow Crab Legs (Friday - Sunday only) in OC. I came on a Friday evening, and restaurant was 90% full capacity. Cold crab legs alongside hot fried crabs. Eight flavors of ice cream for dessert. Excellent value for the price!
5 /5
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7.4th Street Market

Address: 201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

images 4th Street Market

(2131) user ratings total:

Six 789 DTTN - an eatery like no other. I dare not spoil the awesomeness with mere words nor are my few pics truly representative of the caliber of eclectic dining at DTTN. If only I lived closer then I would be all in on this place, making a monthly pilgrimage to a Mecca of culinary delight. Rarely had my money been so willingly spent on such extravagance. I will be back, again and again, despite my frugality for nowhere else has earned my respect. This place is the epitome of down-to-earth fine dining, and they know it but don’t gatekeep. You’ll feel the same when the Chef/Owner visits with an air of nonchalance, his casual demeanor a breathtaking departure from the stiff and starched white coats of “fine French chefs”. The cuisine will have you believe an army of such chefs toils and creates edible art meant for digestion by the eyes as much as the mouth. Consumables for the soul without bizarreness, whether it be food or drink. Speaking of, their bartenders are world class mixologists with a library of drinks both spiked and unmarred by alcohol. Repeat visits afford the opportunity to get the same concoctions as before or test the waters for something unique and new yet suited to your particular taste profile. Vietually a virgin anything always on order. Concepts as concoctions are what they deliver. Don’t even get me started on desserts. Having attended CIA for a pastry chef degree myself and with a lineage of long-ago famous bakers, I can honestly attest to an exquisiteness that is otherwise missing throughout the south land and all of Orange County. I hadn’t intended a screed the lengthy and am stopping short of further extoling the virtues of DTTN. Suffice to say: Do Not Miss This Place! Go Now, Go Often. Make Reservations & Make Memories! 15/5 stars - highly recommend Here’s the extra stars: Mixology: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Desserts: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 /5
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8.Black Angus Steakhouse

Address: 1350 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

images Black Angus Steakhouse

(2091) user ratings total:

DL Great menu choices and really decent food. The staff and servers are friendly and attentive. We have a wonderful time there. Will definitely be back when in town.
5 /5
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9.MasalaCraft - Santa Ana

Address: 2 Hutton Centre Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92707

images MasalaCraft - Santa Ana

(1644) user ratings total:

Woody Butler AMAZING value. Best value of any restaurant in entirety of north OC. Friendly staff, flavorful food, suspiciously low prices. They give you huge portions, had about 8 different dishes on hand, free toppings (fried onions, chutney, etc.) which I’ve never seen offered before. Dear lord please come and give them your money do not let them go out of business. Look at this stock pot full of flavor
5 /5
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10.Bella Cuba Restaurant

Address: 3940 S Bristol St #114, Santa Ana, CA 92704

images Bella Cuba Restaurant

(1545) user ratings total:

Cesar This is a little gem if you like Spanish food, my kids are very picky when it comes to eating rice and beans, they ate the rice, beans and kitchen, had steak chop with fried plantains, and the service was amazing.
5 /5
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11.Spoons Grill & Bar

Address: 2601 Hotel Terrace, Santa Ana, CA 92705

images Spoons Grill & Bar

(1360) user ratings total:

Kathelin Trinidad Cucumber margarita and the food were so good, the bartender was super nice too!
5 /5
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12.Chapter One: the modern local

Address: 227 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701

images Chapter One: the modern local

(1192) user ratings total:

Badd JuJu Its absolutely an awesome place to eat!!! Our server was the absolute best!!! And the food was great!!!!! I almost divorced my wife to marry the chef!! The atmosphere and the vibe were pretty mellow!! I will definitely be a return customer!! I reccomend the Steak Frites with Duck fat fries!!
5 /5
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13.Wursthaus

Address: 305 E 4th St #106, Santa Ana, CA 92701

images Wursthaus

(1180) user ratings total:

Hubert B. Wursthaus – Santa Ana | 5 Stars This place is a hidden gem for fry lovers and sausage aficionados alike! I recently visited Wursthaus in Santa Ana and was blown away by the quality and flavor of everything I ordered. I went with their loaded fries, topped with savory grilled onions and a tangy house sauce that added a rich, creamy kick. The fries were hand-cut, perfectly crisp on the outside, and fluffy inside—clearly made fresh. But the real highlight was the side tray of gourmet toppings: vinegary marinated onions, spicy jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized onions, and vibrant grilled peppers. Each one was full of flavor and elevated the fries to something truly special. The presentation was fun and casual, and the portions were generous. It’s the kind of place where you can mix, match, and build your perfect plate. Wursthaus has a great atmosphere with a European beer hall vibe, and the staff was friendly and quick to serve. Whether you’re there for sausages, brews, or epic fries—this spot delivers. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in downtown Santa Ana!
5 /5
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14.Taqueria El Taquero Guzman

Address: 925 W Warner Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707

images Taqueria El Taquero Guzman

(1160) user ratings total:

Joaquin Moreno Jr Classic hidden gem in Santa Ana , very clean and very pleasing. The Tacos are amazing and the taco plate is even better. Delicious salsas for the liking of everyone. One of my favorite places to get a bite of traditional Mexican food. I recommend the Asada Taco Plate. Small location but they know how to treat guest!
5 /5
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