Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Ana

90 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Perla Mexican Cuisine restaurant

1. Perla Mexican Cuisine

4.1

Excellent(228)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Ana

Booked 6 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 Jardin Autentica Cocina restaurant

2. Jardin Autentica Cocina

4.7

Exceptional(503)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Orange

Booked 35 times today

Jardin Autentica Cocina is a real treat for those craving authentic Mexican cuisine. Reviewers rave about the authenticity of the food, with one even comparing it to their grandma's cooking. The ambiance and service are also frequently praised. One reviewer even felt like they were in Mexico!

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant

3. Habana - Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(2727)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Costa Mesa

Booked 74 times today

Habana in Costa Mesa offers an authentic Cuban experience. Reviewers rave about the 'authentic Cuban' food and the 'Cuban vibes' all around. One reviewer even compared the food to that found in Miami, Florida, implying that it's authentic. Another mentioned the 'true to Cuban culture' dishes. So, if you're looking for a taste of Cuba in Southern California, Habana is a recommended spot!

4. Francoli Gourmet

4.7

Exceptional(521)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Orange

Booked 3 times today

WALK-INS ARE WELCOME FOR PARTIES UNDER 6 GUESTSIf you can't find availability for your desired time and date please call us 714-288-1077AVAILABLE TAKE OUT FOOD + WINE(Delivery available through third party services i.e. Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub).Extensive Italian wine selection available for take out.Francoligourmet.com for available menu. Experience authentic Northern Italian Cuisine in the heart of sunny Southern California at Francoli Gourmet. This classic eatery features classic flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Francoli Gourmet features an onsite specialty store, carrying wines from all 20 regions of Italy as well as liquors. Francoli Gourmet's menu is a gourmet tour of Northern Italy, rich in regional specialties and popular favorites. We provide also a retail section with Italian Imports such as liqueurs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, specialty pasta, plus so much more.

A photo of Anepalco Restaurant restaurant

5. Anepalco Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(632)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Orange

Booked 5 times today

Anepalco is a modern Mexican restaurant located next to ALO Hotel in Orange, California. Our restaurant combines traditional Mexican ingredients with a modern twist. We focus on bringing flavors from all regions of Mexico to your palate. Come and try our famous chilaquiles, organic handmade tortillas, Huitlacoche Octopus tacos or al pastor tacos for lunch. Visit us for dinner where the menu gets sophisticated with a Agua Chile Negro, Chichilo Mole, Short Ribs Barbacoa with chochoyotes or Pork Belly Tacos. Treat yourself with a dessert like corn cake with nopal ice cream or an amazing Horchata Strawberry Cheesecake. Anepalco have a great variety of Mexican wines from Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California, and specialize in tequila and mezcal craft cocktails. Come and join us for a great dining experience by Chef Daniel Godinez.

A photo of Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa restaurant

6. Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(251)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Costa Mesa

Booked 11 times today

Izakaya Hachi is an authentic Japanese restaurant serving japanese tapas, yakitori, fresh oysters, shabu shabu, traditional sushi, and a variety of unique and exclusive sake from japan.We have a 15 minutes grace period. Please call us if you are running later then your reservation time. Seating availability are base on the business volume, all request are not guaranteed. If you prefer a table seat, please tell a representative or leave a comment about it. However, we may not be able to honor all requests. We look forward to serving you!$30 corkage fee per bottle up to 750ml and $60 for 750ml+Daily Operation From 5PM-11PM, Last Call at 10PM

A photo of Nova Kitchen & Bar restaurant

7. Nova Kitchen & Bar

4.5

Awesome(854)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Anaheim

Booked 26 times today

NOVA Kitchen & Bar is an experiential dining destination, exploring the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water—to engage and tantalize the five senses of taste, smell, sight, touch and sound. The result? An ethereal and magical experience. Inspired by the transient astronomical event of a moving star, Nova empowers guests to experience the five dimensions of life on earth like they never have before.We have a strict 10 minute grace period for reservations. At least half of your party must be present to be seated. Parties who are running late should call the restaurant prior to your reservation time to ensure your reservation doesn't get canceled. There are no same day reservations on Friday and Saturdays. Walk-ins are always welcome.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

8. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(3970)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 72 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.

9. Top of The V

4.5

Awesome(927)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Anaheim

Booked 13 times today

Top of The V, 12th floor rooftop setting provides spectacular views where guests can enjoy SoCal’s year-round beautiful weather as well as features an exhibition kitchen, private dining room, pool and a stunning outdoor dining terrace with fire pits. We embrace culinary influences throughout Spain and love to introduce guests to new techniques and flavors. To accompany the menu is a Spanish-influenced beverage program and modern classics, resulting in an effortlessly cool craft cocktail bar. Our bar’s feature 20 taps that pour local craft beers from across California, and the wine list features bottles from Spain, California, Oregon and the Old World.

A photo of Christakis Greek Cuisine restaurant

10. Christakis Greek Cuisine

4.8

Exceptional(1369)

Price: Expensive

• Greek • Tustin

Booked 13 times today

Please contact the restaurant directly for parties of 6 or more.***** VOTED BEST GREEK RESTAURANT IN OC BY OC WEEKLY (2016)On April 1, 1996, Yanoula Christakis Wallace opened the doors of Christakis, a restaurant that represented her homeland and the passion she felt towards her culture. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or celebrating a special event, Christakis Greek Cuisine is the place to enjoy traditional Greek dishes at a reasonable price. Since 1996, we’ve used only the finest and freshest ingredients to create traditional Greek cuisine. Today, the family at Christakis continues to bring the authentic spirit and warmth of Greece to Orange County.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sue
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great authentic Italian food with great service and ambiance.
More info
Francoli GourmetPrice: Expensive• Italian• Orange
•
4.7
T
Teresa
California Central Coast •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food is delicious. Love the mini conchas. Staff are friendly. Place is clean. Decor matches name.
More info
Jardin Autentica CocinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Orange
•
4.7
A
Ashleyvip
Denver / Colorado •7 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Really nice vibe for an anniversary date night. I got the salmon which was fabulous and my boyfriend got the highly recommended El Churrasco. He was not impressed with the churrasco quite expensive for what it was. We also got the chicken empanadas as an appetizer and it was his favorite part of the meal. Overall the vibes were nice and staff was kind.
More info
Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
L
Lisavip
Washington, D.C. Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 1, 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
•
4.1
B
Bri
Orange County •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Oct 27, 2024
Server was on it so that was nice. We had the pitcher of margarita and it was well worth it. Food was above average the chilaquiles were good but the enchiladas not so much.
More info
Anepalco RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Orange
•
4.5

Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Ana

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

90 restaurants available nearby

1. Perla Mexican Cuisine

2. Jardin Autentica Cocina

3. Habana - Costa Mesa

4. Francoli Gourmet

5. Anepalco Restaurant

6. Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa

7. Nova Kitchen & Bar

8. Il Fornaio - Irvine

9. Top of The V

10. Christakis Greek Cuisine

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable