Tangata Restaurant

4.3

1289 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Innovative
Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem

Experience a culinary juxtaposition of Pacific Rim and California cuisine. Set aside the celebrated Bower Museum in Santa Ana, Tangata Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon. Deemed the "hidden gem of sophisticated California Cuisine" by the OC Examiner and winner of the OpenTable "Diner's Choice" and "Great for Lunch" Awards, Tangata is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Location
2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Neighborhood
Santa Ana
Cross street
Main and 20th
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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BREAD BASKET$5.00
Assorted bread | whipped butter
EDAMAME HUMMUS$12.00
Nori | toasted sesame seeds | wonton chips
SHISHITO PEPPERS$14.00
Ponzu | yuzu aioli | toasted pepitas
CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTS$14.00
Sweet chili | garlic crunch
AVOCADO TOAST$16.00
Alfalfa sprouts | tomato | smashed avocado | pickled onions | whole grain bread
MARKET SOUP$10.00
Chef's daily Selection
AHI POKE$18.00
Crispy rice | wakame | cucumber | black sesame seeds | yuzu ponzu

Salads

Add grilled chicken 7, salmon or shrimp 9 to any salad

MANCHEGO$19.00
wild arugula | apple | walnut | manchego cheese | dates | walnut vinaigrette
WEDGE$18.00
Iceberg lettuce | candied bacon | cherry tomato | red onion | blue cheese | hard boiled egg | balsamic glaze
TUSCAN KALE$19.00
Julienne kale | beets | butternut squash | goat cheese | toasted pepitas | pomegranate vinaigrette
MISO GLAZED SALMON$24.00
Soba noodles | sugar snap peas | cabbage | carrots | cucumbers | green onion | wakame | ginger soy dressing

Sandwiches

Served with choice of fries or side salad

TUNA MELT$19.00
albacore tuna | sharp cheddar | tomato | served on marble rye
THE BURGER$24.00
Angus patty | sharp cheddar cheese | bacon | lettuce | whole grilled onion | tomato | secret sauce | brioche bun
OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICH$22.00
Roasted turkey breast | crushed avocado | tomato | red onion | candied bacon | romaine lettuce | tarragon aioli | sourdough bread
RUEBAN$22.00
Pastrami | swiss cheese | sauerkraut | secret sauce | rye bread
CHICKEN KATSU$22.00
Panko crusted chicken breast | yuzu slaw | sesame aioli | brioche bread
VEGGIE WRAP$19.00
Edamame hummus | cucumber | tomato | red onion | alfalfa sprouts | spinach tortilla

Kids

Served with choice of fries, fruit or side salad

CHICKEN TENDERS$14.00
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH$14.00
CHEESEBURGER$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉE$12.00
Fresh berries
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE$12.00
Caramel Sauce
SORBET SCOOP$5.00
Chef's daily selection

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITA$16.00
tequila | agave | pineapple juice | lime juice
HOKUSAI$16.00
gin lemon juice | lychee syrup | lychee fruit
MAPLE BOURBON SMASH$16.00
bourbon | lemon juice | maple simple syrup
ASIAN PEAR MULE$16.00
pear vodka | lime juice | ginger beer | asian pear fruit
SANGRIA$16.00
rosé | brandy | triple sec | orange juice | fruit |

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France
Glass $14, Bottle $55
La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)
Glass $14
Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne
Bottle $60

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France
Bottle $65
Chardonnay, EOS, California
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France
Glass $12, Bottle $46

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma
Bottle $50
Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France
Bottle $65

Beer

Modelo Especial$8.00
Coors Light$8.00
Peroni Pilsner$8.00
Lagunitas IPA$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural Spring$7.00
S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced Tea$5.00
Lemonade$5.00
Coke$5.00
Diet Coke$5.00
Sprite$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

$6 each

Earl Grey
yunnan black, floral, citrus
English Breakfast
robust, smooth, malty
Citron Green
nutty, toasty, buttery
Peppermint
cooling, minty, refreshing
Chamomile
herbal, floral, silky

Coffee by Lavazza

Espresso$5.50
Macchiato$6.00
Latte$6.00
Cappuccino$6.00
Italian Roast Coffee$5.00

What 1,289 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.3Food
4.2Service
4.2Ambience
1.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tangata Restaurant offers "consistently lovely and excellent" service and food, with fresh, delicious dishes perfect for special occasions like Mother's Day. Located at the Bowers Museum, it boasts beautiful surroundings and a friendly atmosphere. Though the menu is limited, the attentive service and ambiance make it a delightful dining choice.

1,289 Reviews

C
Candice
VIP
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A very good restaurant for people who know and delight in delicious, fresh & well prepared food! AND its location at the wonderful Bowers Museum makes it a perfect, double pleasure!
Is this helpful?
A
Andreas
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I brought in a group of 14 on a Sunday before a lecture. I made a reservation and they had a big table ready. The service was very good, the food was very good, and everyone was able to pay individually - no check splitting issues (memo to other restaurants - since when is this a problem?) Overall a good experience, and I would recommend the restaurant for group events.
Is this helpful?
C
Candice
VIP
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always look forward to eating at this restaurant. Everything is so fresh and delicious!
Is this helpful?
J
June
VIP
New Orleans
51 reviews
2.0
51 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Service was slow to start and non existent there after.
Is this helpful?
B
Bob
Orange County
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The number of menu items over the many years we have come to the restaurant has been reduced so options are much more limited. Good service and tables are spaced farther apart than most restaurants. Good.
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
VIP
Orange County
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The veggie sandwich was YUM! My friend really enjoyed her manchego salad with salmon. Jorge was a sweet and attentive server. Sitting outside at the Bowers Museum provides all the ambience you need.
Is this helpful?
CH
CherylH
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We had lunch at Tangata before a lecture. I highly recommend doing this. The food and service are always excellent.
Is this helpful?
g
gramamo
Orange County
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The menu is rather limited and so sorry you no longer have brunch options like the French toast. The service is excellent and friendly. A decided difference from what it was several years ago when the manager was just plain unpleasant. I have a hearing disability and noise level gets difficult when the restaurant fills up.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff and servers were very friendly and quick. Accessible parking and not overwhelmed with crowdedness.
Is this helpful?
D
Daziner
VIP
Orange County
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Highly recomend, food is great, outdoor seating is best when weather is nice.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tangata Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 1289 OpenTable diners.

Tangata Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Additional information

Cross street
Main and 20th
Neighborhood
Santa Ana
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Tangata Restaurant

Make a reservation

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

To Start

BREAD BASKET$5.00

EDAMAME HUMMUS$12.00

SHISHITO PEPPERS$14.00

CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTS$14.00

AVOCADO TOAST$16.00

MARKET SOUP$10.00

AHI POKE$18.00

Salads

MANCHEGO$19.00

WEDGE$18.00

TUSCAN KALE$19.00

MISO GLAZED SALMON$24.00

Sandwiches

TUNA MELT$19.00

THE BURGER$24.00

OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICH$22.00

RUEBAN$22.00

CHICKEN KATSU$22.00

VEGGIE WRAP$19.00

Kids

CHICKEN TENDERS$14.00

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH$14.00

CHEESEBURGER$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉE$12.00

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE$12.00

SORBET SCOOP$5.00

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITA$16.00

HOKUSAI$16.00

MAPLE BOURBON SMASH$16.00

ASIAN PEAR MULE$16.00

SANGRIA$16.00

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France

La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)

Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough

Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France

Chardonnay, EOS, California

Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California

Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma

Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France

Beer

Modelo Especial$8.00

Coors Light$8.00

Peroni Pilsner$8.00

Lagunitas IPA$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural Spring$7.00

S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced Tea$5.00

Lemonade$5.00

Coke$5.00

Diet Coke$5.00

Sprite$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

Earl Grey

English Breakfast

Citron Green

Peppermint

Chamomile

Coffee by Lavazza

Espresso$5.50