The Best Restaurants in Orange, California (A Local’s Guide)
Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Orange, California, look no further. This charming city in the heart of Orange County is home to Chapman University, Old Towne Orange, and a food scene that’s way better than you might expect for a small historic town.
I spent four years living here during college and have also worked in Orange, so I’ve had plenty of time to scope out the local dining scene. From brunch and coffee to seafood, tacos, and cocktails, here are my favorite restaurants in Orange, CA that I keep coming back to.
1886 Brewing Co.
1886 Brewing Co. is my pick when I’m in the mood for a great beer and some seriously satisfying pub food. The brewery is rooted in Old Towne Orange and has that classic, comfortable feel of a neighborhood spot that’s been around long enough to get it right.
For starters and sides, I always gravitate toward the Brussels Sprouts (a personal obsession, no apologies), the Onion Rings, and the Garlic Feta Fries — and if you’re someone who loves a good pretzel, the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel is absolutely not optional. For mains, the Fish & Chips and the B.C. Burger are my go-tos every time.
Bluestone Lane Old Towne Orange
Bluestone Lane in Old Towne Orange is one of my favorite spots for brunch, lunch, or even just a quick cup of coffee. This Australian-inspired café has more than 55 locations around the country, but the Orange location is full-service and perfect for a casual sit-down meal.
The Avocado Smash is a classic choice, but I also love the Athlete’s Burrito for breakfast or brunch. For lunch, the Chicken & Bacon Club Roll is my go-to. Don’t skip the coffee or tea, either — their baristas make some of the best in town! Pro tip: Order a side of Bluestone Lane’s incredible potato wedges. Trust me on this one!
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Bosscat has been a favorite ever since I went to their location near John Wayne Airport. I love the Southern Comfort influence, and their cocktail menu is so fun! So glad they opened up an Orange location so I can grab lunch with coworkers or drinks after work. I recommend ordering the Pulled Pork Hush Puppies as a shared appetizer and for mains, either the Gulf Shrimp and Grits or the Coastal White Fish. Don’t forget to follow it up with Fried Apple Pie or Beignets for dessert!
Francolí Gourmet
Francolí Gourmet holds a very special place in my heart — it’s where Max and I had our first official date back in 2016, when we were both in college at Chapman. It’s an Italian café and market with a warm, European feel that made it the perfect spot for a first date (clearly it worked out!). The food is fresh, the atmosphere is charming, and it still feels like a little hidden gem tucked into Orange. Worth a visit whether you’re a Chapman student, an alum, or just someone who appreciates Italian food in a small-town setting.
Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen
A favorite in college and still a favorite today, Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen is one of those places that you just keep coming back to! Their food is delicious, and their margaritas are wonderful…it’s just an all-around great spot when you want some high-quality Mexican cuisine. Their seasonal guacamole + chips or queso fundido con chorizo are always a must-order for the table. My favorite main dishes at Gabi’s include: taquitos con salsa verde, puebla tacos, or enchiladas suizas! Their jalapeño pepino margarita is also a must!
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar has been a go-to since my college days — the kind of place you end up at with friends on a weeknight and stay longer than planned. Haven is a gastropub-style spot with a genuine commitment to quality: they focus on local and organic produce, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meat and poultry as often as possible, which I really appreciate. The menu is approachable and crowd-pleasing, and the vibe is relaxed without feeling like just another bar.
My go-to starters are the Risotto Arancini and the Brussels Sprouts — both are consistently great and perfect for sharing with the table.
O SEA
O SEA was not around when I was in college, but that’s a good thing because I love seafood, and this would have been dangerous on a college budget! They focus on ocean-to-table seafood and are incredibly into their wines, too. Max & I are probably on a fast track to becoming regulars because we’re always in the mood for O SEA!
Some of their entree and finger food options work in a way that you pick what your preparation will be, and then you choose your market protein (the fish!). So if you’re a fan of a specific preparation, but want to try a different protein the next time, you absolutely can! I always tend to order the Super Tuscan Plate with Wild Local Halibut, but also think it’s delicious with Wild British Columbian Salmon. The O SEA Burrito is also a tasty dish, as is the Wild Fijian Albacore Tuna Poke. You must save room for dessert and get the Thai Milk Tea Blondie Sunday – it’s delicious!
Note: Their menus do change a bit seasonally!
Smoqued California BBQ
Smoqued California BBQ is exactly what it sounds like: straightforward, well-done California BBQ that hits the spot every time. For starters, the Smoked Candied Bacon and Fried Pickles are both great for sharing — though I’ll be honest, if I’m not going with a group, I’ll sometimes skip the candied bacon as a starter and add it as one of my sides instead. No regrets either way. For mains, the Brisket Plate is the move, and the Amazing Mac & Cheese lives up to its name — I always get it as one of my two sides alongside fries or tater tots.
The Living Room Bar & Lounge – The Richland
The Richland is a newer boutique hotel in Old Towne Orange, and it is so cute! They have a bar and hangout spot inside called The Living Room Bar & Lounge with some of the most delicious cocktails and appetizers on the planet. It truly feels like someone’s living room or home bar – it’s so inviting and cozy!
The cocktails I love from The Living Room are the No Vacancy, Wish You Were Here, Pardon My French, and Putting on the Spritz. Putting on the Spritz might just be the best twist on a traditional Aperol Spritz that I’ve ever tried! For bites, order the House Cheese & Charcuterie Board and the Crispy French Fries, truffle version!
There are so many good places to eat and drink in Orange, California — these are just my tried-and-true favorites built up over years of living and working here. Whether you’re visiting Old Towne Orange, grabbing lunch near Chapman, or just exploring for the first time, I hope this list steers you somewhere delicious.
If you’re staying in the area, check out my broader Orange County guides for more local recommendations — or search available hotels in Orange County on Booking.com for a place to stay. And for more OC drinks and dining, my guides to the best Italian restaurants in Orange County and the best coffee shops in Orange County are good next stops.
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