The Best Restaurants in Orange, CA: Old Towne Favorites Worth Knowing About
Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
If you’ve never spent much time in Orange, California, it has a way of surprising you. It doesn’t have the coastline of Laguna or the name recognition of Newport, but it has something a little different — a genuine historic downtown, a walkable grid of antique shops and neighborhood restaurants, and a food scene that punches well above its weight for a small city. I spent four years here as a Chapman University student and have worked here since, which means I’ve had a lot of time to find the good stuff.
These are the restaurants I keep coming back to — from a brewery that feels like it’s been rooted in Old Towne forever to a boutique hotel bar that’s quickly become one of my favorite cocktail spots in all of Orange County.
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.
Best for: Casual nights out, craft beer lovers, a relaxed Old Towne evening
What to Order
- Brussels Sprouts — a personal obsession, no apologies
- Onion Rings — always
- Garlic Feta Fries — get them
- Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel — if you love a good pretzel, this is not optional
- Fish & Chips — a go-to every time
- B.C. Burger — another reliable favorite
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 locations across the country, but the Orange location is full-service and perfect for a casual sit-down meal. The coffee is genuinely excellent — their baristas know what they’re doing.
Best for: Brunch, a working lunch, post-walk coffee in Old Towne
What to Order
- Avocado Smash — a classic for a reason
- Athlete’s Burrito — a great breakfast or brunch option
- Chicken & Bacon Club Roll — my go-to for lunch
- Potato Wedges — order them as a side; trust me on this one
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Bosscat has been a favorite ever since I tried their location near John Wayne Airport — and I was thrilled when they opened in Orange. The Southern Comfort influence works beautifully here, and the cocktail menu is genuinely fun. Great for lunch with coworkers or drinks after work.
Best for: Cocktails, Southern-inspired comfort food, a fun weeknight out
What to Order
- Pulled Pork Hush Puppies — share these at the table to start
- Gulf Shrimp and Grits — a personal favorite
- Coastal White Fish — another great main
- Fried Apple Pie or Beignets — don’t skip dessert
Francolí Gourmet
Francolí Gourmet holds a special place in my heart — it’s where Max and I had our first official date back in 2016, when we were both students at Chapman. It’s an Italian café and market with a warm, European feel that made it the perfect setting 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 good Italian food in an unexpected place.
Best for: A quiet lunch, Chapman-area dining, anyone who loves a European café atmosphere
Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen
A favorite in college and still a favorite today, Gabi’s Mexican Kitchen is one of those places you just keep coming back to. High-quality Mexican cuisine, wonderful margaritas, and an all-around great atmosphere.
Best for: Margaritas, a great weeknight dinner, high-quality Mexican food
What to Order
- Seasonal Guacamole + Chips — always a must-order for the table
- Queso Fundido con Chorizo — equally non-negotiable
- Taquitos con Salsa Verde — a personal favorite
- Puebla Tacos — another go-to
- Enchiladas Suizas — excellent
- Jalapeño Pepino Margarita — order it
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 you planned. It’s a gastropub with a genuine commitment to quality: local and organic produce, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meat and poultry. The menu is approachable and crowd-pleasing, and the vibe is relaxed without feeling like just another bar.
Best for: Weeknight dinners with friends, a relaxed gastropub atmosphere, quality-conscious diners
What to Order
- Risotto Arancini — consistently great, perfect for sharing
- Brussels Sprouts — another good starter; a theme with me, clearly
O SEA
O SEA focuses on ocean-to-table seafood and takes both the sourcing and the wine list seriously. Max and I are well on our way to becoming regulars — we’re always in the mood for it. One thing that makes the menu fun: many of the entrée options let you choose your preparation and then select your market protein, so you can mix and match based on what’s fresh.
Note: Their menu changes seasonally.
Best for: Seafood lovers, a slightly more special dinner, wine and fish pairings
What to Order
- Super Tuscan Plate with Wild Local Halibut — my usual order; also excellent with Wild British Columbian Salmon
- O SEA Burrito — a tasty option if you want something a little more casual
- Wild Fijian Albacore Tuna Poke — a standout
- Thai Milk Tea Blondie Sundae — save room for this; it’s delicious
Smoqued California BBQ
Smoqued California BBQ is exactly what it sounds like: straightforward, well-executed California BBQ that hits the spot every time.
Best for: BBQ nights, casual group dinners, a no-fuss satisfying meal
What to Order
- Smoked Candied Bacon — a great starter to share (or add as a side — no regrets either way)
- Fried Pickles — also excellent for sharing
- Brisket Plate — the move for a main
- Amazing Mac & Cheese — lives up to its name; always one of my two sides
The Living Room Bar & Lounge – The Richland
The Richland is a boutique hotel in Old Towne Orange, and it is genuinely one of the most charming additions to the neighborhood in recent memory. Their bar, The Living Room, is exactly that — warm, cozy, inviting, with some of the best cocktails and appetizers in Orange County. It truly feels like someone’s beautifully decorated home bar, which makes it all the more fun to discover.
Best for: Cocktails, a date night drink, boutique hotel bar atmosphere in Old Towne
What to Order
- No Vacancy — a favorite
- Wish You Were Here — another great option
- Pardon My French — worth trying
- Putting on the Spritz — possibly the best twist on an Aperol Spritz I’ve ever had
- House Cheese & Charcuterie Board — order it
- Crispy French Fries, truffle version — don’t skip these
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 to see and do, or search hotels in Orange County on Booking.com for a place to stay. For more OC dining and drinks, my guides to the best Italian restaurants in Orange County and the best coffee shops in Orange County are good next stops — and if you’re planning a longer weekend, my Newport Beach guide and Laguna Beach guide are worth a read too.