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Top places to eat in Orange County

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Hayley Hinger
Photo by Nova Kitchen

Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like PorchBox tucked away in Laguna Hills. From fine dining to coffee shops — find them all in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in Orange County!

Did your favorite eatery make it into the top 100? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list! 

Topping this year’s best places to eat in Orange County is LilyPopp Cafe, an Anaheim business that specializes in fresh baked bagels and bagel sandwiches. 

Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 100 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.

  1. LilyPopp Cafe (Anaheim)
Photo by LilyPopp Cafe

Cuisine: Bagels, coffee and tea

What they’re known for: Fresh baked bagels and bagel sandwiches

Yelpers say: “The star of the show for me is their Angel bagel. A Red Velvet bagel that I got toasted with their sweet butter cream cheese. Basically it is like eating a slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting but in bagel form. It is delicious! Probably the best bagel I have ever eaten.” – Deb H

2. Craft By Smoke And Fire (Anaheim)

Photo by Lisa W

Cuisine: Barbeque

What they’re known for: Handcrafted cocktails and smoked meats

Yelpers say: “Going to agree with the five star reviews. Came here yesterday with family on vacation and loved every bit of it… From the brisket, brisket sausage, brisket tacos and hot chicken sandwich, this place was a hit with everyone.” – Jason S

3. Tim Is Making Great Coffee (San Juan Capistrano)

Photo by Allison P

Cuisine: Breakfast

What they’re known for: Delicious breakfast sandwiches

Yelpers say: “He’s not lying, Tim is definitely making very good coffee. I had a silky smooth iced coffee with almond milk one day, and a dirty iced chai another day, which absolutely knocked my socks off as it was so aromatic and delicious! I also tried the Hawaiian breakfast which took me right back to the Big Island.” – Sally M

4. Beteseb Restaurant (Anaheim)

Photo by Beteseb Restaurant

Cuisine: Ethiopian

What they’re known for: Awaze beef tibs and doro wot

Yelpers say: “My wife and I ate lunch here today and we were blown away by the experience! Family-owned and run, I felt like we were invited to dine in someone’s home… If you have an adventurous palate, pay this place a visit. Unique dining options are rare and need to be experienced by all!” – Michael S

5. The Deli Station (Santa Ana)

Photo by The Deli Station

Cuisine: Sandwiches

What they’re known for: Their sloppy BBQ brisket and sausage sandwich

Yelpers say: “My boyfriend and I went to the Deli Station for lunch and loved it. We got the california turkey club, french toast sandwich and philly cheesesteak fries! Each thing was delicious! One of the best turkey sandwiches I’ve ever had… We were so happy about our meal that we continued to talk about it for the rest of the day.” – Kristina K

6. Hot N Chili (San Clemente)

7. Sweet Art Cafe (Orange)

8. ShariNori (Santa Ana)

9. Donut Hub (Orange)

10. Mr French Crepe (Irvine)

11. Soulberry (Westminster)

12. Bowl & Plate Eatery (Anaheim)

13. Sababa Falafel Shop (Garden Grove)

14. Greek Bistro (Laguna Hills)

15. Little France Coffee & Bakery (Mission Viejo)

16. The Sun Vegan (Fountain Valley)

17. Nice Burger (Costa Mesa)

18. India Restaurant La Habra (La Habra)

19. Miss Shabu Restaurant & Sake Bar (Buena Park)

20. Sandwich House (Cypress)

21. Trust (Santa Ana)

22. Himalayan Taste Indian Cuisine (San Juan Capistrano)

23. K-Surf & Turf (Yorba Linda)

24. Mahkin Thai & Sushi (Huntington Beach)

25. Flat White Coffee (Cypress)

26. LA Paris Creperie (Anaheim)

27. Maddie’s Cafe & Grill (Garden Grove)

28. Hummus Way (Orange)

29. Chaupain Bakery (Laguna Hills)

30. Blue Bowl Superfoods (Orange)

31. Fraise Cafe (Fullerton)

32. Tribute Coffee (Garden Grove)

33. Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters (Costa Mesa)

34. Catrina Cafe (Seal Beach)

35. Good Eats & Sweets (Cypress)

36. Let It Brie (Fullerton)

37. Shish Taouk (Mission Viejo)

38. PorchBox (Laguna Hills)

39. Kebab Express (Lake Forest)

40. Chicana Vegana (Fullerton)

41. Moe’s Deli & Catering (Laguna Hills)

42. Poki Roll (Cypress)

43. Sejuiced Organic Juice Bar (Corona del Mar)

44. Tangerine Room (Anaheim)

45. Sushi Kizuna (Aliso Viejo)

46. Mangi Con Amore (Laguna Hills)

47. Play (Costa Mesa)

48. Maison Cafe & Market (Dana Point)

49. Sweet Lou’s BBQ (Westminster)

50. Roux Creole Cuisine (Laguna Beach)

51. The Coffee Tale (Huntington Beach)

52. Misoolkwan (Buena Park)

53. Pasta Party (Orange)

54. Atticus Cafe (Anaheim)

55. Vibe Organic Kitchen & Juice (Costa Mesa)

56. OmG Omakase by Gino (Santa Ana)

57. ILIOS Greek Mediterranean Cuisine (Seal Beach)

58. Pizza Amore Cafe (San Juan Capistrano)

59. Barbonzai (Lake Forest)

60. Poke Wave (Mission Viejo)

61. Charlie’s Gyros (Huntington Beach)

62. Sattva Indian (Aliso Viejo)

63. Triple Crown Tavern (Huntington Beach)

64. Gaenali Bon Ga Korean Restaurant (Garden Grove)

65. King Chang (Buena Park)

66. Plern Thai Cafe (Lake Forest)

67. Hug Life Ice Cream (Orange)

68. Hamachi Sushi Express (La Habra)

69. Chidori Sushi (Fountain Valley)

70. Sophia’s Donuts & Sandwiches (Westminster)

71. Blady’s Tacos (Huntington Beach)

72. Mymen (Santa Ana)

73. Mazara Trattoria (Huntington Beach)

74. Good Vibes (Huntington Beach)

75. The Rice (Foothill Ranch)

76. California Cocina (Los Alamitos)

77. Mogumogu (Costa Mesa)

78. Corazon Modern Kitchen (Brea)

79. Thanh Do Restaurant (Garden Grove)

80. Burning Buns (Anaheim)

81. Kaizen Shabu (Santa Ana)

82. Hook & Anchor (Newport Beach)

83. Ponzu Sushi Bar (Santa Ana)

84. Carmel Cafe (Brea)

85. Le Kitchen Pho and Rice (Anaheim)

86. Bunz (Huntington Beach)

87. Lazy Bird (Anaheim)

88. Trenta Pizza & Cucina (Costa Mesa)

89. Nourish Wellness Cafe (Costa Mesa)

90. Nova Kitchen & Bar (Garden Grove)

91. Saigon Beach Restaurant (Newport Beach)

92. À La Waffle (Los Alamitos)

93. Lagu Cafe (Irvine)

94. Esther’s Place (Huntington Beach)

95. Rose Cafe (Lake Forest)

96. Noodle Place (Santa Ana)

97. Vine Restaurant & Bar (San Clemente)

98. Goodies In the Pantry (Orange)

99. Yigah (Garden Grove)

100. TidePoole’s (Newport Beach)

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Orange County area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Orange County area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of July 1, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of July 1, 2022.

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