15 Must-Try Orange Restaurants: Where the Orange Locals Eat

Orange, CA, part of the aptly named Orange County, is home to Chapman University, the historic and charming Old Town District, and of course, excellent restaurants that showcase the area’s influences. From pie shops and BBQ spots to organic cafés and Mexican restaurants, you can easily get a taste of the region no matter where you’re living in Orange. 

But if you’re new to the area or recently moved into your first apartment in Orange, you might be wondering what restaurant to try first. We’re here to help. Here are 15 must-try Orange restaurants that the locals frequent – and you might just find your new go-to spot.

#1: Smoqued California BBQ

Cuisine: BBQ joint
Address: 128 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Smoqued California BBQ’s Website

Located in Old Orange, Smoqued California BBQ is a stellar place to have some classic BBQ dishes like rib tips, mac and cheese, fried pickles, brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, cole slaw, and cornbread.

#2: Urth Caffe

Cuisine: 100 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866
Address: Café
Urth Caffe’s Website

A well-known Southern California café and organic restaurant serving pastries, gluten-free waffles, breakfast paninis, avocado toast, salads, and cheesecakes, Urth Caffe’s Orange location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.

#3: Provisions Market

Cuisine: Café, deli, and sandwich restaurant
Address: 143 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Provisions Market’s Website

Situated in Old Orange, you can find a variety of dishes at Provisions Market – anything from pretzel bites, chicken pesto sandwiches, and grilled cheese to breakfast burritos and beer on tap.

#4: Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 141 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen’s Website

Another awesome Orange restaurant is Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen. You’ll find a stellar assortment of authentic Mexican dishes like taquitos con salsa verde, achiote chicken tacos, shrimp enchiladas, and skirt steak at their location.

#5: The Pizza Press

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 155 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
The Pizza Press’ Website

If you’re looking for a spot where you can build your own pizza, order a signature pie or salad, and grab a beer on tap, be sure to check out the menu at The Pizza Press.

#6: Avila’s El Ranchito

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 182 S Orange St, Orange, CA 92866
Avila’s El Ranchito’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new Mexican restaurant that’s been serving Southern California for over 55 years? If so, head to Avila’s El Ranchito, where you can order anything from shrimp cocktails, albondigas, fresco burritos, and carnitas to sizzling fajitas, chile relleno, and seafood tacos.

#7: Francoli Gourmet

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 100 S Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Francoli Gourmet’s Website

Another one of the numerous Orange restaurants you should consider grabbing a bite at is Francoli Gourmet. An authentic Northern Italian restaurant, you can find them dishing out favorites like caprese, polenta with mushrooms and gorgonzola, cacio e pepe, carbonara, short rib ravioli, and veal scaloppine.

#8: Felix Continental Café

Cuisine: Cuban and Spanish restaurant
Address: 36 Plaza Sq, Orange, CA 92866
Felix Continental Café’s Website

Felix Continental Café has some awesome options for those looking for a Cuban or Spanish meal without leaving Orange. With dishes like papa relleno, pollo criollo, paella, arroz con pollo, tostones, and rice pudding, you’ll be tempted to try the whole menu.

#9: Citrus City Grille

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 122 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Citrus City Grille’s Website 

You can find Citrus City Grille located in the heart of Orange, where there’s a great selection of dishes like saganaki, grilled octopus, wild caught salmon, prime short ribs, pappardelle bolognese, margherita pizzas, and much more. 

#10: Bruxie

Cuisine: Fried chicken joint
Address: 292 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Bruxie’s Website

Bruxie is a fried chicken spot serving fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders, house-made sauces, breakfast waffle sandwiches, classic chicken and waffles, and frozen custard.

#11: The Filling Station

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 201 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
The Filling Station’s Website

The Filling Station is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a classic breakfast and lunch spot with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine. You’ll find everything from omelettes and scrambles, pancakes and French toast, machacas and eggs, turkey sandwiches, quesadillas, salads, and burgers on their menu.

#12: The Pie Hole

Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 177 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
The Pie Hole’s Website

A Southern California favorite, you’ll find The Pie Hole’s newest location serving the same amazing pies as the rest of their bakeries. With innovative options like earl grey tea pie and cereal killer cheesecake to classics like blueberry pecan pie and Mexican chocolate pie, make sure to pick up a pie to try. 

#13: Zito’s Pizza

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 156 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866
Zito’s Pizza’s Website

If you’ve recently relocated to Orange and are searching for a pizzeria serving New York-style pizza, pasta, calzones, and vegan options, you can find that at Zito’s Pizza.

#14: Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

Cuisine: Gastropub
Address: 190 S Glassell St Ste C, Orange, CA 92866
Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar’s Website

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar specializes in local and organic produce, sustainable seafood and meats, you’ll find lots of seasonal items on their menu and creative dishes like honeynut squash, basque cheesecake, cauliflower soup with duck confit, and braised beef cheek.

#15: Renata’s Caffe Italiano

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 227 E Chapman Ave Ste F, Orange, CA 92866
Renata’s Caffe Italiano’s Website

Finishing off our list of Orange restaurants is Renata’s Caffe Italiano. An Italian restaurant, Renata’s Caffe Italiano is serving great dishes like calamari fritti, bruschetta, minestrone, chicken marsala, veal piccata, penne puttanesca, and spinach ravioli.

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