OC Eats: A Guide To My Favorite Eats In Orange County!

One of my favorite activities is going out to eat! I love trying new spots and checking out the atmosphere of different places. I’m also a creature of habit and like to stick what I know and like, so I thought I’d make a list of some of the eateries I frequent around Orange County! It’s a little longer than I thought and I go to some more than others, but in general they’re all places I enjoy and would happily eat at more than twice. Let’s begin:

  • Greenleaf Chopshop: I love their bowls and salads plus they have cute outdoor patio seating. I typically get the Hollywood Bowl sub tomatoes for craisins.

  • Bear Flag: Freshest fish and most delicious chips & guac. I get their grilled salmon plate with veggies and rice, but they also have phenomenal burritos!

  • Mahe: This place has something for everyone, but I love their happy hour for sushi and brussel sprouts. They also have some yummy cocktails. I also love their salmon plate and my favorite roll is the Rising Sun.

  • Haute Cakes: Most favorite breakfast spot! Amazing food that I’m always down for. I typically get the All American Breakfast or the Brussel Sprout special when it’s available.

  • True Food Kitchen: Great for allergy-friendly meals. They also have delicious drinks and yummy, healthier foods. I love the Ancient Grains bowl but sub kale for the grains(mostly because I need it to be GF) and the Charred Cauliflower.

  • American Dream: A fun spot for a date or dinner with friends-this place has a great ocean view and the best fries(I can literally eat the whole basket).

  • HQ Gastropub: Another fun happy hour spot with a beautiful view. This is such a fun spot to get drinks with friends! I love sharing the fries and brussel sprouts(of course). If I’m getting a meal I like the Executive Chef salad.

  • Mahkin: Love this sushi + Thai spot! One of our fave places in Downtown HB.

  • Alta: Cute brunch spot, but also a fun for lunch! Great chai lattes and all-around a fun spot to catch up with a friend over tea/coffee.

  • Ho Sum Bistro: This place is sooo good and great for some healthy and not-so-healthy options as well! I always get the Lunch Special which includes the Ho Sum Salad and a choice of soup or fried rice-both are amazing.

Honorable Mentions: AKA places I enjoy but don’t go to as much

  • Flower Child: A healthy eats place that’s so good! I like the Mother Earth bowl add chicken or salmon.

  • Urban Plates: Healthy home-cooked meals with a variety of options. I love getting the chicken plate with potatoes and brussel sprouts.

  • Mother’s Market Kitchen: Great breakfast food and great if you’re vegetarian! They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and have a variety of options.

  • Capones: If you’re looking for a “fancier” meal this is it. Great italian food and fun atmosphere!

  • Wild Taco: Similar to Bear Flag, but more mexican foods. I love the fajitas.

These are the places I typically frequent and recommend to others when looking for a spot to enjoy some good food! Stay tuned as I will update this post as I continue to find more. Let me know if you have any favorite spots you think I should try!

Haute Cakes: Brussel Sprout Scramble

Haute Cakes: Brussel Sprout Scramble

True Foods: Ancient Grain Bowl

True Foods: Ancient Grain Bowl

Green Leaf: Hollywood Bowl

Green Leaf: Hollywood Bowl

Green Leaf: Chicken Keto Bowl

Green Leaf: Chicken Keto Bowl

Alta: Chicken Taco Salad

Alta: Chicken Taco Salad

Urban Plates: Chicken Veggie Plate

Urban Plates: Chicken Veggie Plate

Bear Flag: Poke Bowl

Bear Flag: Poke Bowl

Bear Flag: Salmon Plate

Bear Flag: Salmon Plate

Flower Child: Mother Earth Bowl

Flower Child: Mother Earth Bowl

Ho Sum: Ho Sum Salad

Ho Sum: Ho Sum Salad

Brittney Gingrich