The Best Restaurant in Orange County and Catalina Island, California

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Much like L.A., restaurants in Orange County are generally casual, and you’ll rarely see men in jackets and ties. However, at top resort hotel dining rooms, many guests choose to dress up.

Of course, there’s also a swath of casual places along the beachfronts—seafood takeout, taquerias, burger joints—that won’t mind if you wear flip-flops. Reservations are recommended for the nicest restaurants.

Many places don’t serve past 11 pm, and locals tend to eat early. Remember that according to California law, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas.

Cañadas Grill

$

Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, the family-owned Cañadas Grill is where the locals go. Don't expect fancy decor or tableside service; this humble mom-and-pop shop is tucked into a tiny urban strip mall in an untouristed area, and shows fútbol matches on the corner TV. The menu is huge, filled with everything from the regular suspects to more localized specialties. Whether you want to start the day with a breakfast entrée like carne asada chilaquiles or end it with a molcajete (a stone mortar filled with a meat-and-vegetable stew), Cañadas has you covered. The superstar dish is carne en su jugo (beef in its own juice). Wash down your meal with beverages like hibiscus aguas frescas, fresh juice, a michelada, or Mexican bottled sodas.

3721 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804, USA
562-494--4903
Known For
  • Super-authentic Mexican cuisine
  • Carne en su jugo
  • House-made salsa

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