These Tried-and-True Classics Never Go out of Style
Listen, we love a trendy, new restaurant as much as the next person, but sometimes you just need a meal with a little history. Orange County has been dishing out iconic eats long before Instagram made food look like an art form, and these legendary restaurants prove that some things just get better with time.
Whether you’re craving a no-frills steakhouse, a Disneyland classic or a fried chicken dinner with a side of nostalgia, these historic Orange County restaurants have been serving up the goods for decades. Here’s where to go and what to order when you want a meal with a side of serious street cred.
The Crab Cooker (1951)
Must Order: Clam Chowder
Red-and-white checkerboard everything, no reservations and some of the freshest seafood around? That’s The Crab Cooker. Their tomato-based clam chowder has been the talk of the town since 1951. Order a bowl, grab a sourdough roll and call it a day.
Location: Newport Beach
Sariñana’s Restaurant (1939)
Must Order: Rajas Tamale
A true neighborhood treasure, Sariñana’s Restaurant has been a beloved part of Santa Ana’s food scene for over 80 years. Founded in 1939 by Juan and Felipa Sariñana, who brought their culinary roots from Durango, Mexico, this cozy, family-owned spot continues to serve the same flavorful dishes that have drawn loyal regulars for generations. The aroma of simmering soups and sizzling tortillas greets you the moment you walk through the door, accompanied by the friendly hum of conversation and the colorful swirl of fresh aguas frescas. Popular picks include the rich pozole, crispy taquitos and the Rajas Tamale with green chile and cheese.
Location: Santa Ana
Sugar ‘n Spice (1945)
Must Order: Frozen Banana
A beloved part of Balboa Island since 1945, Sugar ‘n Spice is the original frozen banana stand that generations of locals and visitors have come to adore. Now operated by husband-and-wife duo Will and Courtney Alovis, the shop remains a cherished family business. After long careers in the film industry, the pair swapped Hollywood for coastal charm and stepped in to carry on this sweet tradition. The menu here is packed with crave-worthy classics like chocolate-dipped Balboa Bars, frozen cheesecake, tiramisu and ice cream cookie sandwiches.
Location: Balboa Island
The Quiet Woman (1965)
Must Order: Rack of Lamb
In the center of Corona del Mar, The Quiet Woman has been a cherished dining destination since 1965. Its warm, cozy atmosphere welcomes both regulars and newcomers, offering sophisticated comfort food and an award-winning wine list. The restaurant’s signature rack of lamb has remained a top seller over the years, delighting patrons with its rich flavors. Beyond its culinary offerings, The Quiet Woman entertains guests with live music, fostering a vibrant late-night scene. The distinctive logo—a caricature of St. Judith—adds to its unique charm. Under the stewardship of Lynne Anthony Campbell since 1989, The Quiet Woman continues to be a beloved spot where memories are made.
Location: Corona del Mar
The Hobbit Restaurant (1972)
Must Order: Crepe a la Duck Confit
A multi-course dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a secret supper club? Say less. The Hobbit isn’t just a meal—it’s an event. You start in the wine cellar for a pre-dinner toast, then move into the candlelit dining room for a gourmet feast. The must-try? The Crepe a la Duck Confit—buttery, rich and the definition of indulgence.
Location: Orange
Blue Bayou Restaurant (1967)
Must Order: Monte Cristo
If you’ve never eaten under the perpetual twilight sky at Blue Bayou, did you even go to Disneyland? This New Orleans-style eatery inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is peak Disney nostalgia. The Monte Cristo—a deep-fried, powdered-sugar-dusted ham and cheese sandwich—is the stuff of foodie dreams.
Location: Anaheim
Captain Jack’s (1965)
Must Order: Red King Crab Legs
Situated along Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach, Captain Jack’s has been a go-to destination for seafood lovers since 1965. Founded by Jack and Jeanette Haley, this waterfront restaurant is renowned for its prime rib and seafood offerings. The menu features appetizers like steamed clams and deep-fried calamari, while entrees boast generous portions of red king crab legs and lobster tail. Each meal includes unlimited house salad, rice, and freshly steamed bread, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The lively ambiance is enhanced by live music, making it a staple in the community for decades.
Location: Sunset Beach
Five Crowns (1965)
Must Order: Prime Rib
If a cozy English pub and a fancy steakhouse had a baby, it would be Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. This Lawry’s-owned institution is the place to go for a classic (and famous) slice of Prime Rib—served with Yorkshire pudding and creamy horseradish, of course. Just add a stiff martini and a C.C. Brown’s Hot Fudge Sundae (originally created in 1906!) for the ultimate throwback dining experience.
Location: Corona del Mar
Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse (1968)
Must Order: BBQ Beef Ribs
Peanut shells on the floor, a “no ties allowed” rule (they will literally cut it off) and the best BBQ beef ribs this side of the Mississippi? Welcome to Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse, where the portions are huge, the vibes are very rustic and the sauce is legendary.
Location: Trabuco Canyon
The Tartan Room (1959)
Must Order: Prime Rib
Established in 1959, The Tartan Room is a classic dinner house located in the City of Orange. With plush leather seating and subtle Scottish décor, this dimly lit dining den offers a cozy setting for hearty meals and engaging conversation. The menu features premium cuts like New York steak, filet mignon, and the chef’s special steak. Its commitment to quality and community has made it a beloved dining spot for over six decades.
Location: Orange
El Adobe de Capistrano (1948)
Must Order: El Adobe Molcajete
What do you get when you combine a 1797 adobe building with classic Mexican cuisine? El Adobe de Capistrano, a restaurant that once served as Richard Nixon’s go-to spot for tacos. The El Adobe Molcajete—a bubbling mix of steak, chicken, shrimp and cheesy goodness—is an absolute must-try at this historic Orange County restaurant.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Galley Cafe (1957)
Must Order: Biscuits and Gravy + Mint Chocolate Milkshake
Locals love the Galley Cafe for its old-school diner vibes, no-frills breakfast and the kind of coffee that gets you through anything. Their mint chocolate milkshake is a cult favorite, and if you’re going savory, the old-school biscuits and gravy will not disappoint.
Location: Newport Beach
Dick Church’s Restaurant (1972)
Must Order: Patty Melt
This retro diner has been a Costa Mesa staple for as long as anyone can remember. Tuck yourself into one of the restaurant’s vintage orange booths, and know that almost everything on the menu is housemade, including their chili and roasted turkeys. Our favorite? The patty melt, which features perfectly grilled rye bread, gooey cheese and caramelized onions.
Location: Costa Mesa
The Cellar (1969)
Must Order: Cellar Escargot + French Onion Soup
Designed by the same crew behind Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, The Cellar is basically a romantic French hideaway in the middle of Fullerton. Order the Escargot (yes, really) and the French onion soup, and soak in the moody, candlelit ambiance of this historic hideaway.
Location: Fullerton
Roma D’Italia (1961)
Must Order: Roma Special Pizza
As Tustin’s first family-owned Italian restaurant, Roma D’Italia has been serving authentic cuisine since 1961. Founded by the Corea family, the restaurant continues to offer Italian classics crafted from family recipes. Specialties include the Roma Special pizza, topped with meatball, green peppers, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions, as well as the fresh tomato calabrese. The warm, family-friendly atmosphere has made it a cherished part of the Tustin community for over 60 years.
Location: Tustin
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant (1934)
Must Order: Mrs. Knott’s Classic Fried Chicken Dinner
This is OG comfort food at its finest. Mrs. Knott’s has been serving up its Classic Fried Chicken Dinner—complete with biscuits and boysenberry jam—since the Great Depression. And let’s be real, nothing beats fried chicken from the people who basically invented it.
Location: Buena Park
The Original Pancake House (1958)
Must Order: Apple Pancake
The Apple Pancake at The Original Pancake House is the reason people wait in long lines for breakfast. Think of it as a cinnamon roll and a pancake having a love child—sweet, fluffy and straight-up addictive.
Location: Anaheim
A Restaurant (1926)
Must Order: Hanger Steak
Once a roadside diner on Pacific Coast Hwy, A Restaurant is now a sophisticated steakhouse with a sultry, speakeasy feel. Order the Hanger Steak, sip an old-fashioned and pretend you’re a main character in “Mad Men.”
Location: Newport Beach
Harbor House Café (1939)
Must Order: Harbor House Omelet
With locations in Sunset Beach and Dana Point, this 24-hour diner is a favorite for surfers, night owls and anyone craving a solid Harbor House Omelet at 3 a.m. It’s greasy spoon perfection with quite literally zero frills.
Location: Sunset Beach and Dana Point
Stag Bar + Kitchen (1908)
Must Order: Buffalo Soldier Pizza
Stag Bar has been slinging drinks since before Prohibition, making it the oldest bar in Orange County. Their Buffalo Soldier Pizza (buffalo chicken, blue cheese and ranch) is the perfect pairing for an ice-cold beer. Stick around and play a game of pool, or come on a weekend night for a rowdy nightlife scene.
Location: Newport Beach
Mama Cozza’s (1965)
Must Order: Cannelloni
Family-owned since forever, Mama Cozza’s is your classic Italian-American joint with checkered tablecloths, hearty pastas and big portions. This historic Anaheim restaurant serves an intimate dinner for two as well as family-style feasts. But however you choose to order, get the Cannelloni—it’s cheesy, saucy and exactly what you crave after a long day.
Location: Anaheim
Cook’s Corner (1884)
Must Order: Spaghetti Night Wednesday
Tucked away in the scenic Santiago Canyon, Cook’s Corner is one of Southern California’s most iconic biker hangouts for motorcyclists, locals, and visitors looking for good food, cold drinks and a lively atmosphere since 1884. More than just a bar, Cook’s Corner is a community hub offering live music, special events and unbeatable Happy Hour specials, with weekly highlights like Happy Hour & Open Mic on Mondays, Taco Tuesday with $3 tacos and margarita specials, Spaghetti Night Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. Having survived earthquakes, fires, floods and more, Cook’s Corner remains a resilient symbol of Southern California’s biker culture.
Location: Trabuco Canyon
Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop (1960)
Must Order: Balboa Bar
A true Balboa Island icon, Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop has been serving up old-school sweets and seaside charm since 1960. Best known for its signature frozen bananas and Balboa Bars—chocolate-dipped frozen treats—Dad’s is a must-stop when in Newport Beach. Since owner Vann Yam took the reins in 1990, the shop has remained a gathering spot where generations have lined up for donuts, cookies, ice cream, and island vibes. Whether you’re popping in for a post-beach treat or reliving a childhood favorite, Dad’s delivers that perfect blend of history, flavor and fun—one bite at a time.
Location: Balboa Island
