Things are heating up in Southern California, which for restaurant-goers likely means one of two things: you’re either looking for spots along the coast with outdoor dining so you can take in the coastal breeze as well as the great views the region has to offer, or you’re looking for an indoor spot that has killer AC to help you avoid the rising temperatures. Another key factor in deciding where to go? The food, of course.
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- Also see: The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in April 2026
Here’s a look at nearby eateries to try around Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, according to our reporters.
Related: See the best things we ate in Southern California in 2025.
Ahi Nachos — The Beachcomber, Crystal Cove
My mom’s an Orange County native, so whenever my parents are visiting Southern California, we try to aim to grab a bite to eat that has a view of the ocean. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is one of our favorites. It’s located on the beach, near all of the very popular Crystal Cove cottages. The restaurant itself is very popular, so if it’s booked for the evening, you might have better luck grabbing a table outside by the bar.
We mixed it up with a few options: ahi tacos, mini lobster rolls, artichoke hearts, but the standout for me was the ahi nachos. While the ahi nachos and ahi tacos might seem very similar, and transparently they are, the slight differences did make me lean more in favor of the nachos. The garlic sweet chili sauce and soy citrus vinaigrette really brought out the flavor and then as a California girl, I’m always in favor of some avocado, which the tacos are without. It was also easier to eat the nachos, as the tacos break after your first bite, and if you’re clumsy like me, that means you often spill some of the ahi on yourself.
Either way you really can’t go wrong with the menu. Just know though that if you’re planning to visit, typically you park across the street at the state park lot and then you can either walk down or take the shuttle.
— Carolyn Burt, Audience Engagement Producer
Ciccio pizza — Truly Pizza, Dana Point/Laguna Beach
The recent opening of its second location in Laguna Beach proved that Truly Pizza hasn’t lost an ounce of momentum during the coastal expansion. Occupying the former Number Three Restaurant space on Coast Highway, the menu offers a few stellar new additions against a fresh backdrop.
Chief among them is the ciccio pie, a wafer-thin, crispy tomato pie. Its edges are ever-so-slightly charred, offering a subtle bitter note to cut through the richness of garlic oil and generous dusting of grated provolone, delivering a sharp, delightful funk to each crunchy bite. You could, and should, eat the entire thing by yourself in one sitting, should the mood strike. Available at both Dana Point and Laguna Beach locations.
— Brock Keeling, Restaurant Reporter
The Back Abbey Burger is seen in Upland, CA on May 10, 2026. Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran/SCNG
The monthly rotating Fhun Diip’s May variation is seen in Upland, CA on May 10, 2026. Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran/SCNG
The Back Abbey Burger and Fhun Diip – Bruschetta — The Back Abbey, Upland
May felt like such a blur with the way it flew by, but in all the rush one meal is pretty memorable this month for me and that was the Mother’s Day meal I had from The Back Abbey in Upland. I opted for their Fhun Diip, which was this month’s rotating appetizer and bruschetta inspired. The whipped ricotta cheese with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and micro greens served with a lightly toasted baguette was phenomenal. I would have honestly eaten just the dip as my meal.
For my main, I went for the Back Abbey burger, which features aged gouda, mustard aioli, caramelized onions, Niman Ranch bacon and micro greens. The burger was cooked perfectly, and it may be controversial, but I love that they serve their burgers with a side salad. Their fries, which are fried in duck fat, are a wonderful addition on the side, if you’re missing the classic staple though. My meal, coupled with a few cocktails, made it a relaxing and laid back Mother’s Day.
— Mercedes Cannon-Tran, Local Reporter
Fried Mangonada — Chicken Charlie’s, LA County Fair/Pomona
When it comes to fair food, the fewer questions you ask, the better. The spirit of the fair involves a bit of gluttony, and as an attendee, you can decide if you want savory, sweet, or both. The fried mangonada is among the foods at the L.A. County Fair that could serve as a dessert or snack, depending on your mood.
The dish is cooked up by Chicken Charlie’s and made with fresh mango slices dipped in pancake batter, deep-fried, and topped with chamoy and Tajín, served with a slice of lime. Pancake batter with fruit is a tale as old as time, but topped with spicy power and chamoy, it’s a different animal. Surprisingly, it pairs better than one might anticipate, but then again, that’s fair food. Don’t get too bogged down by trying to make it make sense.
— Charlie Vargas, Features Reporter
- Related: Your ticket to 5 wacky foods to try at the 2026 LA County Fair
Crab Rangoon Roll — Slurp, San Diego
In terms of size, Slurp’s crab rangoon roll looks more like a crunch wrap supreme, which is part of the appeal. The menu item had a bit of a moment on social media after videos of people trying the dish became popular because of the crisp, crunchy noise you can hear as people bite into the rangoon.
If you’re going to get this dish, definitely share it. It’s located in a food hall, which also means there are plenty of options if you want to mix and match with friends. The other thing I noticed was that the edge pieces were crispier and, in my opinion, tastier. Sometimes the food doesn’t always live up to the hype of a social media trend, but in this case, I was glad I finally got to try it.
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— Carolyn Burt, Audience Engagement Producer
El Chingón — Tacos & Beer Mi Lindo Mexico, Temecula
El Chingon may be the only taco I’ve been tempted to eat with a knife and fork. It’s one of the specialty items at Tacos & Beer Mi Lindo Mexico. El Chingon features a large slice of ribeye steak topped with grilled shrimp, queso fresco, and a generous scoop of guacamole. That’s a lot to put on a yellow corn tortilla, even a large one. With a complimentary basket of tortilla chips and tasty salsa, it made for a satisfying lunch. El Chingon costs $10.40 a la carte. There’s also a location in Hemet.
— Fielding Buck, Restaurant Reporter
Fried Chicken Biscuit — Thunderbolt, Echo Park, Los Angeles
This dedicated gluten-free cocktail bar has amazing Southern-inspired food, and the fried chicken biscuit is a must-order. Gluten-free fried chicken alone is a rarity, but this sandwich tastes just as good as a version with gluten, if not better, according to my partner.
It’s not greasy, but it satisfies you in the way you’d want a fried chicken sandwich to. The biscuit itself is perfectly soft and fluffy. Complete with hot sauce and coleslaw, this hit the spot for our late-night cravings.
And don’t get me started about the atmosphere of Thunderbolt! The cozy yet energized seating with mood lighting makes for the perfect background for a get-together with friends, co-workers, or literally anyone.
— Teagan Davidge, Audience Engagement Producer
Quesabirria — Birrieria La Tapatia, Costa Mesa
Mercado González remains one of Orange County’s great wonders. Though it’s only a touch over two years old, the epic 70,000-square-foot food hall and market, which draws inspiration from the labyrinthine bazaars of Mexico, is my go-to spot on Thursday nights. Even at 9 p.m.-ish, the place buzzes with diners, shoppers, live music, and even the occasional spate of impromptu dancing.
Outside on the patio, however, the mood is more subdued, with seating aplenty. Recently, I’ve been drawn to ordering quesabirria from Birrieria La Tapatia, one of the myriad food vendors inside the space. There’s a reason why the taco has surged in popularity over the last few years – it’s tasty! The cheesy, red-hued taco packed with brothy stewed beef remains one of my favorite eats inside the complex. Radish slices on the side add a welcome freshness to balance the richness and heat.
— Brock Keeling, Restaurant Reporter
Shwarma Cone — Chicken Charlie’s, LA County Fair/Pomona
When I visit the fair, I like to get as much done as I can in the day, and sometimes I don’t want to sit down to eat a full meal, and Chicken Charlie’s Shawarma Cone makes it possible and seamless. The shawarma cone is served with grilled, marinated chicken or beef with house-made garlic paste, pickles, pickled turnips, onion, parsley, and a sumac blend, finished with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses and more garlic sauce, all over crispy fries. What captured my taste buds on the first bite was the chicken’s charcoal-like, fresh-off-the-grill flavor. Delicious and convenient.
— Charlie Vargas, Features Reporter
Cajun Shrimp Taco — Shrimp Shack Cajun Fusion, Riverside
I’m a big fan of food halls since they allow visitors to hop around different food varieties. They’re perfect for going with a group as well, if everyone is in the mood for something different, or maybe you go in with a strategy of being able to try as many options as possible.
I recently visited the Riverside Food Lab next to the Historic Mission Inn. I went with Cajun Shrimp Tacos as well as the Cajun Garlic Noodle. While the noodles didn’t stand out to me, the shrimp tacos were delightful. The seasoning amplified the experience and added a fun change of pace from classic shrimp or fish tacos.
— Carolyn Burt, Audience Engagement Producer
Birria de res — El Maguey, San Juan Capistrano
Heritage Barbecue, Mayfield, and El Campeon Taqueria get a lot of attention and ink. Rightfully so. But inch up Camino Capistrano a bit further, and you’ll find an underrated South County culinary trilogies: El Nopal Mercado, a small Mexican grocery store; Lunita’s Pizza (to-go only, thank you), and El Maguey, all within the same lot, across from the city’s stunning postmodern library.
At El Maguey, I usually order the albondigas when available – though the meatball soup is often sold out, and alas, it was during a recent visit – so I opted instead for the birria de res. The plate here comes with braised marinated beef and pork paired with beans and a side of rice. It’s rich, deeply savory, and unfussy in the best way possible.
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— Brock Keeling, Features Reporter
See more of our round-ups of the best things we ate in Southern California.
The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in April
The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in February
The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in January
The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in 2025
The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in 2024