Fullerton’s food scene pulses with Orange County creativity: music venues, hipster bars, taco joints, and timeless family haunts all nestled among Spanish-tile storefronts and palm-lined boulevards.
It’s a town of students and oldtimers, bands and business crowds—a place where new food ideas meet old Southern California warmth on every block.
1. Ellie’s Table at North Beach
A sunlit space where scratch pastries, French toast with wild berries, and creative Benedicts draw a cross-section of early risers, from retirees to Cal State Fullerton students.
The bakery’s croissants (plain or almond!) sell out each morning, and the lemon ricotta pancakes are legendary.
Locals linger at sidewalk tables with espresso, planning the day or catching up with friends; staff don’t rush a soul and know their regulars’ favorite treat.
2. Matador Cantina
A late-night landmark and daytime lunch hit, Matador always buzzes, serving up carnitas tacos, tequila flights, creative salads, and massive burritos.
The bar area is the gathering place for city council gossip, soccer viewing, and first dates, while the long brick dining room handles big family tables and rowdy happy hours.
Weekends mean live music, and their Taco Tuesday is known across North OC—a badge of honor for anyone who makes it through all the house salsas.
3. Kentro Greek Kitchen
A modern, counter-service spot that brings Hellenic comfort food into the SoCal sun: lamb gyro plates loaded with herbs, crisp spanakopita, moussaka, and sweet honey-soaked loukoumades for dessert.
Lines at dinner are proof: both Greeks and newcomers swear by the pita and dill-flecked tzatziki.
Community tables spark new friendships, and the house’s lemon roasted potatoes and Greek salad are musts.
4. The Olde Ship
Fullerton’s legendary British pub, The Olde Ship, is dark, wood-paneled, and coated in layers of Union Jack pride.
Beer flows in imperial pints, the fish and chips are crisp as they come, and bangers and mash compete with shepherd’s pie for “best English comfort.”
Locals celebrate birthdays, soccer wins, or just a Wednesday night with sticky toffee pudding and cheerful bar banter.
There’s always a seat for the homesick Brit or curious Californian.
5. Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana
Wood-fired ovens and Neapolitan technique define Fuoco’s menu: charred, springy crusts, perfect balls of mozzarella, Calabrian sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil pies.
Every pizza is pulled fresh, served with olive oil and chili flake, and the open kitchen hums with visible skill.
Pizza snobs and families alike find their new “best pie” in town here, and the airy, modern space is an invitation to linger over Italian wine and laughter.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
