With its vibrant Mexican heritage, Southern California sunshine, and emerging arts scene, Santa Ana’s food culture is energetic, inventive, and unwaveringly welcoming.
From old-school tacos to forward-thinking kitchens, food is central to community here.
1. Taco María
Chef Carlos Salgado’s downtown flagship is a mecca for Alta California cuisine—blending Mexican tradition, local produce, and imaginative flavor in multicourse tasting or à la carte menus.
Dishes like blue corn tetela, mole negro, and seafood “aguachile” raise the bar for SoCal Mexican food.
The space is modern and relaxed, and every meal feels like a special event. It’s a James Beard Award-winner that still feels deeply personal.
2. Benchmark
In a bustling stretch of Santa Ana’s 4th Street Market, Benchmark’s sleek bistro brings wood-fired California cuisine: heaping short rib pappardelle, pizza with farm-fresh toppings, grilled branzino, and rotating salads.
The wine and cocktail list keeps things hip, and the crowd is a mix of creative professionals, foodies, and right-off-the-farm families.
Don’t miss their house-made ice cream.
3. El Mercado Modern Cuisine
This lively, high-ceilinged room hosts both mariachi brunches and Latin-inspired small plates.
Savor street-style grilled corn, octopus tacos, smoky mezcal cocktails, and desserts like tres leches cake.
The covered patio thrums with live music or DJ beats on weekends, and the staff ensure newcomers never feel out of place.
Strong, innovative drinks are a crowd favorite.
4. Playground
Chef-driven, seasonal, irreverent, and always changing, Playground is at the heart of Santa Ana’s foodie renaissance.
Expect surprises: creative takes on fried chicken, market-inspired sides, global ingredients, and a rotating tap of craft beer.
The lively, communal vibe makes strangers friends by dessert, and the staff are as passionate about flavor as they are for fun.
5. The Recess Room
A hotspot blending Asian, Latin, and Cali flavors with high-octane cocktails in a modern gastropub space.
Think bone marrow tacos, brussels sprout “lollipops,” Korean fried chicken, and sweet chili glazed ribs.
Hip and energetic, The Recess Room is packed with local professionals, creative types, and anyone eager for an adventurous, social meal.
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