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Best Authentic Restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Todos Santos restaurant
4.5
Awesome(137)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 12 times today
Located in El Paseo Plaza, Todos Santos is a newly renovated restaurant specializing in modern authentic Mexican cuisine.With an extensive tequila & mezcal selection, heated outdoor dining, a brand new bar patio and a culinary team with decades of experience in Mexican cuisine, Todos Santos promises to deliver an amazing experience no matter the occasion.
A photo of Tutto Fresco restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(259)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 32 times today
Since 1991, Tutto Fresco has served authentic Italian fare to the community of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Translated as "Everything Fresh," Tutto Fresco promises that each dish served is flavorful, bold and prepared with quality ingredients. Our new location offers an experience for anyone in the family. From our patio seating with fire pit, indoor/outdoor bar, and lit olive trees in our interior, there is a space for any occasion. "Entri Como Amici, Vada Como Familigia" or "Enter as Friends, Leave as Family" is what we embrace as our culture. Our friendly and attentive wait staff look forward to serving you and your family! From Blues Brunch to homemade gelato to full bar, we offer the perfect dining experience for everyone!
A photo of Hacienda on the Lake restaurant
4.4
Awesome(147)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 5 times today
Hacienda on the Lake is a beloved spot in Mission Viejo that offers a truly authentic Mexican experience. The restaurant's ambiance, featuring spectacular lake views, has been praised in numerous reviews. One reviewer mentioned the 'real authentic Mexico feel'. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including appetizers, seafood, and grilled entrees. They also have a catering service, perfect for planning special occasions. Overall, Hacienda on the Lake is a perfect place for those looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
A photo of Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(929)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 18 times today
Trabuco Oaks Steak House is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a long day in the canyon or if you just want to get away from the hustle of the city crowds. The rustic BBQ restaurant gently reminds everyone as they walk in that casual is the norm here by displaying cut ties from the ceiling. Enjoy a steak like the top sirloin, New York strip or porterhouse cooked to perfection. Trabuco Oaks understands that not everyone wants steak, so it offers entrŽes like the mesquite grilled chicken, Italian spaghetti or an order of fish and fries.Finish off the meal at Trabuco Oaks with a delicious dessert such as a hot fudge sundae or the famous hot cherry Gizmo, which is a cherry filling wrapped in a flour tortilla that has been deep fried and topped with ice cream, hot cherry sauce and whipped cream.
A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(967)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 16 times today
Chef Santiago is at the helm of this South County Favorite. Delizie offers daily specials including homemade pastas, imported Italian delicatessens, and the freshest fish and meats available daily as well as an extensive listing of wines from California and Italy. Delizie also features a full bar and banquet room, available for private parties.
A photo of Habana- Irvine Spectrum restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4806)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Irvine
Booked 101 times today
Habana- Irvine Spectrum is authentic because it offers a genuine Cuban experience with its cuisine and cocktail program. Reviews rave about its 'authentic and very delicious food', 'great Cuban vibe' and 'immersive atmosphere as if you're in Cuba'. It's been a favorite culinary destination for 20 years, further testifying to its authenticity.
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 60 times today
Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!
A photo of Puesto Los Olivos restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1810)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Irvine
Booked 41 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.
A photo of Little Sister - Irvine restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1261)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • Irvine
Booked 53 times today
Little Sister in Irvine is authentic Vietnamese, with dishes that blend the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. As one reviewer said, 'edgy Vietnamese food while maintaining authenticity' and another praised it as 'authentic Vietnamese cuisine' with 'exceptionally fresh and tasty dishes.' The restaurant also features an excellent wine and beverage program, curated by Chef Tin.
A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4988)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 101 times today
Established in 1997, King’s Fish House is Laguna Hills’ choice for seafood. Located near the Laguna Hills Mall, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Carol
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This was our first visit and we loved the restaurant! The decor... the friendly hostess... the attentiveness.... the food!! We will certainly be back!!
    More info
    Trabuco Oaks SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.7
  • DebraVIP
    Orange County •211 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Delize delivers - you can count on their kitchen to make each meal as you wish it to be prepared. Our group included those who wanted all vegetables as sides (gasp, no pasta or potatoes!) and our waiter answered "of course, no problem". We've been coming here for years and the high standards of service and the quality of the food will keep us coming back again and again.
    More info
    Delizie Ristorante & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.9
  • Kevin
    Orange County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    Wonderful food, good service, a little slow with drinks (Water) but was very busy for a Sunday afternoon
    More info
    Tutto FrescoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.8
  • Joe
    Orange County •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    No Happy Ending 😞Service was wonderful by Maria & Oscar who assisted with finding flowers and saving special table by the water for a special date. However, unfortunately the waiter didn’t seem to want to be there or just didn’t care. He was was clearly watching us but no water, no offer for expensive drink re-orders, the bill could have been doubled. ( I needed drinks for the lady 😉) No checking on us, and no desert! Said you were closing. It was around 7pm. I finally had to insist. He wasn’t too happy about that. My lady loves this place and patronizes very often. She was very unhappy & apologetic for waiters service. The food was great! Sea food enchiladas. Sat night 3/1 5pm.
    More info
    Hacienda on the LakePrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.4
  • David
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    We expected a long wait, since it was Valentine’s Day and very crowded, but we were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have to wait too long to be seated. The food was great (we shared a meal for two) and the service was outstanding. We didn’t catch the name of our server (the receipt says Sabrina) but she made this a fantastic dining experience. Super friendly and helpful. We are going to be repeat customers, for sure.—Dave C
    More info
    Todos SantosPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Discover the essence of authenticity in the culinary landscape of Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County. This region boasts a diverse array of dining options that cater to lovers of genuine flavors and traditional culinary practices. Each restaurant in the area presents a unique ambience, reflecting the local culture and the authenticity of its cuisine, whether it's through traditional recipes passed down through generations or innovative approaches that stay true to the original flavors. The dining scene in this part of Orange County is vibrant and eclectic, offering a blend of casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Patrons can expect to find establishments that emphasize authentic dining experiences, where every meal is crafted with attention to detail and a deep respect for the culinary heritage they represent. From intimate settings perfect for a romantic evening to lively venues ideal for family gatherings, there is something to satisfy every palate. These restaurants not only promise delicious, authentic meals but also prioritize creating a memorable dining experience for all guests. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the authentic dining options in Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita is sure to be a delightful culinary adventure.

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