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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

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16 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Hannas Prime Steak restaurant
1. Hannas Prime Steak
4.9
Exceptional(3619)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 41 times today
Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar was established in 2005 and has quickly become one of Orange County’s premiere dining establishments. Named one of the U.S. top 100 restaurants, Hanna's Restaurant & Bar offers modern American Steakhouse cuisine prepared with classic, traditional flair. Our appetite for an exceptional dining experience is rooted deep in our passion for extraordinary culinary creations and exemplified in our award-wining service and ambiance. From our friendly bartenders, vibrant ambiance, outgoing wait staff, and incredible menu, our guests are always embraced in a comforting fashion. And on any given night you can always find owner David Hanna mingling among guests and ensuring that every detail of their experience at Hanna’s is nothing short of extraordinary.​
A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant
2. Piccolino Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(2193)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 17 times today
A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience."Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!""La buona cucina rende allegria!"Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!
A photo of Alza Italian Kitchen restaurant
3. Alza Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(272)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 3 times today
"Alza": to raise or uplift is a fitting name for a restaurant that lifts spirits through its delicious dishes and warm and inviting hospitality. Family owned and operated Alza Italian Kitchen is a modern day classic Italian restaurant that bridges the gap between old and new. A neighborhood restaurant with a lively atmosphere, Alza offers a diverse menu of delicious Italian comfort food with an elevated twist. At Alza we are passionate about creating crave-worthy Italian food and memorable experiences. Enjoy inventive cocktails, savory pizzas and fresh Italian dishes on our large alfresco patio or newly renovated interior. We offer full menu takeout and delivery 7 days a week. We invite you to sit back, savor every bite, and enjoy the Alza experience.
A photo of Urban Grill & Wine Bar restaurant
4. Urban Grill & Wine Bar
4.7
Exceptional(754)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 3 times today
Urban Grill and Wine Bar is a unique upscale eatery offering gourmet comfort food and boutique wine served by friendly, Knowledgeable staff. The inside of the restaurant is casual yet refined, offering an atmosphere that is ideal for a business lunch or a meal before going out for the night. Urban Grill is a popular spot, and guests are always welcome to grab a seat at the bar while they are waiting and order one of the refreshing and creative cocktails.The menu offers aspects of delicious cuisine from around the globe. Appetizers include an Australian lamb chop, chicken or tofu lettuce wraps, an ahi tuna poke and an artisan cheese board, to name a few. The entrée menu keeps the delicious flavors rolling. Signature dishes at Urban Grill and Wine Bar include Alaskan king crab legs, Prime steaks and chops, Mediterranean-style chicken with olives and artichokes, fish and chips and a vegetable pasta primavera.
A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant
5. Delizie Ristorante & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(999)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 5 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 Pub Thirty-Two restaurant
6. Pub Thirty-Two
4.7
Exceptional(429)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 2 times today
Located in Mission Viejo, California, Pub Thirty-Two represents our desire to bring the type of restaurant and bar experience we enjoy to Mission Viejo; a place you will be as comfortable holding a professional lunch meeting as you are having drinks and great conversation with friends. We strive to provide a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with food, drinks, and events that exceed expectations. Our restaurant is farm-to-fork, and our menu changes seasonally. We are proud to be partnered with local ranches and farms to bring you fresh, local, and sustainable food.
A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
7. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.7
Exceptional(3072)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 69 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
8. Puesto Los Olivos
4.4
Awesome(1857)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 38 times today
Mexico City born. California raised. Puesto brings the vibrant soul of CDMX through a Southern California lens-bold, modern Mexican with an edge. Seasonal menus, creative takes, and the best ingredients in the hands of better chefs. Every tortilla starts with organic blue corn, made in-house like it's been since 1200 BC. Puesto is family-founded by the Adler and Lombrozo brothers, first-gen Mexican Americans raised on tamales and tradition. It's a love letter to the flavors they grew up with, reimagined with Mexico City energy and SoCal spirit. Made by food people. For food people.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
9. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.8
Exceptional(2976)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 15 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant
10. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine
4.5
Awesome(2803)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 54 times today
CUCINA enoteca is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum! Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of an old rustic farmhouse.

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Discover the charm of dining in the Mission Viejo/Rancho Santa Margarita area, where neighborhood gems provide an exceptional culinary experience in South Orange County. These beloved local establishments, nestled in the heart of Southern California, are celebrated for their unique and high-quality cuisine, innovative cocktails, and breathtaking views, often overlooking serene lakes. The dining scene in this locale is vibrant and diverse, catering to both traditional tastes and more adventurous palates with live music and outdoor dining options that enhance the overall ambiance. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for their outstanding service, reasonable prices, and the ability to create memorable dining experiences that keep locals and visitors coming back. Whether you're in search of a festive Mexican feast or a sophisticated American spread, these neighborhood gems in Mission Viejo/Rancho Santa Margarita are sure to delight. This area is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a great meal in a picturesque setting.

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