Tangata Restaurant

Name: Tangata Restaurant
Address: 2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA, United States, 92706
Telephone: (714) 550-0906
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

4.3 (1278)

$30 and under

Californian

2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for business meals
Charming

Experience a culinary juxtaposition of Pacific Rim and California cuisine. Set aside the celebrated Bower Museum in Santa Ana, Tangata Restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon. Deemed the "hidden gem of sophisticated California Cuisine" by the OC Examiner and winner of the OpenTable "Diner's Choice" and "Great for Lunch" Awards, Tangata is sure to satisfy any appetite.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Location
2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
Neighborhood
Santa Ana
Cross street
Main and 20th
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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BREAD BASKET$5.00
Assorted bread | whipped butter
EDAMAME HUMMUS$12.00
Nori | toasted sesame seeds | wonton chips
SHISHITO PEPPERS$14.00
Ponzu | yuzu aioli | toasted pepitas
CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTS$14.00
Sweet chili | garlic crunch
AVOCADO TOAST$16.00
Alfalfa sprouts | tomato | smashed avocado | pickled onions | whole grain bread
MARKET SOUP$10.00
Chef's daily Selection
AHI POKE$18.00
Crispy rice | wakame | cucumber | black sesame seeds | yuzu ponzu

Salads

Add grilled chicken 7, salmon or shrimp 9 to any salad

MANCHEGO$19.00
wild arugula | apple | walnut | manchego cheese | dates | walnut vinaigrette
WEDGE$18.00
Iceberg lettuce | candied bacon | cherry tomato | red onion | blue cheese | hard boiled egg | balsamic glaze
TUSCAN KALE$19.00
Julienne kale | beets | butternut squash | goat cheese | toasted pepitas | pomegranate vinaigrette
MISO GLAZED SALMON$24.00
Soba noodles | sugar snap peas | cabbage | carrots | cucumbers | green onion | wakame | ginger soy dressing

Sandwiches

Served with choice of fries or side salad

TUNA MELT$19.00
albacore tuna | sharp cheddar | tomato | served on marble rye
THE BURGER$24.00
Angus patty | sharp cheddar cheese | bacon | lettuce | whole grilled onion | tomato | secret sauce | brioche bun
OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICH$22.00
Roasted turkey breast | crushed avocado | tomato | red onion | candied bacon | romaine lettuce | tarragon aioli | sourdough bread
RUEBAN$22.00
Pastrami | swiss cheese | sauerkraut | secret sauce | rye bread
CHICKEN KATSU$22.00
Panko crusted chicken breast | yuzu slaw | sesame aioli | brioche bread
VEGGIE WRAP$19.00
Edamame hummus | cucumber | tomato | red onion | alfalfa sprouts | spinach tortilla

Kids

Served with choice of fries, fruit or side salad

CHICKEN TENDERS$14.00
GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH$14.00
CHEESEBURGER$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉE$12.00
Fresh berries
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE$12.00
Caramel Sauce
SORBET SCOOP$5.00
Chef's daily selection

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITA$16.00
tequila | agave | pineapple juice | lime juice
HOKUSAI$16.00
gin lemon juice | lychee syrup | lychee fruit
MAPLE BOURBON SMASH$16.00
bourbon | lemon juice | maple simple syrup
ASIAN PEAR MULE$16.00
pear vodka | lime juice | ginger beer | asian pear fruit
SANGRIA$16.00
rosé | brandy | triple sec | orange juice | fruit |

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France
Glass $14, Bottle $55
La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)
Glass $14
Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne
Bottle $60

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France
Bottle $65
Chardonnay, EOS, California
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France
Glass $12, Bottle $46

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $13, Bottle $49
Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara
Glass $14, Bottle $55
Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma
Bottle $50
Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France
Bottle $65

Beer

Modelo Especial$8.00
Coors Light$8.00
Peroni Pilsner$8.00
Lagunitas IPA$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural Spring$7.00
S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced Tea$5.00
Lemonade$5.00
Coke$5.00
Diet Coke$5.00
Sprite$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

$6 each

Earl Grey
yunnan black, floral, citrus
English Breakfast
robust, smooth, malty
Citron Green
nutty, toasty, buttery
Peppermint
cooling, minty, refreshing
Chamomile
herbal, floral, silky

Coffee by Lavazza

Espresso$5.50
Macchiato$6.00
Latte$6.00
Cappuccino$6.00
Italian Roast Coffee$5.00

What 1,278 people are saying

Tangata Restaurant reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.2Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North Orange County
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tangata Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience at the Bowers Museum with "very good" food and "excellent customer service." Guests praise the "amazing" multi-grain bread and "delicious" arugula salad. While the menu is sometimes limited, the serene atmosphere and attentive staff make it "a hidden gem."

1,278 Reviews

C
Candice VIP
Orange County9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really delicious and reliably fresh and well prepared food and friendly, great customer service. Love this place! Makes going to the Bowers Museum even more enjoyable having a lovely restaurant conveniently located inside. Their grilled cheese burgers have the best grilled flavor of all the restaurants we go to, and we eat out regularly.
Is this helpful?
S
Sharon
Los Angeles5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter was a delight. He was very accommodating and provided excellent customer service. The food was fresh and delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Is this helpful?
B
Becky
Los Angeles23 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Convenient after visiting the museum. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was very good. The multi grain bread used for sandwiches is amazing. The arugula salad with Parmesan and dates ( I added chicken) was delicious.
Is this helpful?
J
J
Los Angeles14 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and wait staff on a busy afternoon. Very calm and serene atmosphere along with plenty of light. Reservations are a definite recommendation.
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Orange County1 review
4.0
Dined on May 29, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I was a little concerned as the menu seemed more limited than when we’ve previously been here but everything was very good.
Is this helpful?
C
Charles VIP
Orange County26 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pleasantly surprised by the quality of our food, compliments to the Chef. As well, very nice service by our server. Quite a busy restaurant at the museum.
Is this helpful?
L
Lindon
Orange County12 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Limited menu and the first two items I selected were 'sold out". Then they were out of limes for drinks. They were out of strawberries. They were out of lemonade.
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis
Orange County15 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The only problem was standing outside in the heat for the line at the buffet. You deserve a lot of credit for frequently refreshing the perishable dishes, deliciously prepared and beautifully presented!
Is this helpful?
M
Maureen
Orange County7 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
There should be a way to indicate that the noise level is not energetic but painful and makes it impossible to carry on a conversation.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary Anne VIP
Los Angeles25 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Delicious meal, very busy today because of 2 lectures at the museum.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tangata Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 1278 OpenTable diners.

Tangata Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 10, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

2002 N. main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Additional information

Cross street
Main and 20th
Neighborhood
Santa Ana
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
All-day parking is available in the Bowers Museum parking lot. $6 flat rate. Free with validation from Tangata.
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.tangatarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(714) 550-0906
Catering
The romantic fountains, ﬂower gardens and mission-style architecture of The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana provide a quintessential Southern California setting for any event. From elegant dinners to business meetings, wedding receptions to holiday gatherings, The Bowers Museum offers spaces to make any event memorable, and Patina Catering will create a custom menu to perfectly suit your event’s needs. To receive more information about our catering and private event options at this location and off-site, please call 714 567 3630 or email bowersevents@patinagroup.com
Private party facilities
Tangata (or "mankind" in the tribal Maori language of New Zealand) features Southwestern decor enclosed by glass walls and a ceiling framed with stuccoed beams and large windows to allow ambient light to illuminate the main dining area. Located in the Bowers Museum's mission-style courtyard, the 160-seat restaurant dedicates half of its available seating to al fresco dining on a large patio area. The patio area opens into the mission-style courtyard that is perfect for romantic weddings or evening receptions. Tangata is perfect for social or business luncheons, dinners and gatherings. Our sophisticated Californian cuisine and impeccable service will impress your guests. Located just off the 5 freeway, we also offer convenient parking. The Bowers Museum adds a twinkle to romantic weddings, banquets and receptions under the stars with its lush mission-style courtyard, replete with romantic fountains, year-round flowers, an attractive tiered patio and Spanish-style balcony.

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Tangata Restaurant

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Gift card

To Start

BREAD BASKET$5.00

EDAMAME HUMMUS$12.00

SHISHITO PEPPERS$14.00

CRISPY BRUEESL SPROUTS$14.00

AVOCADO TOAST$16.00

MARKET SOUP$10.00

AHI POKE$18.00

Salads

MANCHEGO$19.00

WEDGE$18.00

TUSCAN KALE$19.00

MISO GLAZED SALMON$24.00

Sandwiches

TUNA MELT$19.00

THE BURGER$24.00

OVEN ROASTED TURKEY SANDWICH$22.00

RUEBAN$22.00

CHICKEN KATSU$22.00

VEGGIE WRAP$19.00

Kids

CHICKEN TENDERS$14.00

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH$14.00

CHEESEBURGER$14.00

Sweets

CRÈME BRÛLÉE$12.00

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE$12.00

SORBET SCOOP$5.00

Featured Cocktails

HARVEST MARGARITA$16.00

HOKUSAI$16.00

MAPLE BOURBON SMASH$16.00

ASIAN PEAR MULE$16.00

SANGRIA$16.00

Wine

Sparkling

Patina Cuvée, Brut, France

La Marca, Prosecco, Italy (187ml Split)

Lanson Black Label, Brut, Champagne

White

Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Italy

Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough

Sancerre, Domain Gerard Millet, France

Chardonnay, EOS, California

Chardonnay, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, S.Barbara

Rosé

Rose, Domain de Cala, Province, France

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rickshaw, California

Merlot, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, Patina Label, Santa Barbara

Pinot Noir, Kenwood, Sonoma

Syrah-Grenache, Domain de Cala, Rouge, France

Beer

Modelo Especial$8.00

Coors Light$8.00

Peroni Pilsner$8.00

Lagunitas IPA$10.00

Water

Acqua Panna Natural Spring$7.00

S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral$7.00

Soft Drinks

Iced Tea$5.00

Lemonade$5.00

Coke$5.00

Diet Coke$5.00

Sprite$5.00

Hot Organic Teas

Earl Grey

English Breakfast

Citron Green

Peppermint

Chamomile

Coffee by Lavazza