Memphis at the Santora: Southern Cuisine Gone Upscale

For a little bit of Memphis soul in Santa Ana you must visit Memphis at the Santora. Here you can find traditional southern cuisine mixed with American classics to create some one outstanding menu. The atmosphere at Memphis is casually upscale, with menu items being somewhat pricier than at your typical steakhouse or rib joint. But that’s because you get so much more at Memphis. Small plates include popcorn shrimp tacos, duck, quesadillas, and pulled pork sliders. Main courses include saffron risotto jambalaya, southern style meatloaf, and a bison burger with cranberry mayonnaise on a brioche bun. Along with Memphis’ excellent food, the mixed drink selection and bartenders are both top-notch. 

Memphis at the Santora
201 North Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 564-1064
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memphis-at-the-santora-santa-ana

Favori Restaurant: A Taste Adventure

For amazingly authentic cuisine look no further than Favori Restaurant, Santa Ana’s premiere Vietnamese eatery. The signature dish of Favori has to be the baked catfish. Diners rave about this perfectly cooked whole catfish with crispy skin and tender, flaky flesh. For a truly unique experience order one for the table. The large portion size is ample enough for sharing among guests and rice wraps and fillings are included to make your very own catfish roll. Of course there are many more delights awaiting you at Favori. Amazing selections like fried frog legs, crispy pork intestines, and even jellyfish salad are available to both novices and long time lovers of this delicious cuisine. Favori also offers better known dishes, such as savory soups, noodle dishes, and hot pots containing such goodies as beef, seafood, and assorted veggies. Beer and wine are also available. Take a date or some loved ones and experience the best Vietnamese cuisine Santa Ana has to offer.

Favori Restaurant
3502 West 1st Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 531-6838
http://www.yelp.com/biz/favori-restaurant-santa-ana

8 Steers: Saddle Up

Don’t let the name fool you. 8 Steers of Santa Ana is not just a steakhouse, though the steaks are fantastic. Every dish here is top-notch, using the freshest ingredients and most innovative cooking techniques. And that includes the drink selection, with items like the Gummi bear martini and fruit loop vodka. The martini hour special offers $5 martinis and reduced priced appetizers. These include Kobe beef and pork belly sliders, parmesan and garlic encrusted fries, and even 8 Steers own delectable breaded fish sticks. You would expect prime cuts of beef at a place like 8 Steers and you’d be right. All steaks are USDA certified prime grade, in addition to the other great items like braised pork, osso bucco, and American Buffalo rib eye, offering a more complex flavor than beef.

8 Steers
3751 South Harbor Boulevard
Suite C
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 557-2987
http://www.yelp.com/biz/8-steers-santa-ana

Thasos Greek Island Grille: Delectable Mediterranean Cuisine

If you live in Santa Ana, you’ve probably already heard of Thasos Greek Island Grille. The wildly popular and affordable foodie haunt has been setting the pace for other Greek restaurants throughout the state of California. Already touting the title “Best Greek Food” in Orange County, Thasos can also brandish a recent study that Greek food has many health benefits. For health conscious Californians, Thasos takes the already healthful cuisine and prepares it using fresh ingredients that are grilled, not fried. For lunch and dinner the menu offers light and hearty options, including the delicious hummus and pita and bundle sandwiches in which options like lamb and herbed ground beef are wrapped in warm pita. For sharing with your family, enjoy a steaming stew, combination platters, the overflowing moussaka plate, or pasta dinner specials.

Thasos Greek Island Grille
3940 S. Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 708-3000

Waba Grill: Healthful Food, On the Go

Waba Grill serves up Japanese fast and fresh for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast. Among its other claims to fame, the restaurant uses only 100% organic ingredients and avoids artificial additives, including MSG. The food’s high quality begins with Waba Grill's teriyaki sauce: it's extra flavorful because its made from fresh fruits and vegetables. This special sauce is slathered on fresh vegetables and reduced fat meats. They're always charboiled, never fried. Entree options include chicken, steak, salmon, vegetables, or a combination of two. Waba’s made-to-order meals are served up in appetizing bowls overflowing with rice, fresh veggies, and a sliced orange. Party trays are available if you'd like to have Waba Grill cater your next event!

Waba Grill
2720 S. Harbor Boulevard #B
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 979-2284

Tan Cang Newport Seafood: As Fresh and Plentiful as the Sea

Tan Cang Newport Seafood has rightfully earned its title as a great place to enjoy fresh seafood near Coventry Court Apartments. Open for over 22 years, the restaurant has had time to cultivate a high level of quality. Every guest has their own favorite dish, but Tan Cang is particularly renowned for their Newport Style Gigantic Lobster, seasoned with a secret recipe. Other hearty dinner options include family style dinners that vary in size, priced from $22 to $188. More adventurous types can try sea cucumber, sizzling pate, and frog dishes, while those seeking familiarity may stick with crab, shrimp, clams, and traditional Chinese dishes. While the Tan Cang can get loud, you’ll be too distracted by your food to notice.

Tan Cang Newport Seafood
4411 W. 1st Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 531-5146

Chicken Maison: Catch the Hype

An explosion of tastes and colors, Chicken Maison serves up healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Restaurant owner Mario Karame brought over recipes from the old country and his sons helped him add some modern dishes. Having garnered a number of awards, Chicken Maison now has five locations in California. At reasonable prices, the restaurant offers entrees including rotisserie chicken, various meat and vegetable kebob combinations, interesting and fresh salads, and Mediterranean favorites such as falafel and gyros. Lunch time sees Chicken Maison offer an array of $5 specials, making it a great time to sample the broad menu.

Chicken Maison
3332 S. Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 434-0244

Z Pizza: Slices of Health

Pizza lovers can now partake without guilt, thanks to Z Pizza’s good-for-you alternative to American’s favorite greasy, carb-loaded party entree. Founded in the art colony of Laguna Beach, Z Pizza is committed to serving up slices that are flavorful, fresh, and organic. Good pizza starts with the crust, and here you'll enjoy a thin whole wheat crust baked to perfection. Z Pizza also offers regular and gluten-free crust options. Sauce options include organic tomato sauce and basil pesto, topped with mozzarella or vegan cheese. The plentiful vegetable choices here typically comprise organic, local ingredients!

Z Pizza
121 E. Memory Lane
Suite D-3
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 564-9166

Sushi Muraski: Sushi Art

When you step into Sushi Muraski, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a cool, modern oasis. The chic interior alone can attract a large clientele. Of course, Sushi Muraski is more than just superficially pleasing. The restaurant’s two owners have been studying the craft of sushi making for more than 30 years. They bring this expertise to every roll at Muraski, artfully balancing the fish, wasabi, and perfectly cooked rice. The dining area is arranged to accommodate both intimate dates and large parties. Lunch offers reasonably priced combination plates of rolls, a teriyaki dish, rice, and more. Dinner holds a wide variety of exotic hot and cold fish appetizers and artful sashimi rolls including albalone, raw octopus, and jumbo clam. Finish the meal off with a drink from the wide selection of sake.

Sushi Murasaki
2901 W. MacArthur Boulevard
Suite 108
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 241-1000 

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