New American Restaurants in Santa Ana, CA

“great place for dining....“

“First time here, great service and yummy food. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful. Everyone had a warm smile to welcome us in. We will definitely be back“

“Good Friends - Good Food - Live Music - I’m in!!!“

“Hands down a true culinary journey through food and storytelling, Chef Kyle McClelland's experience and artistry shine throughout the evening. From delicate scallops and imported French prawns to salsify and swordfish, he treated each course with refinement and intriguing flavor profiles. And caviar!--Need I say more?! Our favorites included the handmade pasta stuffed with short rib and the lamb chops, which were altogether astounding at just how tender, non-gamey and delectable they were. The desserts were like little streams of consciousness entering your mouth with every bite. The Kouign-Amann was the best pastry we've had since visiting France.

This intimate 18-seater restaurant gives you direct access to speak with the chefs and watch some of the kitchen magic. The wine parings are on point. The atmosphere is inviting and enthralling. Don't forgo visiting DTTN 2.0 next door either before or after your meal (entrance is included with the purchase of your meal at TRUST). The cocktails are superb and owner/operator Jason Quinn is on hand to exceed your expectations of service.

"In food we TRUST."“

“The food is good, huge Portion’s . Many different food options to choose from. Cool atmosphere. Very artsy ! It was worth the day trip.“

“I couldn’t wait to share our experience at Benchmark restaurant in Santa Ana California. Everything about this place is perfection! It was a hot day, but the beautiful outdoor dining area was cool and breezy underneath the beautiful trees. Our waitress was knowledgeable, wonderfully friendly, and attended to all our needs. Each of us ordered a different item on the menu and I had to taste everything. I had the Spanish omelette, which was delicious, the burger seems like a very popular item understandably because that along with the delicious fries was exceptional. Enchiladas with mole were a wonderful treat, and the French toast was probably the hit of the table. This wonderful brunch dish was not exceptionally sweet, which made it so perfect. Some places just overdo it with the sweetness. We will definitely be going back many times to tryout dinners and more of the selections on all of the menus. I will also be spreading the word because this is probably my favorite place in Orange County now. Thank you Benchmark for a fantastic experience!“

“Food is delicious and service is great!“

“Games, bar and DJs are cool. Live bands aren't trialed and there's no sound guy. Bathrooms don't work.“

“Great food!“

“Found this place when looking for a lil brunch spot on a Sunday afternoon. Me and the wife swung by, great service. I got a breakfast burrito. Pretty good flavor just wished it was a bit bigger. But it was 9 bucks so I was happy about that. My wife got their basic breakfast food and she thought it was great. Similar to norms or dennys level of breakfast. Overall, we will be back soon!“

“During our recent 3-day weekend getaway, we stumbled upon Citra Bar & Kitchen at the newly renovated Hotel Zessa, and it quickly became our go-to spot for nearly all our meals. This place is truly a hidden gem! From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the modern yet cozy ambiance. The highlight of our experience was undoubtedly the drinks. The Citra Margarita was refreshingly perfect, and my wife couldn't get enough of the Hibiscus Cooler. We also indulged in the Casamigos Flight, which was a delightful treat. Following our server's recommendations turned out to be the best decision. We tried nearly everything on the lunch and dinner menus, but the Chicken Taquitos stood out as our favorite appetizer—we ordered them multiple times! As for the entrees, you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but our top picks were the Chicken A La Brasa, Blackened Mahi Mahi, and Salmon Salad. Each dish was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. Being gluten-free, I was thrilled to find that Citra Bar & Kitchen had plenty of options that catered to my dietary needs without compromising on taste. Overall, our experience at Citra Bar & Kitchen was outstanding. The revitalization of Hotel Zessa and the exceptional dining experience here is a testament to Santa Ana's commitment to enhancing their community. We can't wait to return, and I highly recommend this spot to anyone visiting the area. You will not be disappointed!“

“Hobie Restaurant at John Wayne Airport is a surprisingly awesome spot to grab a bite before your flight! I stopped by for their tacos, and wow—they did not disappoint. The fish tacos were fresh, flavorful, and packed with perfectly crispy fish, tangy slaw, and a creamy sauce that tied it all together. The carne asada tacos were equally delicious, with tender, well-seasoned steak and just the right amount of toppings. For airport food, this is next-level good. The vibe is laid-back and beachy, which makes waiting for your flight way more enjoyable. If you’re passing through John Wayne Airport, do yourself a favor and grab some tacos at Hobie. You won’t regret it!“