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Best Soul Food Restaurants in Santa Ana, Orange County

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23 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Culinary Dropout - Orange restaurant
1. Culinary Dropout - Orange
4.7
Exceptional(362)
$$$$
• Soul food • Orange
Booked 52 times today
At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.
A photo of Olea Newport Beach restaurant
2. Olea Newport Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2440)
$$$$
• Soul food • Newport Beach
Booked 16 times today
Olea Newport Beach is a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Newport Beach, offering seafood cuisine that is both "fresh" and "flavorful," as reviewers rave. With a commitment to using only the highest quality seasonal ingredients, Olea ensures that every seafood dish is prepared from scratch daily, capturing the true essence of the ocean's bounty. Diners have been particularly impressed by the "tuna starter," described as "maybe the best ever had," and the salmon, praised for its "fresh" and "firm" texture. Whether you're indulging in their daily fish special or savoring the succulent shrimp, Olea promises a seafood experience that is "absolutely delicious" and memorable.
A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Outlets at Orange restaurant
3. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Outlets at Orange
4.4
Awesome(215)
$$$$
• Soul food • Orange
Booked 31 times today
Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.
A photo of Stone Groove Stillhouse restaurant
4. Stone Groove Stillhouse
4.8
Exceptional(99)
$$$$
• Soul food • Anaheim
Booked 9 times today
Stone Groove Stillhouse is more than a distillery—it’s Anaheim’s stage where food, cocktails, and music harmonize. Dinner starts with scratch-made plates like Chicken Milanese, Spanish Octopus, and our crave-worthy “Return of the Mac,” each designed to pair with cocktails featuring our Musically Mastered™ spirits, crafted through a process shaped by sound. Order the Crescendo Martini or a spirit-forward signature and see why bartenders call Stone Groove a benchmark. But it’s more than drinks—it’s how food, cocktails, music, and atmosphere blend into one rhythm. From the start, our polished yet welcoming team sets us apart. The acoustically treated room, with its reel-to-reel soundtrack, is built for connection and slowing down. As night unfolds, dinner flows into Stone Groove After Dark, where cocktails take center stage and analog sound keeps energy alive until midnight. Perfect for date nights, gatherings, or a post-Packing House stop, Stone Groove is Anaheim’s rhythm.
A photo of Summit House - Fullerton restaurant
5. Summit House - Fullerton
4.8
Exceptional(7772)
$$$$
• Soul food • Fullerton
Booked 71 times today
Summit House in Fullerton offers a truly authentic American dining experience that stands out in its class. Nestled on a hilltop, this charming restaurant not only boasts “spectacular views” but also delivers “heavenly” American cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Timothy Plumb and his talented team. Known for its “melt-in-your-mouth” oak wood grilled USDA prime steaks and the world-famous Stockyards of Chicago Roast Prime Ribs of Beef, the Summit House artfully combines tradition with flavor. Diners rave about the “excellent service” and impeccable holiday atmosphere, making it a cherished spot for both “special occasions” and festive celebrations.
A photo of Bee's Knees Southern Kitchen restaurant
6. Bee's Knees Southern Kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(401)
$$$$
• Soul food • Newport Beach
Booked 8 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Newport Beach, Tupelo Junction Cafe is a delightful gem that truly embraces the essence of authentic American cuisine. Known for its "Southern comfort food and delicious" dishes, this charming cafe offers a unique blend of flavors that keep patrons coming back for more. The menu features homemade, high-quality dishes made from scratch daily, such as the irresistible fried chicken salad with cranberries and cornbread croutons. Guests rave about the "fantastic service" and the "charming home-style atmosphere," making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. With every bite, Tupelo Junction Cafe proves to be a standout in American dining.
A photo of SOCIAL - COSTA MESA restaurant
7. SOCIAL - COSTA MESA
4.8
Exceptional(164)
$$$$
• Soul food • Costa Mesa
Booked 2 times today
Social Costa Mesa stands out as a premier Dining Bar destination, expertly blending modern American cuisine with bold international flavors. The "fantastic food and amazing craft cocktails" have left patrons raving about their experiences, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and innovation. Guests praise the "vibrant atmosphere" and the "super cool employees" who enhance the welcoming vibe. Signature dishes like the Wagyu Burger and pistachio chocolate chip cookies are celebrated for their delicious flavors, making them "absolutely unforgettable." Whether you're enjoying a lively night out or a cozy brunch, Social Costa Mesa offers an authentic and dynamic dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.
A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Irvine restaurant
8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Irvine
4.5
Awesome(305)
$$$$
• Soul food • Irvine
Booked 28 times today
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Irvine is an absolute gem for Pizzeria enthusiasts, offering a distinctive Southern California twist on the classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Known for their "excellent food" and "outstanding service," BJ's ensures each visit is memorable. Their Pizookies® are particularly celebrated, providing a sweet finale to a savory feast. Guests frequently commend the "fun atmosphere" and the attentive, friendly service, with staff like Bradi and Bonnie enhancing the dining experience. Whether you're craving a classic pizza or exploring their innovative offerings, BJ's harmonizes quality and authenticity, making it a must-visit for pizza lovers in Irvine.
A photo of Zov's Irvine restaurant
9. Zov's Irvine
4.8
Exceptional(737)
$$$$
• Soul food • Irvine
Booked 9 times today
Zov's Irvine is a standout destination for authentic American cuisine in the heart of Orchard Hills. This upscale, yet family-friendly restaurant is not just a place to eat but a community favorite. With glowing reviews praising its "excellent experience" and "outstanding dinner," it’s clear that Zov’s Irvine offers something special. Diners rave about the "delicious" food and "attentive, friendly" service, making it a perfect spot for both casual family meals and romantic dinners. The American menu, featuring classics like rotisserie chicken and gourmet take-out options, ensures that every visit is memorable and satisfying.
A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant
10. The Drake in Laguna
4.8
Exceptional(1819)
$$$$
• Soul food • Laguna Beach
Booked 56 times today
The Drake in Laguna Beach is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its “phenomenal” seafood dishes that consistently impress diners. This charming restaurant offers an exquisite blend of New American cuisine with a keen emphasis on fresh, flavorful seafood. Diners rave about the “outstanding” salmon and halibut, often described as “perfectly cooked” and “deliciously presented.” The Drake's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, with seasonal offerings that highlight the ocean's bounty. Alongside the delectable cuisine, the ambiance is enhanced by live jazz performances, creating a vibrant, memorable dining experience that is truly “special” and not to be missed.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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