My Go-To Spots for SoCal Visitors

Hello all! I wanted to share a list of restaurants that I think you should take your friends and family if they’re visiting from out of town. I made sure to include places that vary in price, location, and style so you can find something to fit any occasion. I was inspired to write this post by two lovely friends from London who are spending a year abroad in Irvine! I have done my best to show them the best that we have to offer, and I thought I should share with you all as well. I think all of these places do a great job of showing off the best of SoCal.

El Campeon
Pricing: $
Favorite Meal: Birria tacos and a horchata
Style: Casual Mexican
Parking: Very easy

The resounding favorite out of all the places I’ve shared has been El Campeon in San Juan Capistrano. It is simply authentic, quality Mexican food in the heart of a beautiful city full of character. San Juan is my favorite place to take people from out of town because there is so much to explore, and El Campeon is the perfect cherry on top.

Kawamata Seafood
Pricing: $$
Must Order: Ahi Tuna and Salmon
Style: Casual Poke
Parking: There are a few spots out front, but it can get fairly busy, so it’s not the easiest.

Kawamata Seafood has the absolute best-quality poke I’ve ever tried. California is known for great fish and coastal cuisine, and I think Kawamata perfectly encapsulates that. There’s no indoor seating, but there are so many gorgeous parks and beaches nearby that it’s the perfect place to stop before a picnic or a beach day in Dana Point or San Clemente.

Ahba (Laguna Beach location only)
Pricing: $$$
Must Order: Ahba Burger, Harissa Toast, or Breakfast Burrito
Style: Trendy American with a clear Mediterranean influence
Parking: My only complaint about Ahba — you’ll need to find street parking.

If I had to choose one SoCal restaurant to go to for the rest of my life, it would be Ahba. I’ve written about it in more depth in another post, but simply put, Ahba has amazing food and the best atmosphere. Their menu is always short and simple, but I’ve never been disappointed by a dish I’ve tried. There’s also an adorable speakeasy right next door, set up to look like a house with a living room, kitchen, and patio.

9 Style Ramen and 9 Style Sushi
Pricing: $$
Must Order: Garlic 9 Tonkotsu Ramen and Salmon Sashimi
Style: Casual Japanese
Parking: They have a small parking lot with a few spots.

9 Style Ramen and 9 Style Sushi are two different restaurants in San Clemente, and I would absolutely recommend both. 9 Style Sushi has a more romantic ambiance and very limited seating, while 9 Style Ramen feels slightly more casual with more space.

The Garlic 9 Tonkotsu Ramen is nothing short of euphoric. I cannot recommend 9 Style Ramen enough — I don’t think it has earned the hype it deserves. 9 Style Sushi offers very unique specialty rolls incorporating garlic and raw onion in ways I haven’t seen at other local sushi spots. The quality of their fish is outstanding, and you can’t leave without trying the salmon sashimi. You’ll thank me later.

Mayfield
Pricing: $$$
Must Order: Rip and Dip platter, Grilled Cabbage, and the Lamb Kofte Meatballs
Style: Upscale Mediterranean
Parking: I recommend parking at the nearby Taco Bell and walking over (at your own risk).

If anyone asks me for a nicer dinner option for a larger group, Mayfield is always my immediate response. Dinners are served family-style with a beautiful selection of dishes you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The creativity poured into their menu makes Mayfield an easy choice. It’s also hard to talk about Mayfield without mentioning its gorgeous aesthetics, with large open windows and beautiful pastel colors.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t include In-N-Out and The Taco Stand. You can’t have a complete California trip without stopping at both, despite them being chains. I have yet to see anyone disappointed by either, and they’re great options if you’re looking for a quicker or more affordable meal.

Thank you for reading! If you try any of these recommendations, I truly hope you enjoy them.