Where to eat in Orange Circle in Old Towne Orange, Orange County
How many more times can I write Orange in the subject line? 🍊
During the height of many Instagram food crazes in 2016-2017, a lot of my blog/IG tasting invites were in Orange County — so many that I’d have to schedule what I called “OC days” almost every month. I’d drive down early on a Saturday or Sunday and hit as many of my invites as possible (rainbow bagels in Aliso Viejo, poke burritos in Fountain Valley, the OC Fair in Costa Mesa — you get the picture), then head back to LA on the 5/405 by the end of the day. What a time to be alive.
Fast forward to Fall 2024. I started driving down to Orange County — specifically, Orange — every week for a gig I can’t talk about publicly, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the culinary wonder of Orange Circle, AKA Old Towne Orange.
I did what I usually do: Google all the best places, the Eater guides, look at the LA/OC TikToks and IGs for suggestions. I got some ideas of where to eat that way, but I was sorely disappointed to find that there aren’t comprehensive guides for Orange Circle. So, I did what any enterprising journalist/foodie/part-time academic would do: launch a semester-long research project…which involved me trying all the places in Orange Circle that I could.
Without further ado, here’s my short guide to what to eat in Orange Circle. It’s by no means complete…because Substack says this email is too long 😔 (make sure to click more!!).
O Sea
For a fancy seafood power lunch and/or dinner with your coworkers.
Must-try dish: Spicy Wild Tahitian Albacore Tuna on Crispy Rice; Farmed Atlantic Salmon Ceviche
Should-try indulgence: Any of the seasonal desserts
Chaiwale & Co
For a chai and treat-yourself kind of snack break.
Must-try dish/drink: Masala Chai; Chicken Tikka Burrito
Should-try indulgence: Kulfi Tres Leches cake
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
For classy comfort food favorites and lively cocktails/mocktails.
Must-try dish: Bacon jam and burrata
Should-try indulgence: Banana pudding
R&B Tea & Fushion Restaurant
For a fusion/tea place with really good noodles.
Must-try drink: Jasmine green tea
Should-try indulgence: Garlic noodles with any meat
1886 Brewing Company
For a good place to kick back and watch a game with comfort food.
Must-try dish: Chile Verde Poutine
Should-try indulgence: Watch sports and get a beer here! It’s fun.
Zito’s Pizza
For when you’re craving a close-to-authentic NY slice.
Must-try dish: The pizza, of course. Get any slice.
Should-try indulgence: Garlic knots
Honorable Mentions
