having grown up and gone to school in both areas, if i were to recommend places to eat and drink to a visiting friend, here's what i'd suggest in orange/la county, california!
Map
Sections
2
restaurants
drinks & light bites
restaurants
really yummy italian-japanese fusion with a nice ambience to catch up with friends or go on a date! i love the mentaiko pizza to share!
INI Ristorante
ranges from very affordable to a splurge sashimi platter, the mars roll is my favorite!
Chubby Sushi & Ramen
i would literally go back just for the kiss me roll! ayce sushi, udon, ramen, and other dishes!
X-FISH Izakaya Brea
the place serves my #1 favorite rose tteokbokki! lots of seating for larger parties outside, and it's open late! if you're seated in the booths, don't forget to leave a little doodle or message!
NOLZA
seafood boil! their g.a.c. (crab) fries are also a must-get side! you can also try your luck at the claw machine to get free food (you get some tokens when you are seated)
Grab A Crab
korean fried chicken and pizza! this is my love letter to love letter! i also go for the sweet potato gold pizza (the gold means the crust is stuffed!)
Love Letter Pizza & Chicken
this one is in the city, but it's my favorite italian pasta place! i always get the ravioli!
Maccheroni Republic
i would drive to the city just for their okonomiyaki
Chinchikurin Little Tokyo
ambience is more like a cafe, but their pasta comes in large portions, i had leftovers to take home!
somethin'
honestly my new favorite ramen in little tokyo! their hinodeya (house) ramen is soooo good with the scallop dashi!
HINODEYA Ramen
drinks & light bites
the life is matcha latte is so yummy and i want to try their other drinks! get the gochujang sea salt caramel cookie for sure!
Danzzan
cozy cafe to study in or play board games (they have a collection to borrow!) with yummy drinks and some rotating specials
Communitea Coffee
bar with spooky vibes! yummy drinks (+ virgin cocktails) and don't forget to take a pic with their photobooth tablet to commemorate!
The Cauldron Spirits and Brews
i live for their banana cream matcha! honestly any of their baked goods are amazing, so try what speaks to you!
Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe
i would go just for the coconut matcha, it's so refreshing!
