Best of 23 family restaurants in Santa Ana
Santa Ana boasts a vibrant array of family restaurants in Santa Ana, perfect for creating lasting memories over delicious meals. From cozy diners to diverse culinary spots, these family restaurants in Santa Ana cater to all tastes, ensuring a delightful dining experience for families looking to bond over good food and warm atmospheres.
- 1. Panini Kabob Grill - Santa Ana
- 2. Chapter One: the modern local
- 3. DTTN 2.0
- 4. DönerG Mediterranean Grill-Santa Ana
- 5. Hammer Burger
- 6. The Chicken Rice
- 7. Crave Restaurant Downtown Santa Ana
- 8. RAFAEL'S KITCHEN & MAD COFFEE
- 9. Mediterranean Guys
- 10. Suzy's Cafe
- 11. Santa Ana Brunch Club
- 12. Mini Cafe
- 13. Black Bear Diner Santa Ana
- 14. NORMS Restaurant
- 15. Philly's Best Cheesesteaks
- 16. California Pizza Kitchen at Santa Ana
- 17. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
- 18. Cowgirls Cafe
- 19. Lucky Guy's Burgers
- 20. Fat of the Land
- 21. Farmer Boys
- 22. Shakey's Pizza Parlor
- 23. Benchmark
1. Panini Kabob Grill - Santa Ana
Enjoy authentic Mediterranean flavors in a welcoming family environment!

The restaurant consistently delivers exceptional customer service, creating a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience. The menu boasts delicious dishes that are perfect for family gatherings, making it an ideal choice for a memorable meal.
The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring that every guest feels valued. The food is consistently fresh and flavorful, with a wide selection of options to suit all palates. The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect setting for a relaxed and enjoyable family dinner.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
2. Chapter One: the modern local
A unique blend of elegant dining and relaxed pub vibes.

The restaurant offers a delightful brunch experience, blending global flavors with a playful twist. The menu features a creative selection of dishes made with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The kitchen, under the skilled guidance of Executive Chef Tony Castaneda, prioritizes sustainability and quality.
The ambiance is pleasant, with friendly service enhancing the dining experience. While the breakfast burger, with its duck fat fries, was generally well-received, the burger's level of doneness did not meet the customer's request. The absence of mustard on the menu was also noted as a slight inconvenience. Despite these minor points, the overall quality of the food, particularly the fries, was impressive.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. DTTN 2.0
Experience exquisite dining in a cozy, family-friendly environment.

The restaurant exudes a captivating ambiance that guests consistently rave about. The service is uniformly praised as impeccable, excellent, and friendly, with servers lauded for their meticulous attention to detail.
DTTN 2.0 presents a singular and intimate dining experience. The menu boasts a delectable array of dishes, from Parmesan ricotta bites to grilled lamb and sticky toffee pudding. The bar showcases expertly crafted cocktails, with bartenders eager to delight guests with bespoke creations.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. DönerG Mediterranean Grill-Santa Ana
Experience the authentic taste of Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy setting.

DönerG Mediterranean Grill-Santa Ana distinguishes itself through an impressive variety of side dishes. The yogurt dip, eggplant 'salsa,' and hummus are particularly noteworthy and enhance the dining experience.
The food at DönerG consistently delivers high-quality flavors and fresh ingredients. The pita bread is a standout, and the fries provide a satisfying accompaniment to the main dishes.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
5. Hammer Burger
Delicious smash burgers and a fun family-friendly vibe!

Hammer Burger offers a satisfying experience for burger lovers, with their smash burgers being a standout feature. The spicy smash burger, featuring three meats, boasts a delightful combination of crispy and tender textures, enhanced by perfectly melted cheese and a spicy jalapeno sauce. The welcoming atmosphere, complete with a bar and TVs, provides an enjoyable setting for a casual meal or a relaxed outing with friends.
This establishment caters to diverse tastes, with its menu featuring both classic and innovative options. The beyond classic smash burger and the patty melt both received positive reviews, highlighting the quality and flavor of the food. The attentive service, particularly from bar tender Jacob, adds to the overall positive experience, making Hammer Burger a recommended spot for a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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6. The Chicken Rice
Deliciously comforting meals for the whole family, served fresh daily.

The accompanying soup is a light and refreshing clear broth, subtly enhanced by the texture of small pieces of seaweed. Its delicate flavor complements the main course without overwhelming the palate.
This local establishment provides a comforting and satisfying dining experience, offering flavorful, fresh dishes at an affordable price. The efficient service ensures a quick and pleasant meal, leaving patrons feeling content and well-fed.
TOPICS
- Holiday Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. Crave Restaurant Downtown Santa Ana
A perfect spot for family meals with something for everyone!

Crave consistently delivers a delightful dining experience for families. The menu boasts fresh, flavorful dishes with generous portions, making it an ideal choice for a casual gathering. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable meal for everyone.
The menu at Crave caters to a wide range of palates, making it a popular spot for families. The cozy and welcoming ambiance creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal together. The grilled cheese sandwiches and cookies are particular favorites among the younger crowd.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
8. RAFAEL'S KITCHEN & MAD COFFEE
Delicious food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere for everyone.

Rafael's Kitchen consistently impresses with its delectable cuisine and attentive service. Diners can expect fresh, flavorful dishes, with generous portions and friendly staff.
The salt and pepper chicken wings are a standout, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste. The overall experience is consistently positive, making Rafael's Kitchen a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Downtown Spots
9. Mediterranean Guys
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors in a welcoming family environment.

The restaurant offers a satisfying and flavorful Mediterranean experience. A shared falafel plate, complete with power greens, pasta salad, and pita bread, provided a generous and delicious meal.
The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, providing excellent recommendations. The food quality is superb, and convenient parking is available. This establishment is a sure bet for a pleasant and tasty dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
10. Suzy's Cafe
A perfect gathering spot for families with great food and service!

Suzy's Cafe provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for family brunches. The menu boasts a diverse selection of delicious dishes, catering to a range of tastes.
The consistently high quality of the food, coupled with the friendly and attentive service, consistently ensures a positive dining experience for the entire family.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
11. Santa Ana Brunch Club
Experience delicious brunch made from scratch in a trendy setting.

Santa Ana Brunch Club provides a welcoming ambiance perfect for families and friends. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, catering to all palates. The staff is known for their attentiveness and friendliness, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
While service can be slow during busy periods, Santa Ana Brunch Club compensates with its exceptional food. The open kitchen allows diners to witness their meals being prepared, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality. The blend of classic American and Asian fusion flavors in the food is truly unique, making it a highly recommended spot for a memorable brunch experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
12. Mini Cafe
A cozy spot for delicious meals that everyone will love!

The menu offers a range of delicious dishes, including flavorful chilaquiles and French toast. Vegetarian options are readily available, featuring breads, tortillas, beans, and avocado. The staff is known for their friendly and accommodating nature, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all. This makes it a great choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.
The establishment delivers a positive experience with its friendly service, delicious food, and reasonable prices. The quality of both the food and service is excellent, making it a worthwhile destination for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
13. Black Bear Diner Santa Ana
A cozy dining experience perfect for families and friends!

This family-friendly restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal. The friendly service adds to the positive dining experience, making it an excellent choice for a weekend brunch or breakfast.
The welcoming ambiance and attentive staff create a comfortable setting for families to enjoy a meal together. Whether it's a weekend breakfast or brunch, this restaurant offers a pleasant dining experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Waterfront
- Dinner
14. NORMS Restaurant
A SoCal tradition since 1949, where everyone feels at home.

NORMS is a popular spot for its exceptional cold brew coffee, offering a variety of chilled coffee options to suit every taste. The friendly and helpful staff, combined with affordable prices, make for a pleasant dining experience.
NORMS stands out as a family-friendly establishment with wheelchair accessibility and a dedicated kids menu. This makes it an ideal choice for families seeking a late-night dining option, particularly when other restaurants are closed.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
15. Philly's Best Cheesesteaks
Authentic Philly flavors in a family-friendly atmosphere!

Philly's Best, a Southern California chain founded by a Philadelphia native, offers a taste of the City of Brotherly Love with its authentic cheesesteaks and hoagies. The menu caters to a variety of palates, with each sandwich receiving high praise from customers. The restaurant's décor, featuring Philadelphia artwork and quotes, enhances the experience, while the availability of unique Philadelphia treats like Tastykakes adds an extra touch of authenticity.
For families looking to indulge in comfort food, Philly's Best provides a welcoming environment with its diverse menu and nostalgic touches. The restaurant's dedication to capturing the essence of Philadelphia shines through in its offerings, satisfying even the most discerning cheesesteak aficionado.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
16. California Pizza Kitchen at Santa Ana
Delicious pizzas and salads in a welcoming family environment.
The restaurant offered a generous take-and-bake pizza deal, providing a convenient and affordable option for a quick meal. The service was efficient, despite a limited staff, and parking was readily available during the lunch hour. The food was flavorful and plentiful, with ample leftovers.
The establishment offers a diverse menu, catering to various preferences. The Miso Seafood salad was well-received, with fresh ingredients and flavorful seafood. While the miso dressing wasn't exceptional, the overall salad quality was satisfactory. Notably, the restaurant exhibited exceptional customer service by addressing a discrepancy in salad size without hesitation, earning praise for their attentiveness. The lack of whole wheat pasta options was a minor drawback, but the overall positive experience resulted in a favorable rating.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
17. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Experience the taste of Italy with family and friends at Olive Garden.

The service, though a tad slow, was pleasant and attentive. Our server was prompt with drink refills and inquired about the need for additional salad or soup. The food, however, was well worth the wait, arriving hot and flavorful.
Olive Garden provides a familiar menu of Italian and Mediterranean classics. Their chicken parmigiana, minestrone soup, and gnocchi are popular choices, and their cheesecakes consistently receive praise.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
18. Cowgirls Cafe
Enjoy delicious comfort food in a welcoming diner setting.

This establishment offers a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere with a charming and cozy ambiance. The menu boasts a variety of comforting dishes, all executed with expertise. The hash browns, particularly noteworthy for their crispy exterior, are a standout choice, perfectly complemented by biscuits and gravy. Popular with locals, it's essential to arrive early on weekends to avoid the inevitable crowds.
A true gem for classic breakfast fare in Santa Ana, this restaurant consistently delivers on its promise of quality food and service. The chicken-fried steak is a standout dish, and the friendly staff ensures a pleasant dining experience. Known for its prompt service and dedication to customer satisfaction, this location truly embodies the spirit of a traditional breakfast joint.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
19. Lucky Guy's Burgers
Delicious, homemade meals that make you feel like family.

This establishment offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of a family gathering. The menu caters to a diverse range of tastes, with generous portions that are sure to satisfy. The restaurant is also thoughtfully designed to accommodate families with children, offering high chairs and wheelchair accessibility.
The food is consistently delicious, prepared with care and attention to detail, much like homemade meals. The service is exceptional, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort that makes diners feel right at home.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
20. Fat of the Land

21. Farmer Boys
Fresh ingredients and hearty meals for everyone in the family.

The establishment boasts friendly and efficient staff who strive to provide prompt service. Despite their busy nature, they manage to maintain a positive and helpful demeanor. The menu features a variety of appealing options, with the chicken sandwiches being a particular highlight.
Recent improvements are noticeable in the drive-thru experience. A visit last night resulted in a swift turnaround time of only eight minutes, allowing for a quick and convenient meal on the go. The quality of the chicken sandwiches remains impressive, exceeding expectations with their delicious flavor and satisfying texture.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
22. Shakey's Pizza Parlor
Great food, fun times, perfect for family gatherings!

This restaurant is an ideal spot for family gatherings, offering a delightful selection of pizzas and a fun arcade for kids to enjoy. The inviting atmosphere and delicious food make it a great choice for a casual dining experience.
The restaurant caters to families with its diverse pizza menu and an exciting arcade area. The combination of delicious food and engaging entertainment ensures a fun and memorable experience for all ages.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
23. Benchmark
Experience a delightful blend of flavors in a cozy setting.

Benchmark provides a delightful dining experience with attentive service and a charming atmosphere, especially on the patio. The menu offers appealing vegetarian options and stands out with its fondue and cake. The restaurant is a perfect choice for various occasions, including large groups and special celebrations.
Located in a residential area, Benchmark offers limited parking, with only a few spots available. Street parking is an alternative. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table in the main dining room, where guests can enjoy the lively ambiance and observe the chefs in action.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Corporate Events