If you’ve lived in Southern California long enough, you know there are tons of amazing restaurants tucked away in hidden places. Or perhaps these hole in the wall restaurants in Southern California are right out in the open and easy to find, but they don’t look very inviting from the outside. Either way, if you’re lucky enough to stumble on one of these gems, it’s like hitting the jackpot.
I’ll save you some time and point out a few of these heavenly hideaways that are considered the best hole in the wall restaurants in Southern California. Each of these indulgent eateries serves up mouthwatering meals that you won’t forget. Here are 7 restaurants to get you started, but there are so many more to discover. Have fun exploring!
- Rutabegorz in Fullerton
Rutabegorz Website
Yelp/Denise A. Although there are 3 locations now, this spot in Fullerton is the original that was opened in 1970. Originally a coffehouse, it’s now a full service restaurant with an eclectic menu ranging from healthy wraps and sandwiches to pasta dishes, Falafels and Mexican fare. It’s a perfectly quirky experience to check out when you’re in Fullerton. Plus, the interior is cute, cute, cute!
- Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub - Oceanside
Wrench and Rodent Website
Yelp/Harold S.
Yelp/Hovik B. The name alone tells you this spot isn’t any ordinary restaurant. But don’t let the Rodent in the name discourage you to check it out. Located in Oceanside, this gem of a sushi joint whips up inspired dishes with ingredients from local fisherman and local growers. You must order the ceviche – it’s one of the highlights on the menu.
- Chicken Box - Orange County
Yelp/Robert S.
Yelp/Vanessa D. Who needs KFC when you can get a tasty chicken dinner at Chicken Box?! When you see the exterior you might want to keep driving by, but don’t let that fool you. This place is worth the stop to order up some broasted chicken. Not sure what broasted means? It’s a method of using a pressure fryer and condiments. Broasting is code for “delicious!”
- The Lion’s Share - San Diego
Lion’s Share Website
Lion’s Share Website A dark and hidden hideaway that looks and feels a bit like an old speakeasy. Located in downtown San Diego in the Marina District right off the trolley tracks, you might miss this place if you didn’t know to look for it. It offers a unique menu with dishes like gourmet Deviled Eggs and Rabbit Hand Pie that will have your mouth watering. The atmosphere is equally as delicious as the menu. It’s romantic yet funky and chic. This might be one of my fave spots in this charming city.
- Tacos Villa Corona - Los Angeles
Google/Steven Hudosh
Yelp/Greg R. With only tacos and burritos on the menu, you won’t have to ponder very long over what to order. But you will have to wait in line, because the secret is out that this hole in the wall serves up some amazing food. You can thank Anthony Bourdain for that. So what will you order? A taco? Maybe a burrito? Perhaps you should order both!
- Miyagi Sushi - San Bernardino
Yelp/Jim B.
Yelp/Josa L. From the outside of this San Bernardino restaurant you wouldn’t expect much. But once inside, you are transported to a bustling sushi joint that’s always packed. The fish is fresh and the rolls are flavorful and creative. Plus, it’s all you can eat, so you can chow down on sushi rolls all night long if you’d like.
- Las Cuatros Milpas - San Diego
facebook/Las Cuatros Milpas
facebook/Las Cuatros Milpas If you visit San Diego, you must add this little gem in Barrio Logan to your travels. It doesn’t look like much, but man alive it’s good. And everything is made fresh daily. A long line will await you no matter what time of day, but that long wait will help you work up an appetite for the huge portions.
Ready to go on a Southern California restaurant tour? I’m craving everything on every one of these menus. Which spot will you try out first? If you’ve already experienced one or all of these places, let me know in the comments which one is your favorite. These are truly the best hole in the wall restaurants in Southern California!
Rutabegorz Website
Yelp/Denise A.
Although there are 3 locations now, this spot in Fullerton is the original that was opened in 1970. Originally a coffehouse, it’s now a full service restaurant with an eclectic menu ranging from healthy wraps and sandwiches to pasta dishes, Falafels and Mexican fare. It’s a perfectly quirky experience to check out when you’re in Fullerton. Plus, the interior is cute, cute, cute!
Wrench and Rodent Website
Yelp/Harold S.
Yelp/Hovik B.
The name alone tells you this spot isn’t any ordinary restaurant. But don’t let the Rodent in the name discourage you to check it out. Located in Oceanside, this gem of a sushi joint whips up inspired dishes with ingredients from local fisherman and local growers. You must order the ceviche – it’s one of the highlights on the menu.
Yelp/Robert S.
Yelp/Vanessa D.
Who needs KFC when you can get a tasty chicken dinner at Chicken Box?! When you see the exterior you might want to keep driving by, but don’t let that fool you. This place is worth the stop to order up some broasted chicken. Not sure what broasted means? It’s a method of using a pressure fryer and condiments. Broasting is code for “delicious!”
Lion’s Share Website
A dark and hidden hideaway that looks and feels a bit like an old speakeasy. Located in downtown San Diego in the Marina District right off the trolley tracks, you might miss this place if you didn’t know to look for it. It offers a unique menu with dishes like gourmet Deviled Eggs and Rabbit Hand Pie that will have your mouth watering. The atmosphere is equally as delicious as the menu. It’s romantic yet funky and chic. This might be one of my fave spots in this charming city.
Google/Steven Hudosh
Yelp/Greg R.
With only tacos and burritos on the menu, you won’t have to ponder very long over what to order. But you will have to wait in line, because the secret is out that this hole in the wall serves up some amazing food. You can thank Anthony Bourdain for that. So what will you order? A taco? Maybe a burrito? Perhaps you should order both!
Yelp/Jim B.
Yelp/Josa L.
From the outside of this San Bernardino restaurant you wouldn’t expect much. But once inside, you are transported to a bustling sushi joint that’s always packed. The fish is fresh and the rolls are flavorful and creative. Plus, it’s all you can eat, so you can chow down on sushi rolls all night long if you’d like.
facebook/Las Cuatros Milpas
If you visit San Diego, you must add this little gem in Barrio Logan to your travels. It doesn’t look like much, but man alive it’s good. And everything is made fresh daily. A long line will await you no matter what time of day, but that long wait will help you work up an appetite for the huge portions.
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Address: 211 N Pomona Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832, USAAddress: 1815 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, USAAddress: 330 E Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631, USAAddress: 629 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USAAddress: 3185 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039, USAAddress: 228 E Baseline St, San Bernardino, CA 92410, USAAddress: 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dining In SoCal July 18, 2020 Meghan Kraft What are the best restaurants in SoCal? SoCal is known for its impressive array of restaurants, food halls, locally-owned eateries, and food trucks. With such a large conglomeration of people and cultures, you’ll find places to eat that run the gamut of the global foodie scene as a whole. We’d recommend trying out El Coyote in the heart of Los Angeles for its historic relevance and low-key atmosphere, as well as Pink’s Hot Dogs, the food stalls at the historic Grove, and The Griddle on the Boulevard for its pancakes as large as your head. The Apple Pan is also a great spot for burgers and a side of apple pie – it’s cash only! – and Philippe’s is said to be the home of the LA French Dip sandwich. Which restaurants serve the foods SoCal is known for? The foods the SoCal is known for are normally sold within their original eateries, like the chili dogs from Pink’s, animal-style burgers from In-N-Out, and date shakes from the date farms located inland in the desert region. Fish tacos can be found all over SoCal, but we’d recommend simply ordering from a coastal food truck for some fresh fare. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles are famed for their namesake, and they’re also known as a great hangover cure. Who knew?! Lastly, we’d recommend a cup of Boysenberry punch at Knott’s Berry Farm if you manage to make the trek. It’s true sugary decadence! Are there any waterfront restaurants in SoCal? Since SoCal boasts absolute MILES of coastline, it would make sense that some of the best waterfront restaurants can be found along its rugged face. Geoffrey’s Malibu is known for delicious seafood and coastal dining, as is the Deck on Laguna Beach and Poseidon Del Mar. There’s nothing like a delicious meal enjoyed with chilled wine as the waves crash beneath you, and experience promised by the fine Tidal in San Diego, located at Paradise Point right along the waterfront.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dining In SoCal
July 18, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best restaurants in SoCal? SoCal is known for its impressive array of restaurants, food halls, locally-owned eateries, and food trucks. With such a large conglomeration of people and cultures, you’ll find places to eat that run the gamut of the global foodie scene as a whole. We’d recommend trying out El Coyote in the heart of Los Angeles for its historic relevance and low-key atmosphere, as well as Pink’s Hot Dogs, the food stalls at the historic Grove, and The Griddle on the Boulevard for its pancakes as large as your head. The Apple Pan is also a great spot for burgers and a side of apple pie – it’s cash only! – and Philippe’s is said to be the home of the LA French Dip sandwich. Which restaurants serve the foods SoCal is known for? The foods the SoCal is known for are normally sold within their original eateries, like the chili dogs from Pink’s, animal-style burgers from In-N-Out, and date shakes from the date farms located inland in the desert region. Fish tacos can be found all over SoCal, but we’d recommend simply ordering from a coastal food truck for some fresh fare. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles are famed for their namesake, and they’re also known as a great hangover cure. Who knew?! Lastly, we’d recommend a cup of Boysenberry punch at Knott’s Berry Farm if you manage to make the trek. It’s true sugary decadence! Are there any waterfront restaurants in SoCal? Since SoCal boasts absolute MILES of coastline, it would make sense that some of the best waterfront restaurants can be found along its rugged face. Geoffrey’s Malibu is known for delicious seafood and coastal dining, as is the Deck on Laguna Beach and Poseidon Del Mar. There’s nothing like a delicious meal enjoyed with chilled wine as the waves crash beneath you, and experience promised by the fine Tidal in San Diego, located at Paradise Point right along the waterfront.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
SoCal is known for its impressive array of restaurants, food halls, locally-owned eateries, and food trucks. With such a large conglomeration of people and cultures, you’ll find places to eat that run the gamut of the global foodie scene as a whole. We’d recommend trying out El Coyote in the heart of Los Angeles for its historic relevance and low-key atmosphere, as well as Pink’s Hot Dogs, the food stalls at the historic Grove, and The Griddle on the Boulevard for its pancakes as large as your head. The Apple Pan is also a great spot for burgers and a side of apple pie – it’s cash only! – and Philippe’s is said to be the home of the LA French Dip sandwich.
Which restaurants serve the foods SoCal is known for?
The foods the SoCal is known for are normally sold within their original eateries, like the chili dogs from Pink’s, animal-style burgers from In-N-Out, and date shakes from the date farms located inland in the desert region. Fish tacos can be found all over SoCal, but we’d recommend simply ordering from a coastal food truck for some fresh fare. Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles are famed for their namesake, and they’re also known as a great hangover cure. Who knew?! Lastly, we’d recommend a cup of Boysenberry punch at Knott’s Berry Farm if you manage to make the trek. It’s true sugary decadence!
Are there any waterfront restaurants in SoCal?
Since SoCal boasts absolute MILES of coastline, it would make sense that some of the best waterfront restaurants can be found along its rugged face. Geoffrey’s Malibu is known for delicious seafood and coastal dining, as is the Deck on Laguna Beach and Poseidon Del Mar. There’s nothing like a delicious meal enjoyed with chilled wine as the waves crash beneath you, and experience promised by the fine Tidal in San Diego, located at Paradise Point right along the waterfront.
