One of the youngest cities in Orange County, California, United States, is Rancho Santa Margarita. The city recorded a population of 47,442 in 2021. It is a great destination if you are looking for some time away.
Some interesting places to visit in Rancho Santa Margarita include Tijeras Creek Golf Club, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, Pedego Electric Bikes RSM, and the various restaurants in the city.
When it comes to restaurants, the city has a load of them. These include La Fiesta Mexican Grill, Natraj’s Indian Bistro, and Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill.
This article will enlighten you on the best places to eat in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
Best Restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
1. Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar
Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar, opened in 2005, has been recognized as one of the top restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
They offer excellent steaks as well as tasty American and Japanese food. Hanna’s is a perfect option if you are looking for a spot with unique upscale cuisine.
The staff is amiable; from the servers to the bartenders, you will experience warm service. The fun is even better on the menu.
With various options to choose from for food and drinks, you are assured a good time. You can get takeaways at the location or order online. However, the seating capacity is limited.
Some items on the menu include asparagus fries, shrimp ceviche, soups, salads & bowls, New York striploin, filet mignon Australian wagyu, sourdough, steak sandwich, and tuna sandwich.
There is also the Bolognese, which is spicy Italian sausage + Kobe beef ragù, micro basil, bucatini pasta, roasted Bianco DiNapoli tomato, and parmigiano-reggiano.
Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar is open to visitors from 11:30 am to 09:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm on Fridays, and from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturdays.
At Hanna’s Restaurant and Bar, reservations are not mandatory but recommended.
Address: 22195 El Paseo #110, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-709-2300
2. Carmelita’s Kitchen
Carmelita’s Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, offering comfort food and healthy options in a cozy atmosphere.
Carmelita’s Kitchen is situated in Mercado Del Lago, providing excellent restaurant services with various service options.
The service options include takeout, indoor dining, solo dining, outdoor dining, and group dining.
They offer vegan options, an on-site bar, free WiFi, and a kid’s menu. That is not all. They have highchairs, a variety of drinks, and a wheelchair-accessible facility.
When you visit, you can start with a queso fundido. If you like salads, you can try the grilled ribeye salad. But if not, you can try one of the combo options, tacos or enchiladas.
Beer, cocktails, wine, spirits, and coffee, are available for your satisfaction. Always top your meal with handcrafted cocktails or red and white wines.
Carmelita’s Kitchen is open for business from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10:00 am to 09:00 pm on Sundays.
At Carmelita’s Kitchen, reservations are accepted, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Address: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-709-7600
3. Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill is a barbecue restaurant in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Since 1992, they have offered excellent BBQs and grills to the residents and visitors.
Currently, they are situated in over 15 different locations. The secret to the expansion is offering outstanding food and services.
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill is an award-winning restaurant that offers a variety of food options that will satisfy your craving.
The popular items at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Rancho Santa Margarita are rib eye, peach crisp, garlic rolls, beef rib, and baby back ribs.
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Rancho Santa Margarita is open to customers daily from 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 04:00 pm to 09:30 pm on Fridays, 11:30 am to 09:30 pm on Saturdays, and from 11:30 am to 09:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 22352 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-888-1100
4. Tutto Fresco Kitchen & Bar
Tutto Fresco Kitchen & Bar is a family-friendly Italian restaurant famous for its excellent Italian dishes in a moderate setting.
A visit to Tutto Fresco Kitchen & Bar will be fun, as they offer happy hour drinks and flexible service options.
The service options include dine-in, delivery, curbside pickup, takeout, and outdoor seating. The food at the restaurant is fantastic.
Popular items at Tutto Fresco Kitchen & Bar include short rib pasta, avocado toast, eggs benedict, penne pomodoro, cioppino, chicken parmigiana, and lasagna.
Visit Tutto Fresco Kitchen & Bar from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 22332 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-858-3360
5. Natraj’s Indian Bistro
The area of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, is blessed with something that is not common in most places, which is an Indian restaurant.
Natraj’s Indian Bistro is an Indian restaurant that offers excellent Indian cuisine, which makes them one of the best places to eat in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
Features of the restaurant include fast service, takeout, delivery, table service, digital payment methods, reservations, and more.
They offer Halal food and vegan options too. Their menu includes chicken tandoori, fruit salad, shrimp, paneer tikka masala, and more. It always feels good to start with their assorted vegetable pakoras.
Natraj’s Indian Bistro operates daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: 22205 El Paseo SUITE A, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-858-0581
6. In-N-Out Burger
Since its doors opened in 1948, they have maintained a standard of keeping everything fresh in a vintage style.
They offer various options ranging from coffee to quick bites, comfort food, vegan options, and late-night food.
When it comes to burgers? They have the secret to making it perfect. Some available items include french fries, cheeseburgers, and hamburgers.
In-N-Out Burger is open to visitors from 10:30 am to 01:00 am on Sundays to Thursdays and from 10:30 am to 01:30 pm am Fridays and Saturdays.
If you are seeking for a restaurant with a lot of experience, In-N-Out Burger is one of the best in the city.
Address: 30121 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 800-786-1000
7. La Fiesta Mexican Grill
La Fiesta Mexican Grill is a Mexican restaurant at Plaza Antonio in Rancho Santa Margarita. It saw its establishment in 2007.
As one of the top Rancho Santa Margarita restaurants, you will experience top-notch service, and they will live up to your expectations.
At La Fiesta Mexican Grill, they make sure to use only the fresh and finest ingredients available in making their meals
The menu highlights include fish tacos, burritos, fried ice cream, shrimp tacos, cheese quesadillas, tortilla soup, cheese quesadillas, and carnitas, among others.
La Fiesta Mexican Grill Rancho Santa Margarita is open to customers from 11:00 am to 09:00 pm on Tuesdays to Fridays, 11:00 am to 08:30 pm on Saturdays, and from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 22441 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-858-0407
8. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a brewpub in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA that offers excellent food and drinks in a casual atmosphere.
One thing that makes the restaurant one of the top Rancho Santa Margarita restaurants is that they offer food at the bar, which is not something you get everywhere.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse accepts reservations and debit and credit card payments. NFC mobile payments are also accepted.
Some menu highlights include Caesar salad, spinach and artichoke dip, mozzarella sticks, stuffed mushrooms, jumbo spaghetti, meatballs, New Orleans jambalaya, and monkey bread cookie.
The operating hours at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse are from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and from 11:00 am to 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 22022 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-835-1890.
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9. Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room
Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room is one of the most exciting places to visit for food in Rancho Santa Margarita.
The restaurant has many exciting features, including a heated patio, 25 tap handles, a kid’s gaming room, WiFi, and television screens.
They also provided options to order online for pickup. This option is exclusive to the Rancho Santa Margarita location.
The pizzas and sandwiches are reasons to return. Some dishes available at Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room include veggie pizza, chicken & broccoli pasta, cheese pizza, turkey club, and boneless wings.
The restaurant is available to serve you daily from 11:00 am to 09:30 pm on Sundays to Thursdays and from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
A visit to Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria & Tap Room can not be complete without tasting the beer. So, make sure your stay is whole.
Address: 30461 Avenida de las Flores B, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-709-8165
10. The Blind Pig
Tony Monaco, the founder of The Blind Pig, started this journey with a few beers and a big vision. They have kept up with the standard of using fresh ingredients.
The large variety of beers, wines, and cocktails will undoubtedly provide an answer to your thirst.
If you are wondering what to eat at The Blind Pig RSM, try one of the following: beef tartare, grilled tenderloin tacos, lobster roll, seared scallops, beef tartare, and grilled octopus.
The Blind Pig Rancho Santa Margarita is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursdays from 04:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Fridays from 04:00 pm to 01:00 am, Saturdays from 11:00 pm to 01:00 am, and Sundays from 11:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Address: 31431 Santa Margarita Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-888-0072.
11. Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a restaurant in RSM offering excellent Mexican cuisine, neat surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is one of the best Rancho Santa Margarita restaurants.
With unmatched culinary skills, the chefs at Toros Santos will make your day whenever you get food at the restaurant. You can sit indoors or on the patio; the service is the same.
Excellent prices are offered during the happy hour, between 02:00 pm and 06:00 pm daily.
Some food and drinks on the menu include Camarones Cabo, steak ranchero, chicken mole, tamarindo margarita, and tainted saint margarita.
The fun does not end with the food; they offer live entertainment too!
Todos Santos Rancho Santa Margarita is open from 11:30 am to 09:00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on Saturdays, and from 10:00 am to 09:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 22322 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-742-6300
12. Board & Brew – Rancho Santa Margarita
Board & Brew is a sandwich shop located in Plaza Antonio in RSM.
Since they opened their doors in the late 1970s, they have been home to tasty sandwiches made from scratch with fresh ingredients procured daily.
The sauce for which they are famous is one of the reasons why people return. Go ahead and try it out. You can only feel it; you can’t explain it.
Aside from the delicious sandwiches are craft beer brewed to meet your thirst and make you return for more.
Baja wrap, cobb salad, chicken sandwich, french dip, and pastrami sandwich are all on the menu. Also available for kids are chase quesadilla and kids grilled cheese.
Board & Brew opens daily from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Address: 22411 Antonio Pkwy #180, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-709-5566
13. Thai Smile Rancho Santa Margarita
Thai Smile Rancho Santa Margarita is a Thai restaurant and also one of the best restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, for Asian cuisines.
Thai Smile is located in Plaza Empresa and is home to a variety of food options while remaining vegetarian-friendly.
Yim Priddy Prayongyam is the creator of Thai Smile, hence, the name Thai Smile, since Yim is smile in Thai.
With smiling faces, the staff at the restaurant will take care of your needs, including suggestions as you wish.
If you want to smile genuinely, do well to try any of these from their menu: Kung Pao Chicken, Thai Fried Rice, Filet Mignon Cube, Red Curry Chicken, Egg Roll, Pad Thai with Beef, Larb Salad, Drunken Noodles, Pork Pad Thai, and Chicken Pad Thai.
Thai Smile Rancho Santa Margarita is open for business from 11:00 am to 03:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 11:00 am to 03:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm on Fridays, 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm on Saturdays, and from 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm on Sundays.
14. Trough Sandwich Kitchen
Trough Sandwich Kitchen is a sandwich shop in Rancho Santa Margarita located at Mercado Del Lago.
Trough Sandwich Kitchen offers residents and visitors excellent breakfast and lunch options
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen operators’ concern is to ensure that you are satisfied. So make sure to stop by when you are in the neighborhood.
The sandwiches and other items available include Caprese Sandwich, Cheese Steak, Spaghetti Sandwich, Veggie Sandwich, Pulled Pork, and Breakfast Burrito with Bacon and Avocado Slices.
Trough Sandwich Kitchen is open from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm.
When you taste any other of their sandwiches, you will confirm without a doubt that they are one of the best in the area.
Address: 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy Suite N, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-709-5545
15. Fish Spike House
If you are a seafood lover, this one is for you. Fish Spike House is a seafood restaurant.
For over ten years, Fish Spike House has found a way of keeping itself afloat as one of the top restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
They allow for various options such as delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and online ordering, all at a fair price. You can also simultaneously feed your eyes and mouth when you dine outdoors.
Among the menu highlights are an ahi poke plate, burritos, fish and chips, tacos, a poke bowl, and teriyaki salmon.
Fish Spike House is available for business from 11:00 am to 08:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 11:00 am to 08:00 pm on Sundays.
Address: 30465 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, United States. Phone: +1 949-766-3382.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
To get around during your trip to Rancho Santa Margarita, here is a map of the best restaurants in Rancho Santa Margarita with markers of the top places to eat in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
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Plan A Visit to Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita is blessed with many accommodating restaurants and excellent spots to rest after a day of work or adventure.
This list is designed to help you identify the top Rancho Santa Margarita restaurants so that you will get the best dining experience in the city.
Plan a visit to Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, United States, today!