Remember the old, worn-down pizza restaurant down the block you never took a second glance at? And when you finally decided to take a risk and go try it, you found that the cheese on the pizza had the perfect stretch and everything from the crust to the toppings were absolutely amazing? Imagine more restaurants like this, hiding all sorts of mouthwatering foods you never discovered. You no longer need to take a second glance, behold these five hidden gems in Orange County.
1. La Farola Deli & Pizzeria – Tustin, CA
Photo By Jamie Le
La Farola Deli & Pizzeria is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Placed inside of a liquor store surrounded by rundown apartments, this Argentinian style restaurant serves food that will have you asking for seconds. Though the empanadas and Argentinian sandwiches look simple, the very first bite of either one of them is as if a party is exploding in your mouth. This little funky restaurant has its customers wide-eyed and going crazy over its unique flavors.
2. Peter’s Gourmade Grill – Tustin, CA
Photo By Jamie Le
A popular hole-in-the-wall and previously chosen as a favorite by the Orange County Register, Peter’s Gourmade Grill serves a variety of different foods from all American hamburgers to Mexican foods, such as tacos and quesadillas. Though it may not be as grungy and unique as the previously listed restaurants, Peter’s Gourmade Grill is definitely a hidden gem of Orange County.
3. Taco Adobe – Orange, CA
Photo By Jamie Le
Authentic Mexican food at its finest in a place no one ever imagined. Looking worn down and out of place, this restaurant serves all sorts of Mexican food from tacos to enchiladas and with an added bonus of fusion dishes. On top of their diverse menu, Taco Adobe has its own original hot sauce called Salsa Habanero that will easily put your taste buds on fire.
4. Belinda’s Taqueria and Restaurant – Buena Park, CA
Photo By Jamie Le
Placed in a little plaza right next to a lawn mower shop, Belinda’s is a small, but packed hole-in-the-wall. Serving all sorts of food from lengua (beef tongue) burritos to Mexican style breakfast platters, this restaurant will have your tastebuds in a frenzy. If you want to go crazy, rumor has it that the wet burrito is one heck of a ride.
5. Nancy’s Pupuseria – Buena Park, CA
Photo By Jamie Le
Hidden in a little plaza next to a coin laundry, this Salvadoran restaurant is most known for its cheesy pupusas. With different flavors ranging from chicharron to spinach and cheese pupusas, this mysterious restaurant tops off their food with a friendly staff and customers. Rumor has it that the cheese in the pupusas stretch beautifully.