If you are hanging out in SoCal you need to have some places to eat, and lucky for you I spent the summer doing just that. From Palm Springs to Laguna Beach and some places in between I’ve got you covered. (Check out my SoCal Tourist post for things to do!)

Palm Springs: 

First stop LuLu’s California Bistro

My mom and I came and grabbed some appetizers and they were certainly meals on their own, and DELICIOUS ones at that. The wings were amazing. So crispy just as a good wing should be. I also got a build-your-own chicken lettuce wrap. The ginger soy dressing was so good I would eat it on its own if I could. Haha

 Bill’s Pizza

A perfect stop after melting in the heat at a baseball game when all you want is an ice-cold drink and something to eat. Bill’s Pizza was perfect. They have many things to choose from, including a make-your-own, plus a GREAT gluten-free crust which always deserves an extra point on its own. (I’m sure some of you can attest to how many disgusting gluten-free crusts there are out there) My family got the Nicholas Cage (what a name haha) that has red onions, Italian sweet sausage, caramelized onions, pepperoni, and cheese, while I made my own with chicken and veggies.

Highly recommend this place if you have a craving for pizza. 

The Farm

Self-described as a restaurant out of the South of France, though I’ve never been to the South of France so I can’t exactly compare, I can say it lives up to its fresh ingredients and good atmosphere claim. Everything was delicious from the watermelon lemonade to the Farm Chicken Salad. My brother got a sandwich and my mom the Smoked Salmon Benedict. They both had nothing but good things to say about their food and my restaurant choice.

Spencer’s Restaurant

Located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, Spencer’s is an adult-only restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. We took my dad for Father’s Day dinner and the food was really good. I had a Virgin Watermelon Mojito and mushroom risotto. Risotto is one of my favorite meals and it didn’t disappoint. Neither did the fruit sorbet for dessert. 

San Juan

Capistrano:

Heritage BBQ

Located in Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano directly across from the Mission is only open until they sell out. Which I’m sure can tell you a lot about the food in itself. We waited over 20 minutes in line just to order, but it was so worth it. Meat is sold by the pound and brought with pickled onions housemade BBQ and mustard dip. I got a pound of pulled pork and ate every bite. Smokey and delicious and worthy of going back for more. 

Laguna Beach:

Bodega Laguna

A day spent wandering around Laguna Beach can be a hungering experience. Being so close to the beach made us crave seafood so we headed to Bodega Laguna. With some sweet salsa while you wait the location is cute and the food hits the spot. I ate the Spanish octopus ceviche appetizer as my meal and it was perfect for one. My friend got the 3 different fish tacos and had good things to say. 

Gelato Paradise

Of course dessert is always a necessary touch before a 2 hour drive home, so we stopped by Gelato Paradise for a sweet treat. They had a ton of exciting flavors and the smell of fresh waffle cones wafts your way as you get closer. I tried the lemon sorbet and it hit the spot as the perfect refreshing palette cleanser. 

Redlands:

The Three Stags Pub

After checking out the First McDonald’s location in San Bernadino we found this spot to eat in Redlands. Craving some burgers we were just hoping to grab a quick bite, and that turned into a place I very much want to come back to. One burger eaten, one fish and chips, and for me, the Falafel Sandwich on GF bread. It was so good, that I was convinced the bread wasn’t gluten-free.  *heart eyes* Then my brother spent 10 minutes trying to order ice cream after telling the waitress he didn’t need anything but it was worth the wait. The Irish cream and caramel ice cream with a piece of chocolate was absolutely delicious. 

Must return. 

Irvine:

Habana at the Irvine Spectrum

 On our way to Laguna, we were ready for lunch and didn’t want to bother finding parking somewhere so we stopped at the Irvine Spectrum Mall to try Habana a Cuban Restaurant. Our outing started with complementary Rose and was complete with braised shredded beef and sweet plantains. I used to hate plantains but these have converted me forever. I would come back just for that. 

If you are exploring SoCal, stop by one of these places and let me know what you think! 

Stay tuned for some more foodie adventures. 

Let’s be friends 

Subscribe for exclusive content and follow me on // Pinterest // Instagram //

Looking for more?

Check out: Follow My Fork Day