Last updated: 2025-05-06
Santa Ana’s culinary landscape boasts hidden gastronomic gems that elevate dining beyond the ordinary. From sophisticated tasting menus to elegant plating, these restaurants transform meals into memorable experiences that capture Orange County’s refined palate.
Local fine dining destinations like Vaca, The Hobbit, and Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge showcase exceptional cuisine that reflects the area’s diverse culinary heritage. Each restaurant offers a unique journey through meticulously crafted dishes and sophisticated atmospheres.
Explore Santa Ana’s most exquisite dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Santa Ana
Leatherby's Cafe Rouge (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect
Performance-aligned fine dining adjacent to cultural performances
Description
Nestled within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, this fancy restaurant offers an intimate dining experience designed to complement performing arts performances. The venue features a sophisticated, artfully curated menu served in an elegant setting that connects culinary excellence with cultural entertainment.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Leatherby's Cafe Rouge
The Hobbit (Orange)
What to Expect
Multi-course seasonal tasting menu with sommelier wine pairings
Description
A sophisticated fine dining restaurant nestled in Orange, California, offering an intimate multi-course tasting experience. The Hobbit features seasonally rotating menus with sommelier-curated wine pairings, served in an elegant dining room with multi-generational appeal. Guests enjoy meticulously crafted dishes that highlight local ingredients and culinary artistry.
Where: Orange | More Info: The Hobbit
Vaca (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect
Michelin-selected Spanish tapas bar with extensive sherry collection
Description
Chef Amar Santana's Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant offers an elegant dining experience with a semi-open kitchen, rustic ambiance, and an extensive selection of Spanish wines and sherries. The sophisticated space features quirky banquettes, outdoor seating areas, and a beautiful bar, delivering authentic Spanish cuisine with contemporary flair.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Vaca
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