{"id":383811,"date":"2026-07-02T16:57:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T16:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/383811\/"},"modified":"2026-07-02T16:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T16:57:15","slug":"the-best-things-we-ate-at-southern-california-restaurants-in-june-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/383811\/","title":{"rendered":"The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in June \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southern California has a new food hall. San Clemente\u2019s Miramar Food Hall finally opened this month, and our reporters were eager to try the restaurants inside, because who doesn\u2019t love a good food hall? They\u2019re perfect for group settings when everyone\u2019s in the mood for something different, and this Orange County location has great outdoor seating, ideal for the summer weather and the nice ocean breeze.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at nearby eateries to try around Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, according to our reporters.<\/p>\n

Related: See the best things we ate in Southern California in 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"BeefBeef Adobo pizza from Moto Pizza during opening day at Miramar Food Hall in San Clemente on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\nBeef adobo pizza \u2014 Moto Pizza, San Clemente<\/p>\n

Owner Lee Kindell brought his Seattle-born Moto Pizza to California this June, setting up shop inside San Clemente\u2019s long-awaited Miramar Food Hall<\/a>. I\u2019m happy to report his \u201codd pizza\u201d (his affectionate term for these thick, rectangular pies) lost nothing in the move south. Powered by a 100-year-old starter, Kindell\u2019s dough channels New York, Detroit and Roman styles to serve as a canvas for Filipino and other Asian influences. My top pick so far is the Beef Adobo pizza, featuring unbridled, savory beef adobo, pickled cabbage and a bright slip of kimchi on every slice. It boasts a beautifully plush crumb and a crispy lace of cheese that hits that Detroit note perfectly. And the fluorescent-hued boxes they come in are, in this era of minimalism, charming as all heck.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Brock Keeling, Restaurant Reporter<\/p>\n

\"ImpossibleImpossible Smash Burger from Burger She Wrote in Sherman Oaks. (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)
\nImpossible Smash Burger \u2014 Burger She Wrote, Sherman Oaks<\/p>\n

Vegetarians don\u2019t want special burgers on wheat buns; they want to be able to order the same burger that\u2019s on the menu and just swap out the meat for a plant-based patty. Thankfully, Burger She Wrote gets this.<\/p>\n

Their smash burger is your classic cheeseburger and the American cheese is melted to perfection. I\u2019m usually fine with a single patty, but given it\u2019s a smash burger, I would opt to get a double next time because the toppings slightly overpowered the burger flavor. Overall, a solid smash burger for whenever you\u2019re craving it.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Carolyn Burt, Audience Engagement Producer<\/p>\n

\"PastramiPastrami Hash with Poached Eggs at Max & Helens. (Benjamin Royer, SCNG)
\nPastrami Hash w\/ Poached Eggs \u2014 Max & Helen\u2019s, Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Max & Helen\u2019s plays to two crowds: those who have heard of the new addition to Larchmont Village through owner and \u201cSomebody Feed Phil\u201d personality Phil Rosenthal, and those who\u2019ve stumbled across viral posts about their must-have waffle or pricy upscale diner fare. Expect a wait at this charming establishment, fit with a counter reminiscent of your favorite no-frills breakfast spot. I waited 15 minutes for a counter seat, visiting solo to see if the restaurant lived up to the hype.<\/p>\n

Ignoring the $26 price tag, the pastrami hash and poached eggs \u2014 scarfed down alongside a constantly refilled cup of coffee \u2014 is worth a visit alone. The pastrami carries a guanciale-like mouthfeel, chopped into cubes and mixed with onions and potatoes just like corned beef hash. The poached eggs are perfect mopped up with toast, and the portion easily shares. Service was equally impressive: one overdone egg was swiftly remade, and I left with a \u201cwe\u2019re sorry for that egg\u201d cookie to go.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Benjamin Royer, Lakers Reporter<\/p>\n

\"TheThe oyster at Chrysalis in Santa Ana. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\nOyster \u2014 Chrysalis, Santa Ana<\/p>\n

Tucked inside one of Orange County\u2019s standout restaurants is another treasure worth uncovering. Chrysalis<\/a>, the tasting room from Zach Scherer and Drew Adams nestled within the critical darling Darkroom<\/a>, marked a milestone moment for the local dining scene<\/a>. (Heads up: a full review and a conversation with Scherer are coming in July.) The multi-course tasting menu, crafted with an omakase-inspired flair by Adams and Scherer, began with what seemed like a simple oyster. The oyster was gently poached and served in a cup filled with a cool mignonette granita, a savory, icy slush infused with Pernod. Orange marigold petals crowned the dish, turning this modest bivalve into a delicate, edible work of, yes, art. It was a knockout, both in flavor and presentation. If you\u2019ve explored Darkroom but haven\u2019t yet stepped into the airy, open space of Chrysalis, now\u2019s the time to book a seat.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Brock Keeling, Restaurant Reporter<\/p>\n

\"LobsterLobster Roll from Lobster Lab, at the new Miramar Food Hall in San Clemente. (Allyson Vergara, SCNG)
\nLobster Roll \u2014 Lobster Lab in Miramar Food Hall, San Clemente<\/p>\n

While waiting to attend a nearby wedding reception that evening, we checked out the new Miramar Food Hall<\/a> in San Clemente to curb our hunger. With perfect views of the ocean and nearby San Clemente train station, we devoured the lobster roll from Lobster Lab Seafood<\/a>, which we were pleasantly surprised was filled to the brim with the crustacean, paired with the garlic butter dip and served in a perfectly toasted bun.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Allyson Vergara, Local Reporter<\/p>\n

\"Lappert'sLappert\u2019s Ice Cream in Redlands serves an orange and chocolate Redlands Bowl Sundae, named after Redlands\u2019 103-year-old summer concert series. (Photo by Fielding Buck, The Press-Enterprise\/SCNG)
\nRedlands Bowl Sundae \u2014 Lappert\u2019s Ice Cream, Redlands<\/p>\n

In honor of a 103-year institution, Lappert\u2019s Ice Cream<\/a> is serving a Redlands Bowl Sundae<\/a>. You don\u2019t need to be a music lover to love this orange and chocolate dessert. In a nod to Redlands\u2019 citrus-growing history as well, it\u2019s made with two scoops of Navel Orange & Ganache Ice Cream. It has layers of hot fudge and whipped cream and is topped with almonds and Orange Dream Yum Crumbs. Finally, it\u2019s garnished with a chocolate orange stick and a candied dried orange slice.<\/p>\n

Lappert\u2019s is at 206 E State St., a short walk from the Redlands Bowl in Smiley Park. Upcoming concerts include a patriotic show on July 3. It\u2019s free. The sundae is $10.95.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Fielding Buck, Restaurant Reporter<\/p>\n

\"WholeWhole sea bass at El Zarandeado in San Juan Capistrano. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\nWhole sea bass \u2014 El Zarandeado, San Juan Capistrano<\/p>\n

El Zarandeado<\/a> is living up to its namesake, turning out some truly marvelous Mexican seafood. A recent visit intended as a quick pitstop for a light lunch escalated into a full-tilt feast. The showstopper was a whole butterflied sea bass brought to the table, flanked by a crab-stuffed chile relleno, arroz rojo and a dish of lime wedges. The fish was, as expected, fresh and succulent. Pulling apart each flake revealed a beautiful char underneath that delivered a welcome hit of smoky bitterness. I\u2019m already plotting my return for the grilled lobster, tuna ceviche and the branzino zarandeado. And not for nothing, the restaurant is a genuine looker, situated smack dab on historic Camino Capistrano.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Brock Keeling, Restaurant Reporter<\/p>\n

\"PernilPernil & Arroz Con Gandules at Tainos L.A. (Benjamin Royer, SCNG)
\nPernil & Arroz Con Gandules \u2014 Tainos L.A., Woodland Hills<\/p>\n

Tainos L.A. may not be on your radar yet, and that might be because the new San Fernando Valley establishment is just months old, and sneaks up on you from the street if you don\u2019t know it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n

Quaint on the inside \u2014 albeit with plenty of outdoor seating on the Ventura Boulevard sidewalk \u2014 the charming Puerto Rican restaurant packs a punch with this roasted pork and rice (and beans) dish. Intensely flavorful with a tad of melt-in-your-mouth fat attached to the pork, the $26 meal is well worth the price. I would recommend adding the Empanadillas as an appetizer \u2014 flaky with a great seasoned meat on the interior. Local family-owned with friendly staff, Tainos L. A is a welcome addition to an underrated food scene in the San Fernando Valley.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Benjamin Royer, Lakers Reporter<\/p>\n

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A steak and coconut shrimp combo is seen at Damon\u2019s in Glendale, CA on Jun 6, 2026 (Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran\/SCNG).\n<\/p>\n

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A stuffed scallop appetizer is seen at Damon\u2019s in Glendale, CA on Jun 6, 2026. (Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran\/SCNG).\n<\/p>\n

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A colossal slice of chocolate cake is seen at Damon\u2019s in Glendale, CA on Jun 6, 2026 (Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran\/SCNG).\n<\/p>\n

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A signature mai tai is seen at Damon\u2019s in Glendale, CA on Jun 6, 2026 (Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran\/SCNG).\n<\/p>\n

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A steak and coconut shrimp combo is seen at Damon\u2019s in Glendale, CA on Jun 6, 2026 (Photo by Mercedes Cannon-Tran\/SCNG).\n<\/p>\n

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\nSteak and Shrimp Combo, Stuffed scallops, Chocolate cake, and Mai Tai \u2014 Damon\u2019s, Glendale<\/p>\n

June was a good month for summertime bites to kick off my Summer. I visited a longtime member of my \u2018to visit\u2019 list, Damon\u2019s in Glendale. Damon\u2019s did not disappoint, and I understand why it has been such a long-running favorite over the years. The vintage tiki atmosphere and vibes were so cool and perfect for Summer or any time, really.<\/p>\n

I had to get one of their famous mai tais, and it was probably one of the best I have ever had, and I am a big fan of mai tais. The stuffed scallops were perfectly seasoned and a great starter. For the main course, I chose a combo of steak with coconut shrimp, and was blown away by the crispy savory goodness of the shrimp with its special dipping sauce. I rounded out the meal with one of the most delicious and enormous slices of chocolate cake. I will be back to visit Damon\u2019s hopefully sooner rather than later to explore more of the menu and their delicious tiki drinks.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mercedes Cannon-Tran, Local Reporter<\/p>\n

\"AltaAlta Baja Market in Santa Ana offers a michelada menu with around a dozen flavors. (Photo by Brock Keeling, Orange County Register\/SCNG)
\nMicheladas \u2014 Alta Baja Market, Santa Ana<\/p>\n

Micheladas<\/a> hold such a central place in Mexican food culture that this Santa Ana spot<\/a> offers an entire michelada menu right above the main counter. The selection here is impressively varied. For those who prefer a classic, the La Santanera, with its lime juice and chile-rimmed glass, is a straightforward favorite. On a recent visit, though, I took the owner and founder Delilah Snell\u2019s advice and sampled a couple of seasonal specials: La Chiquita, which kicks things up with spicy passion fruit, and La Bossona, with a rich guava flavor leading the way. At this 4th Street hotspot, you\u2019ll find about a dozen michelada choices, ranging from fruity and fiery to bold and complex. They even offer nonalcoholic options made with Topo Chico.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Brock Keeling, Features Reporter<\/p>\n

\"Marlowe<\/p>\n

Marlowe from Loose Cannon Cafe in Glendale. (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Avocado<\/p>\n

Avocado Toast from Loose Cannon Cafe in Glendale. (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

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Marlowe from Loose Cannon Cafe in Glendale. (Carolyn Burt, SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

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\nMarlowe & Avocado Toast \u2014 Loose Cannon Cafe, Glendale<\/p>\n

One thing about me, I take recommendations from Hilary Duff<\/a> seriously. Now and then she shares a spot in Los Angeles, whether it be a restaurant, coffee shop or just a small business she wants to support, and each time I bookmark it to come back to. I will also say, of the times I\u2019ve followed through and visited the spots she shares on social, she has never let me down.<\/p>\n

Loose Cannon Cafe recently opened in Glendale. It\u2019s a cute coffee shop that also gives mom-and-pop diner vibes. Their speciality drink is the Marlowe, and rightfully so. It\u2019s an iced Cortado with maple cream, and each sip was splendid. To eat, I had their avocado toast, which I opted to top with scrambled eggs, which was definitely the move as these were some of the best eggs I\u2019ve had. Despite Los Angeles being somewhat associated with millennials\u2019 love of avocado toast, I\u2019ve found it to be hit or miss when I get it at restaurants. In fact, a few higher-end places I\u2019ve found completely dropped the ball, but thankfully, Loose Cannon Cafe was not one of them.<\/p>\n

I will definitely come here again, and next time I will make sure it\u2019s not when I\u2019m on the go so stay to eat in person as they have a lovely outdoor dining area.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Carolyn Burt, Audience Engagement Producer<\/p>\n

See more of our round-ups of the best things we ate in Southern California.<\/p>\n

The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in April<\/a><\/p>\n

The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in February<\/a><\/p>\n

The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in January<\/a><\/p>\n

The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

The best things we ate at Southern California restaurants in 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

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