While Westminster’s dining scene might be best known for its vibrant Little Saigon pho shops, there’s so much more to explore beyond steaming bowls of beef noodle soup. From family-run Mexican cantinas serving slow-simmered birria to modern Korean BBQ joints with sizzling galbi, Westminster’s best restaurants are authentic, energetic, and you can find them tucked into strip malls and bustling plazas across the city.
Amigos Cafe
$ | (714) 622-5959 | WEBSITE
The impressive sandwich selection at Amigos Cafe is the first indicator that the Westminster restaurant is somewhere to come for a satisfying meal. The clean dining room, with warm overhead lighting and comfortable booths, is primed for locals enjoying any and every casual outing. Although Amigos Cafe serves dishes found in various American and Korean-inspired styles, its family-owned nature has a big influence on the experience.
The Korean Bulgogi sandwich is a must-order—the marinated beef, layered with fresh vegetables in a soft bun, is super flavorful and balanced.
Phởholic
$ | (714) 733-8822 | WEBSITE
Phởholic is a straightforward, bright-lit, canteen-style Vietnamese restaurant that lives in the literal shadow of Westminster’s busier dining spots. Unlike those more elaborate venues, Phởholic is made for swift but always-satisfying meals—from steaming bowls of oxtail pho with its wonderfully balanced broth, brisket ribs extra that fall apart with tenderness, and fresh chewy noodles that soak up every drop.
Given its fluorescent lighting and affordable prices, Phởholic isn’t somewhere you tend to spend a lot of time, but it pretty much guarantees a good one when you’re in need of filling flavours.
Paul’s Deli
$ | (714) 898-8445 | WEBSITE
We suggest coming to Paul’s Deli in numbers—whether for a casual lunch or a weekend family meal over classic deli sodas. There’s a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day, especially during the busy lunch rush. And although the red-accented dining area is a little dated, it feels more ‘local favorite’ than other Westminster sandwich spots. Coming in a group also means you can share more sandwiches.
The potato salad is a little one note, so instead get a Meatball bomb or huge Italian bomb to enjoy the excellent pastrami and fresh, quality ingredients.
Renato’s Restaurant and Catering
$ | (714) 839-5755 | WEBSITE
The simple, straightforward decor and bright lighting at Renato’s Restaurant and Catering don’t immediately scream cozy Italian dining. But after settling into one of their comfortable booths and experiencing the warm hospitality from the owner and staff, you quickly feel at home, and the excellent Italian dishes will make you want to stay longer.
Make sure pizza or pasta is on your order—whether you get the classic margherita or a hearty bolognese, the perfectly cooked, flavorful dishes are standouts. As each plate arrives and evenings progress, the soundtrack of families laughing, chairs being pulled up to tables, and groups chatting about their day on the patio grows more lively.
Cordon Blue Restaurant and Lounge
$$ | (714) 886-7310 | WEBSITE
Westminster might not be your first thought for a refined night out—we understand, the suburban sprawl isn’t exactly known for sophisticated dining. But this stylish restaurant and lounge on its quiet corner is worth navigating the strip malls. The modern, clean glow could either be from the sleek decor or the fantastic atmosphere created by DJ Antz’s sets.
The visually appealing space, excellent service, and convenient parking make this the ultimate relaxed gathering spot when you’re craving delicious meals or our go-to move—quality time with great food and live music.
Zan Kitchen
We can’t think of many casual lunch situations that Zan Kitchen, a Vietnamese spot in Westminster, doesn’t suit. Stepping off the busy, sun-drenched street and into this restaurant, we were comforted by familiar, homely sights—soft lighting, clean wooden tables, and family photos lining the walls. As dishes kept coming out of the kitchen, we relaxed further into our seats, chatted more easily, and debated over the last bites of cha gio tôm cua.
Dishes at this restaurant are satisfying, especially the banh canh tôm cua gio heo—a hearty, flavorful broth, perfect for slurping up with generous portions of noodles. Zan’s tables fill up quickly with regulars wanting to snag their favorite dishes, so arrive early.
Gen Korean BBQ House
$$ | (714) 596-8833 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of Korean BBQ spots in Westminster, but this modern Korean institution has become a favorite. Tender Hawaiian Steak with grilled pineapple is a standout off the grill along with perfectly marinated kalbi and rich beef belly. The welcoming space was designed for big groups of hungry friends and family.
The Korean BBQ menu covers all the essentials—from premium cuts to classic sides—and if you’re looking for somewhere to please multiple people, Gen Korean BBQ House has been doing just that with attentive servers like Gerardo and manager Ricky ensuring smooth service. Don’t skip the Ice Cream Macarons, and expect to leave smelling like delicious BBQ.
Hong Kong Express
$ | (714) 892-6514 | WEBSITE
If you want to swing by Hong Kong Express for a quick Orange Chicken with Chow Mein, you better get over to this Westminster spot on a weekday afternoon. Come dinner, it’s guaranteed to be packed. This Chinese restaurant is a destination.
Cars pull up to its entrance and families pile into the modest, slightly cluttered, brightly lit dining area before loading their table with crispy orange chicken, steaming BBQ pork noodle soup, and massive portions of chow mein that spill over plates like tempting promises for anyone just ordering takeout.
The staff happily accommodates requests and checks whether your generous tray of BBQ pork burnt ends is enough (it’s plenty) and whether you need another container for leftovers (you absolutely will).
La Aguila Market
$$ | (714) 903-1114 | WEBSITE
We’ve heard there’s an ongoing debate among Westminster locals who think La Aguila Market has the best pan dulce in the area, and ones who swear by other bakeries. We’re undecided which takes the number one spot, but once we tried their fresh bread around 11 am, we understood why there are family divides over this place.
It’s a welcoming, always bustling, neighborhood market with shoppers picking up fresh bread and friends chatting with the friendly cashiers and butchers, whether it’s the weekend or a quiet Tuesday morning.
TeaCo
$ | (714) 486-2312 | WEBSITE
The boba tea coming out of the counter at TeaCo mixes both classic and creative flavours, and the vibrant Westminster spot is popular for a tonne of good reasons. A large chunk of locals have got a story to tell about a time here, and pretty much all of them involve the cheerful chatter of friends inside holding colorful cups and the smiles of satisfaction when the pink panther arrives. These days, the drinks aren’t the only reason people come.
The other boba options are enjoyable and that pink panther gets praise for its perfect sweetness. But as far as a clean, always lively, truly refreshing boba shop goes, TeaCo is a true part of Westminster’s scene.
Banh Mi Saigon 168 – Bolsa
$ | (714) 266-3333 | WEBSITE
You can count on Banh Mi Saigon 168 – Bolsa for excellent crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside banh mi sandwiches, being a convenient spot to swing by when you’re running errands near Target, and for quick lunches where the “buy two, get one free” deal makes sharing easy and the fresh baguettes are worth fighting over. As for what’s good on the menu of Vietnamese classics, the clue is in the name of the restaurant.
The banh mi sandwiches are the highlight, from the variety of meats and vegetables to the more subtle but satisfying flavors.
Dim Sum Bistro
$$ | (714) 248-9384 | WEBSITE
There’s little room for hesitation at a spot like Dim Sum Bistro. The bustling restaurant inside the Asian Mall is a constantly steaming, rolling, and sizzling hub. Regulars and families snag one of their tables early, while the savvy head straight to the counter to claim their BOGO deals on generously sized dim sum.
Jumbo pork and shrimp dumplings being plucked from bamboo steamers soundtrack the space, cute piggy egg buns float past like sweet edible treasures, and trays of fresh Hainan Chicken and rice are constantly replenished and swapped. All are essential orders.
Calixtos pizza
$ | (714) 842-4999 | WEBSITE
A bright and busy pizza spot in Huntington, Calixtos Pizza is a family-owned local favorite that has the best pizza in town, with huge and tasty slices you can customize with your favorite toppings. Spend a couple of hours sharing the crispy XL pizza with its whopping 32 slices, marveling at the perfect medium cheese pizza that’s a solid 10/10, and claiming you’re full before going for another bite of the sweet and spicy secret menu Mango Habanero Pizza.
Quick family dinners and last-minute cravings before heading out are our favorite ways to use this spot. Just make sure you come hungry because the slices are generous and the staff is always welcoming and friendly.
98 Shabu+Grill Seafood buffet
$$ | (714) 929-9662 | WEBSITE
98 Shabu+Grill in Westminster is a bit chaotic, with hot pot broths bubbling away and aluminum foil-covered grills needing constant attention—with yet more sizzle. But messiness aside, the food is really satisfying. Our go-to picks are the flavorful short ribs and plump, perfectly cooked clams. While the space is big enough to accommodate families, the no-frills tables and bright lighting scream budget feast.
There’s a nostalgic energy to this place, where you’re just as likely to bring your parents as you are to celebrate a payday.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
$ | (657) 334-6266 | WEBSITE
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches in Westminster feels much more inviting than its slightly worn, casual space might suggest. The clean, straightforward setup is where sandwich lovers gather, in a relaxed hum of conversation, as hefty Dutch crunch creations are handed over the counter. Simple wooden tables pushed up against plain walls are somewhere you could settle in, as friendly, helpful staff move about.
If a messy, satisfying sandwich packed with quality ingredients sounds good to you, the popular Madison Bumgarner or the Dirty Reuben are must-orders. There’s nothing to distract from the food in a no-frills spot like this, and Ike’s doesn’t need the extras—just great sandwiches for around fifteen bucks.