With its vibrant Mexican heritage, Southern California sunshine, and emerging arts scene, Santa Ana’s food culture is energetic, inventive, and unwaveringly welcoming.
From old-school tacos to forward-thinking kitchens, food is central to community here.
1. Taco María
Chef Carlos Salgado’s downtown flagship is a mecca for Alta California cuisine—blending Mexican tradition, local produce, and imaginative flavor in multicourse tasting or à la carte menus.
Dishes like blue corn tetela, mole negro, and seafood “aguachile” raise the bar for SoCal Mexican food…