Craving a taste of the Philippines? Orange County boasts a vibrant Filipino food scene, offering everything from classic comfort food to modern takes on traditional dishes. Here’s our curated list of the top Filipino restaurants to tantalize your taste buds:
1. Lolas By Mfk (Anaheim)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.5 rating on Google with 232 reviews, praising the delicious food and warm atmosphere.
- Cuisine: Modern Filipino with a Brunch Focus
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Lolas By Mfk elevates these classics with gourmet twists.
- Adobo Flakes: Tender and flavorful shredded chicken or pork simmered in a rich soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorn adobo sauce.
- Ube Pancakes: A delightful twist on classic pancakes, infused with vibrant purple ube (yam) and topped with decadent sauces.
- Vibe: Modern and trendy with a brunch-focused atmosphere. Perfect for a stylish and delicious Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and attentive staff ensure a seamless dining experience.
- Price: Moderate to upscale. Meals likely range from $11.60 and up, reflecting the modern take on Filipino cuisine.
- Link: Google Maps link to Lolas By Mfk
2. Manila Grille (Buena Park)
- Star Rating & Reviews: An impressive 4.4 rating on Google with 235 reviews, highlighting the authentic flavors and generous portions.
- Cuisine: Classic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables, a must-try for adventurous eaters!
- Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup with options like pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Manila Grille likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and efficient service ensures a pleasant dining experience.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.40.
- Link: Google Maps link to Manila Grille
3. Maria’s Kusina (Buena Park, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.4 rating on Google with 182 reviews, praising the delicious food and friendly service.
- Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken Adobo: A classic Filipino dish of chicken braised in a savory soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorn adobo sauce.
- Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions. Don’t be intimidated by the description – it’s surprisingly delicious!
- Lechon: Roasted whole pig, a staple of Filipino celebrations. Maria’s Kusina might offer it by pre-order for special occasions.
- Vibe: Casual and family-oriented. Perfect for a comfortable and delicious Filipino meal, just like eating at home.
- Service: Friendly
- Google Map Link
4. Pinoy Pam’s Best (Lake Forest, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A respectable 4.0 rating on Google with a whopping 419 reviews, highlighting the vast menu and delicious food.
- Cuisine: Filipino with a Wide Variety
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein. Pinoy Pam’s Best likely offers a wide selection to choose from.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Pinoy Pam’s Best likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- BBQ (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats like pork, chicken, and maybe even some offal for the adventurous eater.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and satisfying Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Reviews haven’t mentioned service details, but the large volume of positive reviews suggests efficient service.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.10.
- Link:
Google Maps link to Pinoy Pam’s Best
5. Sawali Grill Restaurant (Anaheim, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.3 rating on Google with 76 reviews, praising the authentic flavors and generous portions.
- Cuisine: Classic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
- Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup with options like pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Sawali Grill Restaurant likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- Vibe: Casual and counter-service. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino food fix.
- Service: Efficient counter service ensures a speedy and hassle-free dining experience.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $10.60.
- Link:
Google Maps link to Sawali Grill Restaurant
6. The Original Barrio Fiesta Of Manila (Anaheim)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.2 rating on Google with 127 reviews, highlighting the authentic flavors and friendly service.
- Cuisine: Authentic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Lechon: Roasted whole pig, a staple of Filipino celebrations. Be sure to call ahead to pre-order, as this dish is often prepared for special occasions.
- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
- Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions. Don’t be intimidated by the description – it’s surprisingly delicious!
- Crispy Pata: Deep-fried pig trotters, a dish for the adventurous eater with a reward of textural explosion and savory goodness.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and authentic Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $10.50.
- Link:
Google Maps link to The Original Barrio Fiesta Of Manila
7. PhilHouse (Long Beach, CA – LA County)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A commendable 4.2 rating on Google with 127 reviews, praising the delicious food and friendly staff.
- Cuisine: Filipino with a Modern Twist
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Kare-Kare Bagnet: A modern take on the classic kare-kare, featuring crispy pork belly instead of oxtail.
- Sisig Tacos: A delectable fusion dish combining the flavors of sisig with the fun and familiar format of tacos.
- Longganisa (Filipino sausage) dishes: PhilHouse likely offers a variety of longganisa dishes, a popular Filipino breakfast sausage.
- Halo-Halo: A mountain of shaved ice topped with everything from beans and fruit to leche flan, a perfect ending to a Filipino feast.
- Vibe: Modern and casual with a trendy atmosphere. Perfect for a stylish and delicious Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a seamless dining experience.
- Price: Moderate. Meals likely range from $10.50 and up, reflecting the modern twist on Filipino cuisine.
- Link:
Google Maps link to PhilHouse
7. Mekeni Pinoy’s Pride (Artesia, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A solid 4.1 rating on Google with 168 reviews, praising the friendly service and delicious comfort food.
- Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Mekeni Pinoy’s Pride offers a taste of home with their satisfying silog options.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Mekeni Pinoy’s Pride likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
- Kare-Kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
- Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and comforting Filipino dining experience.
- Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $10.40.
- Link:
Google Maps link to Mekeni Pinoy’s Pride
8. Fil-Am BBQ Grill (Orange, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A promising 4.0 rating on Google with 72 reviews, highlighting the tasty and affordable grilled dishes.
- Cuisine: Filipino BBQ
- Must-Try Dishes:
- BBQ (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats like pork barbecue, chicken skewers, and maybe even some inihaw (grilled offal) for the adventurous eater.
- Liempo (grilled pork belly): A Filipino favorite, grilled pork belly marinated to juicy perfection.
- Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions.
- Vibe: Casual and counter-service. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino BBQ fix.
- Service: Efficient counter service ensures a speedy and hassle-free dining experience.
- Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $9.90 due to the focus on grilled dishes.
- Link:
Google Maps link to Fil-Am BBQ Grill
9. Kiko’s – Cocina de Manila (Irvine, CA)
- Star Rating & Reviews: A promising 4.0 rating on Google with only 8 reviews, but positive comments highlight the delicious food and authentic flavors.
- Cuisine: Authentic Filipino
- Must-Try Dishes: (Limited information available due to few reviews, but some possibilities include):
- Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
- Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup with options like pork, seafood, or vegetables.
- Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Kiko’s likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
- Vibe: Based on available information, likely casual and family-friendly.
- Service: Reviews haven’t mentioned service details, but the positive sentiment suggests a welcoming experience.
- Price: Based on the casual setting and limited information, likely budget-friendly with meals falling under $9.60.
- Link:
Google Maps link to Kiko’s – Cocina de Manila
This comprehensive list offers a delightful spectrum of Filipino dining experiences in Orange County. From classic comfort food to unique and flavorful BBQ, there’s a restaurant to satisfy every craving and budget. So grab your adventurous spirit and embark on your own unforgettable Filipino food adventure in Orange County!