9 of the Best Restaurants in Buena Park
Planning a trip to Southern California? Bookmark this list of the best restaurants in Buena Park, located in northern Orange County. You’ll want to be ready when hunger strikes!
This walkable city is a popular family travel destination thanks to Knott’s Berry Farm and other smaller attractions. After a day of fun and excitement, you’ll want to experience one of the fantastic restaurants.
I love coming to the West Coast to explore the food scene, and I also discovered a lot of things to do in Santa Ana, which is just minutes away.
Downtown Santa Barbara restaurants are also amazing, and one state over I found the most fun places to eat in Las Vegas!
Thankfully, Buena Park has restaurants that cover a variety of cuisines, making it a perfect place for the whole family to grab a bite.
In fact, the food is so good here, it’s worth stopping in Buena Park to get something to eat even if you’re just passing through!
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Where Is Buena Park?
Buena Park is located in Orange County in the southern part of California, not too far from Los Angeles. For many years, this was a hub of agricultural production, with dairy, citrus, and wine production being primary products.
It is located at the foot of the West Coyote Hills and is bordered by the cities of Anaheim, Fullerton, Cerritos, and La Mirada. The main road in town is Beach Boulevard, and it is not too far from I-5.
Why We Love This City
There are many desirable features of the city of Buena Park. The downtown area, where many restaurants are located, is walkable – great for locals and tourists alike.
The area is relatively inexpensive (at least by Southern California standards!). As a result, it’s a good area for families with good schools, plenty to do, and a relaxed lifestyle.
And, of course, a big draw is the great variety of wonderful restaurants! This list is not exhaustive as there is so much good food in this city.
Where to Eat in Buena Park
Have you been able to visit this area? Let us know which of the spots on this list of best restaurants in Buena Park is your favorite!
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
Love Cuban food? Porto’s is an incredible Cuban bakery! Their signature rice balls are out of this world.
If you love breakfast, they have huge breakfast sandwiches on a croissant or your choice of bread.
At other times of the day, you can enjoy a plethora of pastries, cakes, and other desserts. This family-owned restaurant still uses many of the original recipes brought from Cuba in 1963. No wonder it was voted as Yelp’s #1 restaurant.
Address: 7640 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
Hours: Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner
If you’re in the area of Knott’s Berry Farm, Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner is a must-visit location. Many people don’t realize you don’t need admission to the theme park in order to dine here or shop in The California Marketplace.
This means you could spend the whole day at Knott’s Berry Farm with a one day ticket, riding the rides, playing the games, and just enjoying the park, and come back the next day for lunch and shopping.
Since 1934, this location has been serving up Cordelia Knott’s famous fried chicken dinner and biscuits and the restaurant’s signature boysenberry pie.
This is a great place for a meal the whole family will love and was voted one of the Top 50 Most Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America.
The fried chicken is some of the best that I’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a quality American comfort food fix, this is the place to go!
Address: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Ramen & Tsukemen TAO
Ramen & Tsukemen TAO earned a well-deserved Michelin Star in 2022. If your idea of ramen is those little packets that you ate in college, then this will change your worldview. The ramen broth takes 40 hours to prepare!
Some of their varieties of ramen include Red Miso and White Miso Ramen dishes, Tsukemen dipping noodles, and Tonkotsu Ramen.
If you’re not interested in ramen, there are plenty of other Japanese dining dishes to tempt your tastebuds, like Chicken Karage, pork buns, and dumplings.
For dinner, you can also try out one of their rice bowls. There are also vegetarian options and a kid’s menu as well.
And if you’re worried that a Michelin Star means expensive and snooty digs, I sat outside and ate at a plastic folding table on the sidewalk and my meal was about $13!
That said, what you will find will be a long line for this popular eatery, especially in the evenings. It’s worth the wait.
Address: 10488 Valley View St., Buena Park
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Cauldron Spirits & Brews
Love that Halloween or witchy type of vibe? The Cauldron will put its spell on you. Named Best Neighborhood Bar, this French-inspired pub is filled with intriguing decor, like a spooky cauldron in the fireplace, and offers cocktails and pub-style food.
After 10:00 p.m. The Cauldron becomes a 21 and-up location where you can unwind with a glass of wine or a beer. But the “specialty potions” are the real features on the menu.
One unique offering is the Knotty Kid Martini, which gets a sweet twist with boysenberry cotton candy. Another great option is the Cordial Curse, a gin gimlet with house-made lime cordial and egg white.
Looking for something to tempt your sweet tooth? Try the house-made boozy ice cream. Make sure to ask for the seasonal flavors.
The Cauldron also offers a happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They also have a few bites on the menu if you’re hungry.
Tip: Halloween is crazy at The Cauldron, so this is a must if you’re visiting in October!
Address: 8028 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
Hours: Closed Monday; Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Gaucho Grill
If this is your first time trying Argentinian food, you’re in for a treat. Gaucho Grill specializes in flavorful meats that are cooked to perfection.
Start with the mussels. The portion is definitely big enough to share and they were delicious.
For your entree, I recommend ordering the Ribeye with a side of their incredible grilled vegetables. The vegetables are cooked to perfection and have so much flavor to accent the amazing steak that will be cooked just as you order it.
Ask your waiter to suggest a wine pairing and you have a perfect meal. You could also make a meal out of their shareable dishes and their variety of empanadas.
Don’t forget dessert! I’d suggest the Dulce De Leche Flan.
Check their calendar for Tango Nights where you can enjoy a three-course meal and a stirring Argentine tango show. Tickets for these events can sell out, so make sure to book in advance.
Address: 5980 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Beach Boulevard Club
This 21+ club transports you back to the speakeasy days of the 1920s with a swanky cocktail lounge setting.
The club features a variety of appetizers and cocktails. The Brie and raspberry jam in a bread bowl is a must-try nosh.
Balance that sweetness with the Lady in Red cocktail: a blend of gin, grapefruit and rose botanical vodka, sweet and sour mix, cranberry juice, and citrus bitters.
But the real reason that you come here is for the incredible dueling pianos show.
The selections depend on the whim of the crowd, and so it is never the same show twice! You are sure to have a great time. I’m betting you won’t be able to stump the piano players – they knew every song requested!
There is a cover charge of $10-15 depending on nights, but you can get a discount on Thursday and Friday if you pay in advance. There is also a two drink minimum.
Address: 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Hours: Club/Lounge opens at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Dueling Piano show starts at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. Reservations are highly encouraged!
Casa California Restaurante
I’m including this one because most people who visit Buena Park go to Knott’s Berry Farm. As you should! It’s a wonderful place for the whole family to enjoy.
Casa California Restaurante is actually inside Knott’s Berry Farm, so you wouldn’t be able to go unless you were planning to go to the park.
The food is so good. If you love Mexican food, this is where you should have lunch or dinner while exploring the park.
I ordered a bowl with lettuce, rice, black beans, and carnitas, and topped it with a couple of the salsas. The spicy one was amazing. You can also grab a beer at one of the other nearby restaurants to have with your meal.
Address: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (Inside Knott’s Berry Farm)
Hours: Sunday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Basilur Tea & Coffee
Basilur Tea and Coffee is located in The Source OC, which is a unique type of shopping center.
Many of the shops here feature Korean fashion, merchandise, and more. There are also a lot of things to do, including a movie theater, karaoke lounge, virtual golf, virtual reality experience, and more.
And for dining, there are so many incredible options, from hot pot to boba, and so many tempting treats.
One place that you shouldn’t pass by is Basilur. If you are a tea lover, this place is next to heaven, with high-quality Ceylon teas and coffee.
Another highlight is their souffle pancakes, which are like nothing I’ve tasted before.
Not overly sweet, these pancakes are so light and fluffy that they almost melt in your mouth. Served with whipped cream and fresh fruit, they are a perfect complement to one of those incredible teas or a cup of coffee.
Address: 6920 Beach Blvd., Ste K-129,
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Gangnam House
Gangnam House is also located in The Source OC. Prices are very reasonable here for Korean BBQ, and the service is top notch.
Everything is wonderfully fresh and authentic. This restaurant is actually from the Gangnam part of Seoul.
From bulgogi and galbi to pork belly and kimchi stew, the flavors are mouth-watering and bold. This is a great way to experience all the amazing flavors that Korean food has to offer.
Don’t know what to order? The staff was amazing at guiding me through the menu and helping me choose!
Address: 6920 Beach Blvd., Ste E-303
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where to Stay
You’ll have quite a few choices of places to stay in Buena Park. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott and it was super convenient for walking to most things I wanted to do. Walking to Knott’s Berry Farm, The Cauldron, Beach Blvd., and The Source OC was easy!
I like to walk a lot, especially when I’m in town to experience all the delicious restaurants, but Uber was great in Buena Park, too.
Map of Buena Park Restaurants
We love the state of California and have plans to go back for my birthday in March. Can’t wait!
We also visited Santa Ana on this trip, which we loved so much. Choose from one of these best California day trips and start planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! With the often gorgeous southern California weather, many restaurants offer outdoor seating. Not all outdoor dining locations have a lot of room so, if it’s a must, make sure to allow extra time to be seated.
Some locations have free parking, but those free parking locations can fill up quickly on a busy night. Other locations may have a time limit of 2 hours. Make sure to check for parking options before you drive downtown, or simply Uber like I did.
Reservations aren’t required at most Buena Park restaurants, but it is advantageous to check with the restaurant and make them if you can. For popular restaurants, waits can be long during peak dining times.
Tip for Visiting Buena Park
Start by checking out the exclusive savings for visiting Buena Park.
Dining at lunchtime is often less busy than trying to snag a meal for dinner. This is especially true if it is a busy day at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Speaking of Knott’s Berry Farm, foodies will want to browse the bakery in The California Marketplace and take something with them for later!
Most restaurants in Buena Park don’t have a dress code but checking with the restaurant you’re planning to visit, especially if it’s upscale, is always a good idea.
For additional nighttime activities, Buena Park is also home to Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure, which offer a meal and a show.
If you’re looking for a great evening activity, the famous Huntington Beach pier is only 15 miles away down Beach Boulevard.
