Underrated, Well-Priced Eats in Orange County

A pizza in the oven at Gene Pietrini's home in Seal Beach, Calif., on Sept. 19, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

With inflation skyrocketing and families cutting down on their household spending, many across the country have limited eating out in recent months.

As Orange County residents face the same challenges, The Epoch Times has compiled a list of local eateries under $25 for those looking to eat out on a deal, recommended by subscribers and locals.

Basilico’s Pasta E Vino, Huntington Beach

Known for its Italian cuisine and cozy interior, Basilico’s offers guests a variety of pasta and meat dishes including their classic spaghetti and meatballs, zesty homemade lasagna, and crispy chicken parmesan all under $25.

The restaurant made headlines in 2021 for defying mask mandates during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, at one point refusing service to diners if they wore masks inside the restaurant. It remains a local favorite among readers.

21501 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach

Pietrini Pizza Napoletana, Cypress

Using tomatoes from the Campania region of southern Italy for their pizza sauce and freshly harvested basil from co-owner Landon Pietrini’s garden, Pietrini pizza boasts a fresh menu including authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.

The business is family-owned and run by local father and son duo Gene Pietrini, 67, and Landon Pietrini, 31. Landon is a certified pizzaiolo (pizza maker), having graduated from Tony Gemignani’s International School of Pizza in San Francisco.

Gene Pietrini taste-tests some pizza sauce in his kitchen in Seal Beach, Calif., on Sept. 19, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“I have always been a lover of all things pizza, but prior to my time at the school, I never understood pizza-making as a science,” Landon told The Epoch Times in a previous interview. “My time at the school gave me new categories for understanding the craft and incited a newfound desire and passion for making pizza.”

5262 Katella Ave., Cypress

A pizza made by Gene Pietrini and Landon Pietrini, in Seal Beach, Calif., on Sept. 19, 2020. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Irrawaddy Taste of Burma, Stanton

The family-owned and operated restaurant, established in 2016, is founded on serving its patrons with dishes made from scratch using fresh ingredients—a requirement to maintain the integrity of long-standing recipes created by chef and co-owner Banny Hong.

Known for its sweet and savory dishes such as garlic butter shrimp and mango chicken, each dish is cooked using authentic Burmese recipes and methods which Hong takes great care to prepare.

Banny Hong works in the kitchen of Irrawaddy Taste of Burma in Stanton, Calif., on Feb. 01, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

“We make this food from our hearts here. We do not need to know you to make you good food. It is our responsibility to do so,” Hong said in a previous interview with The Epoch Times.

7076 Katella Ave., Stanton

A Green Tea Salad dish at Irrawaddy Taste of Burma restaurant in Stanton, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Wilma’s Patio, Newport Beach

Wilma’s Patio is a family-friendly eatery specializing in homestyle cooking. The eatery has become a fixture on Balboa Island since it opened in 1982.

The family-friendly, casual dining atmosphere serves classic American dishes including char-broiled chicken, signature burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and more.

Owner Sheri Drewry stands in front of Wilma's Patio Restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif., on June 3, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Its owner, Sheri Drewry, is known for her efforts throughout the worst of the pandemic in 2020 to 2021 to stay afloat while countless other restaurants went out of business. Some staff have been working at the restaurant for 20 to 30 years, and are known to treat customers and each other “like family.”

203 Marine Ave., Newport Beach

Wilma's Patio Restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif., on June 4, 2021. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Señor Big Ed, Cypress

Known as one of the last remaining Puerto Rican spots left in Cypress, this spot is known for its authentic takes on Caribbean classics including its creamy coconut flan, rich stewed beef known as “carne guisada” and more.

The restaurant hosts a wide variety of homemade options with a friendly kitchen and wait staff. For those looking for home-style Puerto Rican comfort food, this spot is known by locals as the best in town.

5490 Lincoln Ave., Cypress

MasalaCraft, Anaheim

For those looking for authentic, budget-friendly Indian food, look no further than Masala Craft right next to Disneyland. Among its crowd favorites are the Chicken Korma—chicken stewed in a creamy, cashew-based curry sauce flavored with South Indian spices—as well as their flavorful crispy garlic naan bread.

The restaurant offers take-out as well as dine-in options, with classic Indian music playing in the background for guests to enjoy.

575 Chapman Ave., Anaheim

Volcano Burger, Los Alamitos

For customers craving a classic char-broiled burger, Volcano Burger has you covered.

Located across from Los Alamitos High School in northern Orange County, the fast food hub has been a staple for locals for decades, with lines often circling the block due to its popularity and convenient location.

This spot is ideal for those looking for a quick bite. Their most popular items are savory chili-cheese fries and their classic volcano burger, as well as their crispy onion rings.

3652 W Cerritos Ave., Los Alamitos