I'll be in Orange County on business for two weeks and am looking for some good restaurants to check out. Nothing too expensive or fancy - my meal allowance is $15 for dinner. I'll be staying in Anaheim, but will have a rental car and don't mind driving. Any suggestions? Thanks.

how about Hatam's Restaurant in anaheim, on corner of brookhurst and lapalma. it's great persian restaurant.

Any suggestions on good local Mexican or Italian restuarants in that area? Thanks.

I ate at a Macaroni Grill while out there on business. It was pretty good for a chain restaurant. Much better than say the Olive Garden. Hopefully someone can help you with a more mom and pop style restaurant suggestion.

While a drive-thru taco stand, Alberto's on State College has great rolled tacos. You could definitely save some of your meal allowance for a bigger splurge meal on the weekend.

In N Out double doubles can't be beat for a good burger.

Downtown Disney recently opened and might be worth checking out. Apparently the lines are long, but it looks like they may have some decent places to eat.

Orange County Mining Company in Orange has a nice view, but the food is a little pricy.

No one has any suggestions on great local Italian or Mexican restaurants in Orange County???

My GOOD recs: For your $, InNout burgers the best! We drove 75 mi.in college for this SoCal treat (locals ask 4 "animal style" off the menu=grilled onions).Mex: Baja Fish Taco by SoCoast Plaza is fresh, delicious and little$.Corner Bakery in same block has delicious breakfast, sandwiches,salads&bread.In Costa Mesa by John W. Airport or downtown H.B.the delicious Wahoos Fish Taco.Fish is grilled, not traditional SoCal/Baja yummy fried fish taco (steak and chicken available for uninitiated).Ambience very surfer/local; feast for $4.50.Carnivores: Supermex in H.B, L.B. huge shredded beef burritos, beer is a must, low$. For 20$ best Ital:Mama Cosa's Anaheim near (my bro worked there). Very authentic! Enjoy!

More infor: SKIP downtown Disney on your budget! I've been twice; great people watching, window shopping..but like all things Disney, hideously overpriced food. Forget Macaroni grill: in the end, it is still just a chain. No local vibe at all. For a splurge, go to the exotic amazing Habana cuban restaurant in Costa Mesa's Lab AntiMall past J.Wayne Airport. All candlelit, live flamenco dancers, hip patrons. Drink sangria and eat conch fritter - put it on plastic like a true OC Local! Live a little - try sushi!!

I'd have to second the vote for Mama Cosa's. Good Italian food at a family like restaurant. Only problem is that the area of town is not the best of OC.

topper

While they're chain restaurants, Cheesecake Factory and PF Chnags in Fashion Island are both very good.

You could drive over to San Juan Capistrano to see the mission there and directly across the square is a Mexican restaurant (name I can't remember, but you'll find it) with great food. I THINK it's El Adobe, but not sure. Ask and someone will tell you.

Yes, it's the El Adobe - a favorite restuarant of Richard Nixon.

Any suggestions for really good pizza in OC? I love BJ's, but would like to find someplace a little more authentic. Thanks.

Thanks for all of the suggestions - keep em coming! Any more suggestions for small mom and pop style restuarants?

There's a fairly good Mexican restaurant in downtown Yorba Linda on Main Street. There's also the Blue Agave in Yorba Linda which serves wonderful southwestern style food.