Top 5 Best Lunch Restaurants in Orange County

Thai Food / By

When it comes to finding standout Best Lunch Restaurant Orange County, your midday meals should do more than just fill you up—they should excite your senses, deliver value, and make you want to relive the experience again and again. So whether you’re a local chasing weekday food deals or a visitor exploring OC’s diverse culinary scene, these five picks are sure to brighten your lunch hour.

1. Zabb Thai Restaurant – Newport Beach

📍 Weekdays | 11 am–3 pm
Price: Starting at just $15

Topping our list is Zabb Thai Restaurant in the heart of Newport Beach—an absolute gem for weekday lunch specials. From Monday to Friday, between 11 am and 3 pm, you can enjoy a generous package featuring:

  • One entrée from an extensive menu

  • Soup of the day

  • House salad

  • Vegetarian spring roll

  • Jasmine rice

All starting at only $15. That’s unbeatable value.

What Makes It Special

Zabb Thai’s menu boasts a tempting range of Thai classics—from curries like Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Panang Curry, Red Curry, Pumpkin Curry, and Yellow Curry, to stir‑fries such as Cashew Nut, Garlic & Pepper Stir‑Fry, Chicken Larb, and noodle dishes like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and hearty bowls such as Drunken Noodles. Vegetarian, seafood, and gluten‑friendly adaptations are also available—making it inclusive for all diners.[‍IMG: menu snapshot included]

Fresh ingredients. Authentic Thai flavors. A thoughtful set menu. Dining here isn’t just about the meal—it’s about the joy of discovery, bite after aromatic bite. Explore the full list on their site 👉 Zabb Thai lunch specials.

2. Wahoo’s Fish Taco – Costa Mesa (and multiple OC locations)

📍 Multiple locations across Orange County
Price: Typically $8–$12 for a combo lunch

A local staple since 1988, Wahoo’s Fish Taco revolutionized fish tacos with Baja-style fillings, fresh grilled fish, and vibrant slaws—all packed into a laid‑back surf vibe. Founded in Costa Mesa, it now boasts numerous OC outlets. It remains a popular stop for casual lunches, especially with their vegetarian options and fish or shrimp taco combos. Its legacy fits right into the Best Lunch Restaurant Orange

What locals say:

“Wahoo’s Fish Taco … quality and preparation time of its food is between fast casual and formal dining.” en.wikipedia.org

3. Pho 79 – Garden Grove

📍 9941 Hazard Ave., Garden Grove
Price: $12–$15 for hearty pho bowls

Pho 79 isn’t just lunch; it’s a cultural touchstone. Named after 1979, the year the Trần family arrived in the U.S., this spot is a Vietnamese-American legend. They serve rich, aromatic pho—especially the oxtail variant, dubbed “famously rich in oxtail essence.” It’s been awarded a James Beard America’s Classics nod and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, cementing it as an OC institution. en.wikipedia.org+1reddit.com+1

Imagine digging into a steaming bowl of pho, amidst authentic savory broth and tender meats—a perfect midday culinary escape revered as one of the Best Lunch Restaurant Orange County options.

4. The Crab Cooker – Newport Beach

📍 22nd & Newport Blvd, Newport Beach
Price: $12–$20 for seafood chowder, fish plates, clam cocktails

Since 1951, The Crab Cooker has been serving iconic seafood dishes in a charming, no-frills setting. Known for Manhattan-style clam chowder and fresh fish plates, it’s earned legendary status—even featured in The O.C. TV show. Their casual vibe and consistent quality draw long lines, especially at lunchtime. la.eater.com+2opentable.com+2m.yelp.com+2en.wikipedia.org

If you’re on a seafood kick, this Newport Beach institution remains a top choice and a “must-visit” for any OC seafood lover seeking lunch excellence.

5. Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club – Costa Mesa

📍 Costa Mesa
Price: $12–$18 for burger combos

Dubbed “California’s hottest celebrity burger,” Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club exploded onto OC’s lunch scene in December, founded by Matty Matheson (of The Bear fame). It’s a semi-smashed burger haven: juicy patties, seeded buns, Poutine, and homemade sauce—all served with a hip, laid-back SoCal flair. A line forms daily, and despite occasional mixed reviews on the sauce, fans love the overall vibe and visual, star-powered appeal. reddit.com+15sfgate.com+15m.yelp.com+15

Why These Five Stand Out for OC Lunch

  • Value & Quality — From Zabb Thai’s full entrée package at $15 to Wahoo’s surf-inspired combos and Pho 79’s Michelin-level bowls, OC offers high bang-for-buck lunch options.

  • Eclectic Variety — Our list spans Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican/American-fusion, seafood, and gourmet burgers—showcasing OC’s multicultural culinary diversity.

  • Local Heritage & Culture — Each spot—from Pho 79’s immigrant history to Crab Cooker’s TV fame and Wahoo’s surf roots—reflects Orange County’s character and progressive food scene.

  • Lunch Appeal — All are easily reachable around OC, offer quick service or casual ambiance, making them perfect for weekday lunch breaks or weekend treats.

Map at a Glance

Lunchtime Tips for OC Explorers

  • Arrive early: Popular spots (like Zabb Thai and Pho 79) fill up quickly; arriving near their opening gives you first dibs.

  • Check hours: Many focus on weekday lunches, so verify before making the trip.

  • Split & sample: With friend in tow? Share menu items (e.g. Zabb’s noodle dish + curry) for a taste of everything.

  • Weekend alternative: If your favorite is weekday‑only, explore other weekends specials or brunch options nearby.

Final Bite

If you’re searching for the Best Lunch Restaurant Orange County, this list delivers standout experiences—whether you’re fueling up post‑surf, grabbing a quick bite at the office, or indulging in rich cultural cuisine. And at the top? Zabb Thai Newport Beach shines brightest, thanks to its unbeatable weekday specials: full entrée, soup, salad, roll, and rice for $15—that’s lunch done right.

Jaw-dropping value. Incredible flavor. OC charm. That’s why these five are the Top 5 Best Lunch Specials in Orange County.

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