Food

Best Birthday Cakes

Patty’s Cakes and Desserts

Family-run Patty’s Cakes and Desserts has been in business for decades and has thousands of rave reviews across the biggest sites online. The birthday cake section alone offers enough variety to fit just about any type of party. Prefer cupcakes? They got you covered, including gluten-free and vegan options. And, while you’re ordering, you can also get candles, toppers, etc.

pattys-cakes.com | Fullerton

Best Family Restaurant

Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill

Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill is known as much for its authentic Mexican-Southwest cuisine as it is for its location under a canopy of trees and breathtaking views. Going there is an experience for the senses, and it’s no wonder OC families love it. The expansive menu features plenty of options to please big and small diners. The restaurant also serves breakfast on Sundays.  

rosecanyoncantina.com | Trabuco Canyon

Best Healthy Snack 

Jamba

Jamba’s mission is “making eating better, easier and more fun,” and they do so by offering balanced whole ingredients, fresh fruit, protein-packed food and more. So, if you’re a parent looking for a nutritious meal or treat for your little one, Jamba’s bowls, snacks and smoothies might be a good option. Plus, you can order ahead online or get delivery.   

jamba.com | Multiple Locations

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Treat 

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Irvine Market Place

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is winning over our readers one scoop at a time, but what’s better to hit the sweet spot than a cool dessert made fresh daily? Handel’s upholds the traditions and recipes of the company founder Alice Handel. The menu also includes shakes, sundaes, banana splits, pops and more. 

handelsicecream.com | Irvine

Best Pizza Place

Two Saucy Broads

Our readers have spoken, and Two Saucy Broads’ New York-style pizza with a California twist is their favorite this year. The restaurant serves up a variety of pizzas on hand-tossed thin crust with house marinara sauce, as well as appetizers, sandwiches and salads. There are also gluten-free and vegan options and a variety of crust/sauce/topping choices to create your own pizza.

twosaucybroadspizza.com | Fullerton

Best Place to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl is back on top this year as the family-owned company with bakeries in 49 states continues wowing our readers with its rotating menu, inventive flavor combinations and its fan-favorite, always-on-the-menu thick, soft milk chocolate chip. All the deliciousness comes in the now-famous pink packaging. New flavors are added on a regular basis, drawing in regulars and new customers.  

crumblcookies.com | Multiple Locations

Best Dine & Play

Chick-fil-A

Parenting OC readers can’t get enough of Chick-fil-A, and they once again put the fast-food chicken joint in the top spot. The eatery is one of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S. and famous nationwide for its chicken sandwiches. Chick-fil-A serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, promising customers to deliver high-quality food each time they stop by.                                                                                                                                           

chick-fil-a.com | Multiple Locations

Best Vegan Food

Mother’s Market & Kitchen

The group of yoga enthusiasts who founded Mother’s Market & Kitchen in Costa Mesa 45 years ago believed in following a mostly plant-based diet to stay healthy. Their vision still guides the stores’ offerings these days. Mother’s Market & Kitchen focuses on organic foods, fresh juicing and plant-based options. There are also cafes inside the stores.

mothersmarket.com | Multiple Locations

Best Fast Food

In-N-Out Burger

As far as our readers go, In-N-Out can’t be beat. OC burger lovers have spoken, and the fast-food restaurant is once again their top choice. What started as California’s first drive-through in 1948 has become a favorite spot with an almost cult-like following for its burgers, fries and more. You won’t find frozen, pre-packaged or microwaved foods here.

in-n-out.com | Multiple Locations

Best Food Truck/Stand

Crepes Bonaparte Food Truck

Crepes Bonaparte returns to our ranking’s top spot as it continues to replicate the experience of eating crepes on the streets of France. Each savory and dessert-style crepe is made to order. Crepes Bonaparte’s food trucks have made their way to TV screens thanks to appearances on Food Network. Fans can also enjoy the food at Crepes Bonaparte restaurants in Fullerton and Whittier.

crepesbonaparte.com | Fullerton