EPICUREAN

Surf City Fish Grill

Oak View Neighborhood Favorite

Established in 2016 in HB’s Oak View neighborhood, Surf City Fish Grill offers a healthy alternative to fast casual food, bringing fresh and sustainable dining options with locally-sourced ingredients. The concept came from owner Alex Vaz’s experience adjusting his own diet for optimizing his performance.

Vaz designed the menu with the flexibility for customers to order based on their dietary needs, providing gluten-free, ketogenic, paleo, low-carb options, and more. He also understands that everyone may not want fish, so patrons can also enjoy delicious chicken options. Meal prep packs are also available, or you can order from a menu that includes tacos, burritos, and grilled skewers. Interested in catering? Surf City Fish Grill can provide that as well. 17965 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714-375-4861, surfcityfishgrill.com

Mexican Flavors

Don José

A Huntington Beach landmark and Mexican experience since 1966, this legendary familyowned restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine and its famous margaritas, tempting locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the karaoke party every Friday and Saturday night, where you can sing the night away. 9093 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714-962-7911, don-jose.com

Mario’s Mexican Food & Cantina

Ask a local for the best Mexican food in Huntington Beach and many will send you to Mario’s at 5 Points Plaza. For over three generations, its authentic Mexican cuisine has tantalized the palates of visitors and locals alike with a menu of contemporary and traditional favorites including award-winning margaritas, seafood specialties, the flavors of “Old Mexico” dishes, sizzling fajitas, and more. 18603 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-842-5811, 5pointsplaza.com

Ola Mexican Kitchen

Located at Pacific City, the kitchen wows with authentic Mexican comfort food and elevated influences from south of the border. Enjoy a meal in this warm, rustic, and modern ambiance while you overlook the stunning Huntington Beach coastline. 21040 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-969-7300, olamexicankitchen.com

Qué Vida Tacos

Started by restaurateurs Bryan and Nichole Bradford, each taco here is made from an authentic recipe of a specific region in Mexico. Menu selections include Sonora street dogs, grande nachos, Tijuana-style mulitas, protein bowls, breakfast burritos, and more. For cocktails, the taco shop serves specialty margaritas and housemade micheladas—there’s even a non-alcoholic, churro milkshake to devour. 19684 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714-274-9955, quevidatacos.com

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila

From the cuisine to the ambiance, Sandbar's will transport you to the beautiful coasts of Mexico. Just blocks from the ocean, the restaurant’s design blends laid SoCal beach vibes and modern Mexican cool. The menu offers contemporary interpretations of classic dishes with some nostalgic recipes, while the bar program features handcrafted margaritas, an extensive tequila and mezcal list, and many Mexican, domestic, and craft beer selections. 221 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-460-5423, sandbar.net

ITALIAN DELICACIES Nardò

Now open at Pacific City, Nardò serves up bold, fragrant flavors from Italy’s southern region. Wood-fired Neopolitan pizzas are a must with their airy, chewy crusts, and the pastas are made fresh daily. The colorful bar area adjacent to the dining room offers a lively spot to sip Italian wines and classic cocktails, or you can enjoy a meal out on the patio. 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 657-204-9830, nardoitalian.com

Cucina Alessá

Homemade pasta and local, organic ingredients are just part of what makes Cucina Alessá one of HB’s most popular dining spots. Chef and owner Alessandro Pirozzi is a certified Italian chef whose culinary education began at home in the kitchen with his grandmother. From homemade lasagnas, fresh fish, and famous tiramisu, you’ll be transported to Italy. 520 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-969-2148, cucinaalessarestaurants.com

Romano Cucina Sunset Beach

Authentic Italian food from a family-run restaurant, it isn’t fancy—the low-key and comfortable atmosphere just makes you feel right at home. Try “pasta our way” (simply one meatball, one sausage, and red sauce) or a fiery piccante pizza. There’s a nice selection of martinis, specialty cocktails, and wines by the glass or bottle to complete the meal. 16595 Pacific Coast Hwy., Sunset Beach, 562-592-5552, romanocucina.com

The Ria

A taste of Detroit comes to HB’s Main Street here, where rectangular-shaped pizzas are adorned with a light and airy crust. Savor signature combos like the Queen B, which pairs goat cheese with prosciutto, fig, and a honey drizzle. Order any pie “grandma-style” for a thinner crust, or take your slice to go. Treat yourself to Becky’s Bodacious Banana Puddin’ for an extra indulgence. 401 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714-465-9829; the-ria.com

Sweet Tooth

Bella

Sophia Chocolates

Since 2016, the chocolatier has done more than refine an old tradition: it has started a new one. Guided by an international palate, Bella Sophia Chocolates creates award-winning flavors and textures by sourcing from local and regional farmers, using only the finest ingredients and, when available, organic items. 21058 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-906-9011, bellasophiachocolates.com

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream

The iconic franchise from Youngstown, Ohio serves local ice cream flavors made fresh daily, like black cherry with whole black cherries or peanut butter with fudge ripple and buckeye candy pieces. Grab your favorite scoop, take a walk down to the nearby Pier, and recreate a classic childhood memory. 300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714-536-1005, handelsicecream.com

Friday and Saturday night. And don’t miss out on