Four Standout Spots Opened Their Doors in Orange County This Summer
- Anne Marie Panoringan
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
In recent months, iced coffee, sushi, tacos and the return of a carnivore-lover’s storefront have been added to Orange County’s expanding dining scene.
In my ongoing journey to find what’s shiny and new in O.C.’s culinary landscape, I traveled from Tustin, up the 57 to Brea and back again before finishing in a tucked-away Irvine plaza with its own random roundabout. It’s not a stretch to say there’s something for everyone. Curious? Here’s what I found.
Ayer Coffee, Tustin
On the discreet backside of a Tustin strip mall, Ayer Coffee was quietly launched in July by Truong Kim and Han Park – the creatives that founded popular brands Milk Box and Berry Brand. The Ayer menu is clearly divided between iced coffee and iced matcha drinks. I prefer the succinct list of cool options versus a broad range of hot and cold drinks. If you were a fan of Milk Box and/or Berry Brand like myself, you’ll recognize the taste of high-quality matcha and coffee beans. Expect lines during early morning and after-school hours.
In the meantime, chew on Ayer’s Korean salt bread offered in limited batches. My most memorable sip was “Matcha Two” – oat milk matcha latte, matcha cream, house vanilla syrup and salted matcha vanilla cream. Follow Ayer on social media for updates.
Current hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays. Note: Ayer is a cashless, take-out only business. 17292 McFadden Ave., Suite C, Tustin; phone number not available.
Tacomasa Taqueria, Brea
Tortillas freshly prepared at Tacomasa make their way down a conveyor belt waiting to be warmed on the kitchen flattop. A team member then brings the tortillas to a prep station to assemble with the customer's choice of protein before being finished with onions, cilantro, salsa and guacamole. This is the Tijuana-style of cooking that founder Ivan Flores began offering to customers since 2021.
In addition to the namesake meal, diners can feast on burritos, quesadillas, tortas and mulitas. Refreshers include horchata, jamaica (hibiscus), platano (banana), pepino con pina (pineapple cucumber) and guayaba con limon (guava with lime). Save room for chocolate/vanilla/twist soft serve.
Brea is the fourth opening for Tacomasa, with additional outposts in Long Beach, Cypress (only spot enjoying a liquor license) and El Segundo. The north O.C. spot is at the far end of downtown Brea adjacent to the second of two parking structures. 275 W. Birch St., Suite 1, Brea; (714) 408-9106.
Peter’s Gourmade Burgers in Tustin has reopened
What started as a Valero gas station, hole-in-the-wall gem, turned into to a Tustin corner brick-and-mortar, then moved to a temporary space in Fullerton and returned back home, Peter’s Gourmade (a hybrid of gourmet and homemade) has now reopened in its Tustin storefront since Aug. 4.
According to owner John Norman, the family-run space was closed for 377 days due to a car driving into the restaurant, but also because of the construction industry. “The fires (referencing the multiple L.A. County fires earlier this year) have made it difficult with contractors and getting things done,” Norman said. There simply aren't enough construction workers in Southern California to complete planned projects and rebuild L.A. after the fires
New additions to the comfort menu include crisp onion rings and icy beer to get folks through the current heat wave. Share some signature Greek fries before digging into a six-ounce, Angus beef ABC burger with avocado, bacon and cheddar. There’s also the option to text an order (714-273-7922) and reduce your wait time. Welcome back, Peter! 14311 Newport Ave., Suite A, Tustin; (714) 832-2099.
Tokyo Central and Waka Sakura, Irvine
Japanese supermarket Tokyo Central opened its Irvine doors at the end of July. Over 50 aisles of Asian ingredients, personal care, fresh meat, produce and beverages (alcohol is forthcoming) make walking the space feel like a labyrinth. Add a competitive parking lot with its own roundabout, and shoppers unfamiliar with the brand will quickly realize the market’s popularity. Note: Its website is comprehensive with online-only promotions, recipes and updated food blogs.
Adjacent to Tokyo Central is Waka Sakura, a modern sushi joint featuring an interactive ordering system and utilizing a conveyor belt to serve weary customers after they step out of the store. Waka sources much of its inventory from the supermarket, as they share the same parent company, Pan Pacific International. A popular choice is the salmon party, but first-time visitors can also select from the dozen or so shareable dishes to explore the menu more. 14120 Culver Drive, Irvine; (657) 395-3010.
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