What ? A 4 -Star Restaurant in La Habra? Yes! and other La Habra, CA Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: The Cat and Custard Cup

In a modest town such as La Habra, one expects to go out of town for fine dining, at least immediately east to more chic Fullerton and Brea. This would be the case if there was not The Cat and Custard Cup on historic Whittier Blvd. A truly delightful culinary establishment is well hidden in the middle of the nowhere that is La Habra. This is an Orange county town of which even some local OCers have not heard, so the buzz about this restaurant, owned by the Salisbury family who formed Los Angeles' El Cholo, is not as big as it should merit. At least, the Cat can maintain a dedicated quiet following- that is, unless everyone reads this review!

Here, California innovation meets English elegance. Entrees like Grilled Filet Mignon are classic creme of the crop. The Cat's menu offers originality especially with starters such as Grilled Sonoma Quail and Proscuitto Wrapped Sea Scallops.

Looking from the outside, one sees a kind of fairytale setting, like Alice in Wonderland having a tea in the garden. Behind the fancy wooden doors is an English parlor reminiscent of the 1800s, achieving quite a swank look. Pictures of Cats are adored here , adorned all over the walls.

Come here for lunch, dinner and dessert- all of which are exquisite. If you indulge with all thre, the suggested dining price is about right or slightly underpriced. Choosing a few starters with a drink will satisfy enough for about $30.

If you want an after dinner swig, there is a full bar as well as live jazz music on certain nights. Check website for more info on this fabulous La Habra establishment, something of which this humble city can boast!

Favorite Dish: Wild Mushroom and Crab Enchilada
What a fancy way to dine on Mexican. This is a starter to wet the appetite, just enough for lunch or a light dinner.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562-694-3812
Address: 800 East Whittier Blvd.
Directions: NE La Habra off Whitter Blvd.
Website: thecatandcustardcup.com

Restaurant Name: El Cholo

El Cholo has a chain of beautiful and widely touted restaurants in L.A. and Orange counties. Gladly, modest La Habra can claim having one, located along the locally famous Whittier Blvd, known for its classic Latino vibe. The colorful eaterie is just off Harbor Blvd, the avenue leading to Disneyland.

Read El Cholo's story on website. very interesting timeline of the restaurant!

Favorite Dish: enchilada suiza- creamy, rich ample plate (with pinto beans, a heaping spoon of sour cream and rice
burrito (con carne)- huge burrito, with a bed of pinto beans, lite salad, lots of sour cream and rice (this is really suitable for 2-4 people!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: 840 E. Whittier Blvd, La Habra
Directions: near Harbor Blvd/Whittier Blvd
Website: http://www.elcholo.com/asp/site/laHabra/index.asp?Location=3&Redirect=False

Restaurant Name: Niko Niko

On any given night, the dining room and patio Niko Niko is packed with regulars and first time guests dining on fresh sushi, seafood,salad and more. Like everywhere else in Southern California, sushi and Japanese restuarants are thriving and why not. There needs to be healthier and gourmet alternatives here !!

Favorite Dish: Baked Salmon Roll!

Fresh salmon layered atop the sushi rolls , filled with avocado

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Theme: Japanese/Sushi
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: along (North )Beach Blvd, La Habra
Directions: nearest intersection - Beach and Imperial

Restaurant Name: El Taco Nazo

Taco Nazo is a city favorite of mine. There are a few other locations (I believe no more than 6) but the one in La Habra is the one I know and the best overall location, off Beach Blvd.

Choose from tacos, burritos, tortas (sandwiches) and mariscos (seafood). I almost always get the popular taco pesado (see below).

If you love spicy food, you must visit the salsa bar to top or fill in your food choice. There are pickled carrots, chiles and wide variety of hot sauces-- red, orange and green!

Inside Taco Nazo, there is a simple and comfortable feel, almost like a diner but latino style. There is an entertaining jukebox here, that plays a variety of music, but anout 60-70 percent latin music from the rock pop sounds of Mana or the ranchero croons of Vicente Fernandez. If you don't know him or Mana, well, there is some good ol' gringo music as well from the 80s to today.

Se habla espanol

Favorite Dish: taco pecado (fish)!

The fish (redsnapper or pollock) is beer-battered fried to perfection and is flavored with cilantro, onions, a creamy white sauce and lemon slice. I guarantee that you would not be disappointed!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562-690-8078
Address: 121 S Beach Blvd
Directions: near Beach and La Habra Blvd intersection

Restaurant Name: Senor Campos

Very friendly service, intimate dining area , informal, family style restuarant

one can take-out or dine inside

Favorite Dish: Chile Relleno and enchilada !!

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Theme: Mexican
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: (562) 694-3614
Address: 1220 W Whittier Blvd. , La Habra, CA 90631

Restaurant Name: It's a Grind

For So California visitors and those already here, head to this independent coffeehouse . There are various locations, but I just visited this one in La Habra. There is very genuine friendly customer service to go along with your coffee or tea. Also there are very delectable desserts- like the banana "motobar" pastry which is quite nutritious!!

Favorite Dish: Get the Iced Mocha drink your first time there(a small size is enough) or the special drink of the moment which is often exotic (i.e., Tahitian Crunch with coconut). Any pastry there is sure to not disappoint.

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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 562 690-8711
Address: 1370 S. Beach Blvd. Suite G, La Habra, CA 90631
Directions: La Habra:

North Beach Blvd, Orange County, California

by the intersection of Beach Blvd. and Imperial Hwy
Website: http://www.itsagrind.com
Other Contact: fax: 562 690 1803