Many people think they need to go to the big city to get the best cuisine. But driving to the city isn’t always feasible — and with kids in the car — it isn’t even advisable.
Santa Clarita Valley is chock-full of incredible options to fulfill all your culinary needs. You can find family restaurants, breakfast spots, coffee houses, and fine dining within a few minutes from your home or work.
If you are new to the valley or want to get out of a restaurant rut, check out this directory to discover the tastiest choices in the community.
The Paseo Club is a social club with almost 20 years of experience supporting health and fitness goals of our members. Whether it is a snack or a multi-course meal, the Paseo staff often gets asked where to eat in SCV.
In this article, we will share where you can find the most delicious food in Santa Clarita Valley for breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner, fine dining, smoothies and snacks, and (most importantly) dessert.
Best Breakfast
Egg Plantation
Egg Plantation is a gem of Santa Clarita Valley, and it shows because it is packed every morning with patrons trying one of the 101 different omelets they prepare.
There is a list of fun and inventive espresso drinks and a great Bloody Mary from a house-made recipe.
There are tons of sides and they offer sandwiches, wraps, and soups for lunch. Try the fresh papaya, bananas, coconut, and cream cheese omelet. It sounds crazy, but it’s a treat!
Marston’s
Marston’s is a great choice for a weekend breakfast in Santa Clarita. Beat the rush by coming early on Sundays and enjoy a morning outside on the patio.
All the egg dishes are delectable (they should be since the chef cooks up 7,200 eggs each week), but the chilaquiles are a favorite.
Customers with a sweet tooth can grab the French toast, made with a vanilla egg batter and rolled in cornflakes for a unique crunch!
Marston’s won Best Breakfast in California by The Food Network Magazine.
Thelma’s Cafe
Thelma’s Cafe features a charming, homey feel within a diner setting.
They serve up homestyle cooking for the whole family. Check out the delicious biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, or eggs Benedict.
No alcohol is served. The restaurant is small inside but it is worth the wait. The cafe is open from 7 am-2 pm and 4 pm-8 pm. Breakfast is served all day.
Best Coffee
Golden Spoon
You may not think of frozen yogurt as the best spot for your coffee, but the coffee bar at the Northpark Golden Spoon location is great! The staff is willing to help you customize your drink for tasty coffee innovations.
Try the pumpkin spice latte — it is the perfect fall pick-up in the afternoon. Even better, grab an affogato and enjoy some tasty yogurt as well as your espresso.
Honu
Honu is located on Lyons Avenue in Newhall. It is an attractive small shop where you can enjoy a few quiet minutes with a tasty drink in hand.
There are many iced and blended options for the hot days and some delicious warm drinks for the cool days.
Kids can enjoy apple cider, steamed milk, or cocoa. Adults love the Ono Chai (try it dirty for some extra caffeine).
For those who love to have cold brew on hand, you can purchase a growler of theirs to take home.
Best Smoothie/Meal Replacement
The Paseo Club
Ask any Paseo Club member about their favorite smoothie, and you’re likely to hear one response — the Power Monkey.
Loaded with protein to help your muscles recover, the Power Monkey features peanut butter, whey protein, almond milk, and ice. This smoothie restores your body with the right balance of carbs, fat, and protein.
The Paseo Club offers several other smoothies, healthy snack options, and meals such as tacos, wraps, and sandwiches.
Best Lunch
Olive Terrace Bar and Grill
The Olive Terrace has a full bar with great selections. You might want to make this an “Uber lunch” to get the full effects.
The menu is varied, with great Mediterranean fusion to get you out of any eating doldrums. Look for carefully selected charcuterie plates, honey-roasted chicken, and Spanish paella.
The team at Olive Terrace changes the menu each season, so expect filling soups in the fall and light and refreshing salads in the summer.
Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Company
Wolf Creek is a great choice for local fare. It has been in the SCV for 25 years and remains a fan favorite.
A local brewhouse provides the beer here, and you can create your own flight to try them out.
The varied menu includes options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free eaters to help serve everyone in your party. Check out the fresh pasta, pizzas, and chicken dishes.
Be sure to order the bread and tapenade here — it’s the best!
Best Dinner
La Cocina Bar and Grill
La Cocina has three locations in the Santa Clarita Valley, so finding one to grab a bite is not too hard. Hands down they mix up the best Cadillac Margaritas and Chipotle Enchiladas on this side of the border. Mondo, the bartender, has been there for over 20 years, and knows all the locals by name.
It is the place to catch Sunday morning football! Get there early or you will NOT get a seat.
Piccola Trattoria
Piccola Trattoria is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in Canyon Country. With homemade pasta and desserts, it's easily some of the best food around.
After opening a second location last year, locals now have two spots to fill their cravings. At both locations, try the Tortellini di Zucca for a perfect fall treat. And don't forget to grab one of the wonderful Espresso Martinis there!
The Old Town Junction
The Old Town Junction is a great option in the renovated Old Town Newhall. It provides a perfect dining experience without needing to leave SCV.
Chef Otto brings seasonal menus that he describes as “rustic, yet refined.” If you’re feeling particularly hungry, go for the duck-fat fried whole Jidori chicken.
They have an extensive cocktail and wine list. You won’t leave unsatisfied.
Sabor Cocina Mexicana
When you’re craving quality Mexican food and want to take things up a notch, head to Sabor.
Fun options, like a monthly crudo are there to keep things interesting, while standards, like the skinny enchilada, continue to satisfy.
Don’t forget to check out the margarita options — you will not regret it.
Best High-End Eating
Le Chen French Cuisine
Le Chen was voted “Most Romantic Restaurant” by both the Los Angeles Daily News and LA Magazine.
In addition to having its own vineyards, Le Chene boasts one of the most extensive wine collections in all of Southern California.
The Filet Mignon Au Roquefort with homemade scalloped French au gratin potatoes and fresh slices of watermelon may be the best meal you eat in your entire life. If you haven’t been to Le Chen, you are missing the most sensational taste bud experience ever.
Larsen's Steakhouse 
Larsen’s is an upscale steakhouse offering prime steaks and the freshest seafood available that is flown in daily.
They offer over 200 wines, 30 of which are available by the glass.
Dark wood ceilings and stone walls give the restaurant an elegant ambiance. The fantastic patio fireplace inspires outdoor eating.
Salt Creek Grille Valencia
Salt Creek is the only family-owned, high-end steakhouse in Valencia. They serve meats, poultry, and seafood seasoned with mesquite-grilled flavors. The fresh ingredients are consistently cooked to perfection.
In the evenings join them for happy hour, live music on the outdoor patio, or a meal. Pair your dinner with a wine from custom boutique vineyards. Salt Creek offers Sunday brunch from 10 am-2 pm.
Best Wine Bar
Newhall Press Room
Newhall Press Room is a wine bar that also serves Sunday brunch, lunch, and dinner.
For brunch, try their stuffed French toast made from challah bread. Lunch options include incredible charcuterie boards with pear, marinated olives, crostini, and local honey. Dinner features an eclectic mix of plates such as shrimp and grits, lobster ravioli, and short rib Bolognese.
Their happy hour is a perfect place to start your night out in Santa Clarita. In fact, you may end up spending the entire evening there enjoying the large variety of options.
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Wine 661
Wine 661 has 25 available wines by the glass and an entire wall lined with bottles — you’ll never be at a loss for what to choose. The hardest part might be choosing just one wine — or two, or three.
With live music on the weekends and fun food pairings to help bring the most out of each choice, Wine 661 is a great place to spend an evening with friends.
Best Dessert
Devil and Angel Desserts
Devil and Angel Desserts offers an extremely tasty option for sweets. Their unique combinations make it a wonderful choice for people with adventurous palates.
They feature handcrafted soft-serve ice creams, boba tea, and donuts, including mochi donuts. Look for ube (purple sweet potato) and matcha-flavored ice cream!
Paradis Ice Cream
Paradis Ice Cream is a company owned by ice-creaming-loving artisans. They make ice cream daily and use fresh, local ingredients to develop their flavors.
They also offer dairy-free options such as sorbet and coconut milk-based ice creams. Some of the flavors are seasonal or available short term. Check out the sea salt caramel or fresh strawberry.
XRO Fresh Churro Bar
Churros are a delicious treat originally from Spain and Portugal. It has been widely adopted by much of Latin America, and now in the US as well.
Churros are fried pastries, similar to a donut. They are sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and are traditionally eaten with a thick chocolate sauce for dipping.
XRO Fresh Churro Bar also offers fruit, five different dipping sauces, and the option of eating your churro with soft-serve. While you are there, you can grab a horchata, coffee, or milkshake.
Notable Mention
If you are anything like the instructors at the Paseo Club, you may already know some of the best dessert spots. But if not, we want to include these notable mentions:
Choosing where to eat in Santa Clarita Valley
Finding a place to eat that is worth your money is not always easy to do. Sometimes you need something quick and tasty, sometimes you need a caffeinated pick-me-up, and other times there are special events that require fine dining.
You may feel pulled to follow the advice of food critics and head south, but you do not have to any longer. Santa Clarita has almost everything you need for all occasions.
Now that you have read this article, you should know the best spots for eating out in Santa Clarita. Try one or systematically go through the list and visit them one by one. Either way, bon appetit!
The Paseo Club is a social club with an emphasis on fitness and health. We offer exercise classes, tennis and pickleball courts, and a junior Olympic pool that is open year-round.
When members aren’t busy working out, you can find them getting a massage at the spa or visiting with friends and downing a smoothie at the cafe.
If you are interested in finding a place to get fit in a friendly and social atmosphere, the Paseo Club may be the place for you. We offer tours every day of the week. So schedule your tour today!
To learn more about resources in the Santa Clarita Valley community, read these three articles:
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