Mall dining: The refined guide of where to eat at Brea Mall

In the midst of a multimillion dollar redevelopment project that promises a slew of new marquee restaurants, Brea Mall already offers a bounty of choice eats. Ranging from independently-owned eateries to Taiwanese favorites to chain staples, this premier retail destination keeps shoppers from North County and the nearby Inland Empire well-fed as they navigate the complex’s Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights and fountain (no mall is complete without a fountain). Hungry? Sign up for The Eat Index, our weekly food newsletter, and find out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange County. Subscribe here. With over 175 shops and more than two dozen eateries, Brea Mall is already a choice spot for dining in addition to satisfying the retail-therapy itch. Though it first opened in 1977, the mall recently kicked off a multiyear expansion effort to further cement its reputation at North County’s retail destination. ALSO READ: The ultimate guide to eating at South Coast Plaza Until those much-anticipated spots cut their ribbons, here is your essential guide to the best dining you can grab right now. For this guide, the focus is on either locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots that merit your immediate attention. The bulk of the mall’s chain stores e. g., Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, Panda Express, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Red Robin, et al. while tasty in their own right, won’t be mentioned in this guide in favor of locally owned eateries and/or new food and drink spots. The Alley Located in the newly developed area (the comparatively sleeker part of the mall), this spot serves up refreshing Taiwanese-style bubble tea. The tea beverage purveyors have become a global phenomenon for their unique flavors, especially the Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk (their take on brown sugar boba). For something a bit different, check out the Ube Taro Milk or a Passion Fruit Green Tea. Find it: Lower level Bafang Dumpling If you’re looking for a quick and affordable yet tasty bite, this Taiwanese fast-casual spot is the place to go. Bafang specializes in freshly made potstickers and dumplings. Its classic Cabbage and Pork Potstickers are a staple, while the Kimchi and Pork offer a nice twist. Don’t miss out on a side of crispy Fried Noodles or the Beef Dry Noodle dishs. Find it: Upper level Chagee Modern Teahouse The first Orange County location of this popular modern tea spot, which opened in early November, uses whole-leaf tea and milks to create its signature lattes. Highlights here include a floral Jasmine Green Milk Tea, Longing Black Milk Tea and Pu’erh Black Tea. During a recent visit on a Wednesday afternoon, lines were already out the door. An airy and modernly designed teahouse that pairs perfectly with its next-door neighbor, the equally airy and modernly designed Apple Store. Find it: Lower level Kura Revolving Sushi Bar Simply referred to as Kura, this sushi spot is a must-visit for its sheer fun factor alone. It features an interactive dining model where sushi, side dishes and desserts constantly glide by on a revolving conveyor belt. (Especially ideal if you want to eat solo and gaze hypnotically at the Neptunian fare passing by.) Be sure to try the Seared Salmon with Japanese Mayo, the Tuna Tataki and the Salmon Skin Hand Roll. Find it: Upper level Marketplace Café at Nordstrom The luxury department store’s dedicated eatery, Marketplace Cafe offers guests a casual/high-end dining experience. Expect such menu items as Skirt Steak, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Spicy Wild Shrimp Pomodoro, Wild Salmon Niçoise, Chicken Lemon Pesto Gnocchi and more. Features indoor and patio dining Find it: Lower level/upper level Philz Coffee Another new addition to the mall, San Francisco-born Philz Coffee, famous for its meticulous “one cup at a time” pour-overs, is the spot to go to get your brain battery jolted back to life. You can’t go wrong with its signature Mint Mojito Iced Coffee, but the Ecstatic Iced Coffee or Mission Cold Brew (my regular order when I, fittingly, lived in San Francisco’s Mission District)) are also topnotch. Of course, they serve hot coffee and tea too. Philz also offers a bevy of sandwiches and burrito options, as well as a handful of decent sweet and savory pastries. Find it: Outdoor lower level Roll & Co Make your own bowls and spring rolls at this food court spot. High marks go to its Shrimp Rolls and shatteringly crisp Egg Rolls. And don’t miss out on the Grown Up Chocolate Chip Cookie (care of Dough and Arrow), a small-batch cookie with dark chocolate, brown butter, espresso, wafer crunch and Maldon sea salt. Find it: Food court Seoul Street At this Korean convenience store concept, guests can select from an expansive wall boasting a bevy of ramens from which to choose (why, yes, they do carry the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” ramen), purchase at the register, then prepare it at an automated station. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is the belly. Seoul Street is currently a pop-up shop, but plans for permanent roots could possibly be in its future. Find it: Lower level Tang Bar Only two months old (Brea Mall has really upped its gastronomic game as of late), Tang Bar offers a dynamic, self-serve, build-your-own experience centered on hot pot and malatang dining. It’s simple: You grab a bowl and load up on fresh ingredients (like mushrooms, beef brisket, mushrooms galore, lotus root, wafer-thin wagyu and more) before choosing a soup base or savory dry sauce. It’s also ideal for customizing your preferred level of spiciness, with endless combinations. Find it: Lower level The next wave The upcoming additions to Brea Mall are poised to completely change the dining landscape in North County. Get ready for these highly anticipated openings: The Melt (slated to open early 2026): This fast-casual favorite will bring its comforting cheese sandwiches to Brea. Highlights include the popular Melt Burger, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, fries and mac and cheese. Din Tai Fung (opening 2026): On the heels of its Downtown Disney location, this globally lauded institution is known for its Xiao Long Bao, with each soup dumplings containing 18 precise folds. North Italia (opening 2026): This brunch, lunch and dinner spot will offer freshly made Italian and Italian American favorites. The menu at its Irvine location includes Tortellini al Pomodoro, Braised Short Rib Lumache, Trottole Chicken Pesto, Strozzapreti, Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe Arancini and more.
https://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/11/21/mall-dining-the-refined-guide-of-where-to-eat-at-brea-mall/

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