Restaurants in Santa Clarita, California

Our first stop on our delectable Santa Clarita, California restaurant tour is The Social - the perfect name for the perfect atmosphere. Whether it’s first date magic or personal self-care, The Social’s creative dining experience is one that will create memories that last. With eighty four different Martinis and bacon wrapped scallops, their menu keeps customers coming back for more. Any place that would name one of their Martini's the Incredible Hulk, is bound to be a smash. Their themed social events help you feel like you're reuniting with a long lost friend. I’m talking about Halloween parties, specialty menus, and if you are looking for a nice place to celebrate the ones you love, think about the Social, because they will help you feel it right back. Thank you, enthusiastic staff, because I don’t know about you, but I love eating where people are enjoying themselves just as much as I am. The Social is surrounded by a few distinct neighborhoods, including Happy Valley and the Old Orchard tracts, two very popular areas in Santa Clarita.

If you haven’t already, please turn left on Lyon’s Avenue.

Our next stop is Maria’s Deli on your left and Egg Plantation on your right. Have you ever heard the saying “Whoever eats well is very close to God?” Well, if not you are sure to experience it at Maria’s Deli, since that is one of their sayings. Whether it’s dining out, carry out, or groceries, Maria’s has what you need to quench that Italian Food Craving.

Egg Plantation is an award winning quaint cafe that will be no yoke on you. See what I did there? They have 101 different omelets, plus a bloody mary that’s second to none. Don’t get me started on their live patio Weekend tunes. On Saturday and Sunday, have a great breakfast, brunch or lunch while enjoying the beautifully smooth strumming of Marco Tulio, weather permitted, of course. Egg Plantation is a classic for a reason. They were established in 1973, they have decades of serving up deliciousness. These wonderful restaurants are surrounded by the Happy Valley and Newhall communities, which give you country living in the middle of a city.

Please turn left on Market Street and then right on Main.

For our next stop there is no other way to say it than “rustic chic.” The Old Town Junction on your right takes rustic and elevates it to a whole new level. Think classic French bistro on the outside, but all American on the inside. This place has a one of a kind atmosphere that will make you melt, almost as much as their Whole Fried Jidori Chicken Dinner. We can’t forget to put some shine on the crew that makes it happen, especially when one of the people that makes your meal is the Co-owner himself. Daniel Otto was not only named the Ultimate Chef by SVC Magazine in 2011, 2012 and 2017, he also earned the title of SVC’s Top Chef not once, but twice. I don’t know about you, but I think he knows what he’s doing.

Moving on, Newhall Refinery is on your left. Since opening in 2013 they have been a farm-to-fork restaurant that caters to sustainable eating patrons with their particularly amazing flavors. A haven of fine dining and craft beer. Did I mention 22 of the best beers on tap? If beer isn’t your thing, their wine and cocktail list is extensive enough to give you what you’re looking for. Sit back, have a Strawberry Martini, and a plate of Refiner’s fries - that’s brisket, mornay and fries in one place. I think I’m feeling a bit more refined by the Refinery already. These wonderful restaurants are surrounded by Happy Valley a rare find with large properties and homes.

Please make your way to Railroad Avenue and head north.

We are gonna drive for a bit, but I’ve got some great Santa Clarita history that I’ll share with you soon.

Since the 1800s, when gold was first discovered in nearby Placerita Canyon, Santa Clarita and the surrounding area developed a rich history. Old Town Newhall is known to be the historic core of Santa Clarita as it is the oldest neighborhood within the City of Santa Clarita. From the time Charles Mentry began operating the first successful oil well in the West, Pico No. 4, through the arrival of western film star William S. Hart and beyond, the City has been known as a place where people come to achieve their dreams and raise their families. At the center of it all is Newhall, the area’s oldest neighborhood, which was incorporated along with Valencia, Saugus and Canyon Country to form the City of Santa Clarita in 1987. Newhall residents appreciate its uniquely western heritage, especially since the community is in the shadow of the master-planned development of Valencia, on the northern side of Lyons Avenue.




Please keep following your navigation. Our next stop is just a few minutes away.

Did someone say Happy Hour? No? I guess I was too busy thinking about our next stop, which is the Local Pub & Grill. Look for it in the plaza to your right. It’s actually called the Local, which is fitting because going there is like being a part of a community. Whether it's sports or trivia that you love, the Local brings the fun to you. I’m going to say it louder for the people in the back, try Taco Trivia Tuesday, Winesday Wednesday, oh and don’t forget live music for those that like to be serenaded while they eat. Look out for their schedule for those. But, there’s more.

The Local not only caters to your fun needs, but your grub needs as well. Their menu spans from lunch to dinner, with a weekend breakfast that you won’t want to miss. It’s from 10 to 2 so it should be fine for you to hit snooze a few times. Weekday Happy Hour brings both the pub and the grub. By the time you’re done you will believe in magic, especially if you order The Fairytale. This cocktail doesn't need a happily ever after, because it’s ready to bring you life. It’s Skyy strawberry infused vodka, peach schnapps, sparkling wine, lemonade, and cranberry. In other words, magic.

While The Local does spend their time catering to their guests they do make it possible for their guests to cater to others as well. The Local Charity Burger gives customers the opportunity to not only eat a good burger, but give back to a local SCV charity, 10% of its proceeds to be exact. The best part is that the charities are constantly rotating monthly. More charities equals more helping. I guess their drinks aren’t the only thing that’s magic.The Local is central to Valencia’s Westridge community and just a short distance from the Woodlands and Stevenson Ranch where some of the more luxurious homes of Santa Clarita can be found.

Please keep on following that navigation. Three more stops to go!

On your left is Gateway Village. Now, sometimes true treasures are tucked away, and that is definitely the case for our next stop. Olive Terrace Bar and Grill is an oasis hidden within this mini mall of Gateway Village. It’s gray brick is like a beacon calling you in, and their fresh made to order food keeps you wanting more. Olive Terrace is a family owned restaurant, and you get that comfortable homey feeling from the moment you walk through the door. There is something about feeling at home without being at home that just helps food digest better.

The fact that they have seasonal menus is a plus. If you are looking for somewhere to take a loved one or a special someone for dinner during the big four: Mother’s day, Valentines Day, Father’s Day or Easter, Olive Terrace is the place to go. Also, the fact that they have specialty menus for these occasions are enough to make the one or ones you're with feel special.

When they say they have something for everyone, they mean it. Not only do they have homemade pasta, but they also have a kabob that’s known as the best in town. The Olive Terrace family has lived in Santa Clarita for over 20 years and strive to give their neighbors what they want, delicious food. Like many of their customers would say, “Olive Terrace is a family kitchen with delicious food seasoned with love.” The Olive Terrace is bordered by the West Hills, West Creek and Tesoro Del Valle communities where you can find homes of every type.

Our next turn is on Decoro Drive.

Look to your left into Northpark Village Square. That’s where we will get to experience the next stop on our tour, Wolf Creek Restaurant. If you want to talk about variety, this place has plenty of it, with a menu that contains gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options that would surely please the palate. Their squash tacos aren’t only gluten free but also completely vegan. No egg, dairy, or animal protein is used in the creation of that meal.

For those gluten lovers that live more on the vegetarian side, there’s something for you too. Try their Ale Battered Pickle Chips. They are sure to excite your taste buds and have you wanting seconds. Yes meat eaters, there is something for you too. Maybe a pesto Salmon or maybe jambalaya. If chicken is more your thing they have over nine different options, all antibiotic and hormone free. But, if you suddenly wanted to make it vegan you can substitute the meat for butternut squash. Wolf Creek also has family meals for take out only, which is a great option after a long day at work, or coming home from a family outing. Whether you are spending time alone or with people you enjoy, Wolf Creek has something that will please all of your appetites. The hard part now, would be deciding what to order first. Wolf Creek is surrounded by the Northbridge and Northpark where you can find Condos, Townhomes and single family homes.

Please turn right on Seco Canyon Rd and then left on Bouquet Canyon Road.

We made it! We are at our last stop of our Santa Clarita, California restaurant tour. We made it all the way to Bouquet Canyon Plaza to visit Casa Canela. It’s on your left, just past Haskell Canyon Road.

If you want a homestyle breakfast, this is the place for you. They are open from 7am to 3pm daily, so if you need breakfast, brunch or lunch, they have you covered. Now when I say I love carbs, I mean it, because the crepes, waffles and pancakes are constantly on stack here at Casa Canela.. Whether you want your crepe sweet or savory, you are sure to get something that is not only delectable for the eyes but enjoyable for the stomach.

Their inventive menu brings another layer of excitement to eating at Casa Canela with their wide range of cuisines from traditional Mexican to traditional American. No matter what you are craving you are bound to find something you like, or maybe even try something new. Maybe a Waffle Benedict? Or, some Sopitas con Huevos? Either way I’m sure you will find the best meal, because I’m struggling to figure out what NOT to get. Casa Canela is in Saugus where you can find great diversity in homes. From age to size there is something for everyone.

Now that you are incredibly hungry, pick a restaurant and go enjoy some amazing food because this tour is now complete. Thank you for joining me! I had a fantastic time showing you around and I hope you were able to find a new hotspot to add to your restaurant repertoire. Whether it’s one of the three square meals or a special occasion, Santa Clarita has you covered.

If you would like to learn more about the Santa Clarita area, give Larry a call at (661) 240-7299 or send an email: Larry@FleischmanAssociates.com.
Have a fantastic day!