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

"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. The overhaul will include a new 119,000-square foot outdoor streetscape featuring brands like William's Sonoma and Rivian, and most importantly,"

"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"

Brea Mall combines more than 175 shops and over two dozen eateries with classic mall features like Italian tile walkways, vaulted skylights and a fountain. The complex hosts a mix of independently owned restaurants, Taiwanese favorites, and national chains that serve shoppers from North County and the Inland Empire. A multiyear, multimillion-dollar expansion is underway, adding a 119,000-square-foot outdoor streetscape with retailers such as William's Sonoma and Rivian and new restaurant concepts including Din Tai Fung and North Italia. Current dining recommendations prioritize locally owned and recently opened food and drink spots over ubiquitous chain outlets.

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