Darlene Lopez | August 30, 2025
Last month, I shared why Yorba Linda and Placentia are such incredible places to call home. But the truth is, a city is more than numbers and stats—it’s about the little everyday moments, the people, and the places that give it heart.
Since I live and work here, I wanted to give you a peek into my own favorites, along with a few gems my team and I love recommending to clients. This isn’t your average travel guide—it’s a list of go-to spots we enjoy as locals. From date-night dinners to morning coffee runs and hidden gems, here’s our inside scoop on the best of Yorba Linda and Placentia.
Yorba Linda has been home for me and my family for years, and we’ve built so many memories around some of these local spots:
🍴 Terra Wood-Fired Kitchen – Whether it’s brunch with friends or dinner with family, this is one of our favorites. The food and atmosphere never disappoint.
🍴 Local Restaurant Picks – Oceans & Earth is our go-to when we’re craving something a little more elevated. On the casual side, you’ll usually find us at In-N-Out or Lamppost Pizza. (Fun fact: while our office is under remodel, our team has been meeting at Lamppost on certain Friday mornings—stop by and say hi if you see us!)
🍴 Wise Guys – Great for dine-in or delivery, with food that’s always tasty and fresh. We have so many memories here, from team sports dinners to National Charity League events.
🍦 Sweets & Coffee – Baskin-Robbins (still a classic!) and The Cookie Element are staples in our house. For coffee, I rotate between Bodhi Leaf and Peet’s.
🌏 Global Flavors – Fish in a Bottle and Sushi Noguchi are our top picks when we want something different.
🐴 Phillips/Paxton Equestrian Center – One of my favorite things about living here is seeing horses pass through the neighborhood. It’s peaceful, grounding, and a reminder of Yorba Linda’s unique character.
Placentia has its own special charm, and I love exploring it with my team. Here are some of our must-visit spots:
🍕 Craftsman – Incredible wood-fired pizzas.
🍔 Avalon Bagels to Burgers – A classic for burgers.
🌮 Off the Boat & El Farolito – Two local legends for Mexican food.
🥙 Spitz – Mediterranean street food that always hits the spot.
🍺 Kelly’s Sports Bar – Great food, great atmosphere, and the perfect game-day spot.
☕ Golden State Coffee Roasters – If you know, you know. One of the best cups of coffee around.
Since our team is always out in the community helping families find homes, they’re also discovering hidden gems all the time. Here are some of their local favorites:
👨👩👧 Best for Family Fun: The Adventure Playground—your kids will love it.
🚶 Best Walk: East Lake Village—peaceful and scenic.
🍹 Best Happy Hour: Blind Coyote—great drinks, fun vibe.
🍔 Best Burger: Craft Burger (yes, bold claim—but so good).
💃 Best Dance Studio: DSAPA—great for all ages.
🍩 Best Coffee & Donuts: Bodhi Leaf & YLS Donuts.
🌲 Best Hidden Gem: Carbon Canyon Redwood Grove—most people don’t even know this little slice of nature exists in OC.
🎁 Best Gift Shop: Inspirations—perfect for finding something special.
Living in Yorba Linda and Placentia is about more than just having a roof over your head—it’s about being part of a community that feels like home. Whether it’s grabbing a quick coffee, taking a family walk, or finding your favorite Friday night dinner spot, these places shape our everyday lives.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling here, I’d love to help you not only find the right house but also the neighborhood that truly feels like home. My local knowledge and personal experience are tools I bring to every client I work with—and it would be an honor to help you!
📲 Ready to explore Yorba Linda or Placentia? Let’s connect—I’d love to guide you home.
A Local Realtor’s Guide to Food, Family Fun, and Community Favorites
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Welcome to Yorba Linda, CA, a charming city known for its beautiful landscapes, peaceful neighborhoods.
The process of buying a house can often be overwhelming and stressful.
Whether you’re selling or buying, a real estate agent can make all the difference in your real estate journey.
Darlene prioritizes building meaningful, long-term relationships with her clients by working hard to meet their unique needs and delivering best-case scenarios.