FULLERTON. For New Mexico-style cooking, Anita's is the place to go. Sopaipillas, chili Colorado, and chili verde are just a few of the delicious Southwestern dishes you can bite into (or vice versa!). A casual, fun place with a popular patio, the laid-back restaurant makes you feel quite removed from Mickey Mouse and the gang. Since Anita's stays busy on weekends, make reservations or be prepared to wait.

ARTESIA. Diners from all over LA flock to Ashoka for tandoori dishes, naan, and fish kebabs. In the Little India neighborhood of Artesia, this restaurant is the best-known of local Indian places and is much loved for its authentic clay oven cooking. For a sampling of many fantastic dishes, come to the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on Saturday and Sunday.

YORBA LINDA. One of Orange County's better-kept secrets, this casual taco stand has an atmosphere that's 100% hacienda and a menu featuring a flavorful array of spicy chicken, pork, beef, and veggie dishes. Carefully presented house specialties include a carnitas plate that comes with heaping servings of guacamole and Texas-style beans. Best of all, the restaurant's namesake makes several appearances, most notably on the potent margarita list.

ANAHEIM. Luigi's is an easy favorite thanks to superb prices, friendly service, an appealing menu, and a relaxed, almost homey, atmosphere. Luigi's is famous for hand-tossed pizzas like the D'italia Special (whose eight toppings include pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, and Canadian bacon) and pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognesi. Eggplant Sorrentino is also a hit, and many regulars give high praise to fresh seafood, including steamed clams. The wine list boasts a variety of Chilean, Californian, and Italian wines.

SANTA ANA. A Tudor-style British pub, this Santa Ana treasure earns high marks for terrific limey fare, including traditional comfort dishes like fish and chips, cottage pie, bangers and mash, and Yorkshire pudding. For added charm, the public house is well-stocked with various and sundry whiskeys, gins, and scotches as well as draughts like McEwans, Guinness, Bass, New Castle, and Boddingtons. A second location is in Fullerton at 709 North Harbor Boulevard (714-871-7447).