Take your parents to lunch! (or let them take you)

Photos by Emily Paris, Photo Editor

Boston-native Bella Brancato loves taking her East Coast family to The Filling Station when they come to visit her at school. 

“I try to take them to my favorite spots that scream SoCal energy when they come to visit,” shared Brancato.

While Brancato’s hometown region is known for its great selection of food, the senior creative writing major loves when she’s able to show off the warm California weather, beautiful views and write-home-about eats that she gets to enjoy daily at Chapman. 

“The Filling Station has become one of our personal favorite restaurants in the Circle,” Brancato mentioned. “And we also spend a day going to Newport (Beach) or Laguna (Beach), walking around the beaches since they’re so different from the beaches at home.”

From The Filling Station to Rutabegorz to family-owned Italian spots, Chapman’s surrounding areas offer a variety of dining options for students to take their families and brag about their fabulous Orange County lifestyle.

I asked Chapman students what their favorite restaurants in the Circle are, and where they recommend taking the family to eat. 

Here’s some of the places that’ll earn you a five-star review from the whole family. 

The Filling Station

Brancato isn’t the only one who loves The Filling Station. Senior political science and sociology major Natalie Oliva also loves going to the restaurant on the corner for breakfast and lunch. 

The seasonal menu is a big appeal for a lot of customers. Brancato opts for the pumpkin pancakes or cinnamon French toast while Oliva’s personal favorite is the  poppy seed pancakes.

“It’s such a cute spot,” said Oliva. “The colorful umbrellas, it really gets everyone in a good mood. There’s always dogs walking around. It’s my favorite place.” 

Rutabegorz

Sophomore liberal studies major Eva Sadler is originally from Orange County. Having frequented the Circle for several years now, she can confidently solidify her favorite restaurant to go with her family.

“Rutabegorz — I love that place,” gushed Sadler. “They have really big salads in really big bowls.” 

Sadler also added that her grandmother is a big fan of the eatery. They love that it has options for every meal, and that it’s decorated with gorgeous floral arrangements and has an overall homey vibe to it.

Roma D’ Italia 

Not everyone’s favorite Orange County restaurant is restricted to the Circle. Senior psychology major Nicoletta Johnson would rather take her family out to Tustin’s family-owned homestyle Italian restaurant, Roma D’ Italia. 

“It has amazing Italian food, and my family loves Italian food, so it appeases the whole family,” Johnson raved. “I get something different every time because I want to try everything on their menu.”

Her favorite dish — and the reason she keeps returning — isn’t even a main course. 

“They have the best appetizer in the area,” she continued. “The pizza bread is to die for.” 

Citrus City Grille

Maddie McMinn, a junior majoring in communication studies, has a soft spot for Citrus City Grille. 

“They have lots of good options, and usually there’s not a line,” said McMinn. “If you go to Snooze or Urth (Caffé), there’s usually a 30-minute wait, and my family doesn’t like to wait.”

McMinn recommends the salmon and the salads, but her dad enjoys the omelets.

She never goes with friends, “because of the prices,” she said. 

The best part about going out to eat with the family for most students? That they pick up the check. And we love them for it.  

Thanks for being here, families. Now, bon appétit!