01
Best special-occasion splurge
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Brea Mall Area • Upscale Brazilian Steakhouse • Destination For Celebrations
Endless fire-roasted meats and a polished setting make this the go-to spot when you really want to make dinner feel like an event.
The Brea outpost of Fogo de Chão brings the full churrasco experience to the edge of the Brea Mall, with gaucho chefs circling the room carving skewers of picanha, lamb, and more at your table. The market table and feijoada bar keep non-meat lovers happy, and the bright, modern dining room feels right for birthdays, office wins, or a big date night. Go hungry, pace yourself, and linger over a caipirinha or two.
02
Best for date night
North Italia
Brea Mall Promenade • Modern Italian Restaurant • Handmade Pasta Hotspot
Stylish but relaxed, North Italia draws crowds for its from-scratch pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and strong cocktail game.
Set along the Brea Mall promenade, North Italia feels like a step up from typical mall dining, with an open kitchen, buzzy bar, and a patio that stays lively into the evening. Handmade tagliatelle, seasonal salads, and crisp, blistered pizzas are the safe bets here, along with the rotating spritzes and Italian-leaning cocktails. It’s an easy choice for a dinner-and-a-movie night or a slightly dressed-up family meal.
03
Best all-around crowd-pleaser
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Near Brea Mall • Casual American Restaurant And Bar • Best For Groups And Families
A big, lodge-style space, dog-friendly patio, and wide-ranging menu make Lazy Dog the reliable pick when everyone wants something different.
Lazy Dog leans into cozy mountain-lodge vibes, with a sprawling dining room and one of the more popular patios in town. The menu runs the gamut from wok-fired dishes and burgers to TV-ready comfort food, plus house beer flights for the craft-curious. It’s the kind of place locals default to for youth sports team dinners, casual birthdays, or hanging out with the dog after a Brea Mall run.
04
Best brunch and cocktails
Fable Brea
South Brea, State College Corridor • Trendy New American Restaurant And Bar • Weekend Brunch Favorite
Playful, storybook-inspired decor and a creative New American menu make Fable a fun hangout from brunch through late-night drinks.
Tucked along State College Boulevard, Fable feels like a find, with whimsical touches, a lively bar, and a menu that leans into shareable plates and brunch comfort. Expect loaded toasts, Benedicts, and sweet brunch dishes by day, shifting to heartier New American plates and craft cocktails by night. Locals like it for catching up with friends over long weekend brunches or starting a low-key night out without leaving Brea.
05
Best classic American spot
Cedar Creek Inn
Downtown Brea Near Birch Street Promenade • Classic American Restaurant • Comfort-Food Go-To
A longtime local favorite, Cedar Creek Inn serves polished comfort food in a warm setting just steps from downtown’s theaters and shops.
Across from the historic Brea water tower and a short walk from Birch Street Promenade, Cedar Creek Inn has the feel of a well-kept neighborhood institution. The menu leans traditional—think prime rib, roast chicken, and hearty salads—served in a dining room that works equally well for grandparents and picky kids. It’s especially handy for a pre-show dinner before catching a movie or performance nearby.