Whether you’re on the go, or are just craving a quick bite, you don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed any longer. These three new fast-casual Orange County restaurants offer elevated quick cuisine.
Pitfire Artisan Pizza
Pitfire Artisan Pizza brings rustic fire-singed, pizzas—such one with house-made burrata cheese, wild arugula, caramelized onions, whole hazelnuts, sweet tomato sauce and crushed pesto—and handcrafted Italian cuisine to Costa Mesa. 353 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.313.6333. pitfirepizza.com
Tender Greens
Tender Greens, known for super-fresh ingredients, presents ‘Hot Stuff” in three styles, creative “Big Salads” and “Simple Salads” and scrumptious desserts, at Irvine Spectrum Center. 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.679.9135. tendergreensfood.com
The Grilled Cheese Spot
The team behind the Crosby, a hip spot in downtown Santa Ana, opened The Grilled Cheese Spot—tiny, table-less and cash-only—around the corner; choose from among 15 kinds of cheeses, seven bread options and various meat and vegetable add-ons to build your own sandwich, or order one of the rotating house creations. 318 W. 5th St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2235 thegrilledcheesespot.com