I've found Friends Cafe of Tustin to be a wonderful family operated local treasure with great food, service, and ambiance. I have enjoyed breakfast there many weekend mornings with up to 10 friends, lunch with my husband on a weekday, and recently a birthday party for 45 guests on Saturday evening. Whatever the day, the time, the meal, or the size of our crowd, Friends Cafe has been delightful. And Friends catered and online takeout menu are terrific, too. Don't pass up the opportunity to enjoy Friends Cafe. read more

Still remember the days I first arrived in the States--what impressed me most were classic restaurants, friendly service, and generous portions. Friends Café instantly brought me back with its old-school vibes and thoughtful murals. Super family-friendly, with coloring activities, a kids' menu, fresh orange juice, unlimited coffee, and all-day breakfast classics done right. My favorite is the steak & eggs--an 8 oz steak with toast, fresh fruit, and eggs, all for under $20. They say you eat memories, and classics are classic for a reason. IG: socalhkfoodies read more

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Stopped in here for some brekky. It is surprisingly roomy inside and it looks like they've made the most out of the space. The food itself is decent, nothing out of this world, but my eggs Benedict were ok, and I liked the freshly squeezed OJ. The service however was not great. We arrived and were seated right away, our food came out at a good time, but we were left at the table unattended after we were clearly finished for 25 minutes. We could see our server walking around, attending other tables, but completely ignoring us. Not sure what happened or what was going on, but I was very ready to go when a completely different server came over and finally brought us the bill. Don't think I'd be back here anytime soon, wasted almost 30 minutes waiting to pay for our food so we could leave. read more

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Really enjoyed my experience at this restaurant! Service is super friendly and attentive, there's lots of tables and parking, and the menu is huge (breakfast, brunch, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads, calzones, hamburgers, and more). Serving sizes and prices are decent as well. Got the chicken fried steak with eggs, hash browns, and English muffin. Everything tasted good and I loved how crispy the hashbrowns were. We also got a side of fries and they were well seasoned. read more

Friends Cafe - Chicken fried steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

Had an amazing dinner at Friend's Cafe! The food was delicious, and they have an incredible pizza deal: a large pizza, 10 wings, and a 2-liter soda for just $25.99--perfect if you're hanging out with a group. We went with the pasta and quesadillas this time, and both were hits. Great ambiance, affordable prices, and a solid evening all around! read more

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This place is quickly becoming my favourite pancake establishment in Orange County. It's always crazy busy, but the service is pretty streamlined, and the staff is helpful. It's a very fun environment, and you can see a lot of families and good friends meeting at the cafe. A little chaotic at times, but definitely can see regulars coming back for their signature dishes and consistency. Be warned, portion sizes are HUGE! Their buttermilk pancake is just fantastic, but it's super huge. I always end up taking 1 of the 3 home and snack on them later. My friends have ordered the omelets and also noted that the portion sizes are very big. read more

Friends has quickly become one of our favorite places to eat. The service is amazing! Great atmosphere and food arrives quickly

My husband and I had breakfast here after church. It was husband's first time, my third. He absolutely loved it! The hash browns were the best he's ever had - so crispy and fresh. The pancakes were delicious as were the breakfast tacos - everything in the taco was super fresh , the avocados were perfect! And the food came out quickly and was still hot when it was served. Service was prompt as well. The restaurant looks like a typical diner, nothing fancy, but the food speaks for itself. read more

Friends Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

Friends Cafe is one of those places that instantly puts you in a good mood the moment you walk in. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and it has that neighborhood comfort where you immediately relax. It is bright, clean, and has a calm energy that makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a slow morning coffee. The food was the highlight for me. Everything tasted fresh and well prepared, and you can tell the kitchen puts care into every plate. My meal came out hot and flavorful, and the portions were generous without feeling overwhelming. It is the kind of food that feels comforting but still has personality. I left feeling satisfied and happy. The service was just as impressive. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made me feel like they genuinely cared about my experience. They checked in at the right moments, offered recommendations, and kept the vibe easy and pleasant. Friends Cafe is the type of place that makes you want to return because everything simply feels right. Great food, great people, and a welcoming ambiance. I am already looking forward to my next visit. read more

A nice local independent diner with a big menu. Breakfast served all day! We came at breakfast time and had breakfast. There are lots of choices from sweet to savory. Good solid food but not inspired. Hey, what do you want from a cafe? The service is a little slow but it's made up for by how nice the staff is. With places like this how can Denny's etal still be in business? Support your local independent businesses. read more

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Everything, everything is great. Attentive, kind service and pleasant food. They seem especially keen on the older crowd. We had a huge omelet and liked the hash browns. read more

Friends Cafe - Omelet with delightful hash browns, perfectly crisp. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

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What a great cafe in Tustin! Stopped by to have breakfast with my mentor and lifelong friend Jim. Amazing food. No cholula but I'll live. Lol. The service was excellent. The young lady helping us was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. The place is great with lots of natural light and clean decor. We were not rushed even once even though our conversation carried on for a while. Thanks Friends Cafe! See you again in the future. read more

I had a pretty disappointing experience overall. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant felt unclean there were several dirty tables, which immediately set a bad first impression. After we sat down, our waitress came by, but she seemed very slow and had a tired, disengaged demeanor, which didn't help the experience. It only got worse from there. My husband went to use the restroom and said there were gnats in the urinal. Around the same time, we had a fly swarming our table, which made things feel even more unsanitary. We ordered drinks and food, but it took about 24 minutes for our meals to arrive. Our waitress was inattentive, didn't offer refills, and when we asked for something, she never came back we ended up having to get up ourselves just to ask for refills and a side of sauce. When I tried to use the restroom, I was told it was closed for an hour due to a leak, which added to the overall discomfort. Between the cleanliness issues, the service, and the general atmosphere, I felt grossed out for most of the visit. The only positive was that the food itself was actually good. Unfortunately, everything else overshadowed that, and I wouldn't return. read more

Cute American diner located in a small plaza by 17th. Food was good and pretty affordable considering the price of dining out now a days. Food was delightful and service was wonderful. This place wasn't super busy, super clean and cozy read more

Came here late night. Service was friendly and menu had quite a variety. It has that diner feel and is spacious. We just snacked and chatted so it was a good place for that. read more

Great restaurant. I felt at home and love the environment and vive. My new favorite restaurant in Tustin! Amazing food.

Friends cafe is not clean anymore Bathrooms dirty tables dirty, walls disgusting They definitely need to take action and maintain that place. Service is bad & don't order door dash, they always take too long to hand over your order to the driver. Nobody answer the phone. read more

Eggs and corned with an Aloha pancake... just let that sink in a bit. The food is great, service is welcoming, and the ambience is that of an upbeat diner. Great dinners as well. Give Friends a try! read more

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Ugh. I hate to leave such a low mark but what a disappointment my visit here was. Service was awful and food was just ok. Came with a group early on Sunday morning. Half of our group received water right away, the other half did not. We waited quite a while and then someone had to go ask for a person to provide water and take our order. We were never asked if we wanted anything else to drink, nor were our water glasses ever refilled, despite us all having no water left in our glasses. We all felt the food was ok, but nothing extra. I had an omelette with bacon and cheese. It was incredibly plain. At least put some cheese or a garnish on top to present it better. My food was also served way after everyone had already been served their food. Isn't it standard practice to bring everything out at once? By the time we left, the place was packed. I can't imagine that anyone got great service there today, unfortunately. read more

Friends Cafe - Very plain looking cheese and bacon omelette and fruit. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

Rude, they told us to sit anywhere. Other 2 families were sat after we sat down. They were given attention and menus. Didn't get no service. Minutes After they brought us menu, waitress didn't say anything at all and walked away. No one had good service. It was first time going, won't be going back. There was 4-5 waitresses and place was not busy at all, only had two families that were there when we arrived. read more

The thing about breakfast food is it's hard to mess it up and hard to make it mind blowing. We tried this place for breakfast and found the food to be run of the mill. This would be a three star review, but the excellent service bumps it up to four stars. Ambience wise, it's more or less a diner. The dining room is pleasant enough. The prices are reasonable. read more

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Came here on a Thursday morning some time ago. It wasn't busy at all and we got seated right away. I ordered the french toast and that was delicious. One of my friends got a sandwich (PCH), and that was delicious too. It's a cute, little hole in the wall and I loved it. Will be back to try everything else I wanted! read more

Friends Cafe has become our favorite neighborhood restaurant. It is named appropriately as the owner makes you feel as if you are visiting friends whenever you go there! The menu is extensive, the food is delicious and the prices are extremely reasonable! Everything is homemade and the desserts look incredible! A neighbor ordered their large pizza for delivety and said it was huge! The largest he ever saw, and it tasted fabulous! Although they are open all day and evenings, they are known for their breakfasts. You will find people waiting outside on weekend mornings! I highly recommend Friends Cafe! You can thank me later! read more

This is the third time I've ordered from them for a large party. They always get the orders right but there are just certain things that shouldn't be takeout because once they cool off, they're just not very good, mainly the fried foods. But their sandwiches and wraps are always a huge hit! Also love their pasta! read more

We stopped in on a Sunday for a late lunch. After reading a few Yelp reviews and reviewing photos I thought we'd give Fiends Cafe a chance. They have a huge menu with tons of options.. I opted for one of their *Specialty* sandwiches the "Cosmopolitan," and added a side salad. The sandwich was bland and the salad was really disappointing, the dressing tasted bottled and highly processed/too thick. Unfortunately I had poured it over the lettuce so the entire salad was ruined. Their fries were great, I thought I would get them with the sandwich seeing as I had asked to "add a side salad," but this was interpreted as swapping the fries for the salad. We also tried the Rueben, but subbed the pastrami for turkey, the sandwich was okay, not very much sauerkraut or meat and the bread was quite soggy as if the kraut hadn't been drained thoroughly. This was a miss for me, but seeing as they have such a big menu and other great reviews maybe I just didn't order the best item on the menu. read more

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We go there once a week for breakfast. Today's experience will change that. We arrived about 11:15 waited to get seated about 10 minutes and I then ask the hostess where we were in line she said your next I ask her why the wait since there were 4 empty booths and several empty tables. it took another 10 minutes to order and request water.After another 10 minutes and not getting any water or place settings we left. As much as we liked the restaurant in the past we will go elsewhere. We had a great meal at Benji's. read more

Great service - friendly and quick Perfect big fluffy pancake Tuna melt was crispy griddled bread Clean bathroom - great sign read more

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I was shocked that it wasn't full on a Sunday night! What a wonderful place to eat- with a full menu of all kinds of food, including really decorative desserts. The service here is quick and kind- kudos to the chefs who nailed my request of soft poached eggs perfectly! The eggs Benedict is my recommendation as far as breakfast goes. The restaurant itself is well lit, and roomy. All in all, I highly recommend this place! read more

Friends Cafe - Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

First time visiting and was surprised that I had been missing out on it. The food, prices and servers are amazing. The only complaint I had was the coffee was very weak so I'll bring my own next time but I will definitely return! read more

I had breakfast this morning with some friends and it was great. Later in the day I noticed that I had lost one of my diamond earrings that was set in white gold. I was devastated and thought I would never see my earring again. Nonetheless, I retraced my steps. I went back to Friends Cafe and looked under the booth I sat at. When I inquired, one of the waitresses overheard, and said she found an earring this morning and held it up. It was my missing earring. I tried to tip her and she tried to refuse saying it wasn't necessary. I wanted to cry tears of joy. Yes, there are wonderful, honest people in this world. I will continue to eat at Friends....thank you for your wonderful service! read more

I don't usually write reviews like this, but I believe in accountability--especially when it comes to how people in positions of power treat others. Last night, I picked up a pizza for a coworker at this cafe. When I arrived, the employee handed me the pizza, and I stood there awkwardly before asking, "Do I pay?" She replied, "No pay," and gave a small nod. I stood there for a bit longer, still unsure, but she didn't follow up, so I left thinking it was already covered or a system error. Looking back, I think there may have been a language barrier, and this was an honest miscommunication--not me trying to avoid paying. But what happened next is where the real issue lies. About 40 minutes later, the manager came into my workplace and confronted me abruptly, saying I hadn't paid. His tone was intense and completely unprofessional, especially given the context. As a manager, he could have chosen many other routes: - Humor - A calm, respectful conversation - Or even letting it go if the mistake came from his staff But instead, he chose pride. This isn't the first time I've heard of this manager handling things poorly. Others I know have had uncomfortable experiences with him too. There seems to be a pattern of entitlement and rudeness over very small issues. And while this situation may seem minor to some, it still deserves to be addressed. Because when someone in power chooses confrontation over compassion--especially toward women, customers, or neighbors--it leaves a lasting impression. I hope this feedback encourages more care and professionalism moving forward. I'm not looking to stir up drama--just offering awareness. If the manager (or the person who confronted me) sees this, I hope he takes a moment to reflect. Accountability isn't an attack--it's a chance to do better. If he ever wants to have a real conversation or offer a sincere apology, I'm open to that. Until then, I'm simply sharing my experience so others know what kind of energy they may walk into. read more

This was an interesting find. I've been to this shopping area numerous times and didn't realize this restaurant/diner was tucked away in here. Food was good, prices were good, a great place to come with friends or even by yourself, they have a counter.. read more

The morning menu for breakfast was great . The ambiance was pleasant. The staff were all friendly and quick . I would def try this place again read more

Friends Cafe - Deliciousness - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

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Been meeting a friend here last few years 2 three times a month . Traveled a lot last year and did not come as often. time before last ok not great . We had breakfast last Saturday and not good ! I had oatmeal that came like it was instant made with to much water ! milk came in plastic container like ones use by mexican restaurants for to go salsa. which was fine since the bowl was already full of water . Friends bacon not good like usual . Friend owns a restaurant and said bet it is new owner cutting costs ! Sure enough new owners . Going back the end of the month and hope for better review . Ask nice waitress for a recommendation and she says food still great and we let her take bacon off the bill and said we would be back based on what she said ! My friend says she is a great waitress and is telling the truth or she is already looking around for new job ! read more

Been passing this place to go get my coffee. Then I stopped in and fell in Love with this place! Great food, big portions, friendly and personable service. I can only comment on breakfast but the pancake combo is large enough to share and they also have alcohol! Great friendly no frills place with amazing food! read more

The Philly steak was a big sandwhich! It was cheesy, meaty, but I wish the bell peppers and onions were more cooked down. 4/5 The spaghetti and meatballs were okay. The meatballs were big and not dry which was nice but needed a little more seasoning. They were a little bland. The noodles were extra al dente so pretty undercooked sadly. The garlic bread was the best part because of the melted cheese crust. Overall the spaghetti and meatballs were 3/5 read more

Friends Cafe - philly steak and spaghetti and meatballs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tustin, California

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Good food and pleasant ambiance. Took quite awhile to receive our order, but it was a busy day. I will be back l for sure!

Terrific and friendly service. Tasty food. Deducted 1 star for 2 reasons. 1) The 3% credit card service fee, which is hidden on the menu. 2) $4 for 2 slices of white toast with a small helping of preserves? Ridiculous! read more

I had high hopes for this cute place, what a disappointment. Waited for 5 minutes to be seated in a half full restaurant that holds maybe 80 people. Busboy brought me my water, I waited another 10 minutes for the only waitress to bring the menu. Order was finally taken, food came out pretty fast but uggghhh. Omelet was ok a little underwhelming, hash browns were barely cooked/raw, and toast was incorrect. I ordered sourdough and got white. I sent hash browns back to get cooked, they burned the outside still leaving inside raw and cold. I won't be back, such a shame read more

I ordered the corned beef hash and it must have been the worst corned beef hash that I have ever had in my life... I image that maybe they had this can since the 1980's. It literally tasted like dog food or what I would imagine dog food would taste like, a sloppy mush of bland un flavorful so called "beef" or most likely "mystery meat" I literally did not even come close to finishing this dish, I put it where it should have naturally been from the beginning, the trash!!! I will never come back, ever! read more