With a plethora of fabulous eateries and local hotspots in our repertoire, it seems fitting to go back over and establish the best of the best among our fierce contenders. They have each brought something unique to the dining room table, and now is the time to award my Top Five with distinctive honors.

1-Rutabegorz

As if there was ever a doubt in my mind, Rutabegorz in Downtown Fullerton ranks in at #1 on my list for its exceptional food. It has been a goal of mine to try something new at Rutabegorz every time I go, and I have never left disappointed. All their vegetable dishes are fresh and flavorful, especially the hummus with pita bread or the falafel wrap. They carry everything, from salads, to vegetarian lasagna and enchiladas. To top it off, the coffee is strong and wonderful, with delicious specialty drinks and treats. I can never leave without grabbing a pumpkin or peanut butter cookie on my way out. Service is always wonderful and the location is great, but it’s the delicious variety of homemade food that has made me an avid aficionada.

2-McClain’s Coffeehouse

McClain’s entered late into the game but it certainly left a lasting impression. The Fullerton hipster coffee house receives my #2 spot for its atmosphere and convenience. The ambience is excellent for college students. It is the prime place to work on papers, study for exams or have stimulating conversations with pals. Convenience is key with surprisingly abundant seating for a coffee house, lots of espresso to keep you up late when needed and open hours that exceed 3 a.m. every morning. The oversized velvet coaches are great for cozying up with a book, and the outside patio and stereo system invites any music enthusiast in for some tea and tunes. Rock out to classics like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. The warm colors and miscellaneous art complete the tempting tone.

3- Arturo’s Puffy Taco

There are plenty of great sources for Mexican food in Southern California, but never before have you had a taco like this. Arturo’s Puffy Taco in Whittier comes in at #3 for their inconceivable tacos at an incredible price. The Lopez family at Puffy Taco has their own secret recipe that makes an ordinary corn tortilla inflate and crisp up into a crunchy shell. They fill the shell with hearty chunks of meat, salsa, cheese and veggies to make this sensational treat for less than $2. You can’t get this food anywhere else, and why would you want to with such great prices?

4-The Brownstone Café

It’s a romantic history and intriguing past that gives The Brownstone Café such copious charm. Placed in a beautiful courtyard and surrounded by boutique shops in Downtown Fullerton, the mood is set immediately, which is perfectly complimented by its history. The current owners met at the restaurant in the 90s. Kim opened the restaurant with her brother and hired Glen as the head chef. This is where they were introduced, fell in love and later married. The pride and joy of chef Glen Rhynes is his special recipe for tomato basil bisque soup, which came to him in a dream he describes as, “divine inspiration.” To top it off, the area is said to be haunted – it appears on a Fullerton ghost tour. For me, this only adds to the excitement and matchless magnetism of The Brownstone Café.

5-Renu Nakorn

Rounding off my Top Five is the Thai food temple, Renu Nakorn. At first glance, it appears as unremarkable as it sounds, but any food that boasts praise from such high profile publications as The New York Times and LA Times has got to be worth checking out. It is the best Thai food outside of Thailand, according to one New York Times reporter, and the prices are fantastic, too. Meals range from $6-$13. I highly recommend the pad thai noodles and yellow curry, but every dish is rich in flavor. If you are afraid too chicken to try the spicy chicken, note that everything can be made milder and still be delicious. It is a pleasure to have the highly celebrated Renu Nakorn just a few minutes down Rosecrans Avenue in Norwalk.