25 Essential Costa Mesa Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Costa Mesa.
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi
California
Snug Japanese eatery, with sushi bar, serving traditional dishes, such as udon & teriyaki.
Massimos Pizza and Pasta
California
Basic Italian spot offering pies, pasta dishes & daily dinner specials in a shopping-center setting.
Water Grill
California
Sophisticated seafood restaurant with extensive raw-bar options & a menu updated daily.
SkyBay Sushi
Costa Mesa, California
Strip-mall Japanese eatery with a selection of raw & cooked fare, plus bento boxes & lunch specials.
Ruby's Diner
Costa Mesa, California
Fast-casual chain restaurant serving classic favorites like burgers, fries, shakes & more.
Habana
Costa Mesa, California
Cuban dishes, mojitos & more in a shabby-chic, candlelit space & garden patio within LAB Antimall.
Mastro's Steakhouse
Costa Mesa, California
Snazzy chophouse serves decadent plates & drinks to glamorous crowds in a plush supper-club setting.
Pasta Connection
Costa Mesa, California
Homey Italian eatery for classic pastas (made fresh daily) & salads, plus a few Argentinean dishes.
Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, California
Simple, compact Japanese restaurant with a varied menu known for its handmade udon & soba noodles.
Mendocino Farms
Costa Mesa, California
Creative gourmet sandwiches, soups & salads, made with local & seasonal ingredients.
Pom & Olive
Costa Mesa, California
Comfy, relaxed restaurant with outdoor seating, dishing up baba ghanoush, lamb shawarma & more.
Board & Brew
Costa Mesa, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Taco Mesa
Costa Mesa, California
Health-conscious, organic burritos & tacos (plus margaritas) in a casual & convivial taqueria.
Al Forno Caffe
Costa Mesa, California
Casual eatery offering regional Italian wines alongside classic antipasti, pastas, entrees & pizza.
Sushi Town
Costa Mesa, California
The sushi bar is the star of this strip-mall Japanese restaurant with TVs & a casual ambiance.
Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar
Costa Mesa, California
Lakeside eatery serving local cuisine in a sophisticated windowed-dining room with outdoor patio.
Globe Delicatessen
Costa Mesa, California
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
PRADERA BRUNCH
Costa Mesa, California
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee. Popular for.
Le Chateau Garden Bistro
Costa Mesa, California
Sophisticated restaurant in Ayres Hotel with refined New American cuisine & a tranquil garden patio.
Wild Goose Tavern
Costa Mesa, California
Small-batch whiskeys & beers accompany gourmet sausages, burgers & more in a rustic-chic atmosphere.
Arc Food & Libations
Costa Mesa, California
Rustic-chic hangout pairing locally sourced American fare with handmade craft cocktails.
Firehouse Subs Mesa Verde
Costa Mesa, California
Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
In-N-Out Burger
Costa Mesa, California
Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.
Sugo Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights.
Lil Pickle
Costa Mesa, California
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch.