Discover the Best Eats in Costa Mesa
- Isabel Leong
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Costa Mesa is a suburban oasis located in sunny Orange County, California. Only 30 minutes from Disneyland and a mere 15 minutes to famous beach towns such as Laguna Beach, and San Clemente.
Officially founded in 1953, Costa Mesa has recently started gaining traction for its artsy vibes, eclectic boutiques and mouth-watering cuisine.
While I love the hipster feel and have definitely posed for a few photos in front of straight up ~stunning~ public murals, it’s the food scene that ultimately won me over and cultivated my adoration for Costa Mesa.
Be it a first date, girls’ night out, coffee with mom or an impressive dinner on vacation, I have put together a list of the top 5 best restaurants in Costa Mesa that you simply MUST try!
Best Coffee Shop
While this technically isn't a restaurant, I’d be remiss to not mention Portola Coffee Roasters. Offering delectable pastries, small bites and you guessed it, coffee!
However, you won’t find your average cup of Joe here…. Nay, you’ll find a life-altering, carefully crafted, steaming hot cup of brew-house roasted coffee.
Whipped up by your magical barista, clad in none other than a chemist's lab coat. Fitting attire considering the truly out of this world coffee produced. It’s so good, you'll want to grab one or two of their bags of roasted coffee beans to take home; I know I certainly did!
Best Weekend Brunch
Think mouthwatering Mexican food, mixed with your favorite brunch items, and you have Playa Mesa!
Situated in the heart of Costa Mesa, Playa Mesa Mexican Kitchen was voted OC’s (Orange County) best margarita 2019, and for those asking: yes, brunch margs are a thing, and pair terrifically with the chilaquiles.
Now think about bold Cuban flavors, plantains and ropa vieja, paired with mojitos in a tropical courtyard, and you have Habana!
Located at The LAB Anti-Mall, Habana brings the vibrant flavors and spirit of Cuba to Costa Mesa. The restaurant’s lush courtyard patio is one of the most charming dining spaces in the city, surrounded by tropical greenery and colorful décor. The menu celebrates classic Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, garlic shrimp, and crispy plantains, alongside refreshing mojitos and traditional cocktails. Whether visiting for brunch or dinner, Habana offers a lively atmosphere that transports diners straight to Havana.
Or, for those looking for a more classic brunch option; I recommend the mimosas with fresh squeezed OJ and “The Playa Standard”, a perfect plate of two eggs, your choice of meat, potatoes, escabeche, salsa and tortillas.
Best Lunch Spots
With a killer happy hour from 4pm-close on Wednesdays and items like Spanish Octopus, Cauliflower Crunch Roll, and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, it’s no wonder SOCIAL has two locations only a few miles apart!
Perhaps the most impressive though, is their drinks menu. Filled with wines, beers and creative cocktails such as the Costa Mesa exclusive, “Tini Apple'' aka boozy slushie. Or the aptly named “Kiwi Herman,” starring fennel-shiso infused tequila, kiwi juice, lime cordial, lime, saline and fennel bitters, an admittedly odd sounding, but delicious combo.
Featuring rustic-chic décor, live music (check times before you go) and swoon-worthy libations, SOCIAL has gained a following who come for the food and stay for their drinks.
ARC Restaurant has quietly become one of Costa Mesa’s most beloved dining destinations. Known for its open kitchen centered around a wood-fired grill, ARC focuses on simple yet expertly prepared dishes that highlight high-quality ingredients. The menu evolves with the seasons, allowing the chefs to showcase fresh produce, premium meats, and thoughtfully sourced seafood in creative ways.
Guests can often watch the culinary team at work, adding an engaging and personal element to the dining experience. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner with friends or a special night out. The result is a dining experience where thoughtful cooking, seasonal ingredients, and genuine hospitality take center stage.
Best Dinner
Water Grill is located in the South Coast Plaza, nestled between luxury stores and boutiques alike. Upon entering the elegant establishment, my eyes were immediately drawn to the rows of tanks housing fresh seafood and the dedicated oyster bar with 16 different types of oysters.
In case you couldn’t tell, this place is definitely known for its seafood. If you don’t like seafood, no problem! There are still plenty of mouth-watering options for you, like their incredible tortellini, or roasted chicken and baby kale salad (cue mouthwatering and heart eyes).
This is definitely a spot you want reservations for as it’s very popular and always busy, even with four locations in California.
The good news? Keep your eyes peeled because Water Grill is making waves, and who knows where one will pop up next!
For those seeking a refined dining experience in Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat offers an elegant take on modern French cuisine. Located within South Coast Plaza, the Michelin-starred restaurant is led by acclaimed chef Tony Esnault and showcases seasonal ingredients through thoughtful, beautifully composed dishes.
The serene dining room and terrace provide the perfect setting to enjoy a menu that blends classic French techniques with contemporary California sensibility.
Delectable Dessert
Now, for (arguably) the best category of food, we have dessert.
Inside CAMP - the artsy, cute, environmentally conscious vendor space - sits Vitaly. Open daily, and on weekends from 8:30am-9:30pm, Vitaly packs a punch with its robust menu, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course dessert.
If it has all this, why save it till last?! Because Vitaly is the cherry on top of your gelato packed Sunday.
With two world-class Gelato Chef’s (*re-considers career choice*), both professionally trained and certified at the best gelato schools in Italy, it will come as no surprise that the range of flavors is vast and the options plentiful. From unique flavors like ricotta and pear with cinnamon to your classic mint chocolate chip stracciatella, I promise you will not be disappointed, and may even find yourself in line for seconds.
Costa Mesa is beautiful and so full of life, with the ever-growing art scene, and yummy spots yet to be discovered, I cannot recommend enough that you hurry up and go. I promise all your friends will be regarding you as a trendsetter soon.
