Costa Mesa, California is home to many great attractions, including shopping mecca, South Coast Plaza, The Los Angeles Chargers training center and the Orange County Fair. As one of the foremost cultural and business centers in the state, there is no shortage of things to do, including shopping, swim and surf, and much more.
In addition to its top-rated beaches, Costa Mesa also has great dining options. With fare ranging from tasty Thai to delectable Mexican dishes, there is something delicious around nearly every corner.
While you visit Costa Mesa, CA, one of the hardest things might be trying to narrow down your options! Fortunately, we have done some of the legwork for you. Below is a roundup of the best restaurants in Costa Mesa. Among them are several Michelin-ranked options, favorites from Costa Mesa locals, and everything in between.
The 12 Best Restaurants in Costa Mesa:
Din Tai Fung
Up first is Din Tai Fung. Offering Taiwanese dishes like steamed dumplings, wontons, and pot stickers, Din Tai Fung is a Costa Mesa restaurant that is beloved by the entire community and the persistent line out the door is a testament to that.
Several standouts include the cucumber salad and pork xiao long bao. The New York Times has rated this as one of the top ten gourmet restaurants and the world, and it shows in the quality and flavor of each dish.
Each option is brimming with flavor that you won’t believe until you taste. This restaurant takes reservations but be sure to look far enough in advance (up to several weeks out) as they often fill up fast!
3333 Bristol Street, Plaza Space 2071, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Folks Pizzeria – Best Pizza Restaurant In Costa Mesa
Folks California pizzeria offers a full-service dine-in experience. Each menu item is crafted with fine ingredients and baked to perfection.
Choose between one of their pies with red sauce or white and spruce it up with your own add-ons if you like. There’s no way to go wrong! Paired with a bottle of natural wine, the entire menu is sure to delight pizza-lovers and winos alike. With limited seating, this small venue makes for an intimate dining experience. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome!
2937 Bristol St a102, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hanuman Thai Eatery
Hanuman Thai Eatery easily gets a spot on our list of best Costa Mesa restaurants.
In the mood for some delicious Thai cuisine? Look no further than Hanuman Thai Eatery. Each menu item offers classic Thai flavors with an elevated fusion.
Whether you are craving curry, sticky rice, green papaya salad, or something different altogether, Hanuman delivers on flavor and flair every time.
Above and beyond their vibrant dishes, the space has a wonderful ambiance with kind and accommodating staff. When you stop through at Hanuman Thai, we recommend the Pad See Ew or Massaman Curry!
355 Bristol St Ste U, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Toast Kitchen & Bakery
One restaurant we ALL agreed had to be on our guide to the best Costa Mesa restaurants is Toast Kitchen & Bakery.
Toast Kitchen & Bakery is a brunch-lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re up for standout options like Ube French toast or Chicken and Waffles or want to a simple short stack, Toast has it all.
Their Sisig burrito is a classic, packed with pork belly, avocado verde, fontina, scrambled eggs, fries, and more. It is a flavor explosion!
Best of all, Toast Kitchen & Bakery is prominent feature in the Costa Mesa community, donating to local non-profits and others in need. When you support Toast, you are eating delicious options and supporting the community while you do it!
1767 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Anjin
Our favorite Japanese bbq spot among other Costa Mesa restaurants is Anjin.
This versatile Japanese steakhouse serves up high quality cuts, ramen, and kimchi.
Customer favorites at this top-rated Costa Mesa restaurant include soft and juicy Wagyu and rib soup. Bring the meal together by pairing with a bottle of house wine or sake.
The location is small, yet cozy and the service is also top notch. Long waits are common for dishes this good, so reservations are highly recommended!
3033 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Vaca
Showcasing the ambiance of Spain in the comfort of Costa Mesa, Vaca is the best of both worlds. Featuring customary dishes from Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucia, Sevilla and the Basque, each dish offers an interpretation on genuine Spanish cooking.
The menu is packed with amazing dishes that will transport you to another continent! It is impossible to go wrong when there are so many authentic and sumptuous options to select from.
It only takes one visit to see why locals are crazy about Vaca and why it makes our list of the best restaurants in Costa Mesa.
695 Town Center Dr Suite 170, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai
There are several options when it comes to ramen in Costa Mesa but our number one pick for our list of the best Costa Mesa restaurants is Kitakata and offers a unique take on the dish that you have to taste to fully appreciate.
Including simmered pork belly, flat, curly noodles, and broth from simmered pork bones, every last sip packs depth and flavor.
Don’t forget to pair it with one of their great appetizers, like the nai bun or gyoza! With any one of their options, you can taste and appreciate the authenticity while taking in the low-key dining atmosphere.
891 Baker St B21, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Gracias Madre
For plant-based eaters and taco-lovers alike, Gracias Madre is one of the best places to eat in Costa Mesa. With many great vegan dishes and adorable décor, this spot offers great vibes and options.
Kick things off with chips & guac while you decide on your entree. The extensive menu features mains like burrito bowls and crunch wraps, as well as three-taco combos that are chock-full of flavor.
For those who are trying to keep it light, the taco salad is another awesome choice. Even non-vegans will enjoy a wonderful meal here. Paired with a signature cocktail, a visit to Gracias Madre is one to remember!
1617 Westcliff Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Taco Maria
Looking for more upscale tacos? Taco Maria offers excellent hand-made entrees worthy of its Michelin Star rating. This modern Mexican restaurant is the total package and is undoubtedly one of the absolute best restaurants in Costa Mesa.
With great hospitality, outstanding food, and a beautiful dining area, it all comes together when guests savor their unique dishes.
The fish taco and hanger steak are two recommendations among many amazing choices. Reservations are recommended, as seats for this one-of-a-kind eatery experience are in high demand!
3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Water Grill
Seafood lovers will delight in dining at Water Grill, Costa Mesa. Sourced directly from the Chesapeake, the Maryland softshell crab is delivered fresh daily. Each crab comes out of the water at the peak of tenderness, and this freshness and quality come through in every tender bite.
With a full-on raw bar, chilled shellfish, sushi, and wide range of entrees, Water Grill’s dining experience is bound to be unforgettable and its no wonder why its one of the top rated Costa Mesa restaurants.
The space also offers private dining that is perfect for corporate and social dining events.
3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Mastro’s
Mastros easily places in our list of Costa Mesa restaurants that you don’t want to miss!
Steakhouse afficionados will appreciate the outstanding dining experience that awaits you here.
From the butcher block to you, each entrée is made with care and attention to quality. Offering a sushi selection and extensive steak and chop cuts along with soup, veggies, and other accompaniments, Mastro’s is the quintessential steakhouse experience.
Start things off with a decadent appetizer like sauteed sea scallops or king crab legs as you sip a rich wine. Followed by one of the many impeccable entrees, you will be glad you chose Mastro’s for a noteworthy dining experience.
As a note, Mastro’s enforces a strict upscale dress code. Be sure to wear your best duds while you enjoy your fine dining experience.
633 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hana re Sushi
Our favorite sushi spot among other Costa Mesa restaurants is Hana re Sushi.
At this Costa Mesa gem, you can see the chef compose a medley of thoughtfully selected ingredients in real time.
Chef Atsushi is the artist behind each dish, and there is no doubt each one is a masterpiece. With an extensive sake collection and stunning plates to match, the Hana re sushi experience is memorable.
Don’t just take our word for it! Michelin guide has also named Hana re a top-rated restaurant in 2021!
2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Conclusion
As you can see, Costa Mesa has a multitude of great dining options. No matter where you find yourself on this list, you are sure to encounter phenomenal cuisine and great ambiance to match.
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