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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Costa Mesa

Authentic chocolate

Chocolate that tastes like it was made by a craftsperson rather than something pulled off a mass-market shelf.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Brazuca Café image 1
Brazuca Café image 2
Brazuca Café image 3
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Brazilian flavors with live music and indoor and outdoor seating including heaters. Atmosphere feels like a cozy, modern Brazilian café with a spacious and inviting setup. Brazilian beers and refreshing cocktails complement the experience.

Dishes deliver authentic Brazilian flavors with freshness and rich taste. The feijoada stands out as flavorful and true to tradition, matching home-style cooking.

Cakes taste very much like homemade with chocolate and strawberry flavors standing out. The chocolate pastels and flan add a sweet finish alongside fresh strawberries.

People are saying

"The Brazilian food here is authentic and delicious."

"The Brazilian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"I'm looking forward to having the picanha plate again."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends is recommended for Feijoada, a national specialty dish.

2

The café is self-serve, so customers get their own silverware and condiments.

3

Parking can be a hassle due to the location in a strip mall.

02
Butcher’s House Brasserie image 1
French steakhouse restaurant

Small French steakhouse with cozy, intimate atmosphere and Parisian bistro decor. Indoor space is compact with tables close together, while outdoor seating offers a quieter option by a fountain. Bar area is lively and can be loud, contrasting with the generally warm and inviting vibe inside.

Southwest French dishes feature homemade Toulouse sausages and country style pâté that taste truly authentic. Starters like butcher's salad and French onion soup match traditional French flavors well.

Chocolate mousse stands out with its creamy, rich texture and a topping of dark and dark-bitter chocolate bubbles. Desserts like creme brulee and this mousse offer a divine finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The steaks here are flavorful and perfectly cooked."

"The French dishes, like the Toulouse sausages, are truly authentic."

"You have to try the chocolate mousse, it's so creamy and rich."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get crowded.

2

Seating is limited; expect to sit at the bar if you arrive without a reservation.

3

Prices for entrees range from $30 to $50 per person.

03
Il Girasole image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant blends Tuscan atmosphere with modern decor and bold graffiti art. Warm, inviting vibe suits romantic dinners and casual brunches, with dog-friendly patios featuring heaters and blankets. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dining paired with attentive service.

Sauces burst with rich, authentic flavors that lift every dish. The menu blends authentic Italian roots with a modern twist for a genuine dining experience.

Chocolate desserts include a warm flourless chocolate cake with custard that is velvety and rich. The dessert trio features tiramisu with mascarpone layers and a meringue with berry compote balancing sweetness and tartness.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta dishes here are incredible."

"The chocolate French toast here will change your life."

"It's an authentic Italian dining experience with a modern twist."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy.

2

Happy hour is available daily with a casual lunch menu.

3

A $35 corkage fee applies if you bring your own wine.

04
PRADERA BRUNCH image 1
Restaurant

Sophisticated space with warm lighting and tasteful cow decor creates an inviting yet upscale vibe. The atmosphere balances modern trendy feel with a calm, clean aesthetic suitable for casual dates or family brunches. Indoor and outdoor seating areas support a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Great food offers authentic flavors with a variety of options. The atmosphere feels amazing and very authentic.

Chocolate offerings include a rich chocolate milkshake with banana and an elevated Chocolate Abuelita hot chocolate. These stand out alongside other dishes but shine on their own.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and really good."

"The food here has authentic flavors and is excellent."

"The Chocolate abuelita hot chocolate is an elevated version."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand on weekends.

2

Expect a wait of 1.5 hours during peak brunch hours.

3

Parking is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

05
ORANGE PARIS CAFE image 1
French restaurant

Small bistro with Parisian decor and red-and-white checkered tablecloths creates an authentic French atmosphere. Cozy space with 7-8 tiny tables offers a peaceful, relaxing vibe. Games and toys for kids add a welcoming touch during wait times.

French cuisine feels very authentic with a French chef behind the dishes. The ambiance includes red-and-white checkered tablecloths and soft French music, creating a cozy Parisian cafe vibe.

Chocolate croissants stand out with a unique flavor and amazing taste. They rank among the best pastries experienced here.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and delicious."

"The food here is amazing and truly authentic French."

"The chocolate croissant is the best pastry I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the gas station, but it can get crowded.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

The café offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

06
Mercado González Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Mexican flavors throughout the market. Street tacos and tamales showcase the careful preparation behind each dish.

Freshly made churros come with rich hot chocolate for dipping. The chocolate almond ice cream offers a creamy, nutty twist among other flavors.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"The food here is so authentic and full of flavor."

"I loved their freshly made churros and chocolate."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

07
The Celebrations Venue and Red Room Supper Club image 1

Event venue combines retro 1950s New York and speakeasy vibe with live jazz music creating an intimate ambiance. Decor features deep red colors and elegant, sleek design. Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails complement the warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

Chef Carmelo and the owner are genuine Italians, crafting dishes with authentic flavor rooted in traditional Italian cuisine. A live guitar player adds a cozy and authentic atmosphere to the experience.

Chocolate here shines in the chocolate soufflé, a dish that takes 45 minutes to prepare and stands out as a showstopper. It finishes the meal with a rich, delicious touch.

People are saying

"The food here is served with warm, attentive, and genuine hospitality."

"The authentic hospitality here makes you feel like family."

"The chocolate here is so rich and decadent, it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for events to ensure seating.

2

Live music events typically start at 7pm, so arrive early.

3

A two-drink minimum is required during live performances.

08
El Moro Churrería image 1
Dessert shop

Tiny dessert shop with an open kitchen shows churros being made fresh and covered with cinnamon. Retro vibes fill the space, enhanced by cute uniforms with bow ties and limited outdoor seating. The atmosphere feels lively and festive, especially when live music plays nearby.

Churros here taste very authentic and match the style found in Mexico. They stand out as the only authentic Mexican churros outside of Mexico.

Mexican hot chocolate stands out with its thick and rich texture and bittersweet flavor. Hot chocolates here are consistently delicious and pair well with churros.

People are saying

"I experienced the best hot chocolate and churros here."

"I thought the churros were piping hot and delicious."

"I found the churros here to be so authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high demand.

2

A single churro costs $2.50, or 4 for $9.00.

3

The shop is located inside a bustling Mexican market with various food options.

09
Trenta Pizza & Cucina and Trenta Lounge image 1

Outdoor dining dominates with a large, heated patio converted from a parking lot, featuring al fresco seating and a full bar. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending authentic Sicilian style with lively live music. Indoor space is small and cozy, creating a slightly cramped feel during busy times.

Authentic Italian pizza and Sicilian dishes stand out here. The pasta and desserts also reflect genuine Italian flavors.

Chocolate desserts include a chocolate soufflé, torttufo, and chocolate gelato. These options finish meals with rich, creamy textures.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, tasted like it was from Italy."

"I found the Italian food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"I had the chocolate gelato and soufflé for dessert."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; valet service is the only option available.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating.

3

The kitchen closes 10 minutes before the restaurant closes.

10
Vaca. image 1
Spanish restaurant

Spanish restaurant offers lively atmosphere with a beautiful outdoor patio featuring heaters for comfort. Indoor seating is packed and close-quartered, creating an intimate but confined vibe. Drinks include seasonal cocktails and a large selection of Tempranillo wine, complementing standout dishes like seared scallops and dry-aged steak.

Dishes feature high-end authentic Spanish flavors with quality ingredients and authentic preparation. Paella stands out as rich and true to traditional recipes.

Chocolate appears in the lava cake with a molten center and the Churros con Chocolate. The lava cake offers a rich, gooey texture while the churros come with a classic chocolate dip.

People are saying

"The Spanish tapas and entrees make for a wonderful dinner."

"The churros with chocolate are a classic dessert."

"I found the food to be rich and authentic."

Good to know

1

Parking requires a valet.

2

We waited outside for two hours before being seated.

3

The paella takes about 40 minutes to cook.

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Costa Mesa, California

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