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Local picks

Authentic salad spots in Costa Mesa

You want a salad that is prepared with a genuine approach. You can tell when a place is cutting corners, and you prefer the real thing.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
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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.

Freshness stands out with every salad served alongside classic French dishes. Salads come as crisp, simple sides that complement the Parisian Beef and Bacon and Tomato crepes well.

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.

People are saying

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

"I felt like I escaped to Paris without traveling."

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.

02
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Open kitchen design reveals chefs preparing authentic Aegean cuisine with visible care. Warm, cozy atmosphere combines with live music to create an inviting and peaceful dining experience. Regulars appreciate family-style hospitality and dishes that evoke traditional Turkish flavors.

Freshness stands out with the Aegean Salad and other greens served alongside dishes. Salads come with meals like meatballs and beef, adding a crisp, light contrast. Ingredients like millet also appear, enhancing texture and flavor.

Dishes deliver authentic Aegean flavors with fresh ingredients and rich tastes. The menu features juicy kebabs, traditional Turkish mezes, and home-style recipes like kuru fasulye with rice.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like authentic, homemade Turkish cuisine."

"The chicken salad was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush hours.

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The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.

03
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Unassuming exterior leads to a cozy, authentic Japanese atmosphere with calm, relaxed energy inside. Space offers both bar and table seating with fresh, high-quality sushi prepared by skilled chefs. Music plays softly, supporting quiet conversation and a welcoming vibe.

Simple Spinach Salad packs a huge umami flavor with dressing and bacon bits. Local tastes shine through with dishes like stewed Kiki fish and mountain yam salad.

Japanese owner and staff prepare fresh sushi and traditional dishes. The menu offers authentic home-style Japanese cuisine with great quality and genuine flavors.

People are saying

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

"I loved the fresh, delicious salad here; it tasted homemade."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-owned and operated, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and are a must-try.

3

Weekly specials feature traditional Japanese dishes.

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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.

Salads feature fresh, flavorful ingredients like in the Burrata Prosciutto Salad and Crudo. The Caesar salad stands out with a unique crouton topped with gelatin-like cream and egg and perfectly grilled chicken.

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.

People are saying

"The owner and staff here are amazing and make you feel so welcome."

"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.

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Small deli with authentic German vibe and cozy, homey atmosphere feels like a European Gasthaus. Friendly energy invites relaxation and enjoyment. Known for exceptional sandwiches and great German beer selection.

Homemade potato salad stands out with a German style twist. It pairs well with bratwurst and German beer for a classic combo.

Offers authentic German snacks and maintains a classic deli atmosphere that feels genuinely traditional.

People are saying

"I loved the German potato salad with the brat."

"I found authentic German snacks available for purchase."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday afternoons.

2

Goulash is a generous portion for $20.

3

The deli sources high-quality meats from a small company.

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Small Japanese restaurant with authentic decor and warm yellow lighting creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. Busy and popular spot, often filled with couples and groups enjoying fresh, high-quality sushi. Outdoor seating with heaters and a nearby ice cream shop add to the relaxed vibe.

Freshness stands out with every salad served. Crisp cucumber salad and other dishes show consistent high quality and fresh ingredients.

Sushi here offers authentic flavors that stay true to tradition. The atmosphere matches the genuine experience with a simple, unpretentious vibe.

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh, with amazing truffle flavors."

"I experienced authentic sushi with incredibly fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

The wait can be up to 2 hours long for 2 people, so I recommend RSVPing or arriving early.

2

There was a large parking lot available for guests.

3

Expect an hour wait on the weekend.

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Small Persian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a pleasant outdoor dining area and relaxing energy. The space feels comfortable and intimate, attracting those interested in authentic Persian cuisine and flavorful kebabs.

Options include substituting a full salad instead of rice or carbs at no extra cost. The chicken kabob salad features fresh, juicy chicken. Greek and Caesar's salads serve as popular sides alongside dishes.

Offers authentic Persian cuisine with dishes like Barg that capture traditional flavors. Service matches the quality of the food, creating a genuine Persian dining experience.

People are saying

"The Greek salad was equally delightful and fresh."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

2

The average food cost is under $30, with generous portions.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean and well-run environment.

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Large space with modern Chinese decor and plenty of seating creates an elegant atmosphere. Background music plays, sometimes loud, contributing to a lively but occasionally noisy environment. The setting suits date nights and casual dining with a mix of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine.

Cucumber salad stands out with its consistent quality and refreshing taste. Vermicelli salad also appears as a notable option among the salad choices.

Food offers simple, authentic flavors with great quality. Dishes taste both delicious and creative while staying true to their origins.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The service here is amazing, with attentive staff."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2:30 pm to 5 pm with 40% off select items.

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During happy hour, many dishes are 40% off with few menu restrictions.

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Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

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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.

Beet salad with endive offers a refreshing taste and pairs well with other dishes. Caesar and butcher’s salads provide classic options alongside roasted mixed veggies.

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.

People are saying

"The Caesar salad here is great, though some found it bad."

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

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.

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Restaurant combines cozy bistro vibe with steakhouse elegance and fine dining table service. Outdoor patio offers heated, shaded seating with hookah and good music, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Interior feels clean and well-designed, though seating indoors can be loud and limited.

Salad features a fresh fattoush base with crisp veggies like onions, parsley, and pickles. It offers a refreshing contrast to hot dishes and balances flavors well.

Food offers authentic Lebanese flavors with fresh ingredients. Dishes like the falafel wrap show traditional cooking methods and deliver rich, genuine taste.

People are saying

"I found the Lebanese food here to be wonderfully authentic and flavorful."

"The fatoush salad is delicious and incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited.

2

Expect to pay 15-20% more for online orders than menu prices.

3

All food served is halal.

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Smoke fills the air alongside the scent of barbecue, while old wood floors scattered with peanut shells create a Texas BBQ vibe. Neon beer signs and multiple TVs support a lively sports-friendly atmosphere. Seating accommodates both groups and families, with a comfortable patio adding to the space.

Wedge salad stands out with its crisp texture and can be served without bacon. Potato salad offers a creamy, satisfying side option alongside other choices like French Fries and Mac and cheese.

Texas-style barbecue shines through with true southern flavors. This spot delivers authentic southern barbecue rarely found outside Texas.

People are saying

"I ordered salads and found the smoked meats to be great."

"I felt this place had truly authentic Texas-style barbecue."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7pm on weekdays and 3 to 6pm on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday features special menu items and pricing.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

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Small, cozy Italian restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio away from mall traffic. Live music often fills the space, creating a lively vibe with singing and dancing. The setting features tight table arrangements and decor that soothes after shopping.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and a lemon dressing that adds bright flavor. Options like the Wise Guy salad and Mista salad stand out for their taste and balance.

Ingredients come from Italy, giving the dishes a genuine Italian flavor. The menu focuses on authentic recipes rather than Americanized versions.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, lemon dressing on their salads."

"I experienced authentic Italian food with ingredients imported directly from Italy."

Good to know

1

Quattro Caffé has live music every day after 5.00 pm.

2

There's a 3.5% surcharge for credit card payments.

3

The restaurant offers halal chicken and steak options.

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Costa Mesa, California

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