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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Costa Mesa

Authentic sandwiches

Made for those who believe a sandwich is only worth eating if it follows a classic, time-tested recipe.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Globe Delicatessen image 1
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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.

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

Sandwiches feature in-house cooked meats and come in huge portions. The meatball sandwich on C'est Si Bon bread and the Rueben stand out as favorites.

People are saying

"I loved the German beer selection here."

"I found authentic German snacks available for purchase."

"I considered their schnitzel sandwich the finest in Orange County."

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.

02
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.

Beef sandwich stands out with its fresh, savory flavor and unique Normandy style. The menu offers fresh French sandwiches and homemade Parisian options alongside crepes and baguettes.

People are saying

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

"This croissant sandwich is a masterpiece of buttery, flaky pastry."

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

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.

03
Brazuca Café image 1
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.

Tender, tasty picanha steak fills the sandwich, offering great flavor at a reasonable price. The sandwich stands out among other steak options tried elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Brazilian food here is authentic and delicious."

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

"I loved the picanha sandwich; the steak was tender and tasty."

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.

04
La Farola image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Small Argentinian restaurant with intimate seating and a laid-back atmosphere. Friendly vibe with a big screen TV often showing soccer games. Known for authentic, high-quality empanadas and a clean, inviting environment.

Empanadas stand out with authentic Argentine flavors that taste true to tradition. The menu consistently delivers quality, authentic food whether dining in or taking out.

Lomito sandwiches stand out with tender, flavorful meat. Options include chicken sandwiches with fries and Milanesa sandwiches, all satisfying and paired well with meat empanadas.

People are saying

"These empanadas are incredibly flavorful and delicious."

"The empanadas here are really good, especially the spicy chicken."

"I found the empanadas here to be so flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

La Farola is closed on Mondays.

2

La Farola has ample free parking.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the quality offered.

05
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

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.

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.

Meatball sandwich comes in a very large portion and has strong flavor. The chicken sandwich offers fresh ingredients and bold taste. The kofte sandwich mimics a Turkish street style. Falafel sandwich lacks flavor and feels dry.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and seasoned perfectly."

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

"That meatball sandwich was so big, I needed a nap."

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.

3

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

06
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Italian restaurant combines cozy rustic decor with an authentic East Coast deli vibe and an adjacent fresh pasta market and bakery. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with soft lighting and aromas of baked bread and simmering sauces. Small, intimate setting suits quiet dinners and casual gatherings.

Dining feels like being in Europe with an authentic culinary experience. Italian sandwiches match those from Philly or NYC, and the market offers a very authentic selection.

Italian sandwiches come in a giant 2.5-pound size packed with meats like prosciutto, soppressata, and mortadella plus provolone. They taste authentic and excellent, similar to what you'd find in Philly or NYC.

People are saying

"The Grocery Store staff is so helpful and attentive."

"The Italian sandwiches here are authentic and taste like Philly or NYC."

"I thought the Italian sandwich was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during dinner hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; one lasagna can easily serve two people.

07
MOULIN image 1
Bakery

Glass windows reveal chocolatiers crafting pastries in a quaint French cafe setting. Outdoor seating with umbrellas offers a relaxed atmosphere, sometimes accompanied by live performances. The bakery features fresh bread, airy almond croissants, and crispy mille-feuille, creating a French-inspired vibe.

Fresh, authentic French pastries and sandwiches stand out here. Coffee drinks match the genuine French vibe for a true French coffee break.

Sandwiches feature less meat than expected, with one side often missing cheese or chicken. The veggies tend to be old, and prices can be high for the quality offered.

People are saying

"The pastries here look amazing and taste great."

"I found the Banh Mi sandwich had twice the ingredients."

"I loved the fresh, authentic French pastries and coffee."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the cafe.

2

The cafe has ample outdoor seating and some inside.

3

Prices for pastries and drinks are relatively high.

08
Holé Smokes BBQ image 1

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.

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

Brisket sandwiches come meaty and flavorful with a good size. The hot link adds a spicy kick and pairs well with sides like beans, slaw, and crispy fries.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, just melts in your mouth."

"The brisket sandwich was smoky, flavorful, and meaty."

"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.

09
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.

Bikini sandwiches with Iberian ham and truffle stand out on the tapas menu. Crispy chicken croquettes and grilled scallops also complement the sandwich offerings.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the sandwiches to be incredible."

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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