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Best of Costa Mesa

Authentic soup spots

A bowl of soup that tastes like it came straight from a family kitchen.

Based on 665 Opinions
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01
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Korean restaurant offers authentic family-like atmosphere with a clean and welcoming interior. The place serves homemade-style banchan and top-tier tofu soups with generous portions. It stays unpretentious and feels like home, attracting those who appreciate genuine Korean flavors.

Several tofu soup options stand out, including mushroom and spicy beef varieties. The soups taste fresh and organic, avoiding the usual pre-packaged flavor, with the ginseng and radish soups also noted as delicious.

Food delivers top-notch authentic Korean cuisine with delicious banchan that complements every meal. The overall vibe feels genuinely homey and authentic.

People are saying

"I found the tofu soup here to be delicious and a must-try."

"I found the banchan here to be authentic and tasted homemade."

Good to know

1

Parking might be difficult during busy hours due to shared lot with other restaurants.

2

The restaurant can accommodate large parties, making it suitable for group lunches.

3

The price at Myung Dong Tofu House & BBQ is reasonable for the amount of food.

02
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Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, though it gets loud and crowded during busy times. Decor and presentation reflect thoughtful Japanese style, focusing on food quality over luxury.

Miso soup offers a flavorful and delicious taste with a satisfying texture. The dinner set includes an amazing soup that complements the meal well, sometimes featuring bold elements like the shrimp head.

Sushi here offers both authentic nigiri and creative rolls not commonly found in Japan. The menu includes Japanese soul food with genuine flavors that feel true to tradition.

People are saying

"I experienced authentic sushi with fresh, delicious ingredients."

"The miso soup here is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.

03
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Small ramen restaurant offers authentic, flavorful ramen with options like black garlic and vegan miso. Casual, cozy space fills quickly and features unique decorations creating a laid-back vibe. Beer on tap complements the fast, no-fuss dining experience.

Chef crafts the soup base with care and concentration. Offers authentic Japanese ramen in various styles, including dipping soups served generously from the start.

Ramen here delivers a very authentic Japanese style with a variety of options like soup, dry, and dipping styles. The overall quality and taste reflect genuine Japanese ramen traditions.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Japanese ramen taste here."

"I experienced the best ramen soup in Southern California."

Good to know

1

Kashiwa Ramen offers a student discount for OCC students.

2

One bowl costs about $20.

3

The number of tables is limited, so expect a wait on busy nights.

04
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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.

Soups include miso soup, clam soup, and unique options like mochi in soup. Meals often come with soup as a side, complementing dishes like chicken karrage and king mackerel.

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."

"The soup here is fresh and tastes amazing."

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.

05
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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.

Lentil soup stands out as a comforting start to meals with a delicious, rich flavor. It pairs well with meatballs and kebabs, making the soup experience hearty and satisfying.

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."

"I found the lentil soup to be super tasty and comforting."

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
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Open-space seating in a food court with several Japanese eateries creates a communal atmosphere. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue offers authentic, smoky flavor with tender, juicy texture. The environment combines Showa-era Japanese street style with a cozy, lively vibe.

Cozy ambiance matches the authentic Japanese food served here. Quality stays consistent with a super authentic feel throughout the visit.

People are saying

"The beef tongue soup was delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The authentic beef tongue is perfectly grilled and bursting with charcoal flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.

2

The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.

3

There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.

07
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Small, intimate space with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place draws a busy crowd often requiring a wait-list, reflecting its popularity. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba, it offers a genuine taste of Japanese hometown flavors.

Soup features a hot savory broth with thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked just right. Udon soups come with handmade noodles and options like katsu curry with fried pork cutlet or beef, often enhanced by a spicy sauce that adds depth beyond heat.

Udon and soba dishes deliver authentic Japanese flavors close to what you'd find in Japan. The spot offers a genuine izakaya atmosphere and serves traditional cuisine that stands out for its legitimacy.

People are saying

"The handmade udon soup has a delicious broth and great texture."

"I found the udon and soba dishes to be super authentic and legit."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

08
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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.

Soup features a tasty, not overly salty miso base. Udon noodles come chewy with crispy tempura fried shrimp in a warming broth.

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 sushi rolls are creative and have a super rich taste."

"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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Spacious Japanese restaurant with many booth tables and a layout suited for family dining. Atmosphere feels cozy and warm but can get loud when full, making conversations challenging. Known for authentic, rich tonkotsu ramen and a menu offering pork and vegan broths.

Soup ranges from well-balanced flavor and moderate saltiness to occasional unpleasant odor and a taste like spoiled lard. Ramen soup stands out as delicious and satisfying alongside potstickers.

Japanese ramen comes straight from a Japanese owner, keeping it authentic and fresh. The Tonkotsu broth, noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables all taste just like in Japan.

People are saying

"The ramen here is authentic, just like in Japan."

"This ramen soup is so delicious and has a great Japanese flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait outside for a table during peak dinner hours.

2

The price for a bowl of ramen is $16.

3

There is a vegan option available for those who do not eat pork.

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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.

Onion soup features a rich, intense flavor achieved through a reduction technique without extra salt. It comes topped with a perfect blend of cheese and croutons, making it especially enjoyable.

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

People are saying

"The French onion soup here is so good and has a beautiful taste."

"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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Old-school Chinese eatery with retro style and a homey atmosphere offers a family-friendly environment and a private party room popular among fans. The space feels warm and welcoming, with booths, tables, and a full-service bar for cocktails or beer.

Sizzling rice soup stands out as a signature dish with a crispy texture and rich flavor. The soup remains consistent and pairs well with fried wontons, making it a reliable choice.

Old-school vibe with a retro style sets the tone. Family-owned and run, it serves authentic Chinese food made from family recipes that avoid the corporate fast food taste.

People are saying

"It's an authentic Chinese restaurant with family recipes."

"You have to try their sizzling rice soup; it's the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Golden Dragon has been family-owned since 1974, ensuring quality and tradition.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, providing good value for money.

3

They have a full bar available for events and parties.

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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.

Soup dumplings come with thin wrappers and a sumptuous broth inside. Hot and sour soup offers a perfectly peppery kick, while noodle soups feature a very good broth.

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

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they have so many fun flavors."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

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

2

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

3

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

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