Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Unique authentic spots in Costa Mesa

A meal that feels entirely original while remaining deeply authentic.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
ORANGE PARIS CAFE image 1
ORANGE PARIS CAFE image 2
ORANGE PARIS CAFE image 3
View all
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.

Menu offers unique crepes and sandwiches with a classic French taste. Chocolate Croissant stands out with its distinctive flavor and quality.

People are saying

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

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

"The owner's unique Parisian charm makes everyone feel so welcome."

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 cafรฉ offers a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

02
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.

Cocktails crafted by Lorenzo stand out with unique, balanced flavors. The Celebrations Venue and Red Room Supper Club offer a distinctive speakeasy vibe that shapes the dining experience.

People are saying

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

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

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the lasagna."

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.

03
Costa Contemporary Kitchen image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Small indoor space with prominent windows and concrete flooring creates a bright but noisy atmosphere. Warm, stylish vibe suits date nights and small groups despite close tables. Exceptional pisco sours and Peruvian dishes add to a memorable dining experience.

Dishes deliver authentic Peruvian taste with a modern style twist. Every plate balances elevated flavors true to traditional recipes.

Creamy, vibrant green spaghetti bursts with basil flavor in the tallarรญn verde. Cocktails bring a fun and unique twist to the menu.

People are saying

"The authentic Peruvian food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The pisco sours here are exceptional and handcrafted with passion."

"The Peruvian flavors here are so unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small dining space.

2

Parking is available at the Plaza parking structure nearby.

3

Expect small portion sizes, which may not be suitable for large appetites.

04
Sushi K's Bistro Costa Mesa image 1

Small sushi bar creates an authentic Japanese vibe with calm, tranquil atmosphere and peaceful jazz music. Fresh, exceptional sushi pairs with a diverse sake selection for a standout omakase experience. Interior feels brand new and clean, offering a cozy, elevated dining environment.

An intimate, cozy spot with a vibe like a small sushi chef's restaurant in Japan. The sushi is very authentic and fresh, offering a 100% authentic Japanese experience from start to finish.

Every sushi piece offers unique flavors crafted with high-quality ingredients. The drink menu features a diverse sake selection and unique options like yuzu sake.

People are saying

"I had some of the best Japanese food I've ever tasted."

"I found the sushi here to be very authentic and fresh."

"The monkfish liver here is uniquely buttery and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers rotating specials and a selection of sake.

2

Expect a unique menu crafted with authentic Japanese ingredients.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

05
Eat's Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

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

Fresh sushi includes a wide variety of rolls like the classic spicy tuna and the unique Bikini Roll. Smaller cut rolls come in 4 or 5 pieces, and the scallop sashimi with truffle oil stands out. The to-go bag is a unique orange tote that adds a touch of luxury.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is thick, super fresh, tender, and delicious."

"The ingredients here are so fresh, it's unbelievable."

"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.

06
Mercado Gonzรกlez 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.

Unique space offers produce items rarely seen north of the border. The overall experience stands out from typical supermarkets.

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 found the shopping environment unique, like a culinary tour."

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
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.

Taste combinations stand out as unique and amazing. Lasagna shines with a rich, creamy texture and distinct flavor, while pizza offers a nice crust but leans salty and less memorable.

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."

"It's a charming spot with a warm, inviting atmosphere."

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.

08
Tokyo Central Costa Mesa image 1
Japanese grocery store

Spacious Japanese grocery store recreates the feel of Tokyo's bustling markets with authentic products and hand-drawn signs. Bright, clean seating areas with microwaves invite shoppers to enjoy fresh sushi and hot food from a self-serve bar. A large sake selection and fresh fish counters add to the genuine cultural shopping experience.

A wide variety of authentic Japanese ingredients fills the shelves, perfect for making traditional meals. Freshly prepared bento boxes, sushi, Pocky, and mochi offer genuine flavors straight from Japan's vibrant marketplace.

Fresh produce pairs with unique snacks and beverages that satisfy cravings for Japanese cuisine. Discover distinct flavors of candies, chips, and quick bites not found in local stores.

People are saying

"This grocery store has a huge variety of Japanese foods and prepared meals."

"I found so many unique Japanese snacks and groceries here."

"I found so many fun, delicious, and authentic Japanese options here."

Good to know

1

Prepared bento is marked down 20% after 7 PM daily.

2

Tokyo Central Costa Mesa closes at 10 PM every day.

3

Parking can be limited, especially during peak hours.

09
Mitsuwa Marketplace image 1
Japanese grocery store

Indoor space mimics authentic Japanese market with modern layout and large food court featuring unique Japanese products and a beer garden. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, resembling a slice of Japan with open dining and specialty shops. Crowds gather for standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, creating a bustling vibe.

Food court offers authentic Japanese meals like Santouka Ramen and Miyabi-Tei. Grocery aisles stock high-quality Japanese ingredients and specialty items for cooking authentic dishes.

Many stores offer unique Japanese items hard to find outside Japan. The food court serves as a cultural epicenter with distinctive Japanese fare and a hidden bakery featuring unique breads and drinks.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a huge selection of authentic items."

"It felt like a slice of Japan with so many authentic items."

"It's a unique slice of Japan right here in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

10
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.

Modern, fresh Italian dishes come with a unique flair. The Caesar salad features a distinct crouton topped with gelatin-like cream and egg for a non-predictable dining experience.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta dishes here are incredible."

"The food here is modern Italian with a unique, artistic flair."

"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.

11
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space blends New York feel with Cali vibe featuring creative decor and neon signs. Atmosphere stays cozy and casual with excellent music enhancing the relaxed mood. Small bar seating and limited outdoor tables create an intimate setting for enjoying artisan pizza with unique flavors.

An actual Italian chef crafts authentic Roman-style pizzas with impeccable quality and authentic flavors. The menu offers a diverse range of creative pizzas that stand out.

Slices feature unique flavor profiles like bonito flakes with miso kewpie sauce and a taco-inspired chorizo pastor. The crust stands out as thicker yet airy and chewy, blending deep dish and focaccia qualities.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tried."

"The pizzas here have unique flavor combinations, like the Japanese one."

"I found authentic Roman-style pizza with a perfectly balanced, crisp crust."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy holidays like July 4th.

2

Seating is very limited, with only high stools available.

3

Pizzas are sold by the square slice, priced at $8 each.

12
Paradise Dynasty image 1
Chinese restaurant

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.

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

Rainbow xiao long baos offer unique flavors with juicy, flavorful fillings. Seasonal options like Dungeness chili crab soup dumplings add to the distinctive menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The colorful dumplings had unique, juicy, and flavorful fillings."

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.

Discover more

Costa Mesa, California

Area guide
Loading Map...