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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Costa Mesa

Bread spots

A warm loaf of bread served before dinner sets the tone for the rest of the night.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated April 2026
01
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Sugo Costa Mesa image 2
Sugo Costa Mesa image 3
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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.

Calabrese slice offers a light dinner option. Sugo fits well for cozy dinners and casual gatherings.

Bread features a light, crisp, and airy crust that stands out from traditional focaccia. Slices come toasted on order, delivering a nice crunchy texture.

People are saying

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

"These dinner spots offer authentic Roman-style pizzas that transport you to Italy."

"The bread here is soft in the center and crunchy around the edges."

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.

02
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy patio and family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of TVs for entertainment. The vibe is relaxed and homie, fitting for casual meals after the beach. Known for authentic pasta dishes and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Pizza rolls, baked mushrooms, and charcuterie boards stand out for dinner. Meals work well for groups and takeout.

Homemade bread arrives fresh every morning, made with best ingredients sourced from across America. Garlic bread offers a strong garlic flavor, though the cheese topping lacks meltiness and is not mozzarella.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The dinner spots here improved a lot with the new owner."

"They make homemade bread every morning with the best ingredients."

Good to know

1

Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta offers daily specials and a lunch special.

2

They can customize dishes upon request.

3

Expect a wait as food is made to order.

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.

Bartenders show strong craft skills and make the experience feel like a dinner and a show. The menu offers elevated takes on familiar dishes suitable for date nights and special occasions.

Warm bread comes with cheese, olive oil, and cream. Olive bread pairs with three butters: rosemary, lemon, and honey.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta dishes here are incredible."

"The pasta dishes at these dinner spots are incredible."

"The pasta was fresh, perfectly cooked, and authentically Italian."

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
Boudin SF image 1
Bakery

Small bakery with limited seating offers an inviting atmosphere that captures a San Francisco vibe. Fresh, amazing sourdough bread stands out as a signature feature. Busy setting includes both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a casual, fast-food style experience.

Dinner here fits well after shopping nearby. The spot offers a casual setting for a weekend meal or a family dinner.

Sourdough bread stands out with its freshness and rich flavor. Bread bowls filled with chili or clam chowder offer a hearty, satisfying meal option.

People are saying

"The sourdough bread bowls with soup are delicious."

"The chicken club sandwich was nice and filling."

"The clam chowder at these dinner spots is warm and delicious."

Good to know

1

Boudin SF offers a variety of vegetarian options on their menu.

2

The portion sizes are generous, making meals more satisfying.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

05
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.

Casual nights out work well here with patio seating available for quick dinners. The menu includes chocolate soufflé and tortufo for dessert.

People are saying

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

"The pizza and pasta here are flavorful and made with care."

"The pizzas here have a perfect balance of blistered and chewy textures."

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.

06
Harper Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Open space combines modern industrial design with indoor and outdoor seating creating a laid-back, welcoming vibe. The atmosphere feels family-oriented and casual, with a lively buzz. A bar offers draft beers, complementing the relaxed setting.

Dinner features fluffy rolls and a friendly server offering drinks before ordering. Parking gets very difficult during dinner hours.

Crispy bread crumb topping adds a nice crunch to the mac and cheese. Pinto beans pair well with smoky flavor and taste better when dipped in bread.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is amazing and totally worth a try."

"You've got to try the dinner rolls; they're fluffy and divine."

"The cornbread here is so moist and has a good sweet corn taste."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; arrive early or consider street parking options.

3

Prices can be high, with meals for two averaging around $100.

07
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.

Dinner options include a variety of food choices with samples available to try before deciding. The spot works well for relaxing dinners and meeting up with friends.

Freshly baked sweet bread and a variety of tortillas stand out among the breads offered. The selection includes basic, wholesome options alongside other fresh foods.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the fresh sweet bread and tortillas."

"You can get delicious, authentic Mexican dinner spots here."

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.

08
Quattro Caffé image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

Offers a variety of small bites and dishes suitable for dinner. Serves as a good spot for groups looking to share before a main meal. Provides options to try something new with each visit.

Complimentary sourdough bread comes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Tables also get free, light focaccia bread that pairs well with olive oil.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious Italian food, especially the pizza."

"The complimentary bread with olive oil was great."

"I was surprised by the bloated prices at these dinner spots."

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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