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Local picks

Bread lunch spots in Costa Mesa

A crusty, fresh loaf of bread is the foundation of a proper midday meal.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cafe Rose Express image 1
Cafe Rose Express image 2
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Cozy cafe offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a casual atmosphere suited for lunch gatherings or work meetings. The menu features varied sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads with fresh, tasty options like crispy paninis and standout zucchini bread.

Offers a variety of sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads for lunch. Suitable for both business and friendly lunches with a consistently good menu.

Zucchini bread stands out with its rich flavor and can serve as a tasty dessert or side. Bread overall complements meals well, pairing nicely with salads and entrées.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has huge, fresh sandwiches and tasty salads."

"It's spacious with peaceful outdoor seating areas."

"The zucchini bread here is to die for."

Good to know

1

Cafe Rose Express has limited operating hours.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

The menu varies constantly with new entrées added regularly.

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.

Offers a good variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options in a cute little café setting. Serves as a convenient spot for a quick lunch break after cycling or wandering nearby.

Bread here features warm, soft ciabatta that is not too thick and has a crisp crust with a soft, airy interior. The baguette offers a perfect crusty exterior that feels like a Parisian street corner.

People are saying

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

"The ciabatta bread here is crisp outside, soft inside."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious, fresh, and authentic."

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
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.

Portions come generous enough for leftovers. Staff handle large groups smoothly and adjust for unexpected guests. Food works well for catered lunches at offices.

Freshly baked bread fills the air with a warm aroma. Garlic cheese bread stands out as satisfying and pairs well with lasagna portions.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's food was absolutely delicious and high quality."

"The garlic bread here is so satisfying."

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.

04
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.

Lunch features pizza options like Catania and spicy Reggio Calabrian. The spot opens for lunch and serves excellent food in a setting suitable for family gatherings or casual afternoons.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's pizzas have delicious, fresh toppings."

"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.

05
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.

Lunch offers a solid pizza selection with a standout Nutella pizza topped with banana and strawberry. Sundays provide a relaxed vibe for enjoying lunch here.

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."

"This lunch spot offers authentic Roman-style pizzas that transport you back 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.

06
The Cheese Shop at The Mix image 1

Small, intimate space offers a quiet, relaxing vibe with high-quality cheeses and expertly curated sandwiches served on wood boards. Plenty of seating supports a calm, unhurried experience. Prices run higher than typical grocery stores, reflecting the specialty selection.

Lunch options include single items priced around $12 with no combo deals. The meal covers basic needs but lacks extra value or variety for the price.

Bread comes fresh and high quality here, with a toasted texture that stands out in sandwiches.

People are saying

"The Granny Smith and pastrami sandwich is a surprisingly good combination."

"The bread here is fresh and delicious."

"I ordered the Hot Italian sandwich for lunch."

Good to know

1

The shop offers sandwiches, deli cheeses, and charcuterie boards.

2

Expect higher prices than typical grocery stores.

3

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

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.

Assorted lunch options and fresh bakery goods fill the market. A great bar area offers a spot to enjoy lunch or grab a drink. Prepared foods and food stands provide reliable choices for a quick meal.

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."

"This lunch spot is a culinary tour through Mexico and Latin America."

"I enjoyed the fresh sweet bread and tortillas."

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
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Modern design blends with Mediterranean charm in a space featuring soft lighting and comfortable patio seating. The atmosphere stays lively and inviting, drawing people for fresh, tasty Mediterranean food served quickly and healthily.

Offers a healthy quick lunch option with friendly staff who assist during busy times. Serves as a reliable spot for a stress-free meal even with a toddler in tow.

Complimentary thin bread usually comes with each purchase. Pita bread pairs well with ingredients and hummus. Staff often encourage giving out pita bread to customers, though it is not always included automatically.

People are saying

"I found the healthy foods here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so thoughtful and friendly."

"I was surprised by the small amount of lettuce and rice they used."

Good to know

1

CAVA closes at 10 pm on weeknights, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect limited menu items as they often run out of popular options.

3

Prices range from $13 to $18 for chicken and beef dishes.

09
Irvine Ranch Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Small gourmet grocery store offers a clean, well-laid-out space with a local vibe and wide variety of high-quality products. Atmosphere feels friendly and convenient, attracting those seeking unique snacks and ingredients for special meals. Prices run higher than typical chain stores, reflecting the focus on top-quality goods.

Offers great sandwiches and local snacks ideal for a quick lunch or a beach break. Regularly serves high-quality ingredients suitable for both casual and special meals.

Crunchy bread stands out on the Godfather sandwich, adding texture and holding up well with jalapenos. Rye bread also performs solidly, though some sandwiches use rubbery bread that feels cheap.

People are saying

"The staff at this grocery store are so friendly and helpful."

"This Market has tons of local goods and snacks you won't find elsewhere."

"I was surprised by the variety of fresh salads and deli items."

Good to know

1

Marbella Market closes at 7:30 PM.

2

If you are in the store after 7:30 PM, they will start turning lights off on you.

3

The prices at this market were about 20% higher than Ralph's.

10
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.

Great for a quick lunch stop while shopping with family. The warm and hospitable service adds to the enjoyable lunch experience.

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."

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

"The complimentary bread with olive oil was great."

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.

11
Lil Pickle image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop with classic old school vibe and walls covered in local sports memorabilia creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Sandwiches feature fresh, top-notch bread and simple, satisfying flavors in a low-key setting.

Plenty of seats are available around lunch time, making it easy to find a spot. The staff during lunch are friendly and the place serves as a solid local option for a midday meal.

Bread comes out fresh and soft, almost like biting into a cloud. It holds up well with fillings and carries a nostalgic smell of dill pickles, oil, and vinegar.

People are saying

"I've been going to this sandwich shop for over 25 years."

"The bread here is so soft and good."

"The sandwiches here are delicious and simple."

Good to know

1

The $12 for a 10-inch sub is considered expensive by many.

2

Their giant 14-inch sub costs $19.

3

The public restroom at Lil Pickle is clean.

12
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.

Lunch includes a variety of daily specials and a daily lunch special. The total cost can be high, with an example lunch totaling $89.00.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is out of this world."

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.

13
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.

A well-thought-out prefix lunch menu offers solid options alongside a more casual lunch selection. Daily happy hour adds a relaxed vibe during lunchtime.

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."

"This Lunch Spot's Italian food is the best I've eaten."

"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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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