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Best of Costa Mesa

Sandwich and bread spots

A sandwich where the bread is the star of the show, not just a structural necessity for the fillings.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Honey & Hive Boards LLC image 1
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Charcuterie boards appear as elegant, meticulously arranged masterpieces that serve as both food and decor. The atmosphere feels elevated yet approachable, fostering conviviality and enjoyment during events or classes. Attendees engage with thoughtful presentations and customized flavor pairings, making each experience distinctive and memorable.

Mini sandwiches come in a beautiful spread alongside charcuterie cups. The selection includes caprese skewers and other yummy items added for variety.

Stamped cheese bread and sourdough bowls with themed designs stand out. The grazing table features artisanal breads, crackers, and breadsticks that add texture and flavor.

People are saying

"The grazing table was a beautiful focal point for my party."

"The grazing boards here far exceeded my expectations."

"Nancy was so professional and detailed with her follow-ups."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for classes to ensure a spot.

2

Classes typically accommodate up to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

3

Expect to spend about two hours in the charcuterie class.

02
Cafe Rose Express image 1

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.

Sandwiches come in large portions with fresh ingredients and good quality. Options include combos with salads and soups like the Kansas City stack paired with lobster bisque.

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 entrรฉes.

People are saying

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

"The sandwiches here are huge and fresh."

"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 entrรฉes added regularly.

03
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.

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.

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."

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

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

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.

04
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.

Sandwiches feature baby back ribs and pork belly that melt in your mouth, especially in the BLT. The tri tip sandwich offers a unique twist on BBQ, standing out from the usual versions.

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."

"I would definitely order the tri tip sandwich again."

"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.

05
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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

06
Firehouse Subs Mesa Verde image 1

Firehouse-themed decor fills the space with firehouse memorabilia and a clean environment. The atmosphere feels quiet and cold, with few people around. Sandwiches come with soft fresh bread and are known for their tasty flavors.

Great sandwiches come carefully made with attention to detail. Options include gluten-free choices and Cheese Steak sandwiches that stand out for their flavor.

Bread comes out soft and fresh. Wheat bread orders sometimes switch to white. Sandwiches have mostly bread, which can feel like too much.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be really tasty and delicious."

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

"The bread here is so soft and fresh."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $35 for a meal including a medium sandwich and drink.

2

Only medium or larger subs qualify for promotional offers.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for dining.

07
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1

Family-owned restaurant with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and spacious tables encourages socializing. TVs show sports and movies at low volume to keep the vibe chill and comfortable. Offers Halal options and a kid-friendly environment with a strong sense of tradition.

Sandwiches feature perfectly balanced meats and veggies with just the right amount of juice to avoid soggy bread. The Mafia Sandwich stands out as very flavorful and satisfying.

Cheese bread stands out with its rich flavor. Sandwiches feature perfectly balanced meats and veggies on bread that stays firm without getting soggy. Garlic bread comes out delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, fast, and delicious."

"I loved the pizza here; my grandson enjoyed his too."

"I found the sandwiches here to be great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch deal from 1-3pm for $8.

2

Halal options are available, which are rare in the area.

3

Parking is convenient and easy to find.

08
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.

Pastrami sandwich and hot Italian sandwich stand out for their freshness and quality. Sandwiches come with a solid selection of sliced cheeses and meats, all prepared above standard.

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 Charcuterie staff is so friendly and accommodating."

"The bread here is fresh and delicious."

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.

09
La Carniceria Wagyu - Costa Mesa image 1

Butcher shop deli with modern, clean design and small indoor and outdoor seating offers a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. It serves high-quality halal meats, including Wagyu burgers and pastrami, known for freshness and gourmet taste. Portion sizes are generous, and the place maintains impeccable standards.

Steak sandwiches stand out with tender prime cuts, fresh greens, and Dutch crunch bread. Options like the Wagyu Hot House and pastrami sandwiches combine high-quality meats with fresh ingredients and flavorful toppings.

Bread comes with a unique consistency and flavor that stands out. Dutch crunch bread pairs well with the Prime Steak Sandwich, though some bread feels like it was reheated in the microwave.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing flavors and superb quality meat."

"The Prime Steak Sandwich tasted so good with tender steak and greens."

"The Dutch crunch bread on the Prime Steak Sandwich tasted so good."

Good to know

1

$5 Wagyu Tacos are available every Tuesday.

2

The restaurant accepts cash only due to a down credit card machine.

3

Everything on the menu is Halal.

10
17th Street Deli image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers fresh baked baguettes and premium meats like thick, juicy pastrami. Atmosphere feels pleasant and cozy with clean, tidy indoor and outdoor seating. Crowds peak during busy hours, and ordering ahead helps avoid parking challenges.

Sandwiches feature a perfectly crunchy French baguette with an airy inside and a good blend of flavors including jalapenos, pepperoncinis, and pickles. Meats are flavorful and salty, paired well with fresh ingredients like crispy bacon and smashed avocado.

Fresh breads come from C'est Si Bon Bakery and include rye grilled crispy. Bread softens after a 35-minute ride home and sandwiches can be mostly bread with cheese and meatballs.

People are saying

"The Italian sandwich had a perfect baguette and flavorful meats."

"The French baguette had the perfect crunch and airy inside."

"The pastrami sandwich on this bread was thick, juicy, and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is free within the shopping complex, but it can get busy during peak hours.

2

Ordering ahead on their website is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant uses premium meats, indicated by the Boar's Head sign inside.

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.

Sandwiches feature excellent bread and a simple menu focused on quality. Options include a pastrami sandwich and a popular grinder, with choices for double meat and healthier alternatives.

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."

"It's a true old school sandwich shop, a real vintage spot."

"The bread here is so soft and good."

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
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.

Brie, apple and fig grilled cheese stands out as a comforting choice. Other options include a turkey cranberry sandwich, a chicken pesto sandwich that is light, and a refreshing caprese sandwich. Sandwich melts also feature on the menu, all paired well with soup.

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 salad was fresh and crunchy with moist, flavorful chicken."

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.

13
Eller Bakery image 1

Spacious bakery with open kitchen and modern, earthy design featuring limestone counters and travertine. Atmosphere is cozy and inviting with ample indoor and outdoor seating, including a shaded patio with greenery. Music and noise levels vary, creating a lively but sometimes loud environment.

Chicken sausage, egg, and cheddar sandwich stands out with its rich flavors. Pesto chicken sandwich and Eggs Benedict also appear as notable options, while the $24 chicken sandwich feels overpriced.

Bread here features perfect sourdough loaves and high quality that stands out among American bakeries. The bread tastes delicious and is gentle enough to avoid flare-ups, similar to European bread.

People are saying

"The bakery's cinnamon rolls were a game-changer and sold out by 11 a.m."

"I recommend taking home a loaf of their bread."

"I was surprised by how good the egg sandwich was."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so check options before arriving.

2

Prices are not displayed on bakery items or the menu.

3

Valet parking is offered, which is unusual for a bakery.

14
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.

Sandwiches feature crunchy bread, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients. Options like the Tree Hugger and Godfather stand out for their unique taste and quality.

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."

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

"I found the sandwiches here to be fresh and loaded with flavor."

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.

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