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Local picks

Chill lunch spots in Costa Mesa

Made for those who refuse to rush their midday break and prioritize finding a quiet, unhurried spot for lunch.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 1
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 2
VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza image 3
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Indoor dining features loud, lively energy, while seating near the bar or outside offers a calm, relaxed vibe with abundant natural light and wooden furniture. The space blends modern, stylish design with a laid-back atmosphere that suits casual socializing or elegant dining.

Fun casual vibes create a chill atmosphere throughout the spot. The overall vibe is relaxed and easygoing.

Lunch offers fast service and a great vibe. The Lychee lemonade stands out as a popular drink choice.

People are saying

"I thought the lemonade was pretty good."

"The food here is so delicious and comforting."

"You have to try the garlic noodles with prawns at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from 2-5 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant can get very busy, especially during dinner service.

02
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Atmosphere feels casual and relaxed with great service and friendly chefs. The overall vibe stays super chill throughout.

Lunch offers set meals like the chicken karrage lunch set with rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Prices stay reasonable and parking is plentiful for both lunch and dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and truly authentic."

"This is my favorite authentic Japanese lunch spot."

"The sushi here is so 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.

03
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.

Lots of lunch options make it easy to find something for everyone. The menu suits groups, including kids, for a quick midday meal.

People are saying

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

"The sashimi at this Lunch Spot is impeccably fresh and generously portioned."

"The sushi here is super fresh and offers amazing value."

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.

04
Kenwood's Kitchen & Tap image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a fun, warm atmosphere with a spacious dining room and large TVs for watching games. Seating accommodates large groups comfortably, including a quiet patio option. The bar features a wide selection of tap beers and notable cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Modern design sets a chill atmosphere here. The overall vibe stays relaxed and easygoing.

Weekday lunch menu offers a great deal with options for a quick lunch. The spot feels relaxing and suits those looking for a nice place to eat midday.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the brisket, is amazing."

"They had an impressive selection of craft beer."

"The atmosphere here is so chill and modern."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch menu with great deals.

2

Happy hour features half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Sunday brunch is served with a variety of options.

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.

Warm and inviting atmosphere suits a casual meal with friends or family. The patio offers a great chill spot for relaxed dining.

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 pizza here is thin, fresh, and melts in your mouth."

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
Palms n' Patties image 1

Restaurant offers laid-back tropical vibes with a clean aesthetic and both indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays chill and calm with fresh, high-quality smash burgers that focus on healthy ingredients without seed oils.

Vibe stays chill with a balance between casual and memorable. Good spot for a quick bite or hanging out with friends.

Lunch Bang offers a smash burger experience that beats competitors in quality and price. It delivers a perfect lunch option, especially when nearby.

People are saying

"These burgers are so juicy and packed with real flavor."

"The burgers here are juicy, flavorful, and made with quality ingredients."

"This Lunch Spot's burger is tasty with excellent Pn'P sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses organic, grass-fed ingredients and avoids seed oils.

2

Expect to pay around $30 for a cheeseburger and fries without a drink.

3

There is only one order kiosk available, which may lead to longer wait times.

07
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs spinning records. Outdoor patio seating adds a relaxing atmosphere complemented by heaters when needed. The space feels modern and artful, creating a welcoming and lighthearted environment.

Small family-owned business plays chill music creating a relaxed vibe. Fresh, artful Mexican plates add to the ultra-cool modern atmosphere.

Lunch here involves a high price point, with meals for three exceeding $125. The food quality supports the cost, making it a notable choice for special occasions or when spending more is expected.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The chimichurri hummus at this lunch spot was a star dish."

"It's a chill spot with delicious plates and a modern vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

08
'Ai Pono Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian restaurant offers a surf vibe atmosphere with loud music that fills the space. The place has Ohana vibes and a chill, friendly energy that recalls family vacations. Seating is limited and cozy, with some outdoor patio options.

Super chill vibes create a relaxed atmosphere. Good spot for a casual afternoon or hanging out with friends.

Quick service stands out even when the place is packed. The Hawaiian plate lunch features a great katsu plate, served in a setting with limited seating similar to school lunch tables.

People are saying

"I found the Hawaiian food here to be very authentic and delicious."

"The shrimp here is delicious and perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

"This lunch spot feels like Hawaii with authentic food."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during busy times.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Expect larger portion sizes, often enough for two meals.

09
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.

Casual yet stylish atmosphere suits quick bites and relaxed meals. Vibrant colors create a lively and inviting vibe that feels chill.

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.

People are saying

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

"The pizza here has a perfect balance of crisp, thin crust and fresh, flavorful toppings."

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

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.

10
Milligram image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor garden courtyard with airy seating and eucalyptus trees creates a tranquil atmosphere. Live music on weekends adds to the European-inspired vibe. Dog-friendly patio invites relaxed brunches in a cozy, artsy setting.

Lush garden and sun-drenched patio seating create a cozy and chill atmosphere. The spot offers a gorgeous setting ideal for relaxed coffee and conversation.

Outdoor space suits breakfast and lunch well. The spot serves solid options for morning and midday meals with a strong coffee selection.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really good and delicious."

"It's a chill spot with a gorgeous, lush garden."

"The outdoor seating here is lovely and lush."

Good to know

1

Milligram does not have a kitchen.

2

They do not accept cash.

3

Breakfast items are served until 3 PM.

11
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.

Variety on the menu and quality of each dish make it a solid choice for lunch or brunch. Great Happy Hour options suit late lunch or early dinner times.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"The XLB here are redefined with bold twists like truffle and tom yum."

"The Xiao Long Bao here are juicy, flavorful, and a must-try."

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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Costa Mesa, California

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