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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Costa Mesa's best

Cool dinner spots

A dinner spot with a genuine edge that doesn't rely on loud music to manufacture a vibe.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
BEI Restaurant image 1
BEI Restaurant image 2
BEI Restaurant image 3
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Restaurant

Intimate space with authentic Lebanese art and a glass-enclosed patio creates a chic and cozy vibe. Atmosphere is warm and lively, often featuring live music that energizes the room. Guests enjoy flavorful, well-prepared Middle Eastern dishes in a setting that feels both modern and welcoming.

Dinner features authentic Lebanese cuisine with delicious flavors. It suits group celebrations well, hosting gatherings like birthdays and holiday dinners.

People are saying

"The grilled meats here are packed with flavor and perfectly cooked."

"I found authentic Lebanese dinner spots that felt like home."

"The grilled meats are packed with flavor and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited and can be challenging, fitting only about 8 cars.

2

The area around the parking lot may feel shady, raising safety concerns.

3

A DJ performs on Fridays, and belly dancing is featured on Saturdays.

02
La Cave Restaurant image 1

Underground steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe and 1950s-style bar creates a retro atmosphere. Live music and low lighting set a cool, old-school mood. The space feels like stepping back to a classic era with vintage art and a lively crowd.

Dimmed red lights set a perfect ambiance for dinner. Arriving early allows for quiet conversation before the music starts.

A cool speakeasy vibe fills the basement with an old school atmosphere and a throwback to Madmen style. Live music and a surprising entrance add to the overall experience.

People are saying

"The live music here creates a perfect atmosphere for a date night."

"It's got this cool, old school vibe with dim lighting and red leather booths."

"It's got this cool speakeasy vibe, like a throwback."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be delayed during busy hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The menu does not list prices, which can lead to surprises on the bill.

3

Expect high prices comparable to fine dining, but portions are large.

03
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.

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

A super cool chef-owned pizzeria with a simple ambience featuring neon signs and bright colors. The owner is a really cool guy who checks in with patrons to see if they got their food and enjoyed it.

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 pizza crust here is so cool and crispy."

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.

04
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner space combines retro remodel with cozy interior and ample outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays lively with loud country music and occasional live bands. Back room features a personal bar, adding to the vintage vibe.

Dinner offers a wholesome retro atmosphere with an old-fashioned setup. Food serves as a solid example of classic dinner fare.

Back room with a personal bar and a speakeasy bar create a unique vibe. The interior decor and outdoor seating add to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the home-style comfort food was delicious."

"This diner has really friendly service and homemade food."

"The dinner food here is delicious comfort food."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hectic during peak hours, but there is a large free parking lot attached.

2

The diner offers a classic diner-style meal at a decent price.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and casual.

05
Westwood Coast image 1
American restaurant

Western-themed space offers an upscale country atmosphere with live country music and a lively dance floor that fills quickly. The vibe balances cool and trendy elements with a welcoming feel suitable for both casual dinners and special nights out.

Welcoming and upscale ambiance suits both special nights and casual dinners. The menu features dishes like the Australian Wagyu Ribeye, with consistent good food and service.

Bar offers a cool vibe with trendy atmosphere and cool booths. Food matches the setting with excellent quality.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are delicious and great for date spots."

"The steaks here are cooked to perfection, juicy and tender."

"The duck legs were delicious and everyone raved about them."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Line dancing lessons are available on Thursday nights starting at 10 PM.

3

The venue transforms into a lively dance party after 9 PM.

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.

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.

Many food options create a cool Mexican food court vibe. Choices like birria, torta ahogada, and churros add to the experience.

People are saying

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

"It's cool how many food options there are to try."

"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.

07
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.

Great staff create a friendly vibe and the ambiance feels super cool throughout the space.

People are saying

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

"The ambiance here is really cool, with a great vibe."

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

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.

08
Sevilla Nightclub of Costa Mesa image 1

Indoor and outdoor spaces include three bars and separate areas for live band and DJ music. Atmosphere feels electric yet intimate, with lively salsa dancing and energetic crowds. Frequented by dance enthusiasts, it offers a mix of upbeat music and social energy.

Dinner includes access to the nightclub with a cover fee charged for entry. Waitstaff are friendly and helpful, willing to address issues during the meal.

Salsa dancing creates a vibrant atmosphere here. The restaurant serves food with great presentation and flavor.

People are saying

"This nightclub has an electric atmosphere with friendly people ready to dance."

"You might pay a cover fee for dinner spots here."

"I found the restaurant to be cool with great food and presentation."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7pm almost every night with half off paella.

2

Salsa lessons are available every Wednesday with up to four instructors.

3

There is a $10 cover charge for the live band side.

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