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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Costa Mesa

Cozy dinner spots

A quiet, intimate dinner is the only way to end a long day.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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01
Kappo Sui / Sazu Sushi image 1
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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.

Small size and inviting atmosphere create a cozy and cute vibe. The spot feels like a hole-in-the-wall tucked away near a charging station.

Dinner offers fresh, delicious food with nice service. The place gets busy at prime time but seating happens promptly, and there is plenty of parking available.

People are saying

"The dinner dishes here are delicious and fresh."

"It's such a cozy and inviting place, a real hidden gem."

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.

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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.

Seating inside a glass-enclosed patio creates a chic and cozy vibe. The environment feels warm and friendly even when it's rainy outside.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is amazing, especially the flavorful chicken shawarma."

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.

03
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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.

People are saying

"The sushi and rolls at these Dinner Spots are super fresh and generously portioned."

"The sashimi here is super fresh, thick, and generously portioned for the price."

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
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Small French steakhouse with cozy, intimate atmosphere and Parisian bistro decor. Indoor space is compact with tables close together, while outdoor seating offers a quieter option by a fountain. Bar area is lively and can be loud, contrasting with the generally warm and inviting vibe inside.

Warm and inviting atmosphere fills the small space. Quiet, clean, and comfortable setting makes it easy to relax.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have high-quality, delicious meats cooked to perfection."

"It's a quiet, clean, and invitingly cozy atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get crowded.

2

Seating is limited; expect to sit at the bar if you arrive without a reservation.

3

Prices for entrees range from $30 to $50 per person.

05
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Small, intimate space with cozy Japanese bar vibes and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. The place draws a busy crowd often requiring a wait-list, reflecting its popularity. Known for authentic handmade udon and soba, it offers a genuine taste of Japanese hometown flavors.

Warm lighting and welcoming decor create a cozy ambiance with Japanese bar vibes. The setting suits enjoying authentic Japanese Udon dishes comfortably.

Dinner features seasonal, monthly-rotating specials with some dishes limited to 10 servings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Arriving early or before the rush helps secure these options.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is so rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

This dish is only available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is limited to 10 servings each day during dinner.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

The restaurant operates on a wait list only, so arrive early to secure a spot.

06
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Small space with cozy seating and soft lighting creates an intimate, welcoming vibe. Atmosphere stays relaxing and authentic, though it gets loud and crowded during busy times. Decor and presentation reflect thoughtful Japanese style, focusing on food quality over luxury.

Soft lighting and thoughtful Japanese decor create an intimate, welcoming vibe. Cozy seating adds to the warm atmosphere that feels inviting and comfortable.

Dinner time brings a busy environment with a lively atmosphere. The soup in the dinner set stands out as a highlight.

People are saying

"It's so cozy inside with soft lighting and intimate seating."

"I loved this local gem for dinner spots."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited in this area, so carpooling is best.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The omakase price is $39, which is lower than typical prices.

07
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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.

Indoor Christmas lights create a stunning, cozy vibe. Two patios with outdoor heaters add warmth for eating outside. The ambiance feels warm and inviting, like a neighborhood secret.

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.

People are saying

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

"The staff here are so friendly and welcoming, it's amazing."

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.

08
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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.

Creative decor and a friendly team create a cozy atmosphere. The setting suits casual lunches, cozy dinners, and meetings with a relaxed vibe.

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

People are saying

"I found Roman-style pizzas that transported me back to Italy."

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

09
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Open-space seating in a food court with several Japanese eateries creates a communal atmosphere. Charcoal-grilled beef tongue offers authentic, smoky flavor with tender, juicy texture. The environment combines Showa-era Japanese street style with a cozy, lively vibe.

Wooden tables and chairs create a communal atmosphere shared with other food court vendors. The ambiance stays authentic with just the right amount of energy, paired with great sides like rice and miso.

People are saying

"The beef tongue here is perfectly seasoned and grilled."

"The beef tongue here is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and expect a wait of 30-45 minutes on weekends.

2

The price range is US$20-30 per person for a meal.

3

There is limited seating in the food court, which can lead to standing while eating.

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Japanese restaurant offers cozy, authentic decor with a relaxed, quiet atmosphere and fresh, excellent sushi. Seating mostly suits small groups, with an open, clean kitchen visible. Outdoor patio seating provides a sunny, comfortable option with heaters available.

Authentic Japanese decor sets a cozy tone with low lighting that feels intimate. The space is clean and cute, resembling a sushi bar from Tokyo.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have incredibly fresh sushi and flavorful tempura."

"The baked baby lobster roll was to die for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8-9:30 pm with $3 large sake.

2

Reservations are accepted, but it's best to arrive early to avoid the dinner rush.

3

The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during busy hours.

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Open kitchen design reveals chefs preparing authentic Aegean cuisine with visible care. Warm, cozy atmosphere combines with live music to create an inviting and peaceful dining experience. Regulars appreciate family-style hospitality and dishes that evoke traditional Turkish flavors.

Warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere create an inviting space. It suits both casual dinners and special occasions.

Cozy and inviting atmosphere suits both casual dinners and special occasions. Turkish dishes offer rich flavors that encourage repeat visits, with options for dine-in or takeout.

People are saying

"The dinner here is full of authentic Turkish flavor."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby is available, but it can be challenging during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during dinner rush hours.

3

The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish dishes at reasonable prices.

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Restaurant combines cozy bistro vibe with steakhouse elegance and fine dining table service. Outdoor patio offers heated, shaded seating with hookah and good music, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Interior feels clean and well-designed, though seating indoors can be loud and limited.

Feels like a steak house but with a cozy, intimate bistro vibe. Week nights bring a quiet and cozy atmosphere.

Dinner service includes full service with a waiter. Food can take 20 minutes to over an hour to arrive, sometimes due to order issues. Meals are good once served.

People are saying

"The dinner here was delicious, especially the tender, flavorful steak."

"The food here is a party in my mouth; I could taste the quality."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited.

2

Expect to pay 15-20% more for online orders than menu prices.

3

All food served is halal.

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