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Unique dinner spots in Costa Mesa

A dinner spot that breaks the mold of the usual chain restaurants without trying too hard to be trendy.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
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Small space with a cozy, laid-back vibe and limited seating creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cool, attracting a mix of young people and families. Known for excellent vegan options and a unique touch of serving rice to soak up leftover sauce after noodles.

Dinner here draws a crowd early, with many people lining up by 6:45 PM on weekends. Arriving around 5:15 PM helps avoid the busy wait times on Sunday evenings.

Ramen comes with three distinct ways to eat, each offering a unique flavor profile. Rice is served on the side to soak up leftover sauce, adding a different dining twist.

People are saying

"You'll want to arrive by 5:30 PM for dinner to avoid the wait."

"The mazemen here are uniquely spicy, with chili on the side."

Good to know

1

The place is small, so arrive early to avoid a wait.

2

Expect to wait during peak hours; a clipboard is available for the waiting list.

3

Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best chance of no wait.

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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.

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.

Modern, fresh Italian dishes come with a unique flair. The Caesar salad features a distinct crouton topped with gelatin-like cream and egg for a non-predictable dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is modern Italian with a unique, artistic flair."

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

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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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.

Slices feature unique flavor profiles like bonito flakes with miso kewpie sauce and a taco-inspired chorizo pastor. The crust stands out as thicker yet airy and chewy, blending deep dish and focaccia qualities.

People are saying

"The pizzas here have unique flavor combinations, like the Japanese one."

"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.

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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.

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

Unique rolls like the Samurai Burrito, Dragon Balls, and Fuji Special stand out alongside classic sushi. These creative menu items add a distinct twist to traditional offerings.

People are saying

"I loved this local gem for dinner spots."

"You'll love the unique rolls, like the Samurai Burrito."

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.

05
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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.

Fresh sushi includes a wide variety of rolls like the classic spicy tuna and the unique Bikini Roll. Smaller cut rolls come in 4 or 5 pieces, and the scallop sashimi with truffle oil stands out. The to-go bag is a unique orange tote that adds a touch of luxury.

People are saying

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

"The ingredients here are so fresh, it's unbelievable."

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.

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Indoor space mimics authentic Japanese market with modern layout and large food court featuring unique Japanese products and a beer garden. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, resembling a slice of Japan with open dining and specialty shops. Crowds gather for standout dishes like beef tongue and ramen, creating a bustling vibe.

A great food court offers many options for dinner, including a to-go bento section for quick meals. Closing at 7 pm can be inconvenient since many start dinner around that time.

Many stores offer unique Japanese items hard to find outside Japan. The food court serves as a cultural epicenter with distinctive Japanese fare and a hidden bakery featuring unique breads and drinks.

People are saying

"It's a unique slice of Japan right here in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Parking can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.

2

The food court opens at 11am, offering a variety of dining options.

3

Unique Japanese products are available that are hard to find elsewhere.

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Spanish restaurant offers lively atmosphere with a beautiful outdoor patio featuring heaters for comfort. Indoor seating is packed and close-quartered, creating an intimate but confined vibe. Drinks include seasonal cocktails and a large selection of Tempranillo wine, complementing standout dishes like seared scallops and dry-aged steak.

Dinner features a top-notch wine selection paired with meals that suit celebrations and regular visits alike. The atmosphere supports special occasions and everyday dinners with consistent quality.

Drinks stand out with unique flavors and the bar offers cool features. Dishes are beautiful and sharable, crafted with distinct creativity.

People are saying

"The Spanish tapas and entrees make for a wonderful dinner."

"Kat's menu expertise and recommendations are a game-changer."

Good to know

1

Parking requires a valet.

2

We waited outside for two hours before being seated.

3

The paella takes about 40 minutes to cook.

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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.

Great Happy Hour suits late lunch or early dinner. Service stays exceptional with dishes arriving orderly and hot even when busy. Menu offers wide variety and consistent quality for any day.

Rainbow xiao long baos offer unique flavors with juicy, flavorful fillings. Seasonal options like Dungeness chili crab soup dumplings add to the distinctive menu.

People are saying

"The colorful dumplings had unique, juicy, and flavorful fillings."

"Our server Hendry gave great recommendations for dinner spots."

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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