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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Costa Mesa

Salad and sandwich spots

A light, crunchy salad alongside a hearty sandwich.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
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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.

Greek salad features prominently alongside pizzas and pastas. Salads come with fresh ingredients and pair well with the pink sauce.

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.

People are saying

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

"Their salads, pasta, and pizza were all delicious."

"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.

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.

Salads feature baby spinach, strawberries, and chicken with a sesame dressing. They come fresh and clean, often paired with sandwiches or soups for a solid lunch option.

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.

People are saying

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

"The sandwiches here are huge and fresh."

"I enjoyed the delicious, fresh salad with baby spinach and strawberries."

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.

Freshness stands out with every salad served alongside classic French dishes. Salads come as crisp, simple sides that complement the Parisian Beef and Bacon and Tomato crepes well.

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.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and delicious."

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

"I felt like I escaped to Paris without traveling."

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
Pura Vida Miami image 1
Coffee shop

Bright, airy space with outdoor seating and a modern Miami vibe creates a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Casual crowd enjoys healthy bites and coffee breaks, often during shopping trips. Pet-friendly environment adds to the relaxed, open feel.

Salads feature fresh ingredients with a standout Greek salad option. Dressings may come on the side, and prices run around $26 with chicken.

Egg yolk in the sandwich cooks to a firm but slightly runny texture. Turkey bacon adds a savory boost, while the sauce brings great flavor. The sandwich overall tastes very delicious.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great, and the staff is so sweet."

"The egg sandwich was very delicious."

"The salads here are so fresh and vibrant."

Good to know

1

Seating is first come, first served.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Menus are not always available while waiting in line.

05
Globe Delicatessen image 1

Small deli with authentic German vibe and cozy, homey atmosphere feels like a European Gasthaus. Friendly energy invites relaxation and enjoyment. Known for exceptional sandwiches and great German beer selection.

Homemade potato salad stands out with a German style twist. It pairs well with bratwurst and German beer for a classic combo.

Sandwiches feature in-house cooked meats and come in huge portions. The meatball sandwich on C'est Si Bon bread and the Rueben stand out as favorites.

People are saying

"I loved the German beer selection here."

"I loved the German potato salad with the brat."

"I considered their schnitzel sandwich the finest in Orange County."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging on Saturday afternoons.

2

Goulash is a generous portion for $20.

3

The deli sources high-quality meats from a small company.

06
Al's New York Cafe image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small outdoor pizzeria offers authentic New York-style pizza with thin, foldable crusts and quick service. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, attracting those seeking affordable, classic slices and sandwiches. The place stands out for its long-standing tradition and consistent quality over decades.

Fresh vegetables come with a tasty house vinaigrette in the salads. The Green Garden Salad stands out as a solid choice with generous toppings.

Pastrami piled high defines the deli sandwiches, making the first bite a challenge. The Italian submarine and meatball sandwiches stand out, though sandwiches tend to be on the small side.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is hot, crispy, and flavorful."

"The cafe staff's kindness and generosity made me feel like family."

"I found the salads here generous with toppings."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

2

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating.

3

Expect a busy lunch hour; consider ordering ahead.

07
MJ's Cafe image 1

Small outdoor seating with three two-person tables complements a space built mainly for takeout. The atmosphere inside feels stuffy and hot, while mornings around 10am bring a busy vibe. Prices run over ten dollars but include extras like a pickle spear and pasta salad.

Salads come with options like a Greek salad that can be topped with tri-tip. They also serve salads alongside half sandwiches or soup combos.

Menu includes panini sandwiches and BLTs. Options come as half sandwiches paired with soup or salad.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the sandwiches and salads here."

"I thought the salad was delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices for most items are over ten dollars.

2

Expect long wait times around 10am; consider calling ahead.

3

The cafe is primarily for takeout, with food served in take-away containers.

08
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

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.

Freshness stands out with the Aegean Salad and other greens served alongside dishes. Salads come with meals like meatballs and beef, adding a crisp, light contrast. Ingredients like millet also appear, enhancing texture and flavor.

Meatball sandwich comes in a very large portion and has strong flavor. The chicken sandwich offers fresh ingredients and bold taste. The kofte sandwich mimics a Turkish street style. Falafel sandwich lacks flavor and feels dry.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and seasoned perfectly."

"The chicken salad was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

"That meatball sandwich was so big, I needed a nap."

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.

09
Deli Nerds image 1
Restaurant

Small sandwich shop with a cozy patio featuring shade and heat lamps creates a relaxed, friendly vibe. Menu focuses on slider-sized sandwiches and offers meal prep and catering services. Outdoor space is dog friendly and suits casual hangouts or group events.

Salads come large and fresh, packed with flavor. Options include a BBQ salad and a Caesar salad wrap, both hearty and satisfying.

Sandwiches come in slider size with options like smash, bahn mi, and muffuletta. They are fresh and full of flavor but take over 15 minutes to prepare.

People are saying

"The French dip and smash sliders here are awesome."

"The outdoor patio space is really cozy and great for hanging out."

"This sandwich offered a fun, unique adventure with a trophy."

Good to know

1

Burritos cost $5 each on weekday mornings from 8 to 9 am.

2

Sliders are available Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 pm at 2 for $8.

3

Deli Nerds hosts Geeks who Drink Trivia on Thursdays at 7pm.

10
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.

Fresh salads come from a great salad bar with a good variety. Prepared deli salads vary in freshness and taste week to week.

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

People are saying

"The staff at this grocery store are so friendly and helpful."

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

"I loved their delicious and fresh salads for my children."

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.

11
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.

Salads offer a refreshing balance to the heavy meats. The potato salad stands out as especially good, alongside sides like BBQ beans, cole slaw, and brussel sprout salad.

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.

People are saying

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

"The potato salad is served warm and has a unique twist."

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

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.

12
Brazuca Cafรฉ image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Brazilian flavors with live music and indoor and outdoor seating including heaters. Atmosphere feels like a cozy, modern Brazilian cafรฉ with a spacious and inviting setup. Brazilian beers and refreshing cocktails complement the experience.

Salad comes as a fresh side with plates like the steak and picanha. It complements the hot, flavorful beans and rice served alongside.

Tender, tasty picanha steak fills the sandwich, offering great flavor at a reasonable price. The sandwich stands out among other steak options tried elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Brazilian food here is authentic and delicious."

"I loved the picanha sandwich; the steak was tender and tasty."

"The picanha plate came with rice, beans, and a fresh salad."

Good to know

1

Visiting on weekends is recommended for Feijoada, a national specialty dish.

2

The cafรฉ is self-serve, so customers get their own silverware and condiments.

3

Parking can be a hassle due to the location in a strip mall.

13
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.

Steak salads stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Spinach salad features strawberries and candied pecans for a sweet crunch. Chicken and chopped wedge salads offer solid, fresh options.

Brisket sandwiches come loaded with meat and look hearty. Chicken sandwiches feature crispy, tender, juicy meat, especially the Buffalo chicken ranch variety.

People are saying

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

"I loved the steak salad and the spinach salad with strawberries."

"The brisket sandwich was amazing and loaded with meat."

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.

14
Le Chateau Garden Bistro image 1
French restaurant

French restaurant offers elegant and cozy atmosphere with beautiful courtyard seating featuring a fountain and lush flowers. Occasional airplane noise interrupts the otherwise peaceful and romantic vibe. Interior showcases European-style decoration with clean, spacious rooms and French doors opening to a garden setting.

Menu offers a solid variety of salads including a Chinese salad that stands out. Some salads like the Caesar may appear less fresh, sometimes looking like they've been sitting out.

Menu offers a solid range of large sandwiches alongside salads and entrees. The Roast Pot sandwich pairs well with crispy French fries.

People are saying

"The food here is beautifully decorated and has a classy, comfortable vibe."

"The courtyard seating is so pretty, I took pictures."

"I loved the nice courtyard seating and European decor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

2

Free parking is available for restaurant guests.

3

The Weekend Brunch menu features a variety of choices.

15
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.

Salads come in huge portions served in large bowls or plates. Ingredients like fresh avocado, seeds, leaves, and tomatoes are crisp and flavorful. Prices run over $15, reflecting the size and quality.

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.

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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