Soup and salad spots in Costa Mesa

Medium-sized indoor space offers a cozy, casual chic atmosphere with Thai-inspired decor and quiet enough for conversation. The vibe is inviting, featuring booths, tables, and TVs showing games. Authentic Thai flavors define the experience, with dishes praised for their balanced spice and freshness.

Spicy pork noodle soup stands out with its beautiful presentation and bold flavor. Tom yum soup pairs well with rice and the vegetarian Tom Kha offers a creamy, aromatic option.

Salads here come with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Options like the spicy Nam Kao and the sweet and sour squid salad stand out for their bold taste profiles.

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.

Soups come freshly made and taste delicious. Options include lobster bisque and other varieties served alongside sandwiches and salads.

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.

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.

Lentil soup stands out as a comforting start to meals with a delicious, rich flavor. It pairs well with meatballs and kebabs, making the soup experience hearty and satisfying.

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.

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.

Miso soup offers a comforting and classic start. It often comes with meals like the Beef Teriyaki Bento box, pairing well with rice and salad.

Salads come in huge portions and often appear as mixed greens alongside meals like the Beef Teriyaki Bento box. The poke salad stands out as a fresh option paired with various sushi and sashimi dishes.

Rustic touches create an authentic Greek atmosphere with a cozy yet elegant vibe. The place maintains a casual neighborhood feel and a welcoming environment run by attentive staff. It operates primarily as a to-go spot known for generous portions and high-quality Greek dishes.

Greek Lemon Soup, called Avgolemono, stands out with its lemon chicken and rice base. Lentil soup also appears as a solid option among the classic Greek soups.

Salads come fresh and vibrant with generous portions. Greek salad stands out with seriously good feta cheese and pairs well with falafel pita or chicken dishes.

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.

Onion soup features a rich, intense flavor achieved through a reduction technique without extra salt. It comes topped with a perfect blend of cheese and croutons, making it especially enjoyable.

Beet salad with endive offers a refreshing taste and pairs well with other dishes. Caesar and butcher’s salads provide classic options alongside roasted mixed veggies.

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.

Rib Bone Soup stands out with its rich beef flavor and comforting warmth. Both the rib bone soup and congee offer a soothing, hearty experience that pairs well with other dishes like saltada.

Pear burrata salad stands out with a sweet and creamy mix that pairs well with other dishes. Options include a Peruvian chopped salad and a salad featuring protein additions for a fuller meal.

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.

Soups include miso soup, clam soup, and unique options like mochi in soup. Meals often come with soup as a side, complementing dishes like chicken karrage and king mackerel.

Simple Spinach Salad packs a huge umami flavor with dressing and bacon bits. Local tastes shine through with dishes like stewed Kiki fish and mountain yam salad.

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.

Soups come in rich flavors like Clam Chowder and Broccoli Cheddar. Serving soups in a sourdough bread bowl adds a unique touch, and the clam chowder maintains consistent quality.

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.

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.

Soup features a tasty, not overly salty miso base. Udon noodles come chewy with crispy tempura fried shrimp in a warming broth.

Freshness stands out with every salad served. Crisp cucumber salad and other dishes show consistent high quality and fresh ingredients.

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.

Soup dumplings come with thin wrappers and a sumptuous broth inside. Hot and sour soup offers a perfectly peppery kick, while noodle soups feature a very good broth.

Cucumber salad stands out with its consistent quality and refreshing taste. Vermicelli salad also appears as a notable option among the salad choices.