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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of East Side Costa Mesa

Dinner spots

You want a dinner experience that feels intentional, where the atmosphere matches the weight of the evening.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa image 1
Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa image 2
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Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant shines with fresh sashimi-grade salmon and flavorful dipping sauces. Cozy patio and attentive service make dinner feel special. Unique sesame seed ice cream adds a crunchy finish to a casual, late-night spot with parking.

Dinner includes a unique sesame seed ice cream with a crunchy texture. Service features attentive guidance through the meal.

People are saying

"Michelle's sweet energy made the food amazing."

"The staff here really guides you through dinner."

"The Japanese food service here is friendly and makes you feel at home."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is honored until the last minute before it ends.

2

Seating is limited, so write your name on the iPad upon arrival.

3

Parking is plentiful and available for guests.

02
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with expert chefs crafting fresh seafood like bluefin and sweet shrimp. Cozy, dim-lit space offers a peaceful vibe perfect for late dinners. Enjoy short waits and a solid sake selection in a stylish, intimate setting.

Late dinners happen easily with short waits even when busy. The menu features fresh seafood like yellow tail, bluefin, scallops, and sweet shrimp with fried heads, plus rolls and sake options.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it practically melts in your mouth."

"I found the Japanese food here to be the best I've ever had."

"The staff at these dinner spots are so warm and attentive."

Good to know

1

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

2

Lunch sets offer great value, typically priced around $15.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during dinner hours, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.

03
Wok-In image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy space with calm atmosphere and spacious seating makes dinner here a treat. Family-run spot serves authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho that keep guests coming back. Friendly staff and fresh ingredients ensure a flavorful, satisfying meal every time.

Dinner offers a delightful dining experience with dishes so good they invite multiple bites. Returning for dinner happens often due to the consistent quality enjoyed across visits.

People are saying

"The owner, Bruce, is super friendly and knows our favorite dishes."

"I found the Chinese food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The lo mein with steak and garlic sauce at these dinner spots is so good."

Good to know

1

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

2

Takeout is popular, and orders can be placed online for convenience.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during weekends.

04
My Greek Kitchen image 1
Greek restaurant

Rustic touches create an authentic Greek vibe with generous portions and high-quality dishes. Attentive staff keep a welcoming environment ideal for large groups or casual dinners. Cozy yet elegant, it suits both relaxed meals and special occasions.

Catering options handle large groups with Greek salad, chicken, pilaf, and pita. Dinner suits both relaxed meals with friends and special occasions.

People are saying

"I found the Greek food, especially the gyros, to be really delicious."

"The authentic flavors here will transport you straight back to Greece."

"The dinner here is delicious and plentiful."

Good to know

1

Catering services are available for events with generous portion sizes.

2

All food is served to-go; there are no dine-in options.

3

Pricing is reasonable, averaging about $17 per person for large orders.

05
Pom & Olive image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean flavors shine in a cozy, family-friendly setting with a Midwest supper club feel. Fresh jasmine and beautiful paintings add warmth, perfect for family dinners or business meals. Quiet and pleasant, it suits date nights with easy conversation.

Offers a great dinner option without cooking or cleaning. Suitable for family dinners, business meals, or date nights with a nice atmosphere for conversation.

People are saying

"I found the Mediterranean food here to be delicious and bursting with flavor."

"You have to try the hummus; it's a must-have."

"The dinner here is flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and pescatarian options.

2

Portions are generous for the price, providing good value.

3

There is plenty of parking available for guests.

06
Garduno's Ristorante Italiano image 1

Small, family-owned Italian spot with a cozy ambiance feels like Nonna's kitchen. Fresh pasta shines in seafood linguine and homemade lasagna. Dinner lasts 110 minutes, perfect for relaxed dining during business or special occasions.

Dinner here lasts about 110 minutes, offering a relaxed pace. The menu features Italian dishes suitable for both business and special occasions.

People are saying

"The owners are so friendly, making this Italian food feel like home."

"I found the authentic Italian food here reminded me of visiting Florence."

"The food here is authentic, especially the salad with its secret recipe vinaigrette."

Good to know

1

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

2

All pasta is made fresh daily, ensuring high quality and flavor.

3

Expect busy periods on weekends; consider visiting during off-peak hours.

07
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Dinner offers a chic and cozy ambiance with exceptional quality meals, perfect for intimate or lively gatherings.

Dinner offers a balance between chic and cozy ambiance that suits both intimate and lively settings. The meal runs from start to finish with exceptional quality.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here to be scrumptious and a home run."

"The cocktails are creative, crafted with care and perfectly balanced."

"The dinner here is an unforgettable experience from start to finish."

Good to know

1

They offer a multi-course Valentine's menu on Valentine's Day.

2

Verde Restaurant has a focus on fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.

3

The menu includes many vegetarian and pescatarian options, along with meat dishes.

08
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot shines with authentic pasta and a family-friendly patio. Dinner features charcuterie boards and pizza rolls, perfect for groups or takeout. TVs add to the relaxed, homie vibe after beach days.

Pizza rolls, baked mushrooms, and charcuterie boards stand out for dinner. Meals work well for groups and takeout.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The dinner spots here improved a lot with the new owner."

"They make homemade bread every morning with the best ingredients."

Good to know

1

Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta offers daily specials and a lunch special.

2

They can customize dishes upon request.

3

Expect a wait as food is made to order.

09
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner blends retro remodel with a cozy interior and lively country music. Dinner serves classic fare in a wholesome, old-fashioned setting. A personal bar in the back adds a vintage vibe to the experience.

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

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.

10
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. Early, casual dinners suit family or friends well. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe for easy conversation.

Dinner here happens early and casual. The spot offers a straightforward setting for a quiet meal with family or friends.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Saturday is busy, expect a wait to be seated.

2

The average bill is about $60 per person.

3

Parking can be inconsistent, plan accordingly.

11
Mi Casa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican spot offers classic tacos and large margaritas with strong tequila. Cozy, family-friendly vibe with an open layout and a bar showing games on big screens. Burritos are huge, perfect for a hearty dinner.

Dinner features delicious Mexican food with large margaritas packed with tequila. Burritos come in generous portions, sometimes too big to finish.

People are saying

"I've loved their Mexican food since I was a kid; it's a favorite."

"It's so kid-friendly; we celebrated all our birthdays here for years."

"The dinner spots here have really good fajitas and flavorful burritos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers all-day specials during happy hour with $4 bowls.

2

Happy hour features great prices on food and drinks from 4-7pm.

3

Parking can get hectic, so arrive early to find a spot.

12
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs crafting authentic Aegean cuisine with care. Warm, cozy space and live music create a peaceful vibe. Perfect for casual dinners or special nights, dishes bring rich, traditional Turkish flavors.

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

"The Turkish food here is amazing and reminds me of home."

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

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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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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