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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to East Side Costa Mesa

Dinner spots

A slow dinner is the best way to transition from the demands of the day into the evening.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy space with calm atmosphere and spacious seating featuring cool fish tanks. Family-run with friendly staff serving authentic, flavorful Vietnamese dishes like pho and vermicelli. Popular spot known for fresh ingredients and reasonable prices.

Food here features large portions that are consistently delicious and visually appealing. The menu offers an outstanding variety that satisfies both casual lunches and special dinners.

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.

02
My Greek Kitchen image 1
Greek restaurant

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.

Food features authentic Greek flavors with fresh ingredients and expert preparation. Dishes arrive piping hot and taste homemade, capturing the essence of Greece.

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."

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

"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.

03
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate, stylish setting with dim lighting and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere despite occasional buzz. The space feels cozy with an open, relaxing floor plan. It attracts those seeking authentic, high-quality sushi with expert chefs and imported fish.

Food features delicious rolls with appropriate portions and low prices. The menu offers thoughtful dishes paired with exceptional service in a cozy, relaxed 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."

"The food here is delicious and great for the price."

"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.

04
Pom & Olive image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and a Midwest supper club feel. Interior features fresh jasmine and beautiful paintings, creating a warm and familiar vibe. The place attracts many big families and offers a quiet, pleasant dining experience.

Delicious Middle Eastern flavors fill every dish with care and love. Generous portions come with warm, welcoming service that makes the food experience memorable.

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."

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"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.

05
Garduno's Ristorante Italiano image 1

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, rustic ambiance that feels like dining in a Nonna's kitchen. Pasta is made fresh daily, offering authentic dishes like seafood linguine and homemade lasagna. The setting is intimate and romantic, attracting locals who appreciate traditional flavors and generous portions.

Italian dishes feature authentic flavors with a rich aroma of herbs, sausages, and sauce. Prices stay lower than expected for the quality, and the food consistently tastes great and delicious.

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."

"The Italian food here is really authentic and amazing."

"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.

06
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy patio and family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of TVs for entertainment. The vibe is relaxed and homie, fitting for casual meals after the beach. Known for authentic pasta dishes and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Food here is consistently excellent with a focus on top-quality Italian dishes. The chef-owner's care shows in every bite, making the meals truly amazing.

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.

07
Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu restaurant offers limited seating with a welcoming patio that suits casual dining and dates. The atmosphere is comfortable and clean, with a late-night vibe and available parking. Guests enjoy fresh sashimi-grade salmon and flavorful dipping sauces alongside unique starters and desserts.

Food stands out with superior quality and many vegan and vegetarian options. Service is friendly and food arrives quickly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

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.

08
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner space combines retro remodel with cozy interior and ample outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays lively with loud country music and occasional live bands. Back room features a personal bar, adding to the vintage vibe.

Food comes out fast and tastes consistently fresh and homemade. Breakfast dishes are cooked very well, offering great comfort food with friendly service.

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.

09
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Atmosphere stays refined yet comfortable, lively without overwhelming noise. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes draw a crowd seeking both cozy dinners and lively gatherings.

Food features a fusion of contemporary cuisine with Latin inspiration using fresh, crisp vegetables and chef-driven, flavorful dishes.

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 food here is delicious and flavorful."

"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.

10
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.

Authentic home-style Turkish food shines with rich, tasty flavors from the Aegean coast. The cook prepares delicious Mediterranean dishes that invite repeat visits for both lunch and dinner.

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.

11
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and calm, allowing easy conversation without loud music. A patio area adds to the relaxed vibe.

Freshness stands out with every dish served. The Hot Night roll pairs artful presentation with delicious flavors that highlight the quality of the ingredients.

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.

12
Mi Casa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old school Mexican restaurant with an open, airy layout after recent renovations. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and cozy, with a bar area showing games on large screens. Known for classic tacos and strong margaritas, it draws locals who appreciate its long-standing community presence.

Food arrives quickly and stays consistently fresh and delicious. Expect spectacular Mexican dishes with great flavor and reliable quality every time.

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."

"I loved the food here; it tasted awesome."

"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.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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