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Local picks

Food in East Side Costa Mesa

Food that stands on its own merits without needing a gimmick to get people through the door.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
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Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 2
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 3
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Family-owned spot serves fantastic dishes with consistent quality. Cozy, relaxed vibe with spacious tables invites socializing. Offers Halal options and a kid-friendly environment that honors tradition.

Food here stays consistently great and is prepared by good people. The menu offers fantastic dishes that satisfy every time.

People are saying

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

"The pasta here is delicious, especially the lasagna."

"I found the pizza here to be perfect."

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
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with fresh margaritas and quality tacos. Bar seating and outdoor tables create an upbeat atmosphere. Clean, open space invites a lively vibe for all guests.

Food here stands out for its freshness and delicious flavors. Quality remains consistently top notch across dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be muy bueno."

"The food here is super delicious and very fresh."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for the price of two.

2

The Taco Tuesday deal costs $11.50 for three tacos.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

03
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with comfort food and generous portions. Live DJs create a chill vibe while outdoor patio with heaters offers a relaxing atmosphere. Owners serve with care, making every visit feel personal and welcoming.

Comfort food menu offers a satisfying variety with generous portions. Owners act as chef and server, ensuring excellent service and a focus on the customer experience.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The staff's wine knowledge and passion really impressed me."

"You have to try the Mediterranean food; the hummus is incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

04
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs crafting authentic Aegean cuisine with care. Warm, cozy vibe and live music make dining peaceful and inviting. Family-style hospitality and traditional Turkish flavors keep guests coming back for home-style meals.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"These meatballs taste like authentic home-style Turkish food."

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.

05
Wok-In image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy spot with calm atmosphere and spacious seating offers authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho and vermicelli. Large portions are consistently delicious and visually appealing. Family-run with friendly staff ensures 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.

People are saying

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

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

"This family-owned spot has amazing pho with outstanding flavor."

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.

06
My Greek Kitchen image 1
Greek restaurant

Rustic touches create an authentic Greek vibe with cozy atmosphere and attentive staff. Food offers authentic flavors and arrives piping hot. Generous portions make it a great to-go spot with a casual neighborhood feel.

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

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."

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

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.

07
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy patio and family-friendly atmosphere make it great for casual dining. Authentic pasta dishes show chef-owner's care with generous portions. Plenty of TVs add entertainment for a relaxed, homie vibe after the beach.

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.

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.

08
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout creates a casual, friendly atmosphere with a relaxed beach-town vibe. Fresh fish tacos and generous portions highlight the menu, while a big salsa bar and self-service soda machine add to the fast food convenience. Mexican dishes come out quickly with authentic flavors and consistently excellent quality.

Food features fresh ingredients and authentic flavors with consistently excellent quality. Mexican dishes come out quickly and maintain a high standard every time.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

"These fish tacos are the best I've ever eaten."

"I loved their awesome salsa bar!"

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

2

The portions are generous and satisfying.

3

The menu includes burritos, bowls, enchiladas, and vegetarian options.

09
Kakurega image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with expert chefs crafting authentic dishes in a cozy setting. Rolls are tasty, well-sized, and budget-friendly. Enjoy exceptional service in a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxed dining.

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

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 food here is delicious and great for the price."

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.

10
Pom & Olive image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean dishes burst with Middle Eastern flavors and generous portions. Cozy, family-friendly vibe feels like a Midwest supper club with fresh jasmine and warm paintings. Service is welcoming and attentive, making every visit pleasant and memorable.

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

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 food here is so delicious and flavorful."

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.

11
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner blends retro remodel with cozy seating and lively country music. Food is fresh and homemade, especially great breakfast comfort dishes. Friendly service and a vintage bar add charm and warmth.

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

People are saying

"I thought the home-style comfort food was delicious."

"This diner has really friendly service and homemade food."

"The venue itself is really cool, with a diner, speakeasy, and outdoor seating."

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.

12
Garduno's Ristorante Italiano image 1

Small, family-owned Italian spot offers fresh pasta and authentic flavors in a cozy, rustic ambiance. Intimate setting feels like dining in Nonna's kitchen, perfect for locals craving generous portions and traditional dishes.

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.

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 Italian food here is really authentic and amazing."

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.

13
17th Street Deli image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop serves fresh baked baguettes and thick, juicy pastrami with high quality meats and fresh ingredients. Atmosphere is pleasant and cozy with clean seating inside and out. Crowds peak at busy times, so ordering ahead helps avoid parking issues.

Food features high quality meats and fresh ingredients. Deli offerings are consistently amazing and fantastic.

People are saying

"The Italian sandwich had a perfect baguette and flavorful meats."

"The French baguette had the perfect crunch and airy inside."

"The food here uses high-quality ingredients and premium meats."

Good to know

1

Parking is free within the shopping complex, but it can get busy during peak hours.

2

Ordering ahead on their website is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant uses premium meats, indicated by the Boar's Head sign inside.

14
Pop Pie Co. image 1
Restaurant

Small pie shop shines with next-level pot pies and a relaxed vibe. Bright sunlight and cozy seating create a lively atmosphere. Friendly crew and great service make every visit enjoyable.

Amazing food creates a relaxed atmosphere paired with great service. The crew and vibe add to an overall amazing food experience.

People are saying

"The chicken pot pie here is unbelievably good."

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"These pot pies are next-level and hit different."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends due to nearby attractions.

2

The shop is open later than other pie spots in the area.

3

Coffee service ends an hour before closing time.

15
Ramen Tatsunoya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious Japanese spot shines with authentic tonkotsu ramen and a menu featuring pork and vegan broths. Cozy, warm vibe suits families but noise rises when busy. Food is rich and filling, making every bite a delight.

Food offers great flavor and is filling. Dishes taste amazing and encourage eating more even when full.

People are saying

"I found the ramen broth to be rich and authentic."

"I found the vegetarian ramen to be rich and flavorful."

"I found the ramen here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait outside for a table during peak dinner hours.

2

The price for a bowl of ramen is $16.

3

There is a vegan option available for those who do not eat pork.

16
Jersey Mike's Subs image 1
Sandwich shop

Tiny space fills quickly with uplifting vibes and efficient staff. Sandwiches shine with high quality and variety. Menu offers solid options and service is exceptional.

Food here is consistently good to great with exceptional service. The menu offers solid options that satisfy without fuss.

People are saying

"Matt made my sandwich with such care, it was like art."

"I found the food here to be great."

Good to know

1

A 7.5-inch sandwich costs around $13.

2

The serving location is clean and organized.

3

There are many options for bread, cheese, meat, and toppings.

17
Beach Hut Deli image 1

Deli serves delicious flavors with great quality food. Cozy patio and light music create a chill vibe. Family-friendly spot with TV screens for game days and cold beer specials.

Food features great quality and delicious flavors. Meals consistently deliver a very nice dining experience.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are huge and loaded with fresh ingredients."

"The food here is delicious, with huge sandwiches loaded with fresh ingredients."

"I enjoyed the cold beer and chill vibes."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $20 for a sandwich and chips, excluding drinks.

2

The deli is family-friendly, making it a great spot for kids.

3

The sauce can be ordered hot or cold, depending on your preference.

18
Verde Restaurant image 1
American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, offering an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Food shines with Latin-inspired fusion and fresh, crisp vegetables. Creative cocktails and lively yet refined atmosphere make it perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.

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

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 food here is delicious and flavorful."

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.

19
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Modern design meets Mediterranean charm with soft lighting and comfy patio seats. Fresh, flavorful food shines with perfect preparation and quick, friendly service. Meals under $20 make this spot both tasty and affordable.

Food comes fresh and flavorful with perfect preparation. Service matches the quality, making meals under $20 stand out.

People are saying

"I found the healthy foods here to be fresh and flavorful."

"The Greek food here is served with such genuine smiles and helpful service."

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

Good to know

1

CAVA closes at 10 pm on weeknights, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect limited menu items as they often run out of popular options.

3

Prices range from $13 to $18 for chicken and beef dishes.

20
Shunka Sushi & Japanese Cuisine image 1

Sushi spot shines with authentic Japanese interior and a fun atmosphere. Skilled chefs deliver fresh, high-quality fish in small, reasonably priced portions. Service matches the fine dining vibe, making it great for both experts and newcomers.

Fresh, high-quality fish defines the menu with dishes crafted through true craftsmanship. The food pairs with exceptional service in a fine dining setting where quality justifies the price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is exceptional, practically melting in your mouth."

"I found the sushi here to be super authentic, prepared by real Japanese chefs."

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

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive early.

2

Omakase is available and offers a great value for the quality.

3

Expect to pay around $40 for a combo meal with green tea.

21
Great Mex image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot serves authentic flavor with fresh ingredients. Casual vibe shines with a salsa bar and big screen TV. Limited parking means bike-friendly or street options. Affordable tacos and breakfast burritos make it a budget-friendly choice.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavor with consistently fresh ingredients and high quality preparation. Dishes deliver a reliably good and delicious experience.

People are saying

"You've gotta try the shredded beef hardshell tacos for Mexican Food."

"I found the breakfast burritos to be the best."

"The food here is delicious and a great staple."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos and $2.50 beers.

2

Parking is limited, especially for dine-in customers.

3

Takeout wait times are usually under 15 minutes.

22
Roman's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Strip plaza spot serves authentic Mexican food with green salsa and textured chicken burritos. Offers all-day breakfast and a wide range of cold bottled drinks. Food pairs well with a solid beer selection for a homely feel.

Mexican cuisine stands out with tasty and reasonably priced dishes. The food pairs well with a solid beer selection.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is tasty and reasonably priced."

"The food here is tasty and delicious."

"I had a breakfast burrito that was very good."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs $10.49 on DoorDash.

2

Roman's Mexican Restaurant offers all-day breakfast.

3

The total cost for a meal is around $16, including bottled water.

23
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Cozy rustic decor blends with an authentic East Coast deli vibe, creating a warm atmosphere. Homemade food shines with fresh daily preparation in the deli and bakery. An adjacent market offers fresh pasta and cheeses, perfect for quiet dinners or casual gatherings.

Food features homemade quality with fresh daily preparation in the deli and bakery. The market offers authentic Italian items like fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and wine, paired thoughtfully by helpful servers.

People are saying

"The Grocery Store staff is so helpful and attentive."

"The Chicken Parmigiana here is outstanding and clearly homemade."

"The food here is delicious and clearly homemade."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during dinner hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; one lasagna can easily serve two people.

24
Coffee Dose image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with kitschy decor offers a fun vibe and loud music. Breakfast shines with fresh flavors and pairs well with great coffee. Health-conscious options include gluten-free dishes and a cashless policy.

Breakfast dishes stand out with fresh flavors and careful construction. Coffee pairs well with the great food and adds to the overall experience.

People are saying

"The breakfast burrito here is top-notch, especially with those crispy potatoes."

"The coffee here is phenomenal, so smooth and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and nicely done."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

25
Hola Adios Coffeeshop image 1

Quirky decor and lively energy create a chill vibe perfect for remote work with free Wi-Fi and ample seating. Breakfast shines with biscuit sandwiches and exceptional coffee, served with care. Locals love the stylish, welcoming space for both work and food.

Breakfast options include biscuit sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and Irish tacos. Food pairs well with exceptional coffee and comes with attentive service.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee options were great and the Spanish lattes excellent."

"I thought the breakfast biscuits were amazing and balanced."

"I found the food and coffee here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Their kitchen closes at 2pm.

2

Parking can sometimes be challenging, but street parking is available.

3

Food might require a wait if itโ€™s busy.

26
Our Bar and Kitchen image 1

Cozy bar buzzes with big screen TVs and lively locals. Late-night eats shine with amazing dishes served until 12:30am. Sports fans love the pool tables and games like darts, making it a top spot for fun and food.

Food stays available until 12:30am, making it a solid choice for late-night dining. The menu is small but offers amazingly good dishes that are reasonably priced and stand out for a sports bar.

People are saying

"I found the Eagles bar to be great for cheering 'Go Birds!'."

"It's a cool local spot for meeting people and hanging out."

"The food here is amazingly good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great food deals and drink specials.

2

Food is served until 12:30am, perfect for late-night dining.

3

Parking can be tricky; consider street parking if the lot is full.

27
Sushi Town image 1
Japanese restaurant

Enjoy fresh sushi with large fish cuts and perfectly cooked rice in a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The Hot Night roll offers artful presentation and rich flavors. A patio area enhances the relaxed vibe for easy conversation.

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

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my daughter and I had a great time."

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.

28
Milligram image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor garden courtyard with eucalyptus trees offers a tranquil spot for brunch. Fresh breakfast sandwiches and great coffee fuel peaceful conversations. Weekend live music adds a European-inspired vibe to the dog-friendly patio.

Food comes fresh and delicious with a focus on great breakfast sandwiches and fresh coffee. The setting encourages peaceful conversation while enjoying awesome meals.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really good and delicious."

"The breakfast here is delicious, especially the oven-baked eggs."

"The food here is really delicious."

Good to know

1

Milligram does not have a kitchen.

2

They do not accept cash.

3

Breakfast items are served until 3 PM.

29
Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa image 1
Shabu-shabu restaurant

Shabu-shabu shines with fresh sashimi-grade salmon and vegan options that please all diets. Friendly staff serve food fast in a comfortable, clean setting with a welcoming patio perfect for casual meals or dates.

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

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.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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