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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of East Side Costa Mesa

Kid-friendly food

Made for those who want to enjoy a meal out without having to worry about whether their children are welcome.

Based on 727 Opinions
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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.

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

Plenty of kid-friendly options fill the menu, with pizzas that satisfy both kids and adults. Staff handle families well, making it easy to bring babies and children along.

People are saying

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

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

"The pizza here is so good, my grandson loved his."

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
Wok-In image 1
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.

Kids enjoy the chicken pho here and often crave it. One child traveled a long way just to try this food, showing its appeal to young eaters.

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 chicken pho is so delicious, my daughter became a pho addict."

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.

03
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.

Meals for kids come in large portions and include hearty options like Chicken Parmesan. The staff is kind and helpful in keeping kids entertained.

People are saying

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

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

"It's really kid friendly, with amazing meals in large portions."

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.

04
Ramen Tatsunoya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious Japanese restaurant with many booth tables and a layout suited for family dining. Atmosphere feels cozy and warm but can get loud when full, making conversations challenging. Known for authentic, rich tonkotsu ramen and a menu offering pork and vegan broths.

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

High chairs make it easy for families with kids. The ramen is a hit with children who keep coming back for more.

People are saying

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

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

"It's so Kid Friendly, my kids couldn't get enough of the ramen."

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.

05
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bar seating and outdoor tables offers an upbeat atmosphere and fresh margaritas. The space feels clean and open with comfortable seats. Regulars enjoy quality tacos and a lively vibe.

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

Staff handles large groups with children aged 1-15 well. Regular visits include families with kids, though some may not enjoy Hawaiian street food.

People are saying

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

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

"The tacos here are delicious; my son prefers the Birria."

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.

06
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.

Servers show great hospitality to families with kids and luggage. Kids get freshly made meals like a giant burger and a country breakfast that bring them back again.

People are saying

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

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

"The service here is so warm and friendly, especially with kids."

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.

07
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 includes a sushi combination plate that appeals to kids. Meals offer great flavors and presentation that engage children. Shared dining experiences work well for families.

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.

08
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.

A strong family tradition shapes the atmosphere, with multiple generations celebrating birthdays here. The environment feels welcoming for kids, supported by a history of family involvement at the front counter.

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."

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

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.

09
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a tropical outdoor patio featuring a fireplace and live music. Upbeat cantina atmosphere blends casual, beachy interior with a family-friendly vibe. Generous margaritas and colorful patio make it a lively spot for relaxing and socializing.

Authentic Mexican food features Mexican meats, side dishes, and desserts served with excellent service. The atmosphere complements the food, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Staff like Victor, Jesus, and Maria treat kids with kindness and make celebrations special by singing and bringing desserts. Food options like quesadillas and tortilla soup appeal even to picky eaters.

People are saying

"I found the handmade tortillas and authentic Mexican food to be great."

"The food here tasted authentic and was made from scratch."

"The servers here are super friendly and kind to kids."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 8pm with drinks starting at $4.

2

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

3

The lunch buffet costs $14 for all-you-can-eat options.

10
Plums Cafe image 1

Casual cafe with modern design and ample outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and vibrant indoors to loud and lively on the patio, making it suitable for social occasions. Crowds are common, so reservations help avoid waits.

Food comes fresh, light, and beautifully presented. Meals offer a unique and delicious taste with consistently excellent quality.

Kids get breakfast served quickly with friendly service. The kids' meal includes fruit, but some fruit showed mold. Pricing runs around $63 for one adult and one child.

People are saying

"The food, especially the Eggs Benedict, was perfect."

"The Dutch Baby at brunch is impressive and full of berries."

"The giant cinnamon roll is a massive treat, perfect for sharing."

Good to know

1

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

2

The wait time can be quite long during busy brunch hours.

3

Parking is limited and can be frustrating to find.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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