Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Food spots in East Side Costa Mesa

Made for those who want a meal that centers on fresh greens without sacrificing the substance of a full dining experience.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 2
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 3
View all

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.

Greek salad features prominently alongside pizzas and pastas. Salads come with fresh ingredients and pair well with the pink sauce.

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."

"Their salads, pasta, and pizza were all delicious."

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
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.

Salads feature fresh ingredients like beet and feta cheese and Fall Gem Salad with hot bacon. Options include a ranch salad and a beet salad that is not overly sweet.

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 food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I liked the walnuts in the beet salad."

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.

03
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.

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.

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.

04
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.

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.

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."

"The chicken salad was perfectly cooked and flavorful."

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
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.

Salads come with a house vinaigrette that tastes like a secret recipe. They often arrive as a side salad served fresh, sometimes even straight from a bag.

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."

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

"I loved the side salad and the house 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.

Salads come in fresh, flavorful options like the blistered tomato mozzarella and classic chicken Caesar. Some meals include a large salad portion alongside pasta and garlic bread for good value.

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."

"I had the blistered tomato mozzarella salad and it was fresh and full of flavor."

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
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.

Salads come with an exceptional dressing that stands out. The chicken salad pairs well with the Koobideh Combination, which includes beef and chicken skewers with rice and salad.

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."

"The food here is so delicious and flavorful."

"The tabbouleh salad here is a great start with hummus and pita."

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.

08
Irvine Ranch Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Small gourmet grocery store offers a clean, well-laid-out space with a local vibe and wide variety of high-quality products. Atmosphere feels friendly and convenient, attracting those seeking unique snacks and ingredients for special meals. Prices run higher than typical chain stores, reflecting the focus on top-quality goods.

Fresh salads come from a great salad bar with a good variety. Prepared deli salads vary in freshness and taste week to week.

Foods and snacks include items not found at typical markets. Prepared foods feature a hot bar, salad bar, and sandwiches. Freshness and good quality stand out, though prices are higher. Staff in food and bakery sections smile often.

People are saying

"The staff at this grocery store are so friendly and helpful."

"The food here is so fresh and high-quality."

"I loved their delicious and fresh salads for my children."

Good to know

1

Marbella Market closes at 7:30 PM.

2

If you are in the store after 7:30 PM, they will start turning lights off on you.

3

The prices at this market were about 20% higher than Ralph's.

09
Darbari Persian Grill image 1
Persian restaurant

Small Persian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a pleasant outdoor dining area and relaxing energy. The space feels comfortable and intimate, attracting those interested in authentic Persian cuisine and flavorful kebabs.

Options include substituting a full salad instead of rice or carbs at no extra cost. The chicken kabob salad features fresh, juicy chicken. Greek and Caesar's salads serve as popular sides alongside dishes.

Persian cuisine here is consistently delicious and authentic, with fresh food arriving swiftly. Service stays efficient, making every visit smooth and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is juicy and loaded with flavor."

"I found the Persian food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The Greek salad was equally delightful and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the restaurant.

2

The average food cost is under $30, with generous portions.

3

The restaurant is known for its clean and well-run environment.

10
Harper Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Open space combines modern industrial design with indoor and outdoor seating creating a laid-back, welcoming vibe. The atmosphere feels family-oriented and casual, with a lively buzz. A bar offers draft beers, complementing the relaxed setting.

Salads offer a refreshing balance to the heavy meats. The potato salad stands out as especially good, alongside sides like BBQ beans, cole slaw, and brussel sprout salad.

Food here stands out for its great quality and consistent flavor. Dishes deliver solid taste without fuss.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is amazing and totally worth a try."

"I thought the food here was great and flavorful."

"The potato salad is served warm and has a unique twist."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; arrive early or consider street parking options.

3

Prices can be high, with meals for two averaging around $100.

Discover more

East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

Area guide
Loading Map...