Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Lunch spots in East Side Costa Mesa

A lunch spot that provides a proper midday reset rather than just another rushed transaction.

Based on 715 Opinions
+712
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 1
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 2
Izmir | Aegean Cuisine image 3
View all
Mediterranean restaurant

Open kitchen shows chefs crafting authentic Aegean cuisine with care. Cozy vibe and live music make dining peaceful and inviting. Lunch features flavorful kefta and fire roasted eggplant that satisfy well.

Lunch offers flavorful dishes like the kefta plate and fire roasted eggplant that satisfy well without needing more.

People are saying

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

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

"The food at this Lunch Spot is out of this world, with fresh, quality ingredients."

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.

02
Pop Pie Co. image 1
Restaurant

Small pie shop offers next-level pot pies in a cozy, sunlit space. Friendly service from Tanya makes lunch feel personal. Beef pot pie is a hearty lunch choice with a relaxed vibe perfect for casual dining.

Beef pot pie stands out as a hearty lunch choice. Friendly service from Tanya adds a personal touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The chicken pot pie here is unbelievably good."

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"This Lunch Spot's chicken pot pie has a flaky, buttery crust."

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.

03
Wok-In image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Cozy spot with calm atmosphere and fresh ingredients serves authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho. Family-run with friendly staff offers consistent quality, making it a great lunch spot for company meals.

Offers consistent quality for both lunch and dinner. Serves well for company lunches over several years.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the egg rolls were the best part of this Lunch Spot."

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
Baja Fish Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Wide-open layout and beach-town vibe create a casual, friendly spot. Fresh fish tacos and big salsa bar offer satisfying flavors. Outdoor seating stays quiet, making it a great lunch spot despite busy lunchtime noise.

Fresh and satisfying food makes it a reliable lunch spot. Outdoor seating is available but often quiet during lunch hours.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and consistently excellent."

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

"This lunch spot always has excellent, fresh food made from scratch."

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.

05
Irvine Ranch Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Small gourmet grocery offers a local vibe with high-quality products and great sandwiches for lunch. Prices are higher but reflect the top-quality ingredients. Perfect for quick meals or finding unique snacks.

Offers great sandwiches and local snacks ideal for a quick lunch or a beach break. Regularly serves high-quality ingredients suitable for both casual and special meals.

People are saying

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

"This Market has tons of local goods and snacks you won't find elsewhere."

"This lunch spot has super fresh produce and amazing sandwiches."

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.

06
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with live DJs and a chill vibe. Outdoor patio with heaters offers a relaxing atmosphere. Lunch is pricey but worth it for high-quality food and special occasions.

Lunch here involves a high price point, with meals for three exceeding $125. The food quality supports the cost, making it a notable choice for special occasions or when spending more is expected.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

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

"The chimichurri hummus at this lunch spot was a star dish."

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.

07
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Cozy rustic decor and authentic East Coast deli vibe create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Generous portions make it a great lunch spot with smooth service for groups. Adjacent fresh pasta market and bakery add a unique culinary touch for casual gatherings.

Portions come generous enough for leftovers. Staff handle large groups smoothly and adjust for unexpected guests. Food works well for catered lunches at offices.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's food was absolutely delicious and high quality."

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.

08
CAVA image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Modern design meets Mediterranean charm with soft lighting and comfy patio seats. Enjoy healthy quick lunch options served fast by friendly staff. Lively, inviting vibe makes it easy to relax even with a toddler.

Offers a healthy quick lunch option with friendly staff who assist during busy times. Serves as a reliable spot for a stress-free meal even with a toddler in tow.

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."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so thoughtful and friendly."

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.

09
Pom & Olive image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean flavors shine in a cozy, family-friendly setting with a quiet lunch vibe. Fresh jasmine and art add warmth, while a Midwest supper club feel invites big families for a pleasant meal.

Very few diners appear during the lunch hour, making it a quiet spot. It serves both lunch and dinner with consistent availability.

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."

"I thought the lunch spot food was wonderful."

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.

10
Mountain Mike's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy pizza spot offers a buffet lunch with salad and specials. Family-friendly vibe shines with arcade games and a sports screen. Staff are patient and respectful, making it great for kids' birthday parties.

Lunch features a buffet with pizza and salad and a lunch special option. Staff show patience and respect when helping customers order and pay independently.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was amazing and delicious."

"The lunch buffet was awesome, especially the pizza and salad."

"I loved how the specialty pies at this Lunch Spot were on rotating availability."

Good to know

1

There is lots of parking available in the back.

2

The buffet includes a salad buffet for only 15 dollars.

3

Pizza is served in about 10 minutes.

11
Acapulco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot shines with a tropical patio and live music for a lively vibe. Lunch buffet offers handmade tortillas and great value. Perfect for families seeking a casual, upbeat cantina experience.

Lunch offers an all you can eat buffet for $14 with handmade tortillas included. The buffet provides a great value with a variety of tasty options.

People are saying

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

"The brunch staff, especially Jesus and Ale, made my daughter feel so special."

"The lunch buffet is a great value with handmade tortillas."

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.

12
'Ai Pono Cafe image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small Hawaiian spot offers a surf vibe with loud music and Ohana energy. Quick service shines even when packed, perfect for a katsu plate lunch. Seating is cozy, with outdoor patio options adding to the chill feel.

Quick service stands out even when the place is packed. The Hawaiian plate lunch features a great katsu plate, served in a setting with limited seating similar to school lunch tables.

People are saying

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

"The shrimp here is delicious and perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

"This lunch spot feels like Hawaii with authentic food."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during busy times.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Expect larger portion sizes, often enough for two meals.

13
Milligram image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor garden courtyard with airy seating and eucalyptus trees offers a tranquil spot for lunch. Strong coffee and solid morning meals make it a great lunch spot. Weekend live music adds a European-inspired vibe to the dog-friendly patio.

Outdoor space suits breakfast and lunch well. The spot serves solid options for morning and midday meals with a strong coffee selection.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really good and delicious."

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

"The outdoor seating here is lovely and lush."

Good to know

1

Milligram does not have a kitchen.

2

They do not accept cash.

3

Breakfast items are served until 3 PM.

14
Dick Church's Restaurant image 1

Diner blends retro remodel with cozy vibes and lively country music. Offers casual, tasty lunch options perfect for quick meals. Outdoor seating and a personal bar add charm and vintage feel.

Casual and tasty options make it a solid choice for lunch. The spot works well for a quick, satisfying meal in a relaxed setting.

People are saying

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

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

"This breakfast spot has delicious avocado toast."

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.

15
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot has a cozy patio and family-friendly vibe with many TVs for fun. Lunch offers daily specials but can be pricey. Known for authentic pasta and big portions at fair prices.

Lunch includes a variety of daily specials and a daily lunch special. The total cost can be high, with an example lunch totaling $89.00.

People are saying

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

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

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is out of this world."

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.

Discover more

East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

Area guide
Loading Map...