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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in East Side Costa Mesa

Salad spots

A crisp, fresh salad is the only thing that hits the mark when the day calls for something light.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Verde Restaurant image 1
Verde Restaurant image 2
Verde Restaurant image 3
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American restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with nostalgic charm, featuring an elegant speakeasy and golf course views. Salads highlight fresh ingredients like beet and feta cheese and a Fall Gem Salad with hot bacon. Creative cocktails and inventive dishes create a lively yet refined atmosphere perfect for cozy dinners or 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.

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."

"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.

02
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1

Family-owned spot offers a cozy vibe with spacious tables and low-volume TVs. Greek salad shines with fresh ingredients and pairs well with pink sauce. Halal options and a kid-friendly environment make it welcoming for all.

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

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.

03
My Greek Kitchen image 1
Greek restaurant

Rustic touches create an authentic Greek vibe with a cozy feel and attentive staff. Salads are fresh and vibrant, featuring seriously good feta cheese in the Greek salad. Generous portions and high-quality dishes make it a great to-go spot with a casual neighborhood charm.

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.

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 tore up the chicken souvlaki salad; it was perfectly grilled and juicy."

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 shows chefs crafting authentic Aegean cuisine with care. Fresh Aegean Salad adds crispness to hearty dishes like meatballs. Warm, cozy vibe with live music invites guests to enjoy family-style hospitality and 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.

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 spot with a cozy ambiance feels like Nonna's kitchen. Fresh pasta shines in dishes like seafood linguine and homemade lasagna. Salads come with a secret house vinaigrette, often served fresh as a side.

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.

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."

"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
Irvine Ranch Market image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Small gourmet grocery store offers a friendly atmosphere and wide variety of high-quality products. Salad bar features fresh salads with good variety, though deli salads vary week to week. Prices are higher, reflecting 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.

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."

"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.

07
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot offers a cozy patio and family-friendly vibe with TVs for fun. Salads like blistered tomato mozzarella are fresh and tasty. Pasta dishes come with generous portions and good value, perfect for casual meals after the beach.

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.

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.

08
Mountain Mike's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy pizza spot shines with family-friendly arcade games and a lively sports screen. Lunch includes a salad buffet with fresh options, though some lettuce may wilt. Perfect for children's birthday celebrations with a warm, inviting vibe.

A salad buffet comes with the lunch for 15 dollars. The salad bar offers a variety of options, but some lettuce can be wilted.

People are saying

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

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

"I enjoyed the pizza and salad here."

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.

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East Side Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa

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