Costa Mesa Restaurants
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Lemon & Thyme
Price: Moderate•American•4.9(119)Lemon & Thyme Costa Mesa Is proud to bring you an exceptional dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of flavors around the world.Butcher’s House Brasserie
Price: Expensive•Steakhouse•4.9(511)Butcher's House is a modern-day brasserie concept centered around the antique craft of butchery. Upon entry, the guest will be totally immersed in the atmosphere and ambiance of a familiar warmth in a new light through the visibility of chefs at work, beautiful cuts of meat hanging in the dry-aging room, and the perfectly seared steaks on the wood-burning grill. The passion and craftmanship behind Butcher's House will not only be translated through the food but also at the bar where you will find a selection of artisan beer on tap, and a well-focused wine selection. Butcher's House aims to share the passion and artistry of the butcher's craft with you.
Vitaly Caffe
Price: Expensive•Italian•4.9(78)Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where the essence of Italy comes to life in every dish! We pride ourselves on crafting homemade Pasta, Pinsa Pizza, Piadina Sandwiches from scratch. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, authentic Italian food and Artisan gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy our Italian wines and beers. We can't wait to serve you from breakfast through dinner, making us your go-to destination.
Please note: We accept reservations for diners only. Coffee or Gelato/Desserts are available on a walk-in basis.
Join us for a delicious Italian experience!The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.8(5,124)Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.
Filomena's Italian Kitchen
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.5(126)Filomena's Italian Kitchen serves old-world cuisine in a cozy setting in Costa Mesa. The restaurant is a labor of love for owner and chef Linda Johnsen, who has translated her Italian heritage and family recipes into a flavorful comfort food menu. From her grandmother's Sunday sauce gracing the chicken, veal and eggplant parmesan to the classic sauce in the pappardelle bolognese, traditional ingredients stand out at Filomena's Italian Kitchen. Johnsen has put her own stamp on the menu with creations like champagne chicken and agro dolce calamari (shrimp and calamari tossed in a sweet tangy glaze with pine nuts, raisins and sweet peppers).In addition to traditional first-course options like caprese angel hair pasta, entree and seafood specialties, Filomena's also serves a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas and calzones. End your meal at Filomena's Italian Kitchen on a sweet note with tiramisu, cannoli or flourless chocolate cake.Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.7(217)Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (714) 850-2510 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.
Water Grill - South Coast Plaza
Price: Expensive•Seafood•4.8(8,594)Water Grill South Coast Plaza is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located across from South Coast Plaza - just steps from the Segerstrom Center of the Arts - Water Grill South Coast Plaza is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Orange County’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill South Coast Plaza also offers multiple, customizable private dining rooms for your business meetings and special events. Book your next meal, event or private room with us!The Plot - Costa Mesa
Price: Expensive•Farm-to-table•4.8(116)The Plot team is led by Jessica and Davin Waite, who have been at the forefront of San Diego's culinary scene for over a decade. The duo has earned a loyal following for their inventive and sustainable approach to seafood and plant-based dishes, gaining the attention of critics and culinary innovators far and wide as well as accolades including being named San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant of the Year” in 2020, VegNews’ “San Diego’s Best Vegan Restaurants” in 2022, and Tasting Table’s “20 Best Restaurants in San Diego” in 2023.
The Plot in Costa Mesa is located in The Camp, a sustainably focused center that highlights unique local businesses. Parking can be a bit tough at The Camp, depending on the time of your visit. In addition to parking in the main lot, Randolph Ave. is another option. Customers can walk through Camp Out into The Camp. Also, Valet service is available in the main lot. The price is $8. Valet is available Thursday through Sunday.
Outdoor dining in Orange County
See what locals rave about in Costa Mesa
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- EErickaOrange County •1 review5.0Dined 1 day agoAmazing experience great cocktails and food. Waitress and front desk where great.More infoHabana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa•4.8
- MMarthaDetroit / Eastern Michigan •10 reviews5.0Dined 7 days agoWe had delicious Korean barbecue with plant based “meat” as the main course and savory cauliflower as an appetizer. The almond flour cake for dessert was delicious too, and paired well with Cinnamon Plum herbal tea. The dishes were beautiful as well as tasty.More infoThe Plot - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Costa Mesa•4.8
- RRyneCharlotte •10 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 2, 2025Great experience and the staff was amazing and accommodating. The sushi is super fresh.More infoIzakaya Hachi Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Costa Mesa•4.7
- LLienVIPOrange County •20 reviews4.0Dined on May 24, 2025Food and service was excellent! Loved the ambience and music!!!More infoMesa RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Costa Mesa•4.4
- DDanielLos Angeles •6 reviews5.0Dined on May 11, 2025Fantastic brunch, everything was delicious! Amazing coffee, this place is a go to. Authentic italian cafe vibe and cuisine. A little bit of ACTUAL Italy in Costa Mesa.More infoVitaly CaffePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa•4.9
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Discover Costa Mesa
Home to the largest shopping mall on the West Coast as well as Orange County's airport, Costa Mesa is also one of the OC's favorite food destinations. Sample fine French dining on the roof of huge South Coast Plaza or taste European-inspired small plates with exotic ingredients in a trendy eatery. Seafood restaurants aren't plentiful, but you'll find some of the county's Asian-style hot crab and shrimp restaurants in this Costa Mesa neighborhood. Eclectic restaurants gather near John Wayne Airport where surprisingly excellent breakfast spots are hidden in anonymous-looking office parks and grand sushi restaurants share parking lots with high-end Mexican food establishments.
Frequently asked questions
Healthy restaurants located in Costa Mesa include Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa, Water Grill - South Coast Plaza and Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar
Restaurants with gluten-free options in Costa Mesa are Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa, Water Grill - South Coast Plaza and Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza
Bottomless brunch in Costa Mesa is available at Plums Cafe, Habana - Costa Mesa and Seasons 52 - Costa Mesa
The most romantic restaurant in Costa Mesa is Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa
Restaurants in Costa Mesa with a great view include Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar, Leatherby's Cafe Rouge and The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa
Explore OpenTable
- OC Fair & Event Center
- Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa
- Fairmont Newport Beach
- Crystal Court Shopping Center
- Stater Brothers Plaza Shopping Center
- Harbor Rest Memorial Park
- Smallwood Park
- Paularino Park
- Orange County Fairgrounds
- Radisson Hotel Newport Beach
- Carl Thornton Park
- Irvine Museum
- Metro Pointe at South Coast
- Embassy Suites Irvine - Orange County Airport
- Bomo Koral Park
- Orange County Performing Arts Center
- Stanford Park
- Rickenbacker
- Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts