Best Casual Restaurants in Costa Mesa

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North Orange CountySouth Orange County

Neighborhoods

Corona del MarCosta MesaFountain ValleyGarden Grove / WestminsterHuntington BeachIrvine

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

116 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of SOCIAL - COSTA MESA restaurant

1. SOCIAL - COSTA MESA

4.4

Awesome(123)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Costa Mesa

Booked 6 times today

Discover the exciting transformation at Social Costa Mesa, where we bring a fresh take on our unique dining experience. Indulge in our chef-driven menu Featuring a mix of modern American cuisine with influecnes from various international flavors, showcasing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Savor expertly crafted cocktails, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere as we redefine what it means to dine out with innovation.

2. Hook & Anchor

4.5

Awesome(147)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Costa Mesa

Booked 8 times today

Chef Wayne's full-service seafood restaurant, Hook & Anchor, has come to fruition after six successful years in the fast/casual sector. Using the freshest ingredients and fresh wild-caught fish has made himself a name in the Newport Beach (and surrounding areas). Hook & Anchor has been awarded Yelp's #1 Lobster Roll in California and the 5th best seafood restaurant in the United States.

3. Bei Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(45)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Lebanese • Costa Mesa

Booked 1 time today

Coming Soon!

4. Il Dolce

5.0

Exceptional(454)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Known for using only natural, fresh ingredients, Il Dolce specializes in Italian cuisine. Along with a variety of pastas, salads, patrons can select from a number of pizza menu options. Inspired by authentic pies made in Naples, each pizza at Il Dolce is prepared in a wood-fire oven, giving it an authentic, smoky flavor.Family owned and operated, this award-winning restaurant provides a cozy, comfortable environment where pizza enthusiasts can watch their pies being prepared. Guests dining at Il Dolce can also enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. Dessert items along with a special gluten-free menu are also available.

A photo of Eat Chow - Costa Mesa restaurant

5. Eat Chow - Costa Mesa

4.9

Exceptional(36)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Costa Mesa

Booked 5 times today

Eat Chow is your go-to destination for all things comfort. Come stop by at one of our locations for a phenomenal dining experience with your loved ones. On the weekends you can find us slinging brunch and pouring you Mimosas to help ward of those Sunday Scaries. On weekday days and nights expect to sit among locals who have made us a neighborhood favorite!Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily.Established in 2008.We started in December of 2008 in a little spot in Costa Mesa.. We are locally owned and operated and have become a local's favorite! We have a second location in Newport Beach (2012) off a PCH in the Newport Shores neighborhood.

A photo of JOEY Newport Beach restaurant

6. JOEY Newport Beach

4.8

Exceptional(679)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Newport Beach

Booked 274 times today

JOEY Restaurants marries iconic hospitality with a handcrafted, locally and globally-inspired menu from award-winning chefs, to bring an unparalleled guest experience. In the heart of Orange County’s luxury shopping destination, Fashion Island, JOEY Newport Beach is an opulent oasis. The space features a gallery wall highlighting several hand-picked local artists and a unique Bocci light installation. Boasting 9,367 square feet, it includes an open patio which features a bar and retractable sections of roof, providing coverage and the ability to open to the day or evening sky. A large-scale outdoor fire pit offers guests an inviting lounge area, this space is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of well-deserved champagne fireside after a day of shopping.

A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant

7. Louie's by the Bay

4.8

Exceptional(1490)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Newport Beach

Booked 33 times today

Louie’s by the Bay is a modern Italian steakhouse located on the waterfront along picturesque Mariners Mile in Newport Beach. With a 180-degree view of Newport Bay, a warm elegant design, and exceptional service, Louie's brings an unparalleled dining experience to Newport Beach. The restaurant is the latest addition from Ron Salisbury of El Cholo and The Cannery. The menu features authentic charcuterie and antipasti, unique pastas, prime steaks and chops, classic Italian desserts, and a truly exceptional wine list. Open for dinner nightly, with a lively and late-night cocktail scene. A presto!Join us for Bottomless Sparkling Brunch!

A photo of SOL Mexican Cocina - Newport Beach restaurant

8. SOL Mexican Cocina - Newport Beach

4.5

Awesome(3870)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Newport Beach

Booked 56 times today

Located along Pacific Coast Highway, Sol Newport Beach offers stunning waterfront views overlooking Balboa Marina. Savor our taco selections, handcrafted margaritas like our Pineapple Serrano Margarita, and flavorful coastal Mexican dishes such as our Vampiro Taco or Grilled Sweet corn. All accompanied in a warm, lively atmosphere featuring an indoor fire pit and original architecture. Don’t miss our Weekday Happy Hour, Taco & Tequila Tuesday, and Weekend Brunch.

9. Zinqué - Newport

4.4

Awesome(1087)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Newport Beach

Booked 45 times today

zinqué is a beloved neighborhood hotspot & all-day restaurant serving French-inspired dishes, small plates, craft cocktails & a uniquely curated wine selection. Inspired by the zinc countertop bars & cafés of Paris, many of its customers consider it a second home—a place to work, linger & socialize. Open from 7am till late, the space transforms from a European-style bistro & café, serving full breakfast with La Colombe coffee drinks & its famous Le Bowl for lunch, to full service dining at night. (zin-kæ)

A photo of A+O Restaurant | Bar restaurant

10. A+O Restaurant | Bar

4.5

Awesome(385)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Newport Beach

Booked 16 times today

A+O Restaurant | Bar, Balboa Bay Resort’s waterfront restaurant and bar featuring casual California cuisine, is the place to enjoy food and drinks with friends and family. Featuring expertly crafted cocktails, local brews, and shareable plates, the restaurant’s nautical inspiration reflects the Bayfront setting. Guests can enjoy casual indoor and outdoor seating, including fire pits and live entertainment. We accept reservations of all sizes. On special holidays, your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties up to 2; 2 hours for parties up to 6; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties up to 7+. Please call the restaurant (949) 6304285 for parties over 4 guests for individualized service. We offer a large party menu serving (14-36) guests please call (949) 630-4283.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Ramzi
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A true gastronomical adventure in Lebanese food. Authentic cuisine served with the best creative touch. We keep coming back and introducing it to friends and family. Keep up the great work!!!
More info
Bei RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Lebanese• Costa Mesa
•
4.7
G
George
Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and service, as usual. Always a great experience!
More info
Eat Chow - Costa MesaPrice: Moderate• American• Costa Mesa
•
4.9
N
NozomiVIP
Hawaii •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent food and service! We loved Kama Wings and of course the lobster rolls!
More info
Hook & AnchorPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Costa Mesa
•
4.5
L
Lori
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was outstanding! The Drive Thru burger was one of the best I've ever had! The Roasted Garlic hummus was unique and very tasty, also loved the Fritto mist was delicious. Looking forward to returning and trying the other menu items. Service was excellent as well.
More info
SOCIAL - COSTA MESAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Costa Mesa
•
4.4
D
Dawn
Orange County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I have been patronizing this business for years. They are very consistent with regard to food quality and taste, service, ambience, and value (5 stars for all.) My daughter and I shared the Diavola Pizza, as well as a (Wine Wednesday!) lovely bottle of Montepulciano. Topped it off with an order of spumoni. It was a lovely evening, and I highly recommend Il Dolce.
More info
Il DolcePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
5

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