Best Casual Restaurants in Costa Mesa

95 restaurants available nearby

1. Vitaly Caffe

4.7

Exceptional(70)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 4 times today

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!

A photo of The Plot - Costa Mesa restaurant

2. The Plot - Costa Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(81)

Price: Expensive

• Vegetarian • Costa Mesa

Booked 3 times today

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.

A photo of Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa restaurant

3. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(8179)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa

Booked 137 times today

Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant

4. North Italia – Irvine

4.5

Awesome(5388)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 156 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant

5. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

4.6

Exceptional(706)

Price: Expensive

• American • Irvine

Booked 38 times today

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.

A photo of A+O Restaurant | Bar restaurant

6. A+O Restaurant | Bar

4.7

Exceptional(354)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Newport Beach

Booked 8 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.

A photo of Paradise Dynasty (South Coast Plaza) restaurant

7. Paradise Dynasty (South Coast Plaza)

4.8

Exceptional(97)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • Costa Mesa

Booked 7 times today

Paradise Dynasty brings a taste of Singapore with bold flavors and craveable creations like our Rainbow Xiao Long Bao (XLB), plus an array of Shanghainese dim sum as well as noodle, rice, and stir-fry dishes from many regions across China.

A photo of Claim Jumper - Costa Mesa restaurant

8. Claim Jumper - Costa Mesa

4.4

Awesome(932)

Price: Moderate

• American • Costa Mesa

Booked 18 times today

Our friendly environment is ideal for celebrating special occasions, hosting a business lunch or gathering for a delicious meal with friends and family. Our saloons are a comfortable gathering place to relax after a day at work, to catch a game or share an appetizer with friends. The saloon menu features signature cocktails, chilled martinis, premium and ultra-premium spirits, specialty non-alcoholic beverages, an extensive wine list, and imported and American craft beers including Claim Jumper’s own Honey Blonde, Original Red Ale and IPA. In addition to the saloon menu Claim Jumper offers a Steakhouse menu which includes USDA Prime steaks and premium house made shareable sides. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Claim Jumper offers a selection of freshly prepared items using only the finest ingredients available. Favorites include Certified Angus Beef®, fresh fish, baby back pork ribs, fresh baked pot pie, specialty salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and more.

9. SOCIAL - COSTA MESA

4.6

Exceptional(95)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Costa Mesa

Booked 5 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.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

10. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(3984)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 64 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jeanninevip
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
North Italia is consistently yummy. The pasta, fish, and fig pizza are delicious. The Burrata with beets is fantastic! One caution: stay away from calamari appetizer….its much too greasy; It looked like a deep fried funnel cake. Too much fried dough…yuck! Everything else was scrumptious.
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North Italia – IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
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4.5
K
Karina
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Absolutely love going to Mastro’s for dinner, my fiancé and I were celebrating 5 years together. Had the most amazing time, everything was perfect. Food and dessert were divine. The service is always very nice! Thank you, will be back soon!
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Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Costa Mesa
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4.7
T
Teri
Hawaii •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings. The food was delicious and the service was great. It was so nice not to have to cook or clean up. :)
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Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
•
4.6
F
Foody25vip
Orange County •55 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lovely service. Laid back. Good vibe. We shared 6 plates. All delicious. Very creative cooking. Loved the broad beans and egg plant dishes. Will definitely come back again.
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The Plot - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Vegetarian• Costa Mesa
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4.6
A
Alex
Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 2, 2024
This is real, authentic Italian pasta, the best you’ll find in the south coast area. It seriously tastes just like pasta you’d find at a nice place in Italy. The ragu is my favorite. In my opinion the prices for pasta are a little high for such a casual place, but I keep coming back, so clearly it’s worth it. The service is always very good as well. The patio is nice with a fire pit and good heaters. It’s in the camp which provides nice ambiance, but parking is a nightmare. It took us 15 minutes to valet.
More info
Vitaly CaffePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
4.7

Best Casual Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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95 restaurants available nearby

1. Vitaly Caffe

2. The Plot - Costa Mesa

3. Mastro's Steakhouse - Costa Mesa

4. North Italia – Irvine

5. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations

6. A+O Restaurant | Bar

7. Paradise Dynasty (South Coast Plaza)

8. Claim Jumper - Costa Mesa

9. SOCIAL - COSTA MESA

10. Il Fornaio - Irvine

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