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Clam Chowder Fries - Mah Jong's by Chef Mike, Costa Mesa, CA

Mah Jong's by Chef Mike

4.6
4.6
55 Reviews
$31 to $50
Global, International
Chef Mike & Chef Mateo, changing menus daily, cooking with love and passion in our food.
Located downstairs in South Coast Plaza, between Anqi and Bloomingdales.
We are the secret spot, limiting our discovery to sharing, happy, and aloha spirited guests.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Comfort Food, American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 12:00 pm–7:00 pm Tue–Thu 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 295-3841
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Private party facilities
    Private Dining Area Available for Corporate Events & Meetings, Rehearsal Dinners, Family Occasions. Accommodates 18 People.Restaurant Buyouts Available for All Occasions, 80 -100 PeopleAll Menus are Are Custom Tailored.
  • Neighborhood
    Costa Mesa
  • Cross street
    Bristol St / Close to 405
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Bristol St. / Anton St.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access

What 55 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

55 Reviews
  1. barfiemermaid

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    I’ve eaten here at least 4 times. Service seemed slow this time. I had allotted 2 hrs for dinner before the show at Segerstrom. It took almost the whole time and we did not have dessert. It appeared the 2 waitresses were pulling double duty as bar tender as well. I was sat at 5:30 and we did not get our appetizer until after 6:08. The artichoke was delicious. So was the Samosa and steak and fries. We dashed out of there a little after 7:00 to make our show.

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  2. msjudy

    Richmond

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We really enjoyed our meal and the service at Mah Jong's! I had the cioppino, which was delicious and the chef recommended wine was perfect. We live in VA but will be back on our next trip to SOCAL.

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  3. ArtSpeaker

    Los Angeles

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a treat! My other half is in love with Mah Jong; so she was in heaven when I surprised her for our anniversary dinner. Yes, I know it is not a typical place for a celebration, but the food and service were outstanding and the ambiance was uniquely fitting. Chef Mike personally greeted us and made a special dessert for our anniversary. The menu changes all the time, but there are some popular items that remain. I do need to say it may be a little difficult to find the first time, but it is definitely worth it. There is a stairway from the parking lot just at the end of Bloomingdales. I promise. You will enjoy the experience.

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  4. ChriaO

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Cameron was delightful.

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  5. JennyL

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was more than just good food, it was an experience. The chef would stop and chat with the tables and brought out extra little plates of foods to try. It really gave it a personal touch and felt special. Highly recommend going for a date night or night out with friends.

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  6. Kasia

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a hidden gem in Orange County. What makes Mah Jong's so wonderful, is the consistency of the food and service. The menu (somewhat) changes weekly, so you can keep going to try new dishes You cannot go wrong with any selection. It's a small but mighty restaurant. You will not be disappointed!! The owner was the executive chef at (no longer there) Scott's Seafood. So if you have good memories of Scotts, this place well, amaze you even more. Food selections for all whether it's before the theater, while shopping, or just a break in your day. You will not be disappointed with the food. It's small, so I would recommend reservations, but they are not mantatory. I have been here a couple of times and have been amazed with the consistency of both the food selection.quality of food, as well as the service. Enjoy!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    67 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Food was good as advertised.Service was excellent by our hostess/server. luckily I read the small print on the website menu to the effect that the menu might not be the same in the restaurant because it was subject to change daily. It wasn't. needs a bigger menu and a better location.

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  8. AmyS

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    What a great find through Open Table! I wouldn't have known to eat there... it's an interesting and smallish place...but great decor, delicious food and super awesome staff. I had the artichoke (didn't love the sauce, but otherwise delicious) and the filet... that sauce had a kick, but was delicious. The chicken soup looked amazing... I love the play on Mah John with a little Jewish and Asian thrown together. Very clever, creative, clean and overall great place to eat.

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  9. jon5cts

    Los Angeles

    426 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    426 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We did a latish lunch and the space is odd, but comfortable. The Hostess was lovely and was also our server. We enjoyed all of the dishes that we had. They had clam chowder poutine fries, which is what piqued our curiosity and got us to try the place, and we liked them, but IMO the fries were a little too think and there wasn't enough chowder. Still, very good. All of the other food was quite delicious and was clean and presented nicely. I would return and recommend!

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  10. slowmomomma

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every bite was delicious and our waitress was precious and so thoughtful! Had us to the show in plenty of time

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  11. FaizanH

    Kyoto

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Burger was amazing, and the potato wedges are delicious. I think this place is worth the visit.

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  12. GREGY

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great experience. I’ve been here with family and work colleagues and Chef Mike and his team deliver amazing food and service every time. It’s like the perfect food hideaway where you avoid the hassle of big, popular restaurants and get a personal experience with better food! A true food escape!

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  13. Ljs91

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding!

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  14. gypr

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Any meal at Mah Jong is always a great time. The food is fantastic. The specials and the everyday items are delish! We go there any time we’re in town.

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  15. AirPham23

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall2food3service3ambience1
    My wife and I came here for dinner and we booked reservations online. We arrived 10 minutes late but no worries since it was not crowded at all. To our surprise, this is more like a cafe inside an eatery at South Coast Plaza lower level of Anqi next to Bloomingdales. There are a few tables and small bar area and small dining room but the restaurant opens up to the halls of the eatery where there are other food and dessert venues. It's a weird setting because it feels like you're dining in a formal style restaurant but yet on one side it's open wide to people walking back and forth. The service was good for only having one hostess/server working there. The food was decent for the price. We had the fish tacos and the waygu burger and they're both good, 7 out of 10. The potato wedges are very good a little salty but crispy. The only disappointing part of the food was that the fish and chips was raved about on yelp and that night they told me they couldn't make it after they said they usually take special requests. Their menu is quite limited so check it before you go there.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Came for dinner prior to a show at Segerstrom. Location on lower level amidst a small food court is a bit odd and is short on ambience. However, the food was outstanding and the menu imaginative. The ribs in particular are fantastic and a generous portion. My wife had the scallops and found them delicious and prepared perfectly. Our server/bartender was delightful and gave good recommendations for drinks.

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  17. Richard

    Orange County

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    What a wonderful and affordable restaurant in the basement of Bloomingdales. It a mix of Italian, Mexican and Asian flavors. We went before a performance at the Performing Arts Center. Usually we go to one of the better known and pricier places and we will be regulars here. The food was outstanding and our server/host/bartender was a a joy. Skip the chain restaurants and go to Mah Jong.

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  18. DannyN

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    He’d Mike is amazing. Good and service was exceptional.

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  19. DeeDeeKE

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was very good

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  20. ThomasH

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing meal. Chef Mike came to the table and arranged a transcendent meal. I highly recommend Mah Jong’s. The waitress was super nice and attentive.

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  21. CKWen

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    The worst restaurant I ever been, you should take it off on your list.

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  22. dininggal

    Los Angeles

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent and inventive food from a creative and friendly chef and owner. Definitely returning.

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  23. DougM

    Los Angeles

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We found Mah Jong’s here on OpenTable looking for something new. The Chef Mike was executive chef at Scott’s before it became The Watergrill. This is much more casual then either. Food and service are outstanding! Thank you Cameron and Katie for the outstanding, friendly service. Great team Mike!

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  24. Jae97239

    Portland

    50 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Fantastic service, overpriced Hodgepodge menu. Nothing was well seasoned. Poké was decent after we asked for seasoning. Waiter brought wasabi, soy and extra poké dressing and we were good to go on that dish. Salmon was was over done and completely dried out. Skip the BLT. Not sure how you mess that up but it is in fact possible apparently. Service was really good. Friendly, helpful, thanked us for the opportunity to get the poké seasoned so we’d enjoy it. We didn’t complain about anything else. At some point we decided we didn’t want to come off all negative. But the bill was $132 for 3 people. Everyone had 1 drink each (1 beer and we split a small saké). Wouldn’t call that value given the food. Wont be back.

    2 people found this helpful

  25. SteveK

    Orange County

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    I always have a great meal at MahJong. Chef Mike does an amazing job. The Ribs are awesome. I had the Salmon on Ceaser Salad - that is a good choice for a lighter lunch.

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  26. LakerLifer2119

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Definitely will go back

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  27. DJcdm

    Orange County

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Fun little spot. Hamburger and Fish tacos are amazing!

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  28. FranC

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everyone's order was very tasty. It is an interesting combination of menu items (sea-food, samosas, ribs, tacos, hamburger...) but it worked. Everyone found something they wanted.

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  29. FoodieGirl

    Orange County

    20 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Didn’t end up eating here because we waiting too loNg for a table.

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  30. CJJ32

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food. I had oxtail loco moco: shredded oxtail with gravy, fried egg over rice. Very flavorful. One of my go-to's to go is the spare ribs and the hamburger. Spare ribs are falling off the bone. The hamburger is juicy along with ailoi, is always a favorite. If I'm under the weather, I ask Chef Mike to make his homemade chicken soup. Worth taking home! Service is wonderful. They will take care of you!

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  31. gypr

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious from the first course through dessert. One of my favorite restaurants in the South Coast Plaza area. Really small place so you’re sure to be treated like family - even on your first visit!

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  32. TomCat

    Houston

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Such a hidden gem below the More famed Dynasty Paradise restaurant. Since I could not get a table at Dynasty, I went to basement to try this new restaurant. The reviews of this place has been awesome and the Burger already has a following. I ordered the daily special of Braised Ox Tail. And the result was surprising great! It's super tender and the taste and smell is one of the best I have ever had! Also worth mentioning is the totally outstanding wait staff. Even though she knew I was just a passer-by, she gave me the utmost service and just the right amount of attention. I walked away feeling I have made one of the best new discovery in this Costa Mesa area. Give it a try, you will be impressed!

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  33. DJcdm

    Orange County

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Chef Mike is awesome. He was welcoming and full of fun information. Food was fabulous!! Can't wait to go back again.

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  34. Mike

    Orange County

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've eaten top restaurants all over O.C. We find ourselves back and back again to chef Mike. He uses top ingredient and does not cut corners. Once become regular, can ask chef Mike about the secret menu. Fish Tacos with secret serrano peppers is a must!

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  35. jamir

    Orange County

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent Filet Mignon, Fish Tacos, and salad.

    1 person found this helpful

  36. Jasmeer

    Orange County

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing experience

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  37. AmyDinMV

    Orange County

    63 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on July 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Terrific new place in South Coast Plaza. Fun space in Collage - delicious food from the grilled artichoke to the spicy beef bowl to the spare ribs. We all loved our meals. Good cocktails and excellent service!

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  38. AnnetteM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time and was so impressed that I immediately knew I’d be a regular. Met Chef Mike who was very personable and has delicious food. Great value for the quality of dishes.

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  39. CherH

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Mike and his establishment are hidden gems. Never knew this place existed. Exceptional service and the sweetest most attentive server. The Samosa were delish, as were the ribs. We will definitely be back for dinner.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Our server was such a sweetheart but the restaurant and food were so so. I was expecting better

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

Mah Jong's by Chef Mike is rated 4.6 stars by 55 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Google Map for Mah Jong's by Chef Mike

3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Bristol St / Close to 405
  • Neighborhood
    Costa Mesa
  • Hours of operation
    Mon 12:00 pm–7:00 pm Tue–Thu 12:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Global, International, Comfort Food, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Public transit
    Bristol St. / Anton St.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access
  • Phone number
    (949) 295-3841
  • Private party facilities
    Private Dining Area Available for Corporate Events & Meetings, Rehearsal Dinners, Family Occasions. Accommodates 18 People.Restaurant Buyouts Available for All Occasions, 80 -100 PeopleAll Menus are Are Custom Tailored.
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