Sign in
Hidden gems: restaurants in Costa Mesa
Map viewDiscover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Costa Mesa. Ratings are based from 412 places in Costa Mesa
Seasons 52
3333 Bristol St Ste 2802 92626-1873
"Love this place! Such a great happy hour, and the live music is always a plus. All the wait staff were very friendly and attentive. Nice to see them keeping so positive with all the fear in the world..."
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
270 E 17th St 92627-3845
"They definitely live up to the hype. By far some of the best donuts I have ever tasted in my life. I've tried at least 8 different flavors since my friends first brought some to work a few months back..."
Old Vine Kitchen & Bar
2937 Bristol St Suite a-102 92626-5982
"Old Vine Kitchen is definitely a hidden gem in Costa Mesa. And really, it is kinda hidden since it's an area that I never seem to have passed, especially when I've been at The Camp so many times!I cam..."
Taco Mesa
647 W 19th St 92627-2715
"I dont think I could ever describe how completely AMAZING this place is. Best authentic Mexican food around. I eat here ATLEAST once a week. Carne asada plate everytime! But if I absolutely must choos..."
Native Foods
The Camp 2937 Bristol St. 92626
"Bangkok Curry Bowl was very tasty. Could use more sauce but that's just me. I like my curry swimming. My friend had the soup and she said it was pretty good. The buffalo chicken wings was pretty tasty..."
Newport Rib Company
2196 Harbor Blvd 92627-2531
"Great taste, plenty on the bones & really good combo meal deal but can't see how it could be even better!!"
Blackmarket Bakery
2937 Bristol St D-100a 92626-5982
"We arrived early on Sunday, and it quickly got packed. The drinks came out quickly but our sandwiches were delayed due to the other orders. They were nice enough to to let us know ahead of time."
Seabirds Kitchen
2930 Bristol St 92626-7901
"Great vegan food, horrible parking. Love their simple menu of always fresh ingredients. My fave is the grilled cheese with added nacho mushrooms. During the Covid shutdowns, their heat at home stuff h..."
In-N-Out Burger
3211 Harbor Blvd 92626-2508
"I give the In-N-Out Burger located 3211 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 FIVE ANIMAL STYLE STARS. An awesome staff that always makes a delicious DOUBLE-DOUBLE. NO lettuce. EXTRA whole raw and whole g..."
La Cave Restaurant
1695 Irvine Ave 92627-3241
"I celebrated my graduation last night in this great restaurant. I am glad to say that we enjoyed a awesome evening and the restaurant was definitely the reason for this outstanding celebration. The wa..."
Avila's El Ranchito
2101 Placentia Ave 92627-3301
"My sister and I had lunch here yesterday. It was delicious! She ordered some tacos and I ordered a chicken bowl. So freshly made with great ingredients . Love their salsas as well. They're so busy bu..."
Doria's Haus of Pizza
1500 Adams Ave Ste 108 92626-3866
"I really enjoyed the food and customer service, good area right next to where I live. The cashiers are always super friendly. I highly recommend this place."
Pancakes R Us
329 E 17th St 92627-3205
"There were a lot of newspaper articles about a man who works here that were really interesting. It's worth reading if you are curious. In short, a man who works there is formerly CIA (but there's more..."
Side Street Cafe
1799 Newport Blvd Ste A105 92627-2776
"Best French toast you will ever find. Also, great chili, omelets, and cinnamon rolls. Super cute atmosphere with friendly, personable employees. I always feel like I am eating at a family owned restau..."
Baja Fish Tacos
171 E 17th St 92627-3708
"If you love fish tacos, you need to come to this place. Its so yummy. There is plenty of parking. It's great for families. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. The food is so/so. But this place i..."
Taco Asylum
2937 Bristol St Ste B102 92626-7994
"Bacon PB&J taco was amazing. IThe flavor profile was not expected and tasted amazing for peanut butter lovers. Staff here are really nice. They have a good can beer selection with a few on tap. They a..."
Nick's Pizza And Ristorante
2300 Harbor Blvd Ste. K1 92626
"This spot is my favorite. I visit many restaurants but to this one I constantly return again and again. The team is very professional and the cooking they offer is so fresh and tasty. I never miss an..."
Shirley's Bagel Etc
270 E 17th St Ste 1 92627-3845
"I've passed by, but never stopped in. Well today a friend invited me out for lunch and, surprise, that's where we go. It was nice! The young man at the counter was helpful and knowledgeable, the selec..."
Mendocino Farms
450 E 17th St 92627-3240
"I love everything about Mendocino and their sandwiches, a bit on the high end side but it's worth it. As a Vietnamese, their version of Banh Mi is pretty dope. Love the lemonade and the passion fruit..."
Pizza D'oro
1145 Baker St Ste C 92626-4122
"Wow! I was just so pleased with this place. I went for just a late night slice and oh my gosh was I pleased! The man at the front, Nick, was very pleasant. I first spoke to him on the phone and later..."