Best Restaurants in Costa Mesa (2025)

Orange County’s Michelin-star experience by chef Tony Esnault delivers elegant, seasonal French cuisine in South Coast Plaza’s penthouse. Featured by the Michelin Guide and covered by the Los Angeles Times; reservations essential.

Chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s intimate omakase inside the LAB Anti-Mall remains a benchmark for pristine, seasonal sushi. Formerly Michelin-starred and still praised by Eater LA and critics; text to reserve.

Amar Santana’s lively Spanish kitchen near Segerstrom turns out paellas, jamón, and wood‑fired steaks with an excellent sherry list. Recommended by the Michelin Guide and widely praised by local critics.

A late‑night Costa Mesa institution for Japanese yakiniku: clipboard waitlist, pristine cuts, house kimchi, and grills at every table. Frequently recommended by local food writers and die‑hard regulars.

Plant‑based pioneer born from a food truck, now a LAB Anti‑Mall staple known for beer‑battered avocado tacos and purple taquitos. Profiled by Eater LA and beloved by vegans and omnivores alike.

Neighborhood sushi with a serious fish program and a value‑driven omakase; chef Yuki Takishima sources widely from Japan. Included in Eater LA’s Orange County sushi coverage.

Old‑school Edomae temple run by the Shibutani family, cherished for counter omakase and outstanding chirashi. Celebrated by LA Weekly and trusted by local regulars for decades.

Plancha dining brings the taquero to your table for a multicourse, griddle‑cooked experience. Covered by the Los Angeles Times and praised by Orange Coast Magazine for its interactive format.

Sicilian‑owned spot known for pizza al metro, pastas, and convivial patio; highlighted on Eater LA’s best pizza list for Orange County.

Chef Linda Johnsen serves South‑Philly family recipes—housemade pastas, Sunday sauce—and stocks a small market for take‑home. A beloved local mainstay with strong word‑of‑mouth and solid critic notes.

Chef James Hamamori’s modern sushi and sashimi in South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court offers refined omakase and à la carte. Noted by local tourism and the center’s dining guide.

French‑Vietnamese street fare at The CAMP—banh mi, rice bowls, bo kho, and strong Vietnamese coffee—in a breezy, design‑forward setting. Written up by FoodGPS and listed by local tourism.