Ospi Costa Mesa

Food is great. Service is great. Sitting outside is fabulous. Cannoli was PERFECT. The best I've ever had. Pizza is so thin and crispy, but not heavy. The meatballs were fluffy. Everything well-seasoned and well-cooked.

It was my first time dining at this restaurant, and everything was excellent. The food was very fresh and delicious. The drinks were pleasant as well. The place had a spacious and comfortable atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors, which was warm and inviting. The staff were friendly and courteous. I would definitely love to visit here again. ***update We had a great experience here before—I gave it 5 stars and was excited to come back with guests. Unfortunately, this second visit was disappointing. We were surprised to receive a Happy Hour menu on a weekend, but we went along with it and each ordered a drink. The menu listed “2 for $25” but didn’t mention anything about portion sizes. There was a small section for food, so we ordered two salads and two Crispy Provolone—items we had really enjoyed before (from the regular menu). This time, the salads came in small side plates, and the Provolone was one piece per order. I asked the waitress why it wasn’t two, and she said it’s only one for Happy Hour. That was frustrating—especially since it wasn’t explained on the menu, and you end up paying $12.50 per piece when the regular menu offers two for $18. Honestly, it felt misleading. We didn’t want to complain in front of our guests, but it was awkward and disappointing. We also ordered two pizzas and a vodka pasta—both from the regular menu. The pasta was still great, just like last time. But the pizzas were a letdown. The crust was way too thin and not enjoyable. Sadly, the overall experience didn’t live up to our first visit. I’ve adjusted my rating from 5 to 3 stars. There’s potential here, but transparency and consistency really matter—especially when you’re bringing people in based on a great first impression.

Really tasty pasta options & the table side tiramisu was amazing. Cocktails were great too!

We had a lovely celebration date night here. This is a beautiful casual up beat please. Love the decor and lighting it was just perfect. This place is busy so have to book ahead, there is always some bar seating. We ordered a fungi pizza and the Japanese egg plant that was delicious that’s what I am coming back for. We also ordered a table side Tiramisu which was displayed with a flamboyant and was worth every bite. It is a large sever can be shared. Our waitress that night was Samantha, kudos to her was excellent at customer service. Check out the footage! 🍰

My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day, and both looked forward to it! First, the service was great! Everyone was very sweet, and our server, I believe Stephanie, did an amazing job and was on it the whole night. Provided great mocktail recommendations, and that was the 5 star of the night! The best dish was the Caesar salad... and the everything else was very underwhelming and quite honestly priced a lot higher than what you get. The two fried balls of risotto did not have much flavor at all. We were then told to get the Fried Provolone because of the Vodka sauce, and that was genuinely good! Two big things of provolone and very little sauce, but this dish I'd recommend! My wife got the Black Truffle Pasta, which was $47 for gluten-free pasta. Not trying to be rude, but man, once this dish came out and served, my wife and I both said it smelled like old water from a damp towel. Flavor, truly nothing there. No taste of truffle or even butter. It lacked everything we hoped for and was very disappointing. The pizza has great flavor! But, just so oily and that much oil on a thin crust pizza just do not mesh together. All in all, it was a very underwhelming dinner, and I had higher hopes. The best dish was the Caesar salad.

If you like pasta, Ospi did a nice tagliatelle. The pizza was ok and might have been even good when it was hot, but I didn’t get to try it then. The serving staff was very polite and friendly but understaffed for even a slow lunch turn. I ordered a double espresso, but apparently you’re only allowed to have one shot of espresso at a time here. Lucky for me, because the espresso was not great, but at least it wasn’t hot. Maybe it was sitting with the pizza. The table side tiramisu was a nice touch. I’d give it another try and skip the espresso and the pizza. Positive note, they absolutely nailed the Pellegrino.

Cool new spot in Costa Mesa, they accommodate changes really well and are extremely welcoming upon entering the premises. The bartenders make a mean dirty martini that all my friends raved about. The food is delicious and at first I heard they were still trying to figure their groove out but honestly the pasta was amazing. Highly recommend going for the raschiatelli and the chicken parm.

Ospi is finally open and let me just say, Costa Mesa really needed a place like this. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and inviting. We started with the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and seasoned just right. The kale salad was so fresh and full of flavor, and the spicy rigatoni? Absolutely the highlight of the meal! The sauce had just the right amount of heat and creaminess, making it one of the best pasta dishes we’ve had in a long time. What really took the experience to the next level, though, was Joshua. His service was nothing short of amazing, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Plus, the drinks he recommended were spot on and totally elevated the entire experience. Incredible food, amazing service, and a great atmosphere all in one. We’ll definitely be back!

Went out for a Friday night date night. Buildout of the restaurant is great with a fun vibe. Service was attentive, almost too fast. We felt a bit rushed as food hit the table a couple of minutes after each course ordered. Not a relaxing date night. Food is less than average. Had Ceasar salad (more of a vinaigrette than Ceasar dressing) Had to scrap off the crumbled croutons to eat the salad. Cacio e Pepe was terrible, sent it back the first time as I thought they had accidentally over salted it. Nope, just as bad the second time. Much better Italian elsewhere in town.

First time here and I loved it! Food was great and service was great also! Went for lunch , so the portions are a little smaller

I had some time on Sunday before dinner two blocks away, and wanted to grab a drink from Milligram Coffee. I never made it to Milligram Coffee because that Happy Hour sign right in front of Ospi next to the parking lot caught my eyes and led me right inside. Initially I only wanted to get the cocktail trio flight, but I ended up ordering a kale salad and meatball "parm" fett'unta. I still think about that kale salad as it was one of the yummiest and cohesive salads I've had in awhile.

My dining partner and I came here for happy hour on a Friday around 3 PM. We were quickly seated on the patio (where happy hour diners are placed) since it was not busy. Unfortunately, we waited 35 minutes for a server. Two different servers passed our table and took the order and served three tables that arrived after us. We cut them some slack because it was a Friday afternoon and we weren't in any rush. Each table has blank flash cards on the table that are collected by a server after their order is taken. It's a neat system (if it worked) to keep track of unserved tables, but ours was sitting there for a while. We had to flag down the host to ask for a server. They ended up comping us 2 glasses of champagne for their overlook. The waiter that was assigned to our table was courteous and apologetic. The food was OK - nicely plated, but overpriced for happy hour and nothing revolutionary or worth the wait. We spent $92 on two martinis and four appetizers (Caesar salad, meatballs, crispy provolone, and fries). I don't think I'll return. However, I beg the management to fix their server allocation system. It's a glaring weakness of a painfully mediocre restaurant that is propped up by social media hype.

Tried this spot out for lunch on a Sunday and unfortunately wasn't impressed. I thought the pricing/ food portions were a little overpriced for what it is. This is specially towards Italian food and dishes that I tried. You can definitely get larger portions elsewhere, with authentic flavoring for the same price. I did enjoy the spicy rigatoni but also didn't feel like there was anything unique to it. We tried the hapa pizza. That was my least favorite. I love thin crust pizzas but this was so thin that the slice will break in half while trying to bite into it. The kale salad was the star of the show! I'm glad I gave that a shot. I also enjoyed the chef Negroni. The taste was unique as it was made with mezcal. Service was not the best for a pretty slow Sunday. Never had our water refilled, and the waitress took forever to run our cards together our bill back. Despite the lack of service, the ambience both indoor and outdoor was great. This is probably a better spot for happy hour vs having big meals. The parking lot is part of Sage on 17th plaza. There is also street parking and valet options. Very curious what the non Italian dishes taste like.

Visited Ospi for happy hour and it was so delicious!! Ospi is Costa Mesa's newest restaurant that took the place of Greenleaf. This beautiful Italian restaurant is a nice addition to the neighborhood! We sat outside and loved the atmosphere, lots of seating indoors and out. They have a great happy hour deal, you choose any 3 food or drink items for $33! Service was impeccable! She brought out our dishes one by one like we asked. She was very friendly and attentive. The drinks were good! Ordered the musty martini and espresso martinis. I also saw they have a table side martini which I'd like to try next time! The food was amazing! A must have is the crispy provolone which was 10/10. Spicy rigatoni was delicious and the right amount of spice. I'd also get the meatballs again! Keep in mind the happy hour food is smaller portions, but we loved sharing and trying multiple items. We ended with cannolis for dessert and they were delicious, not too sweet and the perfect treat to end the meal. Can't wait to come back for a romantic dinner date night!

Went on a Tuesday night for the first time. We got the Pepe-roni Pizza, Spicy Rigatoni and some wine. I wasn't a big fan of the pizza, but the pasta was good. I do think they were overpriced for how small the portions were but still glad I was able to try it. We were seated outside and I enjoyed it (but maybe because it wasn't cold when I went!). There's so many tables outside, good lighting and the overall atmosphere just felt very nice. It seems like it gets pretty busy at night, so I recommend booking a reservation! There's also a parking lot at the back and a lot of street parking.

We stopped in for happy hour & were sat on the outside patio. Great spot for drinks & bites. Our server, Jason, was kind & attentive. We enjoyed aperol spritzes, salad, the provolone cheese & vodka pizza (has a bit of a kick of spice) Food was delicious, though as others have noted - the portion size for the price is off (small portions for relatively high costs). The pasta dishes were quite small, just enough for a few bites each.

This IS the best Italian place in Newport Beach/Costa Mesa without a doubt. I was so excited to try because I heard great reviews. I loved the ambiance and decor right when I walked in. It's the perfect date night spot or girls night out! We started with the ceaser salad. It was good, but I wouldn't say that it was amazing. I enjoyed it but have had better!! The vodka pasta and chicken parm were the stars of the show. The vodka pasta was some of the best vodka pasta I've ever had, definitely in my top 5!!! The chicken parm was crispy and perfect, it would have been amazing on top of the pasta (I'm going to do that next time!) the vodka sauce here is just so creamy and cheesy and perfect, you can't go wrong with these dishes! Our server was very nice and brought our food out quick. Everyone who works here is very nice I noticed. Overall we will be coming back OFTEN! This is the new dinner spot for sure and will be added to our monthly rotation without a doubt. Need to try the drinks next time!

This adorable Italian gem is the perfect spot for a date night or celebration! The ambiance is cozy and charming, with a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it feel special yet relaxed. We went with the family-style option, and everything was absolutely delicious. The rigatoni was rich and hearty, the Cacio e Pepe had the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, and the fried parm was a unique and tasty treat. The service was excellent, and the food came out in perfect timing. The only downside was that the water tasted a bit off, almost like it had a dirty taste, but other than that, everything was fantastic. Can't wait to return for another memorable meal! Highly recommend!

A great dinner spot for a night out with the girls or for a date night! The ambience inside the restaurant seemed really nice but we were unfortunately seated outside in the cold where our heater wasn't working. We ordered the vodka pizza and the spicy rigatoni and loved both dishes! I have to say the crust for the pizza is actually paper thin and it was basically a snack but delicious nonetheless. I've had the spicy rigatoni at other restaurants but this was the best one I've had where the flavor was absolutely perfect. Service was prompt and attentive although one of the servers did take away our pasta where we weren't completely finished and didn't bother asking if we were still working on it. Other than that I would visit this place again.

I had a great experience at Ospi and really enjoyed their happy hour menu. The spicy rigatoni was rich, creamy, and had just the right amount of heat. The pasta was cooked to perfect al dente. Kale salad was fresh and well-balanced, with a delicious dressing that brought everything together. The meatball "parm" fettunta was another highlight. Perfectly seasoned meatballs with melted cheese on crispy bread, making for a comforting and flavorful bite. The cocktails were excellent as well, well crafted and balanced, making them a great complement to the meal. The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting, and the service was friendly and attentive. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more from the menu. Ospi is definitely a solid spot for happy hour in Costa Mesa.

Ospi has been saved in my bookmarks for quite awhile but I never made it to their LA locations, so I was glad to hear that they opened a location in Costa Mesa. That being said, I wasn't blown away by the food here. Parking wasn't too bad in the lot behind the building when I went for Sunday lunch. We did not have a reservation but were seated immediately inside. The space is quite big, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the natural sunlight on a nice day made the dining area really lovely. On weekends, they do a brunch menu, which includes most of their popular lunch/dinner items plus some breakfast specials. We ordered the Japanese eggplant appetizer, tonnarelli (cacio e pepe), and the infamous spicy rigatoni that made me want to go here in the first place. The Japanese eggplant was pretty good, with a crispy topping and good seasoning, but it felt like I was mostly eating eggplant skin. The cacio e pepe was also good, creamy with a hint of lemon - it did get a bit cheesy and heavy after a few bites. The spicy rigatoni didn't quite live up to its hype for me. Maybe it was an off day, but the pasta seemed to be a bit unevenly cooked - some pieces seemed to be a bit hard while other pieces were fine. This also got really heavy halfway into the dish. Overall, ambiance was great and our server was friendly, but the food didn't impress.

Absolutely delicious! The kale and hamachi salad is a must get here. It's the best salad I've ever had in my life. I'm sure they if I come back enough times here I wail eventually try everything on the menu. Female owned this restaurant is located in a busy part of Costa Mesa. Everything on the menu is good. Happy Yelping!

I have wanted to try Ospi's other locations but never was able to make it out there, so I'm really excited Ospi is now in Costa Mesa. My friend and I made a reservation for around 1 pm, and parking was not the easiest because the back parking lot was half reserved for valet parking, the front lot has a few parking reserved for Ospi, and the rest of parking is street parking. The interior of the restaurant is nice and clean, with bar seating when you first walk in and indoor and outdoor seating. My friend and I started off with the kale and kanpachi salad, which I really really enjoyed. Not the best kanpachi I've had, but I loved the pairing with the kale salad. Next up, I had the spicy rigatoni pasta, and this was my favorite of what we ordered. Perfect balance of acidity, sweetness and creaminess. The only complaint is that I wish the plate came with more. The last of what we ordered was the funghi pizza, and I appreciated that it came with a lot of mushrooms, but it got really soggy fast, so definitely eat this as soon as it comes out. Overall, a good experience, and I will be back to try out the dinner menu!

Went there on a weekday and there was spacious parking in the back lot; however, we did notice valet signs so I'm assuming it may be super busy on the weekends. Sat at the bar since indoor seatings were all occupied. Service was great-friendly and attentive. Ordered the spicy rigatoni, eggplant, and pepperoni/pineapple pizza. The crust on the pizza was super super thin so it's perfect for those that are on carb or just doesn't like think crust. The eggplant was different but good. And rigatoni had a touch of spiciness but it was definitely my favorite. We also got their old fashion-felt it was average. This place has a nice ambiance for causal catching up with friends. Seatings is ideal anywhere in the restaurant and they also offer outdoor as well.

Ospi has delicious pasta and appetizers. Their spicy vodka rigatoni was our favorite dish. I don't think you can go wrong ordering any of their pastas. We also loved the Japanese eggplant. I wasn't a fan of their pizza. It has a cracker thin crust, almost like a tortilla. I'd definitely skip the pizza. It's such a cute restaurant, and the staff is really great about checking in. Can't wait to try their happy hour!

I was excited to find out this restaurant was opening in Costa Mesa as I'm a fan of the restaurant, Jame, which is under the same restaurant group called Memento Mori Hospitality. I was excited to try their happy hour which is offered daily. This plaza is very cute and has a great ambience. We made reservations but didn't know that happy hour was limited to certain areas of the restaurant. Their website didn't state that it's only offered in the bar and patio area. Thankfully our server was able to reseat us in the patio. Aperitivo Happy Hour Daily 3 pm - 5:30 pm Patio & Bar area only 3 items for $33 on select menu items We ordered the kale salad, meatball "parm" fett'una, spicy rigatoni, and Rebecca's basil "margherita." Everything was delicious and service was fine. I would say portions were on the smaller side but not surprising given the significant discounted price if you compare their regular menu prices. Parking is limited in their lot as it's shared with several businesses but they do offer complimentary valet. There's also ample street parking nearby. I wouldn't mind going here again for happy hour.

Was so excited to try Ospi! We made a reservation for a Saturday evening and man oh man was it crowded! Most of the restaurants seating is outdoors. The chicken parm was delicious, I just wish it had been served with some pasta. The fried provolone was great, we were super excited to try it. The pepperoni pizza was amazing! I'm not a big fan of thin pizza and this was SUPER thin but it was really really good. Drinks were just okay, nothing special. All in all we were happy with our visit to Ospi.

Service: service was great. However getting a table reservation outside of being in the patio or bar kinda sucks especially on a Monday night. The servers were extremely nice. Ambiance: the place had a nice ambience however, the noise level was a little bit loud. Not much privacy when most of the booths are connected to each other. There were only a few booths where there were privacy. Food: food was OK. We ordered the beef carpaccio ($22) which was grounded and topped on top of a super toasted thick bread topped with arugula. Not my favorite. We also ordered the Cavatelli which was actually delicious and the pasta tasted fresh, but the servings were small, especially for a $42 dish. We also ordered the Bronzino ($42), which was extremely bland. You can get a better Bronzino that's cooked to perfection at water Grill for the same price. Food here was definitely overrated. Drinks: we ordered espresso martini ($20) that came from tap, which actually didn't taste bad however, every espresso martini should come with three beans on top theirs did not. Thumbs down. I definitely would not come here again because the prices are way too high for the quality of food that you get. Most definitely overrated. You can get better Italian food elsewhere.

Decided last minute to check out Ospi. That being said, we didn't have a reservation and they were completely booked the entire night. Luckily, we were able to grab a spot at the bar. I ordered the chicken parm and I loved the vodka sauce that was paired with it and the chicken had a nice crust. This was definitely a thick piece of chicken but I usually like a thin cutlet. The service was absolutely incredible. The bar tender had amazing recommendations and cracked a few jokes with us during our dining experience. I would definitely check this place out again but would try something new!

I usually dont like caesars salad at all BUTTTT It was so good here i couldnt stop eating. Also I'm still thinking about the spicy rigatoni!! I didnt get a photo because I ate all of it right way. Great ambiance to hangout and enjoy italian food. It is more family style so get ready to share with your loved ones! Service also super nice our waiter made plenty of sugeestions for food. I do think this place is a little pricy but I think the food was worth!

My wife and I went here for Valentine's Day, and both looked forward to it! First, the service was great! Everyone was very sweet, and our server, I believe Stephanie, did an amazing job and was on it the whole night. Provided great mocktail recommendations, and that was the 5 star of the night! The best dish was the Caesar salad... and the everything else was very underwhelming and quite honestly priced a lot higher than what you get. The two fried balls of risotto did not have much flavor at all. We were then told to get the Fried Provolone because of the Vodka sauce, and that was genuinely good! Two big things of provolone and very little sauce, but this dish I'd recommend! My wife got the Black Truffle Pasta, which was $47 for gluten-free pasta. Not trying to be rude, but man, once this dish came out and served, my wife and I both said it smelled like old water from a damp towel. Flavor, truly nothing there. No taste of truffle or even butter. It lacked everything we hoped for and was very disappointing. The pizza has great flavor! But, just so oily and that much oil on a thin crust pizza just do not mesh together. All in all, it was a very underwhelming dinner, and I had higher hopes. The best dish was the Caesar salad.

Ambience was nice both inside and outside - have heat lamps outside to keep you warm. The salad was really good; love that the kale was shredded small and very light dressing, fresh ingredients. The pizza crust was unexpected - very thin, almost like a lavash or flatbread, which did not hold up as well to the stronger flavors of the toppings. Mushrooms and the cheese/sauce was delicious. The spicy rigatoni (not pictured) was pretty good, not too heavy and actually did have a kick.

Ospi is finally open and let me just say, Costa Mesa really needed a place like this. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and inviting. We started with the calamari, which was perfectly crispy and seasoned just right. The kale salad was so fresh and full of flavor, and the spicy rigatoni? Absolutely the highlight of the meal! The sauce had just the right amount of heat and creaminess, making it one of the best pasta dishes we've had in a long time. What really took the experience to the next level, though, was Joshua. His service was nothing short of amazing, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without being overbearing. Plus, the drinks he recommended were spot on and totally elevated the entire experience. Incredible food, amazing service, and a great atmosphere all in one. We'll definitely be back!

Overall a good meal and pretty restaurant with intimate lighting and cute red and brick facade. Plenty of parking as well. Service was typical with what you find at a busy/trendy restaurant. We sat outside and it was plenty warm with all the patio heaters. I thought the crispy provolone was okay, but lacking flavor until you have it with the sauce, and even then a bit underwhelming. The arugula salad was also okay, nothing special. Vodka pizza crust was very light in color and not crispy despite it being thin crust. My favorite was the almond pesto pasta. Perfect cooked pasta and creamy pesto sauce.

I recently dined at OSPI Costa Mesa and it was an unforgettable experience. The moment I walked in, the warm, rustic décor made me feel like I had stepped into a cozy Italian trattoria. I began with the garlic bread, which was incredible and paired perfectly with the fried provolone, Japanese eggplant, fried calamari. For the main course, I chose the handmade pasta with Bolognese sauce. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. Thepizza was another highlight; the crust was just right, and the fresh toppings made each bite delightful. To finish, the dessert Nutella mousse and cannoli's was light and had the perfect amount of flavor. The Service: The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, offering excellent wine suggestions and making me feel truly welcome. The Verdict: This dining experience was exceptional. Every dish reflected quality and passion. I highly recommend Ospi to anyone who loves authentic Italian cuisine. I can't wait to return. Cheers,

Pleasantly surprised how fast the restaurant came together. Used to come here when it was Greenleaf and was impressed with the new decor and vibe. Food was great! Came here for happy hour and sat at the bar. Drinks were on point too! Shout out to our server, Mia for the great service. Will definitely come back!

Loveeee the ambiance, location, and aesthetic. Have lived in Costa Mesa 15 years and love to see this block enhanced with all the shopping, food, and businesses, but unfortunately was not very impressed with the food. Pasta was absolutely made from scratch and good enough, but for the price point, the plates are al a carte and average. Great place to meet with friends or for a party but not the best Italian food I have had. Also bummed the dessert menu only had two options and I'm a big sweet tooth so if you like to end with a treat, you may be disappointed. Indoor and patio seating. Our server was great and went over the menu in detail with us, but again just be prepared to pay a hefty price for small plates.

First of all, give Kristine a RAISE immediately!! She accommodated my table of 7 to the highest standards. We came for my friend's birthday and we don't drink alcohol and she made sure to do a table side tiramisu show for us how she was making it without the alcohol and made it so entertaining and enjoyable!! Highlight of the night. The food was allll 10/10. Got the calamari, crispy provolone, Caesar salad, margarita pizza, cacio e pepe pasta and pomodoro. Only thing wrong is the portions for the pasta are SMALLL. Not shareable for big party. The pomodoro would be way better if it had cherry tomatoes and fresh basil instead of cooked. Overall, food was all good and didn't leave feeling bloated and gross from the oil for anything at alll. Pizza is really razor thin, you taste the sauce more which is great! The ambiance is nice! My only complain would be to the host since I reserved days in advance and asked for patio, instead she sat us at the way back corner inside. When I asked her for patio once more she said it was fully booked.. even though I booked it in the reservation. Besides that, will be back!!

Wonderful experience! We came on a Wednesday night and sat indoors because it was the one week it's cold in SoCal. We were shocked at how busy it was! Parking was a bit challenging but everything else was A+! Loved the laid back vibe. We ordered cauliflower (has dates in it!) and a Japanese eggplant dish for apps. Both are a must- they paired well and complimented each other. Vodka pizza is also a must have! It's super thin and crispy but also has a slight kick to it. If there was a way to not gain weight after eating pizza, I'd eat the entire pie. The cacio e Pepe pasta was solid as well. I'll order the rigatoni next time. We finished off with the Nutella mousse- also perfect. Not too sweet- but enough to fill the fix. Can't wait to come again and again!

We dined at the bar inside. The wait staff was efficient and provided perfect recommendations. We enjoyed their Japanese Eggplant as an appetizer and wow!! So delicious and new to us. Next we tried the ricotta gnudi with a brown butter sauce. Incredibly rich. Perfect paired with a bottle of their Super Tuscan. Yum!! We couldn't leave without trying a dessert. The Nutella Mousse. Rich and fabulous. We will definitely be back

I went here last week with my boyfriend - all I have to say is that I've been craving the spicy rigatoni ever since. The place has a good ambiance, the patio is lit nicely by candlelight. The service was great too. Definitely recommend getting the spicy rigatoni- the best pasta dish I've ever had at a restaurant. It's not too spicy either. My boyfriend got the vodka pizza, it was very flavorful but also VERY spicy. The server recommended that we try the whipped Nutella mousse, and it did not disappoint. 10/10 will be coming back

1/16/2025 First time at Ospi. Haven't been to any other locations. Came here on a Thursday for a late lunch/early dinner. It was not busy at all and was seated right away. STRACCIATELLA (Basil, Chili, Pine Nuts) Didn't know what to expect, but each and every bite of this appetizer was delicious! I really enjoyed it! I was asked if I would like it cut up in four slices and I think it makes it more enjoyable to eat this way. Thick bread toasted in olive oil and covered with a spicy chili sauce, herbacious basil oil and topped with creamy stracchiatella and toasted pine nuts, the toast was perfectly thick, crispy, crunchy and held its own under all the toppings. There is an herby bitterness to the basil oil and if it wasn't written on the menu, you wouldn't think it was basil at all. The combination of all of these components is unique, yet at odd at the same time. It doesn't seem like it goes together, but as I continued to eat, I truly appreciated the flavor combinations! I would order this again in the future. I loved eating this with the spicy rigatoni. The spicy rigatoni can be very simple, so adding the fett'unta was a good decision. SPICY RIGATONI (alla vodka) This was my favorite of the two pastas I've tried. This was exactly what I thought it would taste like. Light chewiness of the rigatoni was pleasant. Not overcooked. Light creamy tomato and basil with a light spicy flavor. Tossed in sauce, not drenched in it. It was such a simple pasta, but done well. Will definitely order again! CAVATELLI (Pork Sausage, Fresh Black Truffle, Housemade Truffle Butter) At first bite, you can taste the pork sausage. It was cooked well and had a good texture. It's a porky pasta. The cavatelli was slightly dense and chewier than the spicy rigatoni's texture. It wasn't listed as the ingredients, but it tasted as though there was a little bit of parmesan flavor with the truffle butter. Didn't love the truffle butter flavor though. I'd rather they use truffle oil instead. The flavor is kinda' muddy. It was such a mixture of flavors that it took away from the whole eating experience. It seems this is a favorite of many, but personally, it wasn't for me. The dish is a small to medium-sized dish. You can share if you order other dishes, but I think anyone can finish one plate of their pasta servings. CANNOLIS Must-order! This was hands down my favorite of all the dishes I've had here! There were 3 in total with one side covered in mini chocolate chips and the other side covered in chopped pistachios. This was an absolute delight! Creamy, sweet whipped ricotta, the cannoli shell was freshly fried, shell was not thick, but thin, light, crispy, flaky and golden! It was the perfect ending to a beautiful meal! Don't forget to order this! Btw, dinner and lunch menu offerings are slightly varied, so please check before dining in. SEATINGS / AMBIANCE Ambiance was chill. They were playing house music, which wasn't bad, but it was quite loud where I was seated. Indoor and outdoor seats galore! It was spacious and the outdoor seating area was beautiful! Indoor seats weren't bad. There were a couple of velvet bar seats at the entrance. Indoor tables of two had plush velvet seats, while there were taupe leather booth style seats for larger groups, which was a mistake because it didn't go well with the rest of the decor. CUSTOMER SERVICE Other than the stall at the front desk as I asked for a table and a stall in bringing my water, the service was exceptional. The service picked up after the first pasta was brought to my table. Even when taking my time in ordering other dishes, the other dishes came out quick too. Also, four different people were back to back bringing dishes to my table. My main server was great and paced the meal instead of rushing everything. She was a great server! The other servers were great too and one even commented on the cavatelli being her favorite pasta. Everything was done in a timely manner. PARKING There's limited parking at Paseo 17. Street parking and valet parking is available as well. Both are limited if you want to park nearby the restaurant. Luckily I found a great parking spot right across from the restaurant and close to the valet area. I highly recommend coming on a weekday if you want better parking spots and better service. As always when dining with larger groups, please make reservations. Personally, I think the front desk were working out some kinks when it came to guest flow and I would highly recommend making reservations ahead of time! My overall first experience at Ospi CM was great! Will be returning again in the near future!

If you like poke salad, then you'll like the kale salad that comes with yellow tail. When I heard raw fish part I asked to have the fish on the side. My mistake! I ended up mixing it in the salad as it was intended and was so good with [k]runch of kale, avocado, and fatty fish! Between pepperoni pizza and white sauce pasta, I liked the pizza more. Both were good! Lunch size of pasta was great portion but if you're used to huge sizes you'll prob want to order an appy too. Noodles were dense in a good way!

food: first time at OSPI & we really enjoyed the 3 for $33 happy hour special. from the 3 dishes we chose the spicy rigatoni was our favorite. be aware the portions are way smaller if you do the happy hour deal. we didn't know this before ordering & it was also our first time there so we didn't expect the small portions. both pizzas were fairly good & had such a good crisp to them. I do wish the pizzas had a little more flavor to them. the crispy provolone was my absolute favorite, crispy & gooey on the inside. service: service was quick and friendly. we went during the week so it wasn't as busy. I would recommend making a reservation in advance if you plan on visiting during the busier times(weekends) ambiance: the restaurant is beautiful both inside and outside. such a perfect place for date night or to get together with friends & have cocktails. overall rating 3.5/5

I love this spot! Loved it when it was Greenleaf and now love it as Ospi. It has the cutest patio, a great bar, and a really nice vibe overall. The food was also good. We enjoyed the appetizers and salads better than the mains. Our favorite dishes were the cauliflower, meatballs, kale salad, and persian cucumber salad. We also tried the spicy rigatoni, bolognese, branzino, ribeye, and a pepperoni pizza. We didn't love these dishes, but the other pastas sounded interesting so maybe we need to try something different?

Visited Ospi for a birthday dinner - atmosphere was very casual and nice, greeted with glasses of champagne at the door and smiles from the bartenders and staff. Our service was amazing (Jacob) and helped answer any questions about the menu. The drinks were on point. Wait staff, food runners and bussing was on point. We ordered the margarita, dirty martinis and the lusty martini which were all truly amazing. Unfortunately the food was subpar. For apps we ordered the beef tartare, which was extremely unflavorfull - chopped steak, potato chips (?), and a cheese blend on a giant piece of hard toast. It was lacking flavor. There was also a tremendous amount of grated "Parm" that tasted like it was Kraft, and this unfortunately was on everything. We also ordered the crispy polenta, which unfortunately was also loaded with this "parm" and it was also lacking flavor- so we asked for salt (I've never added salt to food in a restaurant before). The "Parm" was even on the pastas and it was overbearing. For entrees we first ordered the cavatelli- truffle pasta which was severely undercooked it tasted like bread dough. The truffle was not fresh truffle and tasted like dirt. We opted for spicy rigatoni which was also loaded with the "parm" and the sauce was nice and noodles were cooked fine. Honestly the best part of our meal was the $20 salad which had no protein. I chose the arugula which had a nice tart dressing, avocado and some shaved real cheese which was delicious. As a foodie, I was overall disappointed. I know this place is new so want to give it the benefit of the doubt but hope that their dishes improve in the future!

Haven't tried their other locations and was so excited to see they opened one in Costa Mesa! Service/Ambience: Our server was very friendly and attentive, and gave us a great breakdown of the menu when we asked for suggestions. The restaurant has great vibes, perfect for a date night or girls night. The inside is a bit small, so would recommend reserving ahead if you don't want to sit on the patio. There are several heaters on the patio though, so no need to worry about getting cold! Food: We ordered the Caesar Salad, Spicy Rigatoni, Copione, and Cavatelli. The Caesar was so delicious and had crouton crumbles sprinkled throughout which gave me a nice crunch with each bite. Spicy Rigatoni was so delicious and creamy, and the sauce was so flavorful. The Copione came on a very thin crust, so skip if that's not your vibe. I thought it was yummy, but nothing I would go out of my way for. The Cavatelli is probably the one thing I wouldn't order again. I wasn't a big fan of the noodle that came with it, and thought the dish overall was just OK. With this pasta being almost double the price of the others, I'd recommend picking a different option. However I will say the sausage that came in it was delicious. Overall this place was super cute and I thoroughly enjoyed my food. I would come back again!

I dined at Ospi in December. I was nervous about parking, but was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find. You just never know with this part of Newport Beach, it's always a gamble. I just parked in a regular spot, but I believe they also have complimentary valet. I am not usually one to rave about a cocktail, but boy, was the Lusty Martini delicious! I could have had 3 more! The Arugula Salad was also perfect. I will have to try to re-create it at home. We did also order a few pastas and a pizza to share. Great portion sizes for sharing between a couple of girls. We cleared each plate. I definitley recommend reserving a table in advance.

My favorite LA restaurant is now in OC! Already been to this location multiple times and the quality is the same/as good as their LA locations. Amazing food, service, and ambiance! One thing I will say is I definitely recommend their regular menu compared to their brunch menu. I wasn't entirely impressed with the items on the brunch menu.

It was two of my gf's bday so we wanted to give this place a try since it's newly opened! Ambiance is a nice space with indoor and outdoor options. They are well staffed so you'll get the proper attention and service, which is great! They offer complimentary valet but if you're like me and you're hesitant about giving someone access to your car, there is street parking. Our group did find it strange that every staff member kept asking us if they can take our menu when we clearly wanted to keep one menu to look at cocktails and other things we want to order. The food is mediocre. If you're craving Italian, there are a lot of better options like Bello by Sandro or even North Italia is a much better choice. We ordered a lot of things off the menu but nothing was impressive and everything was just bland with very small portions for the price. We don't need monstrous portions but one dish is shareable between 2 person and I like to order a lot of things off the menu to give everything a try. So it was disappointing to see the portions compared to the price. The Sole was very salty but the arugula salad was tasty. Skip the truffle pasta, at $42 you'd think we can taste some truffle but there was nothing that made us love it, pasta was hard. Skip all the bread offerings, it's like a hard bread and has no flavor. We hope this place improves the portion or the flavors. But for now, we will wait awhile until we give it another try

First timer!! OSPI came up nothing short of AMAZING. The service was stellar, shoutout to Amber! Ambiance is perfect for a lovely lunch, and so nicely decorated. Everything I had was absolutely delicious. The vodka sauce is one of the best I have ever had! I cannot wait to enjoy OSPI more and more this year!

Ugh. I loved Ospi Venice Beach but was let down here! I got the cacio e pepe and asked for chicken on top, but the chef doused the entire dish with way too much salt to the point where it just wasn't edible. The pasta itself you can tell is still high quality and was the only aspect I enjoyed. The service was great and the restaurant ambiance was great. I don't understand why they do valet in the parking lot but maybe that's cuz I'm the Hoi Polloi.

Finally got to try Ospi and really enjoyed it. The spicy rigatoni, pizza and lemon ricotta pancakes were my favorites. Will definitely go back and try to go for dinner. We sat on on the patio and the weather was gorgeous.

Super quaint upscale Italian food in Costa Mesa. Drinks were tasty and food was excellent. We did order the garlic bread and it was a bit underwhelming so I would suggest you order it with the burrata or some sort of topping. The table next to us got a salad (looked like the salmon Caesar) that looked very good. I enjoyed my entree of spicy rigatoni (it def has a kick so not for the faint of hear) and my hubby had the bolognese. I do wish the rigatoni had a protein with it that would make the dish even better. Portions are smaller compared to Buona Forchetta, but portion control is not a bad thing these days. Service was wonderful and inviting. It was too cold to sit on the patio for me, but it would be wonderful in the summer/spring season.

Food/Drink: Margherita Pizza & Rebecca's Margarita. Drink - I liked it and the drink was good but it was a little bitter for me (specifically the bubbles were more so than the drink). I'd probably order it again or order something a bit sweeter. Ambiance/Environment: Very nice. I'd say you can dress semi casual but I'd consider dressing up just a tad for this place. Pizza: O M G so good! I'm not hard to please when it comes to cheese or margherita. I ate the whole pie (including the crust). Pizza was a solid ratio of cheese/sauce, crust was crunchy, warm and sweet ish. Very good. Not in love with the price tag BUT I would definitely order this again. And I'm not the typical type that orders thin crust pizza either. Service: The gentleman that filled my water, 2 hostesses/greeters, and the General Manager Tyler made the experience of this place a good experience. However, I will say this - I had a reservation set for 8pm but I was sat a couple minutes before and was provided some tap water. Then waiting about 15-20 min for someone to take my order? A little ridiculous if you ask me. I will say the place was semi busy but someone could've at least said, "Hey, apologies for the wait. Your server will be right with you." Or even, "Hello my name is (blank) and I'll be your server tonight. I'll be with you in just a moment as I have a couple things to take care of." Then, I would've been a bit more understanding of the wait. So, for the duration of my meal (aside from the one gentleman that filled my water), Tyler the General Manager of Ospi helped me order, brought my food, and cleared my table. I didn't even have a server which was a bit odd. As an apology for the wait, Tyler comped my drink (which was very kind). Closing thoughts: Not sure why I had to wait that long to get my order in where the GM has to step in and take care of things. Aside from that, pizza and drink I had were pretty good (the pizza especially). Would I come back? Honestly I would. That pizza was real good... and I'd try another drink the next time around. Maybe even one of the pastas to switch it up!

Vibes - great. Cute date night spot. Yes it's pricey - but hey - it's Newport. Food was good! Waiter was Randy and he was phenomenal. Anyone giving less than 4 stars - they are just picky.

Always on the lookout for a good pasta place in Orange County, I was happy to learn about Ospi opening in Costa Mesa. I had a 6:30 PM reservation but arrived early. At most places on a Thursday night (especially before 6 PM) that isn't a huge issue and I can still get seated. But this place was packed to the brim! I did hear about bar seating being first come first serve, but that was also full. I did manage to get a seat at the bar about 30 minutes before my actual reservation thankfully- but other reviewers were definitely correct about it being crowded. I always enjoy it when there is something on the menu I have to look up, as it means I am going to learn something new! There is a whole section on the menu for Fett'unta, which is basically toast. I went for the garlic fett'unta, as it was the cheapest at $7 and I felt it would be good to try this out in its simplest version before getting to the more expensive options in subsequent visits. The bread was crispy and chewy and overall a really good piece of garlic bread. However, the serving was two small pieces of bread. It was a little bit sad looking, especially for the price. I would love to try the ricotta fett'unta but at $17 it would have to at least be double the portion. Another new item on the menu I encountered was the raschiatelli, which is a type of noodle I don't think I have ever had. As someone who loves thicker noodles, these were right up my alley. They were like those very thick noodles you get in some chicken soups- soft and chewy! This dish did advertise itself as spicy, so of course I was a bit intimidated but I wanted to try it anyways. On top of the pasta was pecorino cheese and breadcrumbs, which made it pretty unique. The dish definitely had a bit of a kick, but not too much that it had no flavor other than spicy. It was good but not an absolute winner that would make it worth $30. Speaking of which, I did not finish my pasta but I definitely could have if I tried. For the price, the portion was also lacking. If you are willing to pay a little more than your average fancy Italian place in OC, this is a fair option for you. I do want to come back and try a few more pasta dishes, but I feel like I would really need to be with someone else to make it worth it, as this was a pretty expensive meal for the portions. On the plus side, the service at the bar was great and the place was really pretty!