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Best Authentic Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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90 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
1. Habana - Costa Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(2757)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 83 times today
Habana in Costa Mesa offers an authentic Cuban experience. Reviewers rave about the 'authentic Cuban' food and the 'Cuban vibes' all around. One reviewer even compared the food to that found in Miami, Florida, implying that it's authentic. Another mentioned the 'true to Cuban culture' dishes. So, if you're looking for a taste of Cuba in Southern California, Habana is a recommended spot!
A photo of Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa restaurant
2. Izakaya Hachi Costa Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(255)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Costa Mesa
Booked 24 times today
Izakaya Hachi is an authentic Japanese restaurant serving japanese tapas, yakitori, fresh oysters, shabu shabu, traditional sushi, and a variety of unique and exclusive sake from japan.We have a 15 minutes grace period. Please call us if you are running later then your reservation time. Seating availability are base on the business volume, all request are not guaranteed. If you prefer a table seat, please tell a representative or leave a comment about it. However, we may not be able to honor all requests. We look forward to serving you!$30 corkage fee per bottle up to 750ml and $60 for 750ml+Daily Operation From 5PM-11PM, Last Call at 10PM
A photo of Vitaly Caffe restaurant
3. Vitaly Caffe
4.6
Exceptional(70)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 3 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 North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5414)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 202 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 Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa restaurant
5. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(171)
Price: Very Expensive
• Yakiniku • Costa Mesa
Booked 34 times today
Authentic Japanese Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant.Manpuku Community!We are now open for inside dinning ONLY.Please call at 714-708-3290 if you have any questions. Thank you!-Restaurant Policy-We hold reservations for 10 minutes. If your party has not arrived or called via phone within 10 minutes after your reservation time, the restaurant reserves the right to mark your reservation as a no-show or cancellation. Time limit of 1hour 45 min dinning must be required for all party. Please check in before your reservation time.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport Beach restaurant
6. RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport Beach
4.5
Awesome(5393)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 109 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 10-12am Tuesday-Saturday.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
7. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(3998)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 26 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.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
8. Louie's by the Bay
4.6
Exceptional(1435)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 30 times today
Louie’s by the Bay is a modern Italian steakhouse located on the waterfront along picturesque Mariners Mile in Newport Beach. With a 180-degree view of Newport Bay, a warm elegant design, and exceptional service, Louie's brings an unparalleled dining experience to Newport Beach. The restaurant is the latest addition from Ron Salisbury of El Cholo and The Cannery. The menu features authentic charcuterie and antipasti, unique pastas, prime steaks and chops, classic Italian desserts, and a truly exceptional wine list. Open for dinner nightly, with a lively and late-night cocktail scene. A presto!Join us for Bottomless Sparkling Brunch!
A photo of Puesto Park Place restaurant
9. Puesto Park Place
4.6
Exceptional(1093)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 20 times today
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include the Michelin Guide, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, Huffington Post, Eater, Refinery 29, Insider, Zagat, Thrillist, and Food and Wine.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach restaurant
10. CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach
4.7
Exceptional(2770)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 82 times today
CUCINA enoteca is located on the west side of Fashion Island, Orange County's most sophisticated retail experience. Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of a rustic farmhouse.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Angela
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great service, great food, great price, I was here before, I brought my friends here last night, they all loved it, will certainly come back again & again
    More info
    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa MesaPrice: Very Expensive• Yakiniku• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Davis
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Greeted by a very cordial hostess then seated in a lovely outdoor area. Our waiter was patient with all of us as first time guests and he explained the menu in great detail. Pod was outstanding.
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Katie
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Awesome food! Great for a group to share different options together.
    More info
    Izakaya Hachi Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • Brittani
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was our first time dining here and it was such an amazing experience! We had a cozy table outside on the patio and the food was excellent. The staff was warm and welcoming and we experienced a high level of hospitality from the moment we walked into the restaurant and were greeted by the hosts! The bartender, Eric, and our server, Matthew, really made the night special for us and the birthday we were celebrating!
    More info
    North Italia – IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.5
  • Alex
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 2 Nov 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
    •
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the essence of authenticity in North Orange County's vibrant Costa Mesa dining scene. This area is celebrated for its wide array of restaurants that excel in offering genuine culinary experiences, tapping into the heart of various international and local cuisines. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of Cuban fare, the intricate delights of Mexican cuisine, or the comforting taste of classic American dishes, Costa Mesa's restaurants cater to discerning palates seeking authenticity. Each establishment prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every meal is not only flavorful but also supports local producers. The dining atmosphere across these restaurants ranges from the casual and cozy to the beautifully sophisticated, making it perfect for any occasion. Patrons consistently praise these spots for their exceptional service and the unique, high-quality dining experiences they offer. If you're in North Orange County and looking for an authentic meal, Costa Mesa's culinary treasures are sure to satisfy your desires.

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