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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
4.7
Exceptional(2785)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 99 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
4.6
Exceptional(257)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Costa Mesa
Booked 23 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
4.6
Exceptional(72)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 6 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 Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(177)
Price: Very Expensive
• Yakiniku • Costa Mesa
Booked 38 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 North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5442)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 185 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 Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8053)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 141 times today
Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's South Coast Plaza and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Conveniently located five minutes from the John Wayne Airport, 15 minutes from the beach, and a short walk from premium shopping, our South Coast Plaza location has much to offer. Visit us at 3333 Bristol St. and book your reservation today!
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport Beach restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5413)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 130 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
4.6
Exceptional(4026)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 75 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
4.7
Exceptional(1445)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 44 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
4.5
Awesome(1098)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 38 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.

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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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