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Best Authentic Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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86 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
1. Habana - Costa Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(2738)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 34 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(252)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Costa Mesa
Booked 9 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
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. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa Mesa
4.9
Exceptional(165)
Price: Very Expensive
• Yakiniku • Costa Mesa
Booked 20 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
5. RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport Beach
4.6
Exceptional(5370)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 71 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
6. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(3983)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 50 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
7. Louie's by the Bay
4.6
Exceptional(1422)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 29 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
8. Puesto Park Place
4.5
Awesome(1088)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Irvine
Booked 21 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 Il Dolce restaurant
9. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(440)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 3 times today
Known for using only natural, fresh ingredients, Il Dolce specializes in Italian cuisine. Along with a variety of pastas, salads, patrons can select from a number of pizza menu options. Inspired by authentic pies made in Naples, each pizza at Il Dolce is prepared in a wood-fire oven, giving it an authentic, smoky flavor.Family owned and operated, this award-winning restaurant provides a cozy, comfortable environment where pizza enthusiasts can watch their pies being prepared. Guests dining at Il Dolce can also enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. Dessert items along with a special gluten-free menu are also available.
A photo of Descanso - Plancha Dining restaurant
10. Descanso - Plancha Dining
4.6
Exceptional(588)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Costa Mesa
Booked 15 times today
THIS PAGE IS FOR PLANCHA TABLES ONLY (Where Our Chefs Cook at Your Table). For reservations in our standard Dining Room/Patio, please search for DESCANSO STANDARD DINING on the Open Table Website or call at 714.486.3798PLANCHA Dining is available for Dinner Monday through Sunday and Saturday & Sunday Brunch.Descanso is a modern taqueria in that it celebrates authentic Mexican flavors executed on a traditional plancha grill and prepared in front of you at your table.Seating Types:PLANCHA Make a reservation at the Plancha Table for an intimate experience with your Taquero Chef. This is a multi-course meal option where each item is cooked in front of you!STANDARD DININGMake a reservation for our Standard dining room or patio on the Descanso Standard Dining Open Table Page.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Marionvip
    Orange County •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We walked up to the door and were greeted with a warm welcome and a complimentary glass of rose! Our server, Jordan, truly knew the menu and her suggestions were spot on and delicious. The Latin beat in the background gave a fun vibe to the room where there wasn’t an empty table in sight . Personally can’t wait to return. Thank you Habana for a perfect experience!
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Wilson
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Comfortable seating environment and smells good to me when entering the restaurant. Love the beef choices and starters. Recommend that garlic fried rice be a little drier.
    More info
    Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Costa MesaPrice: Very Expensive• Yakiniku• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • Gary
    Orange County •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Our server was amazing. He explained all the options available in great detail and went above and beyond to make my girlfriends food with the ingredients she desired. The steak fajitas I ordered were the best fajitas I have ever had. I would highly recommend the Big O if you are searching for a top notch restaurant.
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Newport Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Gracevip
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 9, 2024
    Always exceptional service paired with exceptional food! Everyone here is on top of their game from the sushi chefs to the servers, and hostess. The sashimi samplers are very fresh and affordable. The option of yakitori especially the chicken wings rounds out the whole meal. There is truly something for everyone here! Definitely try the sake sampler, since you will love the 45! Also, whatever is on the seasonal menu is a must! Last year I was in Japan twice, and many of the restaurants don't even come close to the service and food here.We come here almost every week despite the crowded parking because you can rest assured you will have an extraordinary meal.
    More info
    Izakaya Hachi Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • Alex
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 2, 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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