Best Restaurants with a Happy Hour in Costa Mesa

This was our first time dining in this establishment. I've always heard great things about Mastro's and was excited to try their steaks. Made reservation ahead of time. Our server, Sean, was fairly new, but he was friendly and described the dishes extremely well. We ordered half dozen oysters to start, followed by a chopped salad to share. For our Entrees, I went with their Porterhouse, medium rate, and wife ordered a Pan Seared Sea Bass. She thought the fish was somewhat dry, so we talked to our server, and he was happy to assist us to swap the dish to something else. We decided to get their Seared Scallops; which was more expensive, but tasted phenomenal. My steak was very well seasoned and cooked to the right temp. We also ordered their Lobster Mashed Potatoes which was a good portion to share. It was full of flavor and tasted very buttery. Overall, experience was very good, we also ordered a couple of drinks to go along with our meal. To finish our dinner, we also ordered their Espresso Mouse Cake. It was very sweet, but was a good compliment with coffee.

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.

I've been going here for years because it's always reliable with great food. It was very busy last night because the theater had 2 shows. When it is that crowded, it is very noisy. Bottom line, reliable and great, especially if you're going to the theater.

This was our first trip back since this restaurant changed from Wildfish to Eddie V's. Its been years! Our meal was outstanding, the sea bass cooked to perfection...moist, flakey...and smothered in lumps of crab meat and a delishous butter sauce served over asparagus spears. The Caesar salad was also very good, with crispy roumaine, a generous portion of parmesan shavings, baked croutons and Italian olive tampenade. I also have to note the bread was delicious and FREE! Our server was lovely, personable and attentive. My only complaint was she didn't leave my shaker ice at the table as requested, but that's not a huge deal. As far as ambiance goes, we found the decor warm and inviting. In the future, I'll request seating in the far side of the restaurant where the many TV screens at the bar aren't so visible. Sorry, but I don't think ANY TV's belong in a fine dining restaurant...just sayin'. Prices were on the high side for fine dining, but well worth our experience.

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.