INTRODUCTION
Looking for the best restaurants near me in Costa Mesa, CA? Whether you’re strolling through SoCo, heading to South Coast Plaza, or just searching “top‑rated restaurants near your location,” Costa Mesa delivers an amazing food scene — from local favorites with glowing Yelp reviews to beloved spots locals swear by. With mobile searches for “near me” booming and diners checking star ratings before choosing, this guide cuts right to the spots locals and visitors love for food, service, and atmosphere. You’ll also see real customer ratings from Google and mentions of delivery and parking where available.
1. Water Grill near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Seafood
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Price Range: $$$$ ($50–100)
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Address: 3300 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
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Popular Dishes: Alaskan King Crab, Sonoma Sourdough Cioppino, Oysters
Why Choose: Renowned for ultra‑fresh seafood and impeccable service. Perfect for date nights or special occasions with stars of seafood classics.
Service: Dine‑in, delivery via DoorDash/Uber Eats
Parking: South Coast Plaza valet/paid
2. EAT’S SUSHI near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Sushi / Japanese
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Price Range: $$
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Address: 1175 Baker St, Ste E25, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5
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Popular Dishes: Nigiri Platter, Spicy Tuna Roll, Uni
Why Choose: Frequently rated one of the best sushi places near me in Costa Mesa, CA — creative rolls and fresh fish.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout
Parking: Street/Center lots nearby
3. Habana near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Cuban / Latin American
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Price Range: $$$ ($50–100)
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Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
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Popular Dishes: Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwich, Mojitos
Why Choose: Vibrant atmosphere, hearty Cuban fare & local favorite beloved for lively ambiance and cocktails.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout, delivery
Parking: The LAB/Anti‑Mall parking
4. Seasons 52 near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: New American Fine Dining
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Price Range: $$$ ($30–50)
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Address: 3333 Bristol St Suite #2802, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
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Popular Dishes: Seasonal Flatbreads, Seafood Trio, Wood‑Grilled Bistecca
Why Choose: Perfect choice for top‑rated near your location dinner with wine pairings and seasonal menus.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout
Parking: South Coast Plaza paid
5. WADAYA near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Ramen / Noodles
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Price Range: $$
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Address: 2969 Fairview Rd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
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Popular Dishes: Tonkotsu Ramen, Gyoza, Spicy Miso
Why Choose: A local favorite for rich bowls of ramen — highly reviewed for flavor and authenticity.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout
Parking: Street/Plaza lots
6. The Crack Shack near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Chicken / Comfort
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Price Range: $–$$ ($10–20)
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Address: 196 E 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
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Popular Dishes: Fried Chicken Sandwich, Deviled Egg, Seasonal Sides
Why Choose: One of the most popular quick bites near me in Costa Mesa, CA — casual, crunchy, and crave‑worthy.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout, delivery
Parking: Street/lot
7. Lemon & Thyme near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: New American / Wine Bar
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Price Range: $$
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Address: 1907 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.8/5
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Popular Dishes: Braised Short Rib, Lemon Tart, Seasonal Boards
Why Choose: Often cited in Yelp reviews for excellent service and upscale small plates.
Service: Dine‑in
Parking: Street/lot
8. Pom & Olive near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Mediterranean / New American
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Price Range: $$
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Address: 1400 Bristol St, Unit C, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5
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Popular Dishes: Greek Salad, Falafel, Grilled Lamb
Why Choose: Fresh, fast, and healthy — great for lunch or casual dinner.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout
Parking: South Coast Plaza area
9. Butcher’s House Brasserie near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: French / Steakhouse
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Price Range: $$$ ($50–100)
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Address: 3321 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5
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Popular Dishes: Filet Mignon, Duck Confit, Escargot
Why Choose: Stylish spot for steak and French classics, perfect for celebrations or date night.
Service: Dine‑in
Parking: Nearby lots
10. Pradera Brunch near me in Costa Mesa,CA

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Category: Breakfast & Brunch / Mexican
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Price Range: $$
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Address: 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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Phone: (949) – check Google
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Google Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5
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Popular Dishes: Chilaquiles, Brunch Tacos, Mimosas
Why Choose: Locals love it for weekend brunch and creative twists on classics.
Service: Dine‑in, takeout
Parking: Street/lot
📊 Comparison Table – Best Restaurants in Costa Mesa, CA
| Restaurant | Category | Price | Google Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Grill | Seafood | $$$$ | ⭐ 4.6 | Fine Dining |
| EAT’S SUSHI | Sushi | $$ | ⭐ 4.7 | Fresh Sushi |
| Habana | Cuban | $$$ | ⭐ 4.5 | Lively Dinner |
| Seasons 52 | New American | $$$ | ⭐ 4.6 | Seasonal Menus |
| WADAYA | Ramen | $$ | ⭐ 4.6 | Ramen Bowls |
| The Crack Shack | Chicken | $ | ⭐ 4.5 | Casual Comfort |
| Lemon & Thyme | New American | $$ | ⭐ 4.8 | Wine & Small Plates |
| Pom & Olive | Mediterranean | $$ | ⭐ 4.4 | Healthy Eats |
| Butcher’s House | French/Steak | $$$ | ⭐ 4.6 | Steak & Classics |
| Pradera Brunch | Brunch | $$ | ⭐ 4.5 | Brunch Favorites |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Costa Mesa, CA Dining
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What are the best restaurants near me in Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa has hotspots like Water Grill, EAT’S SUSHI, Habana, and WADAYA — all highly rated on Google. -
Which restaurants in Costa Mesa, CA are top‑rated for dinner?
For dinner, try Water Grill, Butcher’s House Brasserie, or Habana for quality meals and atmospheres. -
Any great brunch spots near Costa Mesa, CA?
Pradera Brunch is a local favorite for weekend brunch with Mexican twists and cocktails. -
Where can I find the best sushi near Costa Mesa, CA?
EAT’S SUSHI regularly earns top star ratings for fresh fish and creative rolls. -
Are there vegan/healthy options near me in Costa Mesa, CA?
Pom & Olive offers Mediterranean salads and clean eats, and many places support special diets. -
Which Costa Mesa restaurants deliver food near me?
Many dining spots — like The Crack Shack and Water Grill — partner with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. -
What’s a good family‑friendly restaurant near Costa Mesa, CA?
The Crack Shack and Seasons 52 are excellent family‑friendly options with broad menus. -
Where is the best place for a date night near Costa Mesa, CA?
Water Grill and Butcher’s House Brasserie provide memorable ambiance for date nights. -
Are there cheaper eats near me in Costa Mesa, CA?
Casual favorites like The Crack Shack and Pom & Olive offer quality eats without breaking the bank. -
Can I find international cuisines near Costa Mesa, CA?
Yes! From Cuban at Habana to Japanese ramen at WADAYA and Mediterranean at Pom & Olive — diversity is abundant.