The 12 Best Places to Eat in Costa Mesa

A Michelin-starred French fine dining room on the third floor of South Coast Plaza, which sounds like a punchline until you're actually sitting at the chef's counter watching a pristine kitchen run through a prix fixe that manages to feel personal rather than ceremonial. Tony Esnault's cooking leans classic French with a roaming curiosity. The patio is a quiet bonus, and the whole place moves at a pace that makes a mall feel very far away.

1. AAA Four Diamonds
2. Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
3. Los Angeles Times The 101 Best Restaurants in California

Ten seats tucked into the back corner of a Costa Mesa shopping mall, which sounds like a punchline until you're actually sitting at the counter. Hana re runs a leisurely omakase that moves through composed dishes and delicate nigiri with the kind of unhurried calm that makes the parking lot outside feel very far away. The sake list gives you something to think about between courses.

1. Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
2. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

The banquettes are printed with jokes, which tells you something about the mood at this rustic Spanish tapas bar from chef Amar Santana. Sherries and Spanish wines run deep, the bar area is a good-looking place to park yourself, and the kitchen sends out croquetas, paellas, and little grilled sandwiches layered with jamón ibérico and Manchego. Two outdoor patios round out the options when the weather cooperates, which in Costa Mesa it usually does.

1. Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
2. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

1. US Coffee Championships #3 · U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Championship · Glen Ackerman

1. AAA Three Diamonds

1. AAA Three Diamonds

1. AAA Approved

1. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

1. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

1. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

1. Eater The 38 Essential Orange County Restaurants

1. LAist Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao · Best Bites