Your stomach is rumbling for brunch… but there’s a forty-minute wait and you haven’t even had coffee yet. In Costa Mesa, you don’t need to download a reservation app or know the owners to score a table. We’ve collected some Costa Mesa restaurants where you’re guaranteed a seat—just show up hungry, and you’re in. From strip mall legends to breweries where your jeans and Vans fit right in, this is a city where the best bites (and pints) are hiding in plain sight.

If you’ve never been to Costa Mesa, we’re in a sweet spot between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south (and we’re only minutes from the beach). If you’re flying in, definitely arrive at John Wayne Airport (SNA) and save yourself a bunch of hassle.

Costa Mesa’s No-Reservation Hall of Fame

Our first pick is Prince Street Pizza, a New York fave with a recently opened Costa Mesa location. Here, pizza meets pop culture (like viral collabs with DOOM, Machine Gun Kelly, and even Milk Bar), but the stars of the show are definitely the delicious Sicilian-style pepperoni cups and excellent sauces. Get your favorite flavor by the slice or a whole pie—and it’s open late, perfect for midnight cravings.

The Taco Stand started nearby in San Diego with founders from Tijuana, so it’s got the Cali-Mex flavor you crave. The Grilled Pescado taco is great, but the whole menu is full of bangers like their freshly made Churros and Mar y Tierra Fries. Add your favorite salsa from mild to crazy hot and enjoy. 

If you’re already in the neighborhood for tacos, walk over to The CAMP and hit up Salty Bear Brewing for delectable craft beer. They don’t have a kitchen, but they do have Fruit Punch Hard Seltzer and Pineapple Express Hazy. (Hot tip: The CAMP is a primo location for grab-and-go food in general.)

Yubuya Sushi is efficient deliciousness: it’s cashless (so bring your card or app) and orders happen at a self-service kiosk. Not familiar with yubu? Think fried tofu skin stuffed with goodies—a pocket of pure flavor. Go for the Spicy Tuna or Avocado Krab, or if you’re not into tofu, try a Fresh Salmon Don bowl.

You’ve probably already heard of Bootleggers Brewery, but did you know it’s got a tasting room in Costa Mesa? With over two dozen brews to try, like the Dark & Malty or the What the Huck (a huckleberry cream ale), you’re going to find something you love. It’s dog-friendly and has outdoor seating as well, so you can soak up the sun while you ponder your hops.

Now, for this next pick, we’re switching gears a bit. It’s technically a grocery store, but hear us out. Inside Mitsuwa Marketplace (which should already be your go-to for Japanese groceries, just sayin’) are a bunch of hidden gem restaurants and shops. Try Hamada-Ya Bakery for coffee and pastries or Matcha REN for premium matcha soft serve and other treats. If you’re more into savory, get some udon at Sanuki Seimen Mugimaru and thank us later.

Much like Mitsuwa, Mercado Gonzalez is more than a store: it’s a playground for your tastebuds. Wander a food court that’s straight out of Mexico City but transplanted to Costa Mesa. Mercado Gonzalez is 70,000 square feet of possibility, from El Moro Churrería to Aguas Frescas Las Delicias and La Tamalería. Every option is fresh, fun, and fast—and there’s no reservation (or passport!) required.

We doubt you need an excuse to turn a delicious meal into a full-on vacation, but it truly is impossible to sample the best of the city in one day. Stay the night so you can get at least three meals and maybe some snacks. With a variety of Costa Mesa hotels to choose from, all you need to do is pack a bag and bring your appetite.