Fork around and find out.

Costa Mesa coined “Eatcation^®” for a reason. Here, bold bites, buzzy chefs, and global flavors meet up in one wildly tasty place. This is where fine dining, food halls, and cozy cafes all live happily ever after. So go ahead and dig in. Your Eatcation^® starts now.

Start planning your Eatcation^®

Michelin stars. Global flavor bombs. Morning coffee that turns into happy hour. Ready to eat your way through the city? We’ve got guides for that.

Two women sit at a table in Costa Mesa, enjoying tacos and drinks, smiling and laughing. Various food trays and beverages are spread before them. The background features a decorative wall with green leaves and large white hibiscus flowers.

Tastes you’ll trip over.

We’ve taste-tested our way through the city (tough job), and these are the ones that rise to the top. Whether you’re going big or keeping it casual, start here.

Two women clink colorful cocktails together while smiling outdoors during one of the annual events Costa Mesa is known for. One wears a red cap; the other, with long blonde hair and rings, stands beside a wooden fence in the background.

Get Fizzy With It: Costa Mesa After Dark

Coffee by day, cocktails by night. Our nightlife sparkles. Sip, stay, and come alive after dark

A busy indoor food court in Costa Mesa with people sitting at tables eating and chatting under hanging star-shaped lights, near food vendor stalls with colorful signs—perfect for a Costa Mesa travel blog feature.

Under-the-Radar Eats in Costa Mesa

Discover the best bites in Costa Mesa—easy to get into, no fuss, and guaranteed to hit the spot, from strip mall sushi to late-night pizza and craft beer.

A plate of chilaquiles topped with two sunny-side-up eggs, fresh herbs, cheese, and a drizzle of crema, served on a white dish on a wooden table—perfect for dining in Costa Mesa CA.

Get A Taste of Costa Mesa’s Best Brunch Spots

Got the brunchies? Try the best brunch in Southern California, from farm-to-table favorites to comfort classics that are perfect for post-surf bites and unforgettable foodie experiences.

Make it a 
Michelin moment.

Costa Mesa brings the star power with one Michelin-starred restaurant and two more Michelin-recognized spots ready to wow you. Book the table. Bring your appetite.

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An overhead view of a wooden table set with plates of gourmet dishes reminiscent of Michelin star restaurants in Orange County, featuring fish with sauce, vibrant salads, a dessert, elegant garnishes, and neatly placed cutlery and napkin.

Orange text reads CA in the center, with ORANGE curved above and COUNTY curved below, forming a circular stamp-like design on a white background, inspired by the vibrant culture near Segerstrom Performing Arts Center Costa Mesa.

Save room for
 Ramen Row.

From creamy tonkotsu to spicy miso, this stretch of Costa Mesa is noodle nirvana. Are you a broth purist or a toppings maximalist? Ramen Row has a seat for you.

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A bowl of ramen topped with two soft-boiled egg halves, sliced pork belly, corn, green onions, and mushrooms sits on a table beside tacos and a rice dish—a delicious highlight among Costa Mesa attractions.

Pitcher this: 
You + a flight of 
Costa Mesa’s finest.

You’re just a few sips away from finding your new favorite pour. From hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, these local breweries are serving up bold flavor and the kind of patios you’ll want to linger on.

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Three friends stand at a bar in Costa Mesa, smiling and holding drinks. One person leans on another, and they all appear relaxed and happy in the warmly lit indoor setting.

See what’s brewing nearby.

Good mornings start here. Great coffee keeps them going. our-over perfectionists and oat milk latte lovers welcome. Costa Mesa’s got your next sip lined up.

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Roll Call:
Fresh, unique, & cut above.

From intimate omakase counters to inventive rolls and pristine sashimi, these spots balance precision, creativity, and ocean-fresh ingredients, all in one place.

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A close-up of two stylish plates at Yuzu Sushi Costa Mesa: one with assorted sushi pieces, and another with crispy nachos topped with diced onions, herbs, sauces, and bright orange roe. Bowls of soy sauce and pickled ginger are in the background.

Something sweet?
Always.

Costa Mesa’s dessert spots know how to satisfy a craving. Whether it’s a mid-day milkshake or a post-dinner indulgence, you don’t want to miss out on endless treats in this town.

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A plated dessert at Silver Trumpet Restaurant Costa Mesa features a square piece of cake, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a purple and white orchid, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of sauce on a gray plate.

A whole bunch of options.

From syrup-drenched bites to egg-topped everything and sparkling mimosas that keep appearing, Costa Mesa knows how to do brunch right. The only thing on the agenda? Another round.

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At Tres Muchachos Costa Mesa, enjoy Eggs Benedict on toasted bread with salmon, asparagus, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce, topped with microgreens. Roasted potatoes and tomatoes complete the plate for a satisfying brunch.

Best Food Halls

Costa Mesa’s food hall scene is where one craving somehow turns into five. From handmade pasta to sushi rolls, smashburgers, and tacos, these culinary hubs bring all your favorites under one roof.

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