Costa Mesa might not be the first California city that comes to mind when you’re thinking of foodie destinations—but maybe it should be. This creative hub in the heart of Orange County isn’t just about shopping and arts (though it has plenty of that). It’s also a food lover’s dream, serving up everything from fine dining to grab-and-go eats that punch way above their weight.
In this article, I’m just focusing on restaurants in Costa Mesa—because the foodie scene here deserves its own spotlight. But if you’re looking for a full itinerary (with great things to do in Costa Mesa alongside all the bites), we’ve got that too.
What struck me most about Costa Mesa is the sheer variety. In just a few days, we ate dishes that transported us to Spain, Hawaii, Mexico, Japan, and beyond. There are spots that lean into fresh, seasonal California ingredients, others that highlight the flavors of immigrant families who’ve been cooking for generations, and even a few LGBTQ-owned gems. For a city of its size, the food scene here is ugh—so top notch.
Here are 15 restaurants in Costa Mesa that should be on your list.
1. WIP Café
WIP Cafe quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Costa Mesa. The strawberry latte was hands down one of the best coffee drinks I’ve had in ages, and the food menu matched the vibe—fresh, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. Beyond the food, the café’s energy is incredible. From the locally sourced décor to the thoughtful branding and merch, everything feels intentional. WIP is one of those spots that captures what makes Costa Mesa special: local, creative, and so worth lingering over.
2. Sidecar Doughnuts
Sidecar Doughnuts is an icon in Orange County, and once you’ve tried their donuts, you’ll understand why. These aren’t your average glazed classics. Instead, you’ll find inventive flavors like Salted Brown Butter or Honey Butter Jalapeño Cornbread (yes, that’s a donut). Each bite feels indulgent but also surprisingly balanced. If you only have time for one breakfast stop, Sidecar deserves to be at the top of your list.
4. MoonGoat Coffee
Costa Mesa has a thriving coffee culture, and MoonGoat Cafe is a proud local roaster that sets the tone for a relaxed morning. With a greenhouse-style space that invites you to slow down, MoonGoat is perfect for grabbing a latte or a California-fresh breakfast sandwich. It’s the kind of spot where locals and travelers alike cross paths before diving into their day.
5. Outpost Kitchen
Part Australian café, part Southern California staple, Outpost Kitchen is known for its commitment to organic, sustainable food. The menu leans fresh and seasonal, and the coffee is excellent. This is one of those places where you want to order a full breakfast, sit outside, and take your time. When in Cali, it’s almost impossible to skip over the breakfast burrito, but Outpost has a ton of options that may win your attention, like an heirloom burrata toast.
3. Good Town Doughnuts
If you’re looking for vegan-friendly restaurants in Costa Mesa, Good Town Doughnuts is a must. With more vegan flavors than traditional ones, their menu is full of creative, fluffy pastries that taste as good as they look. The key lime donut is a standout—sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Its also located at the LAB, one of our favorite spots in the city.
6. Mercado Gonzalez + El Moro Churreria
If I could give one “don’t miss” recommendation, this would be it. Mercado Gonzalez feels like the beating heart of restaurants in Costa Mesa. It’s vibrant, eclectic, and full of flavors that celebrate Mexican heritage. Inside, you’ll find El Moro Churreria, the first-ever North American location of the Mexico City favorite. Watching churros fried and hot chocolate whisked to order right in front of you is an experience in itself—and biting into one? Pure heaven.
7. Bred Hot Chicken (The LAB)
Bred Hot Chicken is a Black-owned business that brings bold flavor and unbeatable vibes. I ordered sliders and kept the spice level low since I was sharing, but the house-made sauces blew me away. They prove you don’t need extreme heat to make fried chicken exciting. Between the crispy chicken, perfectly seasoned sides, and the energy of The LAB. It’s an easy spot to pop in, order at the counter and know you’re about to have something quick and delicious.
9. Habana (The LAB)
Habana has been a staple in Costa Mesa for decades, bringing Cuban flavors to The LAB. The outdoor patio is shady, lush, and perfect for a long lunch or leisurely dinner. It’s the kind of place where you sit back, sip something refreshing, and let the day slow down. Habana captures the spirit of Costa Mesa—laid-back, creative, and always delicious.
10. Folks Pizzeria
As someone who grew up in the Northeast, I can admit I’m a bit of a pizza snob. California pizza often doesn’t measure up, but Folks Pizza changed my mind. This lively, cozy spot turns out pies with the kind of crust, sauce, and balance that made me nostalgic for home. If you’re skeptical about West Coast pizza, give Folks a shot it might surprise, I love that they have seasonal pies with fresh ingredients like italian long pepers for summer or peas and asparagus in the spring.
11. La Palma
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. La Palma has earned Michelin recognition for its homestyle burritos, and one bite makes it clear why. Packed with flavor, hearty without being heavy, and served without pretension, La Palma is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.
8. Pop Pie Co.
Pop Pie Co. is an LGBTQ-owned gem serving both savory and sweet pies. It’s casual enough to grab something to-go, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. From classic chicken pot pie to more inventive seasonal specials, everything feels hearty and satisfying. Supporting queer-owned restaurants in Costa Mesa while getting a fantastic meal? That’s an easy yes.
12. Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen
This family-owned spot combines Mexican and Mediterranean influences into a menu that feels unique yet comforting. It’s tucked away, giving it that local hidden-gem feel, and the plates are as warm as the hospitality. Tres Muchachos is a great stop when you want to slow down and enjoy a meal that tastes like it was made just for you.
13. Verde Restaurant & Bar
Verde celebrates seasonal, farm-to-table California cuisine in a way that feels both stylish and grounded. The dishes lean into fresh produce and thoughtful flavors, making it an easy choice for anyone who wants a taste of Costa Mesa’s local food philosophy.
14. Vaca
Dining at Vaca is an experience from the moment you walk in. The energy is lively, the space is buzzing, and the food is spectacular. The Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) had just the right amount of heat and left me wishing I’d ordered more. The prime skirt steak, paired with a tangy cabbage slaw, was perfection. Even the vegetarian dishes impressed us. Don’t skip the cheese plate—our server guided us to three unique selections that rounded out the meal beautifully.
15. Stella Jean’s Ice Cream
We ended our trip on a sweet note at Stella Jean’s, another LGBTQ-owned business that’s playful and inventive. Their flavors rotate constantly, but every scoop is crafted with creativity. I tried the vegan Mango Sticky Rice ice cream, complete with actual pieces of sweet sticky rice, and it was an unexpected delight. Stella Jean’s proves dessert can be both fun and thoughtful, and it’s the perfect way to close out a foodie adventure.
Restaurants in Costa Mesa might not be the first thing you think of when planning a getaway but maybe a foodie escape is exactly what you need. What I found was a city where every meal felt like a little adventure. From churros straight from Mexico City to Michelin-worthy burritos, from creative donuts to Spanish tapas that felt like dining in Madrid, Costa Mesa tells its story through food.
Add in the joy of supporting LGBTQ-owned spots like Stella Jean’s and Pop Pie Co., and the experience becomes even richer. Costa Mesa isn’t just a stop along the way; it’s a destination where food, creativity, and community come together in the most delicious way.
