AhbA

Came here with a friend before going to watch Beauty & The Beast The Musical. Came at 5:00pm and…read moregot seated immediately. Shoutout to Laura who was the sweetest, most attentive server! I waited for my friend to come and in the meantime, brought chips, salsa, and black beans to start. The chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was the perfect amount of spicy. Beans were warm and coated the chip well. I asked if they can make mocktails and she said anything on the menu! The Strawberry Jalapeno was delicious, but I do wish there was more spice from the jalapeno. My friend wanted a Coke and Laura said they had no more so she was so bummed. Later, Laura came running and grinning and found the LAST Coke bottle in the back and brought it out! Such a funny and cute moment! The Tres Enchiladas de Mariscos were SO yummy. Each one with a different taste, sauce, sea food. My favorites were the shrimp, lobster, crab in that order. The rice was perfectly hot and fluffy and complimented the dish. Then, my friend and I shared the flan, which is truly a sharing portion. It was so RICH and thick and was the best dessert to top off the evening. Thank you, Calo and your amazing staff!

This restaurant is not only Beautiful but the food is Wonderful and the Service is Impeccable…read more The only negative is... Automatically adding pork to the refried beans! Pork is not considered clean in various dietary laws. With that said... I will be back

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Ruin Bar

4.1(489 reviews)

0.1 mi

We stopped by this bar after dinner one night. Love it! The decor all over is neat! They have an…read moreoutdoor area and more seating inside along with the bar. Seats are limited. There's a tree right in the middle inside. The decor is best described as eclectic. I love it! The drinks were great! My guava martini was delish! We also had the espresso martini and that delish! The service was great! Everyone was super nice! They are open late! We stayed until midnight which was closing time on Sunday but we would have definitely stayed later! We are definitely coming back!

What a great little trendy bar hidden away! After the OC Fair we felt like a little nightcap &…read morethrough Yelp found this little gem. The ambiance was so cool with lots of Asian inspired decorations, total eye candy. The line for the drinks was a little long but went pretty fast and we were lucky to score 2 seats inside almost immediately. If not, you can stand around or sit on other little tables on their outside patio. You can view the drinks through a QR code, a wall menu or above the bar. The drinks were really good with fun names, it was hard to decide which I'd make my first! A great place to visit and enjoy a good drink.

Old fashion. House bourbon. Better than anywhere else.

Coconut pineapple peach shots. Phenomenal.

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Outside patio

VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza

4.4(691 reviews)

Minority-owned & operated

Happy hour specials

The happy hour deals are incredible at Vox. So many tasty dishes and they don't skimp out on the…read morequantity or quality. My gf and I ordered a bunch of items to try and we really enjoyed: - garlic noodles with prawns. Packed with flavor - seafood ceviche. Could use a little bit of heat. - calamari. Absolutely delicious - pear salad (not part of happy hour, but highly recommend) We weren't a huge fan of the chicken rice bowl or carne asada tostada, so we may skip these items the next time. If you're looking for a spot to grab a drink/bite at after work on Fridays, definitely give this place a go.

Our group got the vox pear salad, garlic noodles with chicken and mushroom, calamari, Parmesan…read morefries, and the saltado fries with pichana and filet mignon. The seasoned fries and Parmesan fries were well seasoned and perfectly crispy. The garlic noodles and fries were a big hit for the adults and the toddlers in our group. Pear salad was delicious too-great refresher from the rich food. Restaurant is very kid friendly with ample seating. Recommend making reservations!

Carne Asada Fries. Part of our new Spring/Summer menu at VOX Kitchen & Bar.

Corn Ribs

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Hamachi & Carne Asada Tostadas. Part of our new Spring/Summer menu at VOX Kitchen & Bar.

Speakeasy Sunday Bristol

5.0(9 reviews)

0.2 mi

On a recent Sunday morning, I'd discovered this place (only open on Sundays) -- and determined we…read morewere heading there that evening! Enter the parking lot from Bake. Friendly, welcoming, professional, and attentive service. We ordered the following cocktails -- all beautifully presented, each with fine details (including clear ice cubes), passionately prepared, and with fun-&-uniquely different flavor profiles... unlike any cocktail we'd tasted: Last Cloud, $20 Warm Fade, $20 Kembu Highball, $18 Complimentary (warm) popcorn was appreciatively offered -- and refilled. I understand that the menu changes weekly. Dimly-lit, intimate bar with (if I'm not mistaken) 10 barstools at the bar top and limited seating (I seem to recall about 12) between high top and round tables. Fun to discover another speakeasy!

Such an amazing experience, easily the best cocktails I've had in years. The mixologist putting…read moretogether our drinks was like watching a true artist at work. He is very detail oriented, and you can definitely taste the complexity in the drinks. This speakeasy is open only on Sunday nights from 8pm-1am. There is a dj spinning music to set the mood. Parking is easy and right up front because most of the businesses are closed. I definitely recommend!

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Ruscello at Nordstrom

3.9(256 reviews)

First time here as my mom wanted me to try it. Came here on a Tuesday lunch and there's plenty of…read moretables available, no wait. We got seated right away. I ordered the Roma tomato soup bowl and it's a bit bigger than normal which I enjoyed. The soup was delicious. I also ordered the Margherita Pizza as I wanted some grill cheese to go with the tomato soup and this was the closest thing. It was pretty good. My parents ordered the portobello mushroom ravioli and the ginger sesame salad. The ravioli was a bit too heavy but the salad was very flavorful. Our waiter was awesome! Overall: I wouldn't mind coming again if my parents wanted to.

Honestly, eating at Nordstrom cafe is always a must for me where ever I go. Their cilantro lime…read moresalad is the best thing on the menu. Can't go wrong with their service - they're always nice, friendly and on point. The establishment is always clean and no funky smell. It's like your typical restaurant setting but in Nordstrom. I will always recommend coming here even if you're not shopping at Nordstrom.

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Habana

Love this restaurant. Best vibes and ambiance. Dim, patio is super cute! I recommend sitting in the…read morepatio vs inside. The chorizo mussel clams steamer is so flavorful and good! Order an extra side of bread and dip it!! Perfect appy! Espresso martini was made to perfection. The filet was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Comes normally with fries but I got the garlic mashed potatoes instead. Service was great! Highly recommend this spot! Great for dates, girls date night and it's the perfect vibe!

More parking than I thought on a weekend…read more Restaurant located at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Tropical vibes and decor. Our server was initially prompt, but as the evening passed, we saw him less and less as the tables began to fill to the point we had to ask other waiters to refill our water. We ordered a bunch of entrees and sides to sample the menu. I ordered the Chef's Special which included a hanger steak, broccoli, and roasted potatoes, along with a side of the Chorizo Mac n Cheese. The consensus was that the food lacked seasoning. The sauces that were served with the dishes enhanced the flavor and added the needed seasoning. What I want to highlight is that they had cooked my steak just as I wanted (rare) and the broccoli was just how I liked it. Price is a bit steep, but you're paying for the aesthetic and atmosphere. Overall, while I'd be open to trying it again, it wouldn't be my first choice for Cuban food.

Outdoor patio

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Habana costa mesa patio

Verdant

4.0(34 reviews)

We were going to OCMA so my friend suggested we dine at Verdant which is in the museum, or at least…read moreit used to be. We checked in at the museum front desk and my friend said we were going up to restaurant on the third floor. The person at the desk said they moved it and it was on the first floor now. She pointed over to what I knew to be the snack bar that had been there since opening. We went over and sure enough it was just drinks snacks and a few pre-packaged light meals. I have to guess they just quietly went away.

I'd like to start out by thanking our server, Christian for being very accommodating and helping us…read moreout on Sunday! I had made a reservation online for 6 people at 12:30pm and my reservation was accepted. When we got to the museum, we were told the restaurant was closing at 12:30pm and I felt very upset. Why was the reservation accepted then? When I got to Verdant, there was no one in sight. The restaurant was empty and there was 1 other party, but no staff. I actually ended up making my way near the kitchen, and that's where I found Christian, who appeared really busy. He explained that they had a wedding later that day and had to close at 1pm for set up. He still sat our party and was very kind, accommodating and helpful. He gave me a great tip and said when making cafe reservations, it's best to call ahead, because they do sometimes have event buy outs. As far as the ambiance, it is a really beautiful space. But, it was SO cold. It seemed like the AC was on full blast. The food was pretty good, but the menu seemed to change since I was there last.

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Setting up...

Kitsch Bar

4.0(693 reviews)

0.4 mi

Had a great time on Sunday! The bartender Sarah was so cool. Very attentive and chill vibes. Then…read morethe karaoke night was great too. 10/10

We love Kitsch Bar and have always had a good time here, which is why this was so disappointing…read more The bartender, Sofia, completely ruined the vibe for us. She was rude and came off really disrespectful, and at one point said things that felt degrading. It made my boyfriend so uncomfortable that he actually left and went outside just to get away from it. Instead of calming things down, she got more aggressive and tried to intimidate me and my friend into leaving. She straight up told us to go and wouldn't even let me finish my martini. I had a long week and just wanted to relax, and that moment felt so unnecessary and frustrating. We still love Kitsch Bar, but that experience with Sofia was not okay and definitely left a bad impression. Hopefully it's not something others have to deal with.

As the night went on Kitsch Bar proves to be the hot spot I've heard about and I agree!

View from my comfy booth listening to beats I can't stop moving to in my seat at Kitsch Bar.

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Looking at the dance floor and Bar before the night begins as we got here early. Beats are already kickin'.

The Great Room

4.3(7 reviews)

0.9 mi

The great room is a restaurant within the Weston. It's got a casual but ups ale type vibe. I had…read morebreakfast there and it was on point. I had the classic American breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and sourdough toast. The servers were attentive without being too present. I always appreciate that. I'd come back tomorrow if I was staying another night.

Brunch at The Great Room in Costa Mesa was such a classy casual vibe. The ambience feels modern and…read morerelaxed, and we had a lovely view of the fountain outside which made everything feel a little more elevated and serene. We ordered the Lox and Bagel with smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, pickled red onions, fresh dill, and sun dried roasted tomatoes. The salmon was fresh and silky, and I loved the brightness from the pickled onions and dill. The roasted tomatoes added a nice depth of flavor. I also had the white crab white omelette with spinach and substituted the fruit for hash browns. The omelette was light and fluffy, and the crab added a subtle sweetness. The hash browns were crispy and satisfying. Cappuccinos were great, rich, smooth, and perfectly foamy. Just note they are nine dollars each, which feels a little steep, but they were well made. Service was pretty good overall, attentive and friendly without being overbearing. Overall, a solid four stars. Great atmosphere, quality brunch options, and a polished setting that feels perfect for a relaxed weekend catch up. I would come back for the vibes and the cappuccino.

Fire Table

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Pioneer

4.6(212 reviews)

We made a reservation at Pioneer and really enjoyed this little spot! It's tucked inside a diner,…read moreso it can be a little hard to find at first, but it's just inside the back patio area with a cute wooden saloon-door entrance. The space is small, cozy, and intimate with just a few tables. Our waitress was super friendly and took the time to explain the menu and different options to us. - Guava Y Queso (4.5/5): I loved this! It was really unique with the cream cheese topping, but the combination worked so well. Definitely a fun spot for cocktails and something a little different!

This place is well hidden, but unfortunately the experience was ruined by how rude and dismissive…read morethe employees were. I asked about seating for two and was simply told to wait outside with no explanation. After 15 minutes, I asked for an update and was again given a vague, dismissive response. Why not give a yes or no answer to whether accommodations can be made? There were several parties waiting in the brightly lit hallway with no A/C, despite plenty of tables seemingly available. At one point, another party peeked inside and a young kid employee with an Afro came out and rudely waved his hands in a "what do you want" manner without saying a word. Two waiting parties immediately left, and we decided to do the same after witnessing that. Another party with a reservation waiting told us this happens regularly and that the staff can be rude. Whether that's their normal practice or not, it was enough to make me not want to give this place my money. We ended up going to two other bars nearby that the one party waiting there recommended and had a completely opposite experience, welcoming and respectful. Definitely disappointing and don't recommend wasting your time as there's so many other places to try.

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EL CAPITAN Grape Leaf * Soft Herbs * Pomegranate Summer 2026

Sourdough bread

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New york sour, in the fall menu

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39 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Morgan S.

Elite 26

270

5 months ago

Wagyu Smash, Spicy Fries, and the Happy Hour You Need to Know About" AhbA is one of those spots that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard; cozy beachside cottage vibes, a menu that casually throws around words like "labneh," "zhoug," and "double wagyu smash," and a happy hour that honestly deserves its own five-star review. But let's rewind. The AhbA Burger is the move. Double wagyu smash patties, American cheese, caramelized onion, pickled Fresno chilis, aioli, pickles -- this thing is stacked on paper. And in real life? Genuinely satisfying. Not greasy, not sloppy, just a well-executed burger that knows what it is. My only quibble: at $18, you're paying for the wagyu name and the craft-kitchen energy more than sheer volume. It won't leave you clutching the table, but you won't leave hungry either -- especially once the spicy fries enter the picture. Those things are dangerous in the best way, and the portion alongside the burger is exactly right. GF folks, a quick note: AhbA does have gluten-free options scattered across the menu; the chicken lollies, cauliflower, sweet papas, and half chicken all come tagged GF. For the burger though, your only GF path is protein style (no bun). If you're celiac-serious, just ask questions and use your judgment... a kitchen cooking for everyone is a shared environment. Now. The reason I will absolutely be back -- and the reason you should earmark this place immediately -- is Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 4-6 pm. A single-patty burger for $10. A margarita (classic or spicy) for $10. On a patio. That's not a deal, that's a lifestyle. AhbA, you had me at wagyu. You kept me at happy hour. read more

Chelsea E.

2 years ago

I recently visited Ahba in Costa Mesa, and unfortunately, the service experience was disappointing enough to warrant a review. Upon arrival, my partner and I were initially optimistic, but things quickly went downhill. A new bartender, who seemed overwhelmed, failed to take our order despite us waiting patiently. Instead, he complained to his manager, Quinn, about not wanting to serve us due to my perceived attitude. This was both unprofessional and bewildering. To make matters worse, Quinn was frequently leaving the bar to assist upstairs, leaving us without support. When it came time to close out, our card was with the bartender, yet he completely ignored us in favor of chatting with a group of women across the bar and serving a new party next to us. I understand it may have been the bartender's first week, but it's disheartening to see such a lack of basic hospitality skills. As someone with a luxury hospitality background, I believe certain qualities are essential in this industry, and this employee simply doesn't possess them. When I finally asked to speak with the manager, Quinn took his time finishing up drink orders rather than addressing our concerns promptly. I had to insist on a private conversation outside just to express my dissatisfaction, which shouldn't be necessary for an upset customer. While the food and drinks were enjoyable, the service is a critical aspect that needs immediate attention. If Ahba aims to build a loyal clientele, they must prioritize training and retaining staff who understand the importance of customer service. As it stands, I cannot recommend this establishment. read more

Lorelai G.

2 years ago

Tried this restaurant for the first time for breakfast and final thoughts are that the food was very good but the service was not. Overall experience leaves much to be desired. We ordered the Shakshuka, French toast, Americano and Mimosa. Value wise the Mimosa seemed tiny in size but tasted decent. For coffee, they don't have many options for milks and sweeteners so that was disappointing and the coffee was mediocre. Also, we asked for milk on the side but it came already in the coffee which wasn't to our liking. In terms of service, 1 of the entrees arrived, however, the waitress gave our 2nd entree to the table behind us. So we waited almost 15 minutes for it to arrive at our table resulting in the other dish getting cold. She didn't even apologize for it which was off putting. Also at this restaurant, you order with the hostess then sit down. I wish I hadn't tipped so much because it did NOT reflect the service levels. And the hostess who took our order either did not input the order correctly or there seems to be a gap in communication between her and the kitchen/bar. read more

Conrad N.

1 year ago

It's rare to find a place that cooks lamb well, but this is it. I highly recommend the lamb pita which comes dressed with dill and cucumbers. The breakfast burrito is pretty good as well. Some might say that it has too much potato, but I like potatoes so it's good to me. The staff here is great and accommodating as well. Today, I sat at the bar and I was taken care of by Borna (sp?) and Julia. The staff are always in good spirits even when business picks up during the lunch rush. I saw other reviewers say that this place isn't clean, but I've seen the staff do deep cleanings in their free time; diligently wiping behind their refrigerators, making sure their space is in pristine condition. The only drawback is that it's counter service first, then table service second. I.e. you have to order at the front, then find a seat, the. once you sit down you can order more things. I wish tables had specific QR codes so that you could order from the table and have the food brought to that specific table. You can still walk in and sit at the bar, though. read more

alan l.

2 years ago

I recently dined at ahba, and I have to say, the experience was fantastic from start to finish. The service was impeccable--our food arrived quickly and was absolutely exceptional. Every dish was flavorful and beautifully presented. A special shoutout to Julia, our server, who made our evening even better with her warm and friendly demeanor. She was attentive without being overbearing, and her genuine kindness really stood out. The manager, Hailey, also stopped by our table to check in, and she was equally friendly and welcoming. It's clear that this place is well-run and cares about its customers' experiences. After dinner, my friends and I headed upstairs to their rooftop bar, Buzz's, and it was the perfect way to end the night. The drinks were on point, and the vibes were just right--relaxed but lively. Overall, ahba exceeded all expectations. I'll definitely be back, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great night out! read more

Omar A.

1 year ago

If you ever find yourself at Ahba, do yourself a favor and ask for Borna -- seriously, this guy is the MVP of the place. From the moment we sat down, he made us feel like we were old friends coming over for dinner instead of just customers. Borna knows the menu inside and out and gave perfect recommendations (I would've never tried the burger and the mexican coke and the lamb without him). Every plate came out looking amazing, and he made sure we had everything we needed without hovering. You can tell he genuinely cares about making your experience special -- he's attentive, funny, and has that effortless charm that makes the whole meal even better. The vibe at Ahba is already great, but Borna takes it to another level. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit. Thanks for making dinner such a good time, Borna! You're a legend. read more

omar a.

1 year ago

Borna is the reason dining at Ahba feels like more than just grabbing a meal -- it's an experience. From the moment we sat down, he made us feel welcome without overdoing it. He's got this calm, confident vibe, and he clearly knows the menu like the back of his hand. When he suggested the burger, I went for it -- and wow... easily one of the best I've had in a long time. Juicy, flavorful, and exactly what I didn't know I was craving. What stood out most is how he manages to be attentive without hovering. Drinks refilled, plates cleared, and a genuine smile every time he stopped by -- you can't teach that kind of service. Ahba is lucky to have Borna. He's the type of person who turns a good night out into a great one. read more

Edgar R.

1 year ago

Jabir S.

2 years ago

The moment you walk in, you're enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that balances sophistication and relaxation. The bartenders are are attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to recommend drinks tailored to your taste. Their enthusiasm creates a friendly environment that makes every guest feel welcome. With a beautifully designed bar and a curated cocktail menu, I felt my experience at ahba was top tier. Whether you're on a date, out with friends, or enjoying a solo outing, I felt the vibrant atmosphere ensures a great experience. This place is a must-visit for anyone in Costa Mesa, offering exceptional service and a delightful ambiance. I will definitely be going back. read more

Omar A.

1 year ago

I came to Ahba for the food, but I'll be coming back for Borna. From the second we walked in, he had this energy that made the whole place feel warmer. He's the kind of server who remembers little details you mentioned and checks in at just the right moments. His recommendations? Spot-on. I took his advice on the burger and it was easily the highlight of my night. Borna balances professional and personable perfectly -- you can tell he loves what he does, and it shows in how effortlessly he keeps everything running smoothly while making you feel like the only table in the room. If Ahba had a hall of fame, Borna would already be in it. read more

Heather K.

2 years ago

I have been going to the laguna location since they opened and am SO glad I can now go to the camp location as well! Both locations have such a fun vibe. I love all the vintage furniture and going to buzz's (the rooftop up the pink stairs) felt as if I was walking into a friends backyard. Super cool. The service was great. Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. I was so excited to see hummus on the menu and it did not disappoint. I'm still craving it. The raw bar is a nice addition as well- I would recommend the crudo, it's very fresh. Overall I would definitely recommend for a fun night out with good vibes and great food. read more

Marquis D.

1380

3 months ago

Tried this place for the first time a few days back due to a friend's recommendation. It's tucked away toward the back of the plaza and has a nice ambience and friendly vibe upon arrival. The food was great, I ordered the steak sandwich with a side of fries. A good size portion of food for one person as well. I also ordered a cocktail recommended by Domineque (who checked on me and made sure everything was up to standard multiple times)which was also amazing. From the staff, to the vibe, food and drinks, everything was amazing ....10/10 would recommend. read more

Addison P.

174

1 year ago

I stopped by a few nights ago and sat at the bar--Shayda and Borna were absolutely lovely. Super warm, attentive, and made the whole experience feel special. The Sauvignon Blanc was crisp and refreshing--exactly what I needed. And the margarita? SO good. Bright, smooth, and just the right amount of kick. If you're thinking about going, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at the bar. Great drinks, great people. P.S. Huge shoutout to Jared, the bar manager--he's done wonders with the menu. You can tell everything is crafted with care read more

Tobias H.

8 months ago

Gave this place a second chance and I'm glad we did. Food was great once again (we shared the AhbA burger, the cucumber salad, and sweet potatoes). Despite the odd counter service model, it felt like there was... service this time around? We were offered water when we sat down, as well as side plates. Both Elsa and Matt, the manager, were outstanding. Glad they are getting their act together. read more

Brad P.

154

9 months ago

Burger is basically a mouth full of meat. If you like that, then this is your spot. Spicy garlic parm fries were fantastic. Ranch was amazing. You order at host desk, sit and that's it. If you want anything extra you have to hunt down someone that works there, they don't check on you at all. Will I be back for burger def not, but maybe something else on menu. read more

Shahrzad S.

1 year ago

Great restaurant with healthy and delicious food. I had such a great time with Bartender, Borna. He was super friendly and made me feel right at home the second I sat down. He knows his stuff, too. My drink was spot-on, looked amazing, and he even suggested something new that ended up being my favorite of the night. read more

Rachel D.

1 year ago

Love this place so much! Such an upgrade from Old Vine(or whatever it was called) ! The food is delish, atmosphere is vibey & the service is amazing! Shayda & Borna were super wonderful & so helpful! We loved the chicken lollies, spicy fries & roasted cauliflower! Can't wait to come back! read more

Amir R.

1 year ago

Had a great time! Came here with my friends and we had a great time. Service was great, Borna was amazing . He had a fantastic attitude and greeted us with a warm energy. Will definitely be back. Hopefully he will be our server again! read more

Glen B.

1 year ago

Food was awesome, service was even better, luckily we got to ask Tayla what she recommended. She said the wings and the burger. Both were delicious. Look forward to eating there again. Next time we going with her favorite the chicken. read more

Nellie H.

1 year ago

Came in on a Thursday night for dinner with my boyfriend and we sat at the bar. Such a good vibe and good food! Borda made me a stunning spritz and Shayda was so sweet! I love it here and I'm so happy they are in Costa Mesa now! read more

AhbA - breakfast_brunch - Updated October 2026

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Food was delicious great service Out server Dana was very…read morenice had a great personality Very good ambiance

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(270 reviews)

We had such a great experience at Buona Forchetta! We started with the gluten-free focaccia bread…read moreand Burrata Caprese, both delicious. For dinner, I had the penne pesto with chicken, which was full of flavor and so good. Our friends ordered a gluten-free pasta dish and gluten-free pizza, and they absolutely loved both. The pizza had an especially great texture and the flavors were delicious--it's always nice to find a restaurant with such good gluten-free options! The service was quick, friendly, and efficient, making the whole experience even better. We all enjoyed our meals and will definitely be back!

Really Good Food, With a Few Misses…read more We had a reservation and arrived right when they opened. Overall, we had a really good meal. The service was good--not amazing, but certainly nothing to complain about--and pretty much everything we ordered was very good. We started with the calamari and added the "five jumbo shrimp" for an extra $8. The calamari itself was excellent, especially with the red sauce that comes with it. The only disappointment was the shrimp. They were definitely not what I would consider jumbo--actually pretty small. We ran into the same issue later when I added five shrimp to my bucatini. The focaccia was a 10/10. Absolutely amazing. Easily one of the highlights of the meal. Both salads we ordered were huge and delicious. Great portions and really fresh. Now, the pizza. I'm a pizza snob, and this was very close to the pizza I've had in Italy. The dough was perfectly chewy with a really nice char underneath, and the toppings were excellent. My wife ordered the Martina, which had mozzarella, pepperoni, red onion, oregano, crushed red pepper, arugula and truffle oil. It was a lot going on in one bite, and honestly pretty difficult to pick up and eat, but that's part of the deal with Neapolitan pizza. All of those flavors came together really well. My dad had the lasagna, my two kids split a cheese pizza, and I ordered the bucatini and added porcini mushrooms. The porcini mushrooms were fantastic and really elevated the pasta. One other thing worth mentioning: two people at our table ordered the local blonde beer, and both beers came out with an excessive amount of foam. They were waiting around 10 minutes for their beers, and a lot of the beer was essentially going down the drain because of the foam. Hopefully that was just a one-off issue. Overall, we had a great meal and I would definitely come back. The food was the star of the show, especially the focaccia, salads and pizza. The shrimp situation was disappointing considering the "jumbo" description and extra charge, and there were a couple of service/beverage issues, but neither would keep me from returning.

Social

3.9

(1.7k reviews)

We came here on a Friday afternoon around 5pm. Trying to get in for happy hour and we made it in…read moretime. The place wasn't busy at all. Plenty of indoor seating and a nice long bar. They have 3 nice size tvs too if you're wanting to watch some games. We sat at the bar and for sure thought we'd indulge in happy hour menu times but we saw photos of the Drive Thru Burger and could not resist ordering it. My friend and I split the burger. It was the perfect amount to share as well. The patties were so juicy and flavorful along with the sauce and the rest of the ingredients, it was definitely one of my fave burgers I've had in a while. I decided to try their espresso martini. Not bad at all. I asked for not to sweet and no cream, got exactly what I ordered. We ate for sure coming back to try the bread pudding dessert as well, one of my faves!

#1 favorite brunch spot in OC! The food is TOP-NOTCH. Amazing options, great flavor, consistent…read morequality. When I say amazing...I mean AMAZING. I've had the Drive Thru burger, chicken and waffles, BTL, etc. and they were each some of the best food I've had in OC. Can't get over their French fries with the homemade ranch and the garlic aioli. Honestly committed to trying everything on the menu at some point this year. Service is also top-notch. Gabriel is the best waiter (you know they're good when you don't even want to call them waiter) I've ever had at any restaurant - he is so sweet, funny, and makes everyone feel genuinely cared for. I love that the restaurant is usually quiet and less busy because that means I don't have to wait to be seated, but I am genuinely SHOCKED. This is the type of place you expect to have a 3hr waiting list. Perhaps it's a matter of location. Perhaps they revamped their menu since some of the negative feedback. If you've tried this place and it wasn't your favorite, please give it another chance for brunch, it's fantastic! Can say enough great things about Social. BLESS YELP FOR HELPING ME FIND THIS GEM!

Tres Muchachos

4.8

(477 reviews)

What a magnificent restaurant in the heart of Costa Mesa! Plenty of parking spot and easy to spot…read moreon 17th street! Place is super chill and open format and I opt for the outdoor seating since inside seating can get Loud with a large table. We were greeted by super upbeat staff and just felt their energy was put into the food and drinks! We had the carpaccio, the octopus ceviche (onion rings were super crisp!) and the seafood paella. My friend wanted more seasoning which the staff gave us more pepper. I like the way the paella tastes and was able to have the jumbo shrimp with the juice on the side. Overall will definitely come back again and ran into other fellow foodies there so we know this is the place to be!

Octopus ceviche cooked well, Pork belly tacos good, Churros okay with more classic just crisp and…read moreno fruit filling. Had a jelly donut taste to it. Reservations probably recommended since it's limited seating and service was great!

Milligram

3.8

(349 reviews)

Stopped by here for brunch last week on a Saturday and there was no wait for an indoor table. It…read morewould've been nice to sit outside but there were no available tables. We got the chili-scramble and breakfast ciabatta. The chili oil on the scramble was a nice touch to just regular eggs but overall the dish was too dry. I asked for a side of aioli which helped but it'd be nice if it already came with some kind of sauce. The bread on both the eggs and sandwich were great quality and texture though. Also tried 2 of their spritzes and both were nice and refreshing - surprisingly strong for a spritz!

Cutest coffee place with a lot of tables outside, cool & relaxing time to hangout here…read moreService nicely. Some of the pictures still on this yelp ( year ago ) no longer on their menu now. So we try to order on their menu The breakfast were good ( the bread a little hard)

Lemon & Thyme

4.7

(334 reviews)

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Costa Mesa, this spot is an absolute must-visit. From the…read moremoment you step inside, you are greeted by an adorable interior and decor that cleverly and beautifully matches the restaurant's theme. Every single item we ordered from the menu was exceptional: Beet Salad & Bone Marrow: Both made for fantastic starters, setting a high bar for the meal. Beef Tartare: Served with house-made potato chips that are a masterclass in texture--thin, fried, airy, and crispy all at the same time. Steak and Fries: Classic execution and wonderfully prepared. Duck Confit: Superb. The pairing of the rich mole sauce and sweet potato puree takes the dish to an entirely different level, complementing each other effortlessly. Baklava Cheesecake: A creative and delicious twist on a classic. The cream cheese filling is light rather than dense, and instead of a traditional graham cracker crust, it features a fantastic baklava crust. It is nicely balanced and not overly sweet, though you will definitely want to pair it with a cup of coffee to finish it off. Service: The staff is exceptionally friendly, highly attentive, and organized, making you feel well cared for throughout the meal. Portions: Portions are slightly on the smaller side. My husband and I ordered three appetizers and two main entrees to share, and we were still quite hungry by the end--so you may want to order an extra dish or side if you have a hearty appetite! Overall, a wonderful dining experience with incredible flavors and charming ambiance. Highly recommended!

Very cute restaurant serving fusion cuisine, sort of a mix between Spanish and traditional…read moreSteakhouse fare. Our server was very talkative and did a good job at suggesting dishes. We had the Duck and Steak frites. The duck was my personal favorite of the two. One duck leg set in a flavorful mole sauce that made the dish incredibly delicious. The steak was cooked perfectly to my liking although it was a bit tough. The French fries were addictive. Seasoned well and oh so crispy! They were some of the best I've had!

Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens

4.1

(2.4k reviews)

Let's start this review with the waitress--Michele. She provided us with outstanding service from…read morethe moment we were seated until we left. Then there was the garden-like atmosphere of the restaurant--excellent! Capping it off, the food was truly delicious--far above other quality restaurants in the area. "Thank you" to the Farmhouse!

This is one of the most popular restaurants in OC and you'll notice that if you try to make a same…read moreday reservation on a weekend (book ahead) The atmosphere is relaxing and unique as it's in the middle of a garden center. The food uses high quality ingredients but unfortunately always falls short for a few reasons: - Combining enchiladas, pizza, burgers and asian dishes flavors on the same menu is too much. Nothing is authentic but also fails to be a good fusion (I guess you just can't "fusion" that many cuisines). - For a farmhouse you would expect more vegan dishes or at least properly marked vegan dishes on the menu. Sadly that is not the case. Yes, they do have some options that can be made vegan but your server will have to custom order these for you. - Service is hit or miss on weekends. Even with a reservation, there will be a wait and servers seem to be overwhelmed. Go for the ambiance but don't expect much else.

Caló Kitchen + Tequila

4.5

(1.5k reviews)

Oak & Coal

4.5

(801 reviews)