Time for an update! We go to IKEA at least once a year, but I don't think we've ever gone more than twice a year. However, we always have lunch here when we do. The Swedish meatballs are the reason way. The seasoning, the gravy, the texture, the flavor, all great things about the Swedish Meatballs. Everything else on the menu is like an upscale employee cafe. I miss the red potatoes and they are now mashed. Peas are peas. I had the mac and cheese this time instead of peas, and it was OK. The garlic toast reminded me a Sizzler. Their fountain drinks are their house brand, but the diet cola wasn't bad. They do sell cans of a few Pepsi products if you're not adventurous. I had the Meatball special this time and my dining partner had the salmon for the first time. My meal was as expected. The salmon wasn't bad, just wasn't "oh wow" great. He also had a salad which was good. Besides almost everything being self-serve, the other odd thing was the size of the napkins. I know it's weird thing to complain about, but they are so small, you need one for each leg if you want to fully cover your lap. The kicker this time was the price. $40 for 2 people! Granted, salmon isn't cheap, and we did get a strawberry filled cake for desert that we split, but dang, it's getting pricey. Still, I'm going to always stop by and get my meatballs. And you can buy them frozen to take home, but for some reason, they never taste the same at home. read more

IKEA Restaurant - $40 for all this! - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The meatballs are always a must! They're flavorful, perfectly cooked, and consistently delicious every time I visit. They also have a great spaghetti deal with meatballs that's totally worth it -- generous portions and amazing taste. I love the drink selection as well. There's something for everyone, and it pairs perfectly with the meal. Definitely a spot I keep coming back to! read more

A good spot for a classic meal whether you're already in IKEA shopping or if you want to just stop by. The parking lot is massive and a lot of the parking spots are covered. The food is cafeteria style where you can pick some items off the shelves/refrigerated sections and some of the entrees get scooped for you. You pay prior to sitting down at a table. There's plenty of seating available and the very large windows let in lots of natural light. We ordered a 16 meatball entree with the regular sides, an additional side of mac&cheese, and a slice of the double chocolate cake. The meatballs were delicious and that size is great for sharing. The lingonberry adds a nice tart and bright taste to the dish. The meatballs are savory and the whole dish goes well together. The mac&cheese was very overcooked and didn't really taste like anything. The chocolate cake was very moist but also very sweet. The entree was the best part of the meal and would definitely return for it. You have to walk through about half the store to exit but the walk after the meal was nice. There's a small freezer section towards the exit where you can buy the meatballs to take and cook at home. They also have a smaller food section on the way out. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Located inside IKEA on the second floor, the restaurant is cafeteria style. You grab a tray and walk up and order and they serve a plate for you. Their meatballs are definitely my favorite. Their lingonberry sauce and gravy pair so well! I noticed they have a ton of different deals where the food prices are crazy low. Their penne pasta was only $2 when I went. They have sides and desserts and well. There's plenty of tables and after eating, you put your tray on a rack. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We enjoy this place for breakfast on the weekends and lunch/dinner on other visits lol - Breakfast is inexpensive and tasty - we often get the small breakfast meal which is potatoes, eggs, bacon - I usually add some gravy for the potatoes. Better half sometimes does the larger option which has a pancake/crepe along with lingonberry. The meatballs for lunch/dinner are a go to winner with the gravy and mash yum yum! read more

TL;DR - Swedish meat balls = bomb town. Their pasta + 4 meatballs is only TWO DOLLARS, DANG!! I haven't been back here since college and was so happy to see the entire dining area was more or less the same. It was still very clean and modern. As with many customers who go here to shop, we had to make a stop by their cafeteria for their famous Swedish meatballs. I got in line while my partner disappeared somewhere. It turns out she was studying the menu and decided to get something too, but in a separate line. I got the Swedish meatballs (8 of them) which came with the classic peas, mashed potatoes, gravy, and jam. It was like a walk in the past! Still delicious, savory, and lightly salted. I could eat two of these plates! My partner sat down with a plate of pasta and 4 meat balls. I was wondering why she got this instead of duplicating my order. We spoke about our excitement for the Swedish meatballs beforehand after all! It turns out her plate was only $2. TWO DOLLARS! LOL WTH. That's it?! For all that?! My order was easily 3x that value. I couldn't stop laughing hysterically. I'll be getting a SIDE of pasta and 4 meatballs next time after this. Definitely coming back here every time I visit Ikea! read more

IKEA Restaurant - Pasta with 4 Swedish meatballs - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Ikeas restaurant used to be better but they still have decently priced food and this time they had falafel balls with couscous. Tasted great and comes with a great garlic aioli. We had some princess cake for dessert and some coffee. I always go to the restaurant when I go to IKEA and get something. Normal service and in terms of ambiance always the same. Clean space and busy furniture shoppers. Will always come back. read more

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I mean, did you go to IKEA if you didn't get a few meatballs??!? :P This location has a large seating area, and is kept pretty and clean. The service overall was good, although the person checking us out seemed to be having a rough time, maybe he was new and just flustered, but whatever, the main thing is that the cooks seemed on top of things and the food was as it should be. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

It's Ikea, so I wouldn't expect very much but we think it's a decent place to eat between our shopping for supplies. If you go up the escalator, immediately turn left to get to the restaurant. It's cafeteria style here. You don't get table service. Grab a tray and order from the hot foods or grab your own salads. Drinks can be purchased in drink containers or you can buy fountain drinks. Pricing is ok. What we order: 1) meatballs of course! - if you don't speak up fast enough they'll just fill it up with peas and mashed potatoes. Make sure you tell them right away if you prefer different sides. Honestly, I thought I hated peas...but it truly pairs well with the meatball, gravy and sauce. So I'm buddies with peas now. 2) sides - peas 3) sides - mashed potato was ok for me 4) salmon - my kids love this one, and it's actually pretty good 5) sides or a meal - mac n cheese. Next time I want to try the salad with the smoked salmon. It looks delicious. Overall a good buy and maybe a place to eat for a quick bite. We couldn't get enough of the meatballs and ended up buying bags of them on our way out. read more

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1. The breakfast was good and well worth the price! I really enjoyed the crepes! 2. The spot is located on the 2nd floor of this IKEA! The cafeteria area is also spacious! 3. There are a lot of indoor seatings! There are no outdoor seatings! 4. The staff was friendly and timely with my order! It took less than 5 mins! 5. Parking lot is huge! However, it can get crowded depending on time and day! Note: There are restrooms available next to the restaurant area! Also, there is no table service so please put away your tray in the assigned area! Photo: Medium Breakfast read more

IKEA Restaurant - Medium Breakfast (TikTok: @justandyvu) - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Always a solid meal at the IKEA restaurant in Costa Mesa. I was trying to set out to try something new which I have. But I'm a sucker for coming back to the Swedish meatballs. Today they had a special which might be some or most of the time double check. If you are an IKEA family member it was $6.99. I always get a side salad and the dressing so it does add up. Not sure why you would need to charge separate for dressing. Overall, the restaurants mostly clean they do a good job with the dishes that are stacked up, but sometimes the tables aren't wiped very clean. And the beverage station is usually very wet overall. Just a nice decent lunch. I think they also had $1.99 penne pasta special. My only issue is that I wish everything was served hotter especially the meatballs. I'm not standing in line very long. I'm going from the pick up counter to the cashier. read more

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The meatballs were super juicy and moist. Loved the flavorful gravy and the option to get 16 meatballs. They do also offer plant based meatballs. For the sides you can get 2. Either mashed potatoes and gravy, veggies, french fries, garlic toast, or mac and cheese plus it comes with lingan berries. If you have an Ikea membership you can get a free coffee or hot tea. They also offer an inexpensive $1.99 pasta with meatballs or even a small side salad as seen in our picture as hubby ordered both. You do get a great portion for the pasta with the meatballs for the price and a not bad size for the salad considering it does have cucumbers and tomatoes in it and it's just not lettuce. The service here is pretty fast and they do have a good selection at decent prices. If nothing interests you, then you can go downstairs and check out snack bar area. The cafe is clean and has plenty of seating. We will definitely return. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Pasta and meatballs with no sauce - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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This place can get crowded especially on weekends but the line moves fast. There's just something about an IKEA meatball which is delicious and nostalgic. The price is still super reasonable. The only thing is the quality is hit or miss. If it's a busy day you're probably good to go. But on a slower day the food can be a little like airplane food. read more

Simple and easy. Come on Tuesdays for 50% off hot meals I got two meatball plates and side of marinated salmon. Came out to about $15. Service is fast. Interior is roomy. Though I feel the tables could be wiped down more frequently and some tables had clear residue on them. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I love coming to the IKEA restaurant for a quick and satisfying meal. The meatballs are always yummy and hit the spot every time. I also got the princess cake which was such a nostalgic treat with soft sponge and creamy filling. The lingo berry juice is a must, refreshing and perfectly sweet. It's cafeteria style so everything moves fast and it's easy to grab what you want and go. Always a solid stop during an IKEA run. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The food and the staff is great however the cleanliness needs a little improvement. Perhaps bc the IKEA crew is working on renovation but still like to see dining hall, drink station a bit more organized and clean especially when we visited 9:45am. Kitchen staff offered tips on deals when it was our time to order. That was very nice. My favorite was the small pink round cake. Don't know it's name but that's very good with my coffee. Definitely sign up to be IKEA loyalty program to get perks such as free coffee. read more

My husband and I went with our 9 month old on Monday morning since it was his day off. We ended up getting some breakfast. It was 930a and pretty empty, which was expected for a Monday morning. I got the small breakfast plate, which was eggs, potatoes, and 2 strips of bacon for $2.99. My husband got the medium breakfast which was eggs, potatoes, 2 strips of bacon and 2 Swedish pancakes for $6.99 I believe. I also got my husband the free coffee with the ikea family card. I wasn't expecting much but was very disappointed that the food was barely warm, practically cold. There also wasn't any coffee. I haven't eaten at the Cafe in years and this made me not want to eat there again. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This little cafeteria was a surprise! I on this weekday, there's not a lot to choose from, but they had something I definitely wanted. I ordered the salmon salad. The salad is not overly large, but I think the marinated salmon was generous and I loved the sweet honey mustard sauce on the salmon and salad. I'm not a potato salad eater, but it is actually good. For 8.99, I thought it was an excellent deal. I gave in to a piece of the chocolate mousse cake for 5.99, a splurge for both calories and my budget. I didn't expect much but it's excellent. It's moist, and not overly sweet. As I'm eating it, I'm fantasizing about a second piece but, no, not in my best interest! I didn't try anything else, but I can't recommend these two items. There's a lot of seating and different kinds of places to sit, which is rather interesting. Big windows add some natural light and it's a comfortable place . I would definitely come back to them if I were in the area. read more

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Great desserts and their lingonberry drink is delicious. I wish their cups were bigger or maybe I should bring my own. The dill sauce is very yummy. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Lemon garlic cod with peas and potato mash - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

TL;DR - Awesome seating area & great food. Lots of tables, view to parking lot/freeway & clean play area for kids! I genuinely like the meatballs and the lingonberry jam, it's very unique. -- I feel like ikea food gets too much hate like they have chicken strips, garlic bread & the staff is efficient/nice. read more

IKEA Restaurant - 10 meatball meal - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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It is a restaurant inside an Ikea Department Store. Very good food at a very nice price. Swedish meatballs are delicious, logenberry sauce awesome, peas very good, mashed potatoes were alright, and the gooey chocolate cake was real good. Service was quick. Once the person in front of me made up there mind. read more

IKEA Restaurant - All this for 13.33!!! - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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It's ikea food! You're getting the convenience and novelty for a low price (go on Fridays when entrees are 50% off). There's just something so nostalgic about it that brings me back. On our way out, we got the strawberry and vanilla swirl and it had a very strange flavor - not for me. I want to try the chicken tenders next time! read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I usually order Swedish Meatballs at IKEA Restaurant. But today, I wanted to try something different, so I tried the Breakfast Plate with Pancakes and Veggie Balls. The result is... My menu choice today was a total failure. Scrambled Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, and Swedish Pancakes on the Breakfast Plate were all too dry. Veggie Balls were not bad, but I wouldn't recommend it. I usually don't leave food behind, but the Breakfast Plate with Pancakes that I tried for the first time at IKEA Restaurant today was surprisingly too dry, so I left food behind. I'll never order it again. read more

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I personally look forward to a little Ikea treat mid-shopping trip. My go-to is the meatball plate where you can get 12 meatballs, mashed potatoes, and corn and squash side (or peas), for under $10. Texture wise - the meatballs have a good bounce to them. Eat them with the gravy and it's a very solid inoffensive bite. Recently I ordered the chicken tender plate. For around $10, you get 3 pretty sizable chicken tenders over a generous heap of fries. The tenders are not over battered and surprisingly pretty juicy. Great for an adult or kid snack. The Ikea Restaurant is a lot like its furniture - inoffensively reliable. No real frills, but gets the job done. read more

IKEA Restaurant - chicken tender meal - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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A busy busy place to have a lunch with the grand kids. But there are two lines and it does movee efficiently. I like fact that you can avail yourself with a handy tray pushcart and that helps to carry the cafeteria style tray with all your selections. The kids love the meatball and one sees that it has chicken tenders. We all got old ervice from the person behind the counter as he scoops up mashed potatoes peas and meatballs and gravy. Oops, the ladle slipped for the soup.. quickly get anoter ladle. Mac and Cheese and a good helping of one of my favorite soups; Lentil Soup. Don't forget the side of salad greens and the yummy desserts. Pick up a glass at the checkout (I'm glad that this IKEA Restaurant takes all CC), so that you can fill it up on the way to find a good table. Soda drinks were plenty flavors to choose from, but the Langenberry is a favorite. "Let's eat", as we sat down amongst happy families doing the same. Gotta have that wow factor and what we had at the IKEA Restaurant did not disappoint. We finished by taking our spent plates and silverware and trays to the special cleaning corner. That is the right thing to do, but many left without doing that and just left for IKEA to clean up their mess. We felt good about our good deed and ofcourse having a good lunch. We would do it again. read more

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Got a plate of Swedish meatballs. I haven't been here for over a year. When did it go from ~6 to $10?! Anyway that wasn't my issue, I asked for a little bit of extra gravy on top of my mash potatoes, to which the services responded, "we can't do that anymore". This is the last time I'm eating here with that kind of BS. It's nearly 3pm, you're literally going to dump that food anyway. The food is no longer cheap, and it was never good. read more

Went to this location since I was meeting up with a friend!! It's pretty much the same everywhere though. Is the food overhyped for what it ends up being? Yes and no. If you go in expecting the best food ever, you'll definitely be disappointed. It's average but something about it hits the spot! It's going to be consistent every time because the food they serve is pre-made frozen stuff that gets heated and dished out. Meal: What I appreciate about the Ikea restaurant is that they have veggie and plant balls! The veggie balls are as they sound and the plant balls are basically plant based meat substitute. The lingonberry jam truly pairs well with them! That sweet and tangy flavor helps bring some life to an otherwise one-note meal. The mashed potatoes are what you expect. Not super creamy or amazing but good enough. The peas are just plain. Dessert: I forgot what this is called but it's my fave! Sweet but not too sweet (for me). The crunch of the candies (which might be a toffee?) is so good. I've gotten this every time I go to an Ikea Restaurant! Want to try one of their other desserts though, like the strawberry shortcake! Overall, it's like a 3-1/2 to 4 stars for me. You could make the food at home and have it taste so much better but being in the bustling Ikea center makes it feel more fun. It's mainly about the experience for me since I adore going to Ikea to explore with friends. It's not for everyone and I completely understand! I recommend going before 12pm/noon. The food line was getting super long and big even a little before then! read more

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For what it is, and considering the affordable pricing, it's not bad at all. Is it going to be the best tasting food in your whole life? Probably not, and I hope not, but it's convenient and tasty, which makes your shopping trip to Ikea a lot more bearable. We came in feeling hungry so we decided to head straight to the restaurant first on the 2nd floor by taking the escalator up and headed towards the left side of the building. You grab a tray and stand in line. While you wait for the hot foods, they have desserts, salads and other prepped foods on the side that you can pick up. The Swedish Meatballs are definitely a classic and will leave you feeling satiated, but I think the Stockholm Salad (comes with smoked salmon) and the Caramel Almond Cake deserves some praise as well. Where else can you find a smoked salmon salad for less than 10 bucks. The Caramel Almond Cake was surprisingly not too sweet or too heavy. After you grab and order your foods, you head to to the check out to pay. You grab your own utensils and your own table. Make sure to drop off your dirty plates and trays to the designated area before you leave! read more

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Everyone was very nice ! First time at this location and it was very easy to order here. I like the multiple selections I dont always eat meat but fish was very yummy! read more

IKEA Restaurant - brownie, soda and cod fish - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Let me tell you when I say I am obsessed with their Swedish meatballs. I feel like this is a hot take by some people because it's really nothing special, but wow am I obsessed with them! I usually get the meatballs with extra gravy, the mash, lingonberry sauce, and some sort of veggies. When I tell y'all that I can inhale that plate in less than 5 minutes, I mean it! Something about those meatballs are so delicious and addicting to me. It's not gourmet or fancy or anything, but for me, it's a good quick meal with great simple flavors. The dining area is very large here and they have wifi so if you wanted to work while eating, you could. The prices have gone up since I was last here. It's about $12 or so for a plate now which is a bit steep in my opinion, but if you have a loyalty card it's like $5 or something a plate. Since I'm a lot closer to Ikea now, I might just sign up for the membership just for those meatballs! read more

cheap and easy food for a long day of shopping. some of the staff are definitely not as welcoming but meh. it's a furniture cafeteria afterall read more

the food is good. plates are pretty small you probably need to order double. the cashier Caro tries to be funny but is very rude and comes off as an a$$ hole. guy needs to be fired or retire. read more

The fish options are good but most of the food is quite mushy and few healthy cooked options. They have good specials, such as 50% off or free kids meals on certain weekdays. They also have breakfast but not til they open at 9:30, a bit late for people who wake up early. Nice staff and huge dining area. Free tea or coffee for ikea family members, so sign up to be a member; it's free. read more

Recently returned to pick up something, i think someone at IKEA reads Yelp reviews. Cuz after I posted about the prices, the daily 50% off specials have returned that only requires IKEA family member on M-F. Yay!!! Didn't have time to get a bite, but next time. read more

came to shop for ikea and was shocked by how affordable everything is. i've tried ikea food before but it's been a while but now i'm very impressed with the quality and price ~Food~ swedish meatballs with peas and mac n cheese: delicious!!! the meatballs pair so well with the lingonberry jam. peas and mac and cheese were both delicious. peas lacked a bit of flavor but they provide salt and pepper swedish meatballs with corn and mashed potatoes: the corn was ok, lacked flavor and it was more squash than corn. the mashed potatoes were very flavorful and delicious stockholm salad: SO GOOD! was so impressed with this- salmon was so fresh and the salad dressing was so delicious. the potato salad was also very delicious ~Cost: $ so affordable (~$10 for swedish meatballs and it comes with two sides) ~Parking: ikea parking available read more

IKEA Restaurant - a plate of food on a table - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Food was very mediocre. We went on a Friday so the food was half off. The amount of food you get is really good for the price but it doesn't taste that great and I wouldn't come here again. Swedish meats were just decent. There wasn't anything special about it and the gravy it came with was not that flavorful. It also came with the Lingonberry jam but I thought it didn't go well with the dish and was too sweet. The chicken tenders and fries were also okay. Chicken was crispy but the outside batter was floppy and thin. However, service was good and the line moves fast. The eating area is also very appealing as you get to face the window view of the sky and it overall felt like you were eating at a cafeteria. read more

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Okay. For what you should expect from pre-cooked meals, it's pretty good and consistent no matter what Ikea you visit. But they were out of Swedish meatballs more than an hour before the restaurant closes, 2 hours before the store. Swedish meatballs?! It's Ikea; they can t be out. But we settled for the salmon and actually were very happy with it. Comes with peas and some broccoli potato patty. And the desserts...always worth the calories. The fountain drink machine and coffee were out at this location. Probably should get 3 stars for that but it is a temporary issue. The staff is very friendly and apologetic. Expected more from IKEA but the food was pretty good especially when you come starving. read more

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Cool place to take a nice stroll and looking at house things! And also eating lol. They've added some shade in the parking lot, pretty cool solar panel structure putting some well needed shade on the lot. Also there are EV connections for electric vehicles. Good place to spend an hour or so walking around, snacking on food, walking some more. The offer a food court on the second floor, and there is also a quick food place on the first floor. Both places were packed today, on a Sunday afternoon. The checkout lines were also long, not sure if IKEA was giving out free stuff lol... (Doubt it) read more

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I am definitely one of those people who swear by Ikea food. Convenient, affordable, and tasty, it's a must to make a pit-stop at the cafeteria during your visit! I have to say that not all Ikea cafeterias are created equal. This location consistently has gorgeous decor, ample seating, and huge windows that provide amazing natural lighting. I got the usual Swedish Meatballs which never disappoint! It was like a mini-Thanksgiving in May sans turkey. Decided to treat myself to a slice of chocolate cake since I was feeling fancy. Super rich, gooey, and all things chewy! Pleasantly surprised. read more

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The service was pretty quick. The Swedish meatballs were the best. The mac & cheese was OK and the lemon cod was just as good as the meatballs would recommend. It was a 7 out of 10. read more

IKEA Restaurant - Scandinavian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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