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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Costa Mesa

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58 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
1. Habana - Costa Mesa
4.7
Exceptional(2788)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 75 times today
Habana in Costa Mesa is definitely worth the drive. As one reviewer puts it, 'This place was awesome. The ambiance was amazing. The food was well made and well proportioned. The drinks are amazing...if you’re looking for a place to have a great date; this is definitely it.' The restaurant's Cuban-inspired menu, fresh Mojitos, and cozy atmosphere have been praised by many. Its consistent high ratings for food, service, and ambiance make it a go-to for many dining enthusiasts.
A photo of Ocean 48 - Newport restaurant
2. Ocean 48 - Newport
4.9
Exceptional(633)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 229 times today
The Ocean 48 menu is designed with fresh seafood and quality ingredients in mind. The Mastros provide ultra-grade seafood, salmon, lobster, crab, oysters and more. Much of the menu is served a la carte, letting each guest personalize their experience. Ocean 48 is seafood reinvented in a vibrant upscale atmosphere specializing in world-class seafood & great steaks. Different than anything we have done in the past, the fine dining atmosphere blends dramatic and intimate settings. At the core of Ocean 48 is chef sourced, highest graded sustainable fresh seafood from around from the world, enhanced with unique and interesting appetizers and side dishes that go beyond the traditional seafood menu. Newport's best seafood & romantic restaurant.
A photo of AnQi restaurant
3. AnQi
4.5
Awesome(1899)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Costa Mesa
Booked 43 times today
AnQi Gourmet Bistro & Noodle Bar serves a unique twist on California Vietnamese Cuisine, with favorites like Filet Mignon Potstickers and Miso Black Cod, as well as items from their Award-Winning Molecular Menu.
A photo of The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa restaurant
4. The Capital Grille - Costa Mesa
4.8
Exceptional(4990)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Costa Mesa
Booked 93 times today
Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.
A photo of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations restaurant
5. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
4.7
Exceptional(725)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 51 times today
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations perfectly meshes upscale and casual dining with an expansive whiskey selection and unique offering of American comfort food. It offers high energy, open spaced concepts to promote a lively dining experience. With the rustic industrial aesthetic, brick metal and barrels are prevalent in the space. One of its most coveted attractions is the famous whiskey room, that houses hundreds of whiskies from several countries. From high end whiskies like Pappy Van Winkle, to a shot of Jameson with a Coors Light, there is something here for everyone's taste; and Bosscat prides itself on being this type of environment. Each season new flavors and recipes are brought into the kitchen. The culture and staff are encouraged to foster the fun and unique dining experience they so strongly emulate. Bosscat is open all week for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is available on weekdays, and a fun, boozy brunch menu is available on Saturdays and Sundays.
A photo of Gulliver's Restaurant restaurant
6. Gulliver's Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2957)
Price: Expensive
• Prime Rib • Irvine
Booked 9 times today
In the last four decades Gulliver’s Restaurant has became one of the most popular Prime Rib Restaurant in Southern California. Gulliver’s hand-selected beef (corn-belt) is slow roasted in a unique patented oven system to assure flavorful, tender and juicy Prime Rib dinners. Gulliver's Restaurant is well known also for its other specialties as in-house aged Prime Steaks, Chateaubriand, Salmon, Rack of Lamb, Baby Back Ribs and roasted Long Island Duck. As you walk into a Gulliver's you will feel as though you have entered back in time to 18th century England. Guests at the Gulliver’s are surrounded by a veritable museum of leaded glass pieces, pewter and ceramic objects, and a collection of prints from Hogarth, Rowlandson and other Gulliver’s Travels illustrators. The Portions are huge, the service is gracious and friendly, and most importantly, the beef is cooked to perfection.Gulliver's is place where memories are created.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
7. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4032)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 52 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of Warehouse 72 - Irvine restaurant
8. Warehouse 72 - Irvine
4.5
Awesome(56)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 23 times today
Located in Orange County’s Hyatt Regency Irvine, Warehouse 72 is an elevated, upscale restaurant and bar concept featuring Modern American cuisine with 3-hour validated parking or $9 hotel valet for 4 hours. Now Open, Warehouse 72’s 6,200-square-foot dining space is anchored by a 30-foot 3D digital art installation and features a massive indoor-outdoor bar, expansive patio, lounge areas, and private dining rooms. Inspired by the 68th Angel of Healing, the restaurant was conceptualized to captivate and entertain guests in an environment that invites guests to relax and soak in the scenic beauty of Southern California. Once open, Warehouse 72 is open seven days a week for happy hour, dinner, and late night. Reserve your table today! For more information, visit warehouse72.com.
A photo of Acapulco - Costa Mesa restaurant
9. Acapulco - Costa Mesa
4.5
Awesome(345)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Costa Mesa
Booked 2 times today
Serving up an "Everyday Escape" for our guests since 1960!
A photo of The Goldfinch restaurant
10. The Goldfinch
4.6
Exceptional(216)
Price: Expensive
• American • Irvine
Booked 31 times today
California Cuisine and an extensive Beverage and Craft Cocktail program while focusing on only the best and freshest quality ingredients.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jennifer
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our server Allen was fantastic! The food was great. So glad we came here for our Anniversary. Will definitely be returning.
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Tustin
    •
    4.6
  • KirkVIP
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Habana is great. I have business lunches at Habana in Irvine and fun Saturday dinners at Habana in Costa Mesa. Both have great food, but Costa Mesa has a really great evening ambiance. Even if it's cold out. They heat the patio very effectively. The cocktails, including NA's, are excellent as well.
    More info
    Habana - Costa MesaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • david
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wonderful ambiance with old world charm. Food excellent. Most in our party had the prime rib which was tender and flavorful. Everyone super nice from the man who greeted us on entry to our waiter. Have been coming to this place on special occasions for many years and look forward to many more returns.
    More info
    Gulliver's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Prime Rib• Irvine
    •
    4.4
  • Alicia
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 7, 2025
    Bosscat is an amazing experience. Great food, drinks,service and ambiance.
    More info
    Bosscat Kitchen & LibationsPrice: Expensive• American• Irvine
    •
    4.7
  • Angela
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 7, 2025
    It had been a long time since I had some good authentic Mexican food and Acapulco fulfilled my expectations. The food and service were awesome. I am so glad I found this restaurant to celebrate my brother's 65th birthday. During making reservations online I added a note that I was celebrating his birthday. I thought they didn't read my notes but after dinner the staff came over and sang Happy Birthday to him and they had even decorated the saucer with a chocolate 65 which made it very special. He was so happy and enjoyed the experience.
    More info
    Acapulco - Costa MesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the culinary gems of North Orange County, particularly in Costa Mesa, where dining options truly make the drive worthwhile. This area offers a rich tapestry of flavors, from fresh seafood sourced locally to authentic Mexican delights and vibrant Cuban dishes. Each restaurant in this selection stands out for its commitment to quality, unique atmosphere, and exceptional service, consistently earning high praise from patrons. The dining scene in Costa Rica is diverse and vibrant, catering to all tastes with its array of high-quality eateries. Whether you're seeking a romantic date night, a family gathering, or just a memorable meal out, these establishments promise an enriching dining experience that goes beyond just food. They are celebrated not only for their culinary excellence but also for the overall dining experience they offer, making each visit distinct and worth the journey.

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