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Best Authentic Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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62 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Bei Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(44)
Price: Moderate
• Lebanese • Costa Mesa
Coming Soon!
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(454)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 6 times today
Known for using only natural, fresh ingredients, Il Dolce specializes in Italian cuisine. Along with a variety of pastas, salads, patrons can select from a number of pizza menu options. Inspired by authentic pies made in Naples, each pizza at Il Dolce is prepared in a wood-fire oven, giving it an authentic, smoky flavor.Family owned and operated, this award-winning restaurant provides a cozy, comfortable environment where pizza enthusiasts can watch their pies being prepared. Guests dining at Il Dolce can also enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. Dessert items along with a special gluten-free menu are also available.
A photo of SOCIAL - COSTA MESA restaurant
4.4
Awesome(122)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Costa Mesa
Booked 14 times today
Discover the exciting transformation at Social Costa Mesa, where we bring a fresh take on our unique dining experience. Indulge in our chef-driven menu Featuring a mix of modern American cuisine with influecnes from various international flavors, showcasing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Savor expertly crafted cocktails, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere as we redefine what it means to dine out with innovation.
A photo of RH Ocean Grill at RH Newport Beach restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(727)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Newport Beach
Booked 415 times today
The RH Ocean Grill is located on the rooftop of RH Newport Beach, The Gallery at Fashion Island. Enjoy a menu of seafood and caviar specialties, along with a selection of signature salads and classics from our hearth. Dine in a year-round skylit garden with heritage olive trees, sparkling chandeliers, a cascading center fountain and panoramic views of the California coastline.
A photo of Buona Forchetta Newport Beach restaurant
4.5
Awesome(141)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 49 times today
Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego and our newest in Newport Beach and San Clemente . Buona Forchetta’s seventh location is open now in Peninsula Village near the Newport marina. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with their perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards, including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice, and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialties, and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.Explore our menu, discover our story, and reserve your table online.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - Newport Beach restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5523)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 140 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 10-12am Tuesday-Saturday.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1488)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 42 times today
Louie’s by the Bay is a modern Italian steakhouse located on the waterfront along picturesque Mariners Mile in Newport Beach. With a 180-degree view of Newport Bay, a warm elegant design, and exceptional service, Louie's brings an unparalleled dining experience to Newport Beach. The restaurant is the latest addition from Ron Salisbury of El Cholo and The Cannery. The menu features authentic charcuterie and antipasti, unique pastas, prime steaks and chops, classic Italian desserts, and a truly exceptional wine list. Open for dinner nightly, with a lively and late-night cocktail scene. A presto!Join us for Bottomless Sparkling Brunch!
A photo of Molo restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(325)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 48 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Habana - Costa Mesa restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2870)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Costa Mesa
Booked 88 times today
Habana in Costa Mesa offers an authentic Cuban experience. Reviewers rave about the 'authentic Cuban' food and the 'Cuban vibes' all around. One reviewer even compared the food to that found in Miami, Florida, implying that it's authentic. Another mentioned the 'true to Cuban culture' dishes. So, if you're looking for a taste of Cuba in Southern California, Habana is a recommended spot!
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2819)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 60 times today
CUCINA enoteca is located on the west side of Fashion Island, Orange County's most sophisticated retail experience. Owner Tracy Borkum's flair for combining great ambience, award-winning cuisine and unparalleled service are once again starring components in this latest Urban Kitchen Group creation. Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento bring their artistry to the table as guests enjoy an open kitchen. The menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Along with a diverse selection of wines by the glass, guests may visit the restaurant's retail area to select from over 200 bottles for dinner (corkage fee of $10 applies) or purchase wine to go. The energetic space features contemporary elements and vintage artifacts creating the feel of a modern Italian kitchen combined with the comfort of a rustic farmhouse.

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From verified diners like you
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Discover best authentic restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the essence of authenticity in North Orange County's vibrant Costa Mesa dining scene. This area is celebrated for its wide array of restaurants that excel in offering genuine culinary experiences, tapping into the heart of various international and local cuisines. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of Cuban fare, the intricate delights of Mexican cuisine, or the comforting taste of classic American dishes, Costa Mesa's restaurants cater to discerning palates seeking authenticity. Each establishment prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every meal is not only flavorful but also supports local producers. The dining atmosphere across these restaurants ranges from the casual and cozy to the beautifully sophisticated, making it perfect for any occasion. Patrons consistently praise these spots for their exceptional service and the unique, high-quality dining experiences they offer. If you're in North Orange County and looking for an authentic meal, Costa Mesa's culinary treasures are sure to satisfy your desires.

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