Top Costa Mesa Restaurants Near South Coast Plaza: A Culinary Journey
Have you ever had a meal linger longer than you expected it to? It is not just for their taste or flavors but for the experience and feeling that they bring. Costa Mesa is home to South Coast Plaza, one of the nation's largest shopping centers with acclaimed restaurants, the Orange County Museum of Art, and the celebrated Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This is exactly where you would find top restaurants with the Costa Mesa charm to them.
Costa Mesa restaurants near South Coast Plaza are always delightfully diverse and vibrant. This is a culinary haven waiting to be discovered. Whether you are planning on grabbing a quick bite after shopping and seeing art or are planning on a sophisticated dinner, Costa Mesa eateries deliver on all fronts.
Exploring the Food Scene Around South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa’s cultural tapestry has its influence on the dining scene. The South Coast Plaza dining scene is filled with top Costa Mesa food spots with options ranging from quaint cafes to elegant fine-dining establishments. Here, different flavors from across the globe come together, offering something special for every palate, vibe and occasion.
Take, for instance, the Farm-to-Table movement where restaurants source their ingredients from the local farms. This approach has gained traction in many of the best restaurants near South Coast Plaza. It has now become not only about the taste of food, rather about experiencing the story behind it. This just goes to show, Costa Mesa eateries have it all, food, ambiance, and an undeniable flair for hospitality and uniqueness.
Must Visit Costa Mesa Restaurants near South Coast Plaza
1. Charming Cafes
The South Coast Plaza isn’t just a hub for shopping, it’s also where vibrant cafes cater to every kind of coffee lover. Whether it is the strong espresso, frothy latte, or a light brew that you crave to start your day, this place has it all. They have specialty coffee havens where skilled baristas masterfully brew high-quality beans roasted to perfection. One such place is Portola Coffee Roasters, who focus on sustainability and artisanal brewing techniques.
2. Lively Lunch Destinations
Lunch in the South Coast Plaza is an experience that goes beyond just satisfying hunger. It is about enjoying the dynamic atmosphere with bursting vibrant flavors. These lunch destinations cater to a diverse crowd, from the shoppers looking to recharge to the office workers on their breaks. You could witness culinary creativity with the global fusion flavors, fresh and local ingredients, quick bites with gourmet touches, and outdoor dining options. Seasons 52, is one of the top dining destinations near South Coast Plaza, offering seasonal dishes inspired by farmers’ market ingredients.
3. Dinner Hotspots
As the evening sets in the Costa Mesa eateries transform into a hub of culinary activities. The options are endless. The best restaurants near South Coast Plaza have something for everyone. From sushi to steak, no matter your preference, these spots cater to both casual diners and those seeking a fine-dining experience.
Fine Dining Experiences - Water Grill is a true gem for seafood lovers, focusing on fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Wild Alaskan Halibut with their famous raw bar is the perfect indulgent dinner.
Global Cuisine Offerings - Vaca stands out for its authentic tapas, charcuterie, and mouthwatering paellas. Their prime ribeye steak and Basque cheesecake are a must try Costa Mesa local favorite.
Date Night Favorite - The Capital Grille is a classic steakhouse. They have a wide variety of options to choose from for a perfect evening.
The Place That Has It All: Sessions
Sessions West Coast Deli at its core is more than just a restaurant. We aim to challenge thoughts and perceptions of what a deli can be. Every dish we serve reflects our dedication to the West Coast lifestyle, fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly cool. We believe every meal should feel as good as it tastes, with all the produce grown locally, meats sourced humanely and naturally raised, and the local artisanal bread delivered daily.
Being one of the favorite Costa Mesa food spots, what sets Sessions apart is our approach. Each one of the sauces, sides, salads, soups and sandwiches is prepared in-house, a handcrafted experience. This crafted food is designed to make you savor every bite, with their vibrant seasonal ingredients and complex flavors. The menu being inspired from the relevant food trends to family recipes passed down through generations.
Ambiance: West Coast Comfort Meets Costa Mesa Charm
Walking into Sessions feels like stepping into a slice of the California coast. The outdoor seating makes it perfect for soaking up Costa Mesa’s sunny weather, making Sessions an ideal spot for solo lunches to group gatherings. The vibe is casual and inviting with the interiors being bright and airy. It’s no wonder that Sessions has become a local favorite, as the atmosphere is as important as the food.
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Sessions West Coast Deli's Summer Zephyr Sandwich
A Menu to Savor: Sessions’ Signature Eats
The Sandwiches: Where Creativity Meets Comfort
Sessions has been redefining what it means to grab a sandwich. The Costa Mesa local favorites? The “Meddock Melee”, “Summer Zephyr”, and “Yogi” to name a few, they can’t choose just one out of the many handcrafted signature sandwiches we have. Imagine tender chicken with marinated tomato, cherry peppers, avocado, jalapeño jack, adobo buttermilk and sprouts, all layered between perfectly toasted bread. This is Meddock Melee, the kind of sandwich that keeps you coming back, bite after bite.
Try Summer Zephyr for something lighter, where fresh mozzarella, marinated onions, pickled onions, basil aioli, arugula come with the gluten-free breads. Or try Yogi for a fresh taste with chicken, avocado, basil pesto, marinated tomato, cucumber, arugula, and French roll. Our signature sandwiches are the testament of balance between the quality of fine dining and the comfort of home-cooked meals, making us one of the best restaurants near South Coast Plaza.
Breakfast Done Right
Mornings at Sessions are something special. Our Signature Avocado Toast is a Costa Mesa local favorite with avocado, heirloom tomato, arugula, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction on the perfectly toasted rustic Italian bread. We have a plethora of toast, sandwich, and burrito options. These paired with our in-house beverages make for the perfect start of the day.
Waffle Browns
Sessionszephyr
Handcrafted Beverages That Shine
Sessions’ handcrafted drinks are the perfect complement to our meals, being one of the best among the Costa Mesa restaurants. With our variety of coffee and cold brew, draft beer, canned beer, canned drinks and wine, we have something for everyone. The Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte with the milk of your choice is perfect with earthy, sweet taste for calm, creative bursts. If you need a shot of adrenaline and energy for your soul, give Black Iced Cold Brew a shot. The subtle floral notes of lavender paired with the boldness of cold brew in Lavender Cold Brew Latte create a harmonious blend of energy and calm.
Remember, these aren’t just drinks, they’re a part of the Sessions experience.
Conclusion: A Culinary Highlight Near South Coast Plaza
You will realize the Costa Mesa restaurants near South Coast Plaza are more than just a vast collection of eateries, as they reflect their vibrant spirit, cultural diversity, quality and creative community. From the early morning coffee rituals to the indulgent dinners under the stars, the restaurants here capture the essence and soul of Costa Mesa’s charm. Here, every dish tells a story, every ambiance invites a connection, and every meal lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
The culinary scene invites you to savor fresh, locally grown produce, and experience a warm welcoming ambiance. We at Sessions pride ourselves on being relevant, modern, and chef-driven, bringing premium ingredients for our vibrant dishes, and a relaxed West Coast vibe. Sessions is not just a meal, it is a memory, making this a very fitting highlight in the culinary journey of Costa Mesa.
So next time, if you’re in this area, skip the usual spots and plan your way to Sessions.
You’ll have a new favorite spot that lingers in your memory forever!
For more information, check out our menu!