Your One-Stop Shop for Coffee, Wine and Everything In Between Just Opened in Costa Mesa

Co-owners Ed and Julia Moffatt Bring a Slice of Australian and European Coffee Culture to Orange County

Named after the finest unit of measurement in the metric system, Milligram Coffee & Kitchen is an immaculate, perfectly curated new neighborhood café on 17th St in Costa Mesa. The minute you step inside, you’re greeted by the smell of freshly ground coffee and the soothing hum of the espresso machine. The shop’s clean, white interior, minimalist design and tree lined patio is comforting and sleek all at once, and will make you want to stay awhile. Milligram Coffee Costa Mesa

Credit: Katie Nguyen

Milligram Coffee and Kitchen was born when a group of friends from Australia, New Zealand and France had the shared commonality of missing a piece of home. To them, that piece was starting their day at a sit-down spot to enjoy coffee and breakfast with friends and loved ones. Having been OC residents for several years at this point, they noticed an opportunity to create a space where great coffee, food and community could all come together.

“In Australia, the cafe culture is a little different. When it comes to casual dining here, it’s either grab and go or wait in line to order ; there’s not much in-between,” Ed Moffatt, one of the owners, points out.

“And many spots don’t serve a lot of food besides pastries. Back in Australia, you can go to any small local spot and get great coffee, healthy, delicious food—even beer and wine—and just hang out for a little bit.” In creating Milligram Coffee and Kitchen, the owners sought to bring exactly that to OC. “We’re blurring the lines between restaurant and cafe. You’re not just coming in to eat and drink, but you’re coming in for an experience.” Milligram Coffee Costa Mesa

Milligram Coffee and Kitchen sets itself apart from other cafes and coffee shops with the intentionality of everything they do. “To us, being precise is key,” says co-owner Julia Moffatt.

“Like our name implies, we hold ourselves to extremely high standards. We handpicked everything in the shop, from our imported glassware and ceramic mugs to our coffee and pastries.”

Milligram serves the award-winning coffee of Common Room Roasters, which is roasted locally in Long Beach. Their baked goods are from small local businesses like Rye Goods and Crema Artisan Bakers.

In addition to pastries, Milligram offers a full breakfast and lunch menu with classics like smoked salmon bagels and granola bowls. Of course, there’s avocado toast—an Aussie staple—smashed with feta and lemon, topped with EVOO, radish, seeds, and chili salt. It might just be the best avo toast you’ve ever had. Also try the Mediterranean prosciutto salad, packed with spinach, avocado, tomato, red onion, pine nuts, and house-cut prosciutto.

Although they’ve only been a part of the neighborhood for a month, they’ve already built a solid group of regulars. “Community is important to us,” says Ed. “We aim to be the spot where parents can come to decompress after morning drop off. Or where one can meet their family and friends to catch up once a week.” They also host a running club on the weekends. Here runners meet at Milligram and fuel up on a light breakfast after they get some exercise in.

3/23

Milligram is currently only open until 3 p.m., but the owners have plans for late-night weekends in the near future. “Think Euro-style small bites. We’ll be doing charcuterie and cheese boards, shared plates and drinks, including wine, beer, French champagne and peach bellinis.”

Cruise on over to Milligram Coffee and Kitchen for a little slice of Euro coffee culture right in your neighborhood.