Costa Mesaās Culinary Scene is Heating up with Bold Flavors, Fresh Concepts and Plenty of Local Charm.
Costa Mesaās dining scene is on fire, again. Six new restaurants have arrived, each serving up its own flavor of California cool. From the smoky, old-school burgers at Palms nā Patties to the tropical escape vibes at Casa de Onda, thereās a fresh spot for every craving. Rye Goods brings artisan sourdough to the mix, while MoonGoat Greenhouse shines as the cityās new go-to cafĆ© for sunlit mornings and creative lattes. Salty Horse adds a surfer-meets-cowboy twist to the coffee scene and Vox Kitchen & Bar turns up the heat with Peruvian-Chinese fusion near South Coast Plaza. Together, theyāre redefining what it means to dine out in Costa Mesa, local, lively and always delicious.
Palms nā Patties
Palms nā Patties keeps it real with burgers made the old-fashioned way. The menu is simple: organic grass-fed beef, golden fries and thick, creamy shakes. The team skips seed oils and shortcuts so each patty comes out juicy, smoky and full of flavor. With retro tunes, picnic tables and a cool coastal vibe, this spot is all about community and quality. Itās casual, clean and just the right amount of indulgent.
MoonGoat Greenhouse
MoonGoat Greenhouse glows from the inside out, filled with natural light that bounces off leafy corners and fresh coffee cups. Mornings start slow with iced lattes over āthat good iceā or a Churro latte sweetened with house dulce de leche and cinnamon. Around lunch, the space hums with conversation as turkey melts, grain bowls and fresh salads make their rounds. Itās bright, lively and effortlessly cool, the kind of cafĆ© that makes you want to linger long after your cup is empty.
Casa de Onda
Casa de Onda brings Tulum energy to the heart of Triangle Square. The open-air patio glows under strands of lights and tropical palms, creating a space that feels more like a getaway than a night out. The menu blends Mexican and American flavors, starting with house-made salsa and Chef Keithās signature queso. For dinner, the lobster quesadilla packs smoky chipotle heat, while the Casa Steak and Truffle Fries steals the show with a perfectly grilled hanger steak, chimichurri drizzle and jalapeƱo ranch for dipping. Weekends shift into brunch mode with bold plates and good vibes that stretch well into the afternoon.
Rye Goods
Rye Goods is all about craft and connection. What began in a garage has grown into a beloved organic bakery and deli built on sourdough, seasonal ingredients and heart. Their 18-year-old rye starter, lovingly named Wynona Ryeder, gives every loaf its signature tang and character.
The Costa Mesa location follows the same rhythm that made Rye Goods a favorite in Lido Newport. Mornings mean espresso and flaky pastries from bagel sandwiches with chili crunch oil to croissants stacked with eggs and cheese. Lunch brings hearty salads and the fried chicken sandwich with sesame dressing and butter lettuce. Everything honors the grain, the grower and the guest. Itās thoughtful slow food that feels good to eat.
Salty Horse
Salty Horse is equal parts surf shack and cowboy hangout; a laid-back spot where the coffeeās strong and the vibes are even stronger. Fuel up with a matcha or smoothie before diving into a Horsepower PB or Tropical Salad, or go all in on a pokĆ© bowl that tastes like summer in a bite. With a menu that swings from breakfast burritos to Blue Pie smoothies and Watermelon Waves, this spot knows how to keep things fresh from sunup to sundown. Whether youāre post-surf or post-ride, Salty Horse brings the flavor, the chill and a little bit of that wild west edge.
Vox Kitchen & Bar
Vox Kitchen & Bar brings modern Chifa energy to South Coast Plaza with plates that snap, sizzle and shine. Think Peruvian Chinese flavors with SoCal swagger. Start with hamachi crudo or a Peruvian chopped salad, then hit the star of the show: silky garlic noodles crowned with filet, prawns, or crispy salmon. Craving comfort? The wok-tossed saltado fries with picanha or filet come with rice and house aji for the perfect dip. Seafood scampi, spicy wontons and Chifa fried rice keep the hits coming, while rib bone soup and hearty congee bring cozy-night vibes. Pair it with a Vietnamese iced coffee or a lychee lemonade and call it a win.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
A California local, Kathleen Hokit grew up on a farm but spent every chance she could at the beach. After earning her graduate degree in the social sciences in Finland, she built a 17+ year career writing and editing across lifestyle, entertainment, and culture. A longtime magazine lover, she now lives the dream as part of the editorial team at LOCALE. When sheās not on deadline, sheās hiking or sneaking in a beach day with her husband and son. Kathleen loves all things artāfrom writing and photography to spending time on the dance floor, where she teaches ballet to everyone from tiny tots to grown-ups on their pas de bourrĆ©e path.
