Craving an adventure that blends vibrant culture with trendy finds and delectable bites? Look no further than Costa Mesa. It’s your one-stop shop for an unforgettable experience.
Calling all art enthusiasts, shopaholics, and foodies! The eclectic city of Costa Mesa pulses with an energy all its own. Our comprehensive guide is here to unlock its many hidden gems. Explore Costa Mesa’s bustling arts scene, shopping destinations, and dining hotspots. Let’s dive in!
DINE
Din Tai Fung
At South Coast Plaza, lines snake out the door for Din Tai Fung’s famed Taiwanese fare. Think steamed dumplings, fiery wonton soup, garlicky greens, and saucy noodles.
Caló Kitchen + Tequila
Discover a fresh take on Mexican cuisine. This new arrival boasts a menu that tantalizes with short rib enchiladas and pan-seared halibut tacos. Don’t miss the full bar featuring wine, beer, and authentic tequilas (care for a blackberry margarita?).
Habana
Craving unrivaled Cuban cuisine? Dive into Habana at The Lab Anti-Mall. Their shabby-chic setting is perfect for unwinding after work with a Mojito Monday special. You can also indulge in a frozen piña colada and crispy chicharrones during daily happy hour.
Hana Re
Michelin-starred Hana Re offers a minimalist approach to Japanese cuisine: a singular, chef-driven omakase tasting experience. Witness culinary artistry unfold before your eyes as you savor unique flavor combinations, like sea urchin paired with delicate chrysanthemum blossoms.
Knife Pleat
Petrossian at Tiffany
Enter a world of elegance at The Blue Box Cafe. Housed within Tiffany & Co. at South Coast Plaza, this glamorous eatery boasts a palette of gold and Tiffany blue.
Playa Mesa
Craving a fiesta? Head to Playa Mesa on 17th Street for legendary margaritas and mouthwatering Mexican fare. Dig into grilled octopus, sizzling fajitas, or a hearty carne asada plate — all guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Populaire
This modern bistro beckons with baby blue booths and a playful twist on French classics. Savor innovative dishes like onion soup toast, escargot Ebelskivers, and a decadent ground Kobe beef raclette cheeseburger. J’adore indeed!
The Country Club
Ditch the stuffy atmosphere! This indoor-outdoor bar and eatery welcomes everyone like a member. They serve up farm-fresh fare, creative cocktails, and a boozy brunch every weekend. Plus, the dance floor heats up after dark.
Vaca
Executive Chef Amar Santana tantalizes taste buds with an array of Spanish delights, from tapas to flavorful paellas. Raise a glass to your culinary adventure with The Vaca Tonic, a signature drink featuring a frozen gimlet twist and a touch of fragrant basil blossom.
Water Grill
Calling all seafood aficionados! This hot spot offers everything from the freshest seasonal spot prawns to chilled oysters, scallops, mussels, and more. It’s a feast for the senses — dive in!
SHOP
South Coast Plaza
Indulge in ultimate luxury at South Coast Plaza. Explore a haven of coveted brands with the recent additions of Cartier, BVLGARI, and Gucci joining their already impressive collection of boutiques and restaurants.
SOCO & The OC Mix
SOCO & The OC Mix isn’t your average shopping center. With over 70 unique showrooms, shops, and restaurants, it’s a haven for inspiration. Grab a quick bite at Greenleaf Kitchen + Cocktails or unearth one-of-a-kind home furnishings at BoConcept or Roche Bobois.
STAY
Avenue of the Arts, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Indulge in rockstar luxury at Costa Mesa’s only AAA four-diamond accommodation. This music-inspired haven boasts plush suites, an upscale bar and restaurant, private poolside cabanas, and a “retail therapy” package for VIP shopping at nearby South Coast Plaza.
The Westin South Coast Plaza
Perfectly situated near South Coast Plaza and John Wayne Airport, The Westin caters to both shopaholics and jet-setters. Unwind amidst a lush atmosphere, complete with an on-site fitness studio, a heated pool for relaxation, and cozy fire pits perfect for enjoying a post-shopping cocktail.
EXPLORE
Orange County Museum of Art
Living up to its nickname as “The City of the Arts,” Costa Mesa boasts the acclaimed Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). This cultural gem houses over 4,500 timeless masterpieces, offering a glimpse into artistic history. Currently on display is “Color is the First Revelation of the World” by Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica. Discover a captivating exploration of color’s role in shaping our perception of form.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Immerse yourself in a world of artistic expression at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa’s leading performing arts complex. This spring, their calendar explodes with a vibrant mix of shows, from the American Ballet Theatre’s Woolf Works to the electrifying musical Beetlejuice. Tchaikovsky’s classic Sixth Symphony also takes center stage. There’s something for every taste!
Whether you crave world-class art, sizzling cuisine, or retail therapy, Costa Mesa promises an unforgettable adventure. Ready to experience the magic of Costa Mesa for yourself? Let Surterre be your guide! Our local real estate specialists are Costa Mesa connoisseurs. Contact us today at SurterreProperties.com and get ready to live the Costa Mesa life!
