DINING EDITOR’S COSTA MESA FAVORITES

Din Tai Fung

Steamed Shanghaistyle mouthwatering dumplings are this restaurant’s signature dish. The Michelinrated empire has won accolades all over the world, including being named one of the best restaurants on the planet by The New York Times.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.3388, dintaifungusa.com

Knife Pleat

Receiving its first Michelin star in 2021, Knife Pleat serves some of the finest French fare in the region. Expect modern renditions of traditional French cuisine like seared foie gras and Angus filet with pommes frites and wild hamachi with turnip, olive oil, cilantro, and Valencia orange.

3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900, knifepleat.com

Old Vine Kitchen and Bar

The cozy Italian bistro inside The CAMP offers an innovative menu of local seasonal ingredients with wine pairings inspired by chef Mark McDonald's culinary training in southern Italy.

2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411, oldvinekitchenbar.com

Seabirds Kitchen

Freshly crafted and creative vegan food locally sourced from organic farmers.

2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.2584, seabirdskitchen.com

SOCIAL Costa Mesa

An ingredient-focused, new American-inspired restaurant, SOCIAL Costa Mesa offers thoughtfully curated menus with the freshest California ingredients. 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425, socialrg.com

Taco María

Ranked one of the best restaurants in Southern California by the Los Angeles Times, Taco María creates homestyle Mexican cuisine with a contemporary flair. Offering California Mexican dishes, Michelin-starred chef Carlos Salgado uses recipes straight from his mom, the restaurant’s namesake.

3313 Hyland Ave., Ste. C21, Costa Mesa, 714.538.8444, tacomaria.com

Vaca

Chef Amar Santana brings the flavors of Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia, Seville, and the Basque regions to Orange County. Enjoy his talents in preparing grass-fed Argentinian beef and Spanish favorites such as paella, octopus, and grilled calamari, along with a stunning wine list.

695 Town Center Dr., Ste. 170, Costa Mesa, 714.463.6060, vacarestaurant.com

Arc Food & Libations

With a wood-burning oven that produces hearty, delicious dishes to the large bar where handcrafted cocktails are served, the rustic restaurant is a contemporary American eatery that offers guests a unique dining experience.

3303 Hyland Ave., Ste. F, Costa Mesa, 949.500.5561, arcrestaurant.com

Habana

This restaurant is reminiscent of pre-Castro Cuba, and offers award-winning food, as well as lemon-drop martinis, delicious mojitos and sangria, all in an outdoor heated patio.

2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.556.0176, restauranthabana.com

Hana re Sushi

The "chef's table" here is the sushi bar. Watch the chef's ethereal composition of carefully selected farm and marine products while experiencing art in food form.

2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.2800, hanaresushi.com

Ikko Japanese Cuisine

The restaurant serves authentic sushi, with a sign noting that “we do not serve Americanstyle rolls” near the door. Dine à la carte or from one of the omakase menus. Popular items include sea urchin, Spanish mackerel, blue fin fatty tuna and red snapper carpaccio. 735 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.556.7822

Shunka Sushi

O.C.'s sushi mecca features seasonal sushi from fish flown in daily (except Sundays) from Japan. Explore the chef's omakase (chef's choice) menu. Remember that each course in the omakase should be eaten within 30 seconds to get the freshest taste and flavor.

369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.631.9854, shunkasushi.com

Michelin star restaurants

Michelin Guide restaurants