Amazing food! This is what you do. Get the Ahba burger and the hazy ipa. Drink half before the food promptly arrives. Enjoy the other half with the best smash burger you’ll ever have. Each pillowy bite will make you feel like you’re just sinking into heaven. Oh and the sweet papas and lebneh are just as great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: AHBA Burger w Fries
Olivia Valdez
I’m 0/2 at this location, I fear. 😕
I love the Laguna location and my husband and I have gone for multiple birthdays and special occasions. I was so stoked when the Costa Mesa location opened because we live so close, but both experiences haven’t been what I hoped for.
When we came on opening weekend, it took nearly 45 minutes for my Chicken Sammie to arrive. One of the owners (I believe?) noticed and comped two beers for us, which helped! Plus, it was opening weekend - understandable.
Tonight it was a similar story. My father-in-law and I ordered salads and waited twenty minutes after my husband and mother-in-law got their food to start eating. When we asked about the timing, we were met with nonchalance that wasn’t reassuring.
I want to love Ahba CM the way I love Ahba Laguna, but it may be time to just come for drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Daniel Markowitz
First time visiting this restaurant, probably won’t be coming back.
Ordering at the front before finding our own table was a bit strange, but there was a complete lack of service thereafter.
Food took 40 minutes to come out, and it was cold. The chicken sandwich was relatively modest in size for the price, and it was incredibly dry and lacking flavor. My partner got a BLT which somehow was lacking in lettuce and tomato.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Mischa Tei
Ordered Uber eats and toast with feta came burnt. Burnt side was placed face down so I didn’t notice at first but even after spreading the feta I can taste the burnt and flipped the toast to see it was completely charcoal on the other side. Even after trying to scrape it off it tasted burnt. Disappointed they would serve this and mask food quality in this way.
Susan Atme
Very underwhelming. You have to order at the front before you sit down which is a bad start to the whole experience. Felt rushed. Then the mains came out before the appetizers. And then there was just everything on the table at once which again rushed the overall experience. The food for the most part was good. The Ceasar salad sucked. I wouldn't return or recommend it really.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Lauren Turner
Order at the counter - great atmosphere, approachable menu & friendly service. Would recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dawn Hall
Ahba is a great vibe with delicious food! Ordered the Harissa Toast (no bacon), Hashbrowns, and side of Eggs. You eat with your eyes first, and this meal was very pleasing to the eye...so much so no pics. 😬 My only critique is to reduce the oil on the Hashbrowns before plating. Additionally, a house made ketchup would be a really nice touch. Will certainly return, and look forward to exploring the menu a bit more.
Vegetarian options: Most items are able to be modified to be vegetarian if not already.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Sami Nawabi
One of the best dinner places I have ever been to. Very helpful and great staff, specially Borna. The food is great. It’s a great spot and vibe, I would definitely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
L Sturiale
I have to say from start to end, I had an Amazing time at Ahha! When I go to any new place because I have restaurant and bartending experience, I usually anticipate some hiccups. I chalk it up to growing pains. However, that was not the case here. .
First I have to start with the Vibe . It is Sooo Cool! And It’s unlike any place I’ve been to. Okay so I ordered the burger, and to be honest, I don’t really write reviews on hamburgers. To me they all taste the same but the burger was so good!! So if you like burgers I highly recommend it!
When it comes to drinks, I’m a little more picky because I know from bartending what they should taste like. These drinks did not disappoint.
The staff was great! Julia was at the register and greeted you with a smile, and was super patient with us because we took a minute to decide what we were going to order. She never once made us feel rushed and answered any questions we had.
Then, at the bar, there was a gal named Des and A guy named Quinn. They were like a dynamic duo! I only had one cocktail which was amazing and then I had water. They were attentive and I was never sitting there without being asked if I needed anything else and my water was constantly being filled. .
Thank you Ahba in Costa Mesa!! Looking forward to going back in the near future! Also I really wish I would’ve taken some photos but will do so next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
C
I recently visited Ahba in Costa Mesa, and unfortunately, the service experience was disappointing enough to warrant a review.
Upon arrival, my partner and I were initially optimistic, but things quickly went downhill. A new bartender, who seemed overwhelmed, failed to take our order despite us waiting patiently. Instead, he complained to his manager, Quinn, about not wanting to serve us due to my perceived attitude. This was both unprofessional and bewildering.
To make matters worse, Quinn was frequently leaving the bar to assist upstairs, leaving us without support. When it came time to close out, our card was with the bartender, yet he completely ignored us in favor of chatting with a group of women across the bar and serving a new party next to us.
I understand it may have been the bartender's first week, but it’s disheartening to see such a lack of basic hospitality skills. As someone with a luxury hospitality background, I believe certain qualities are essential in this industry, and this employee simply doesn't possess them.
When I finally asked to speak with the manager, Quinn took his time finishing up drink orders rather than addressing our concerns promptly. I had to insist on a private conversation outside just to express my dissatisfaction, which shouldn’t be necessary for an upset customer.
While the food and drinks were enjoyable, the service is a critical aspect that needs immediate attention. If Ahba aims to build a loyal clientele, they must prioritize training and retaining staff who understand the importance of customer service. As it stands, I cannot recommend this establishment.
Compelled to write a very mixed review- came in on Friday night with my partner and found that you have to wait in line to order food at a counter and you get a number like a fastfood joint and you are off to fend for your own table. The atmosphere inside is a good vibe but for the price you pay for food you'd expect better service. You basically stand around until someone gets up from their table and wait for them to come clear the tables but they don't wipe anything off- just take away old dishes so the table still has the previous person's spilled food on it. No water was served and I think if you want to order additional food/drinks you just have to go up and wait in line at the counter again. The food was actually very good- highly recommend the whipped feta and lobster roll (coming from someone who lived in New England). If this place could just operate like a normal restaurant we would be back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
L P
Cosy, cute downstairs area with friendly staff. But the upstairs bar area was a disappointment. Rusty, wobbly furniture. Place seems to be cute at first look but it’s dirty, dusty with food on the ground. Needs better upkeep.
Harshita Didwania
Not many vegetarian options but the vibe is great. Would eat the peach burrata again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Todd Vinson
Breakfast Burrito game is strong! So was the Cold Brew!
Amazing food! This is what you do. Get the Ahba burger and the hazy ipa. Drink half before the food promptly arrives. Enjoy the other half with the best smash burger you’ll ever have. Each pillowy bite will make you feel like you’re just sinking into heaven. Oh and the sweet papas and lebneh are just as great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: AHBA Burger w Fries
I’m 0/2 at this location, I fear. 😕
I love the Laguna location and my husband and I have gone for multiple birthdays and special occasions. I was so stoked when the Costa Mesa location opened because we live so close, but both experiences haven’t been what I hoped for.
When we came on opening weekend, it took nearly 45 minutes for my Chicken Sammie to arrive. One of the owners (I believe?) noticed and comped two beers for us, which helped! Plus, it was opening weekend - understandable.
Tonight it was a similar story. My father-in-law and I ordered salads and waited twenty minutes after my husband and mother-in-law got their food to start eating. When we asked about the timing, we were met with nonchalance that wasn’t reassuring.
I want to love Ahba CM the way I love Ahba Laguna, but it may be time to just come for drinks.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
First time visiting this restaurant, probably won’t be coming back.
Ordering at the front before finding our own table was a bit strange, but there was a complete lack of service thereafter.
Food took 40 minutes to come out, and it was cold. The chicken sandwich was relatively modest in size for the price, and it was incredibly dry and lacking flavor. My partner got a BLT which somehow was lacking in lettuce and tomato.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Ordered Uber eats and toast with feta came burnt. Burnt side was placed face down so I didn’t notice at first but even after spreading the feta I can taste the burnt and flipped the toast to see it was completely charcoal on the other side. Even after trying to scrape it off it tasted burnt. Disappointed they would serve this and mask food quality in this way.
Very underwhelming. You have to order at the front before you sit down which is a bad start to the whole experience. Felt rushed. Then the mains came out before the appetizers. And then there was just everything on the table at once which again rushed the overall experience. The food for the most part was good. The Ceasar salad sucked. I wouldn't return or recommend it really.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Order at the counter - great atmosphere, approachable menu & friendly service. Would recommend!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ahba is a great vibe with delicious food! Ordered the Harissa Toast (no bacon), Hashbrowns, and side of Eggs. You eat with your eyes first, and this meal was very pleasing to the eye...so much so no pics. 😬 My only critique is to reduce the oil on the Hashbrowns before plating. Additionally, a house made ketchup would be a really nice touch. Will certainly return, and look forward to exploring the menu a bit more.
Vegetarian options: Most items are able to be modified to be vegetarian if not already.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
One of the best dinner places I have ever been to. Very helpful and great staff, specially Borna. The food is great. It’s a great spot and vibe, I would definitely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have to say from start to end, I had an Amazing time at Ahha! When I go to any new place because I have restaurant and bartending experience, I usually anticipate some hiccups. I chalk it up to growing pains. However, that was not the case here. .
First I have to start with the Vibe . It is Sooo Cool! And It’s unlike any place I’ve been to. Okay so I ordered the burger, and to be honest, I don’t really write reviews on hamburgers. To me they all taste the same but the burger was so good!! So if you like burgers I highly recommend it!
When it comes to drinks, I’m a little more picky because I know from bartending what they should taste like. These drinks did not disappoint.
The staff was great! Julia was at the register and greeted you with a smile, and was super patient with us because we took a minute to decide what we were going to order. She never once made us feel rushed and answered any questions we had.
Then, at the bar, there was a gal named Des and A guy named Quinn. They were like a dynamic duo! I only had one cocktail which was amazing and then I had water. They were attentive and I was never sitting there without being asked if I needed anything else and my water was constantly being filled. .
Thank you Ahba in Costa Mesa!! Looking forward to going back in the near future! Also I really wish I would’ve taken some photos but will do so next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently visited Ahba in Costa Mesa, and unfortunately, the service experience was disappointing enough to warrant a review.
Upon arrival, my partner and I were initially optimistic, but things quickly went downhill. A new bartender, who seemed overwhelmed, failed to take our order despite us waiting patiently. Instead, he complained to his manager, Quinn, about not wanting to serve us due to my perceived attitude. This was both unprofessional and bewildering.
To make matters worse, Quinn was frequently leaving the bar to assist upstairs, leaving us without support. When it came time to close out, our card was with the bartender, yet he completely ignored us in favor of chatting with a group of women across the bar and serving a new party next to us.
I understand it may have been the bartender's first week, but it’s disheartening to see such a lack of basic hospitality skills. As someone with a luxury hospitality background, I believe certain qualities are essential in this industry, and this employee simply doesn't possess them.
When I finally asked to speak with the manager, Quinn took his time finishing up drink orders rather than addressing our concerns promptly. I had to insist on a private conversation outside just to express my dissatisfaction, which shouldn’t be necessary for an upset customer.
While the food and drinks were enjoyable, the service is a critical aspect that needs immediate attention. If Ahba aims to build a loyal clientele, they must prioritize training and retaining staff who understand the importance of customer service. As it stands, I cannot recommend this establishment.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Vibes are great. Food is ok. Decent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Compelled to write a very mixed review- came in on Friday night with my partner and found that you have to wait in line to order food at a counter and you get a number like a fastfood joint and you are off to fend for your own table. The atmosphere inside is a good vibe but for the price you pay for food you'd expect better service. You basically stand around until someone gets up from their table and wait for them to come clear the tables but they don't wipe anything off- just take away old dishes so the table still has the previous person's spilled food on it. No water was served and I think if you want to order additional food/drinks you just have to go up and wait in line at the counter again. The food was actually very good- highly recommend the whipped feta and lobster roll (coming from someone who lived in New England). If this place could just operate like a normal restaurant we would be back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Cosy, cute downstairs area with friendly staff. But the upstairs bar area was a disappointment. Rusty, wobbly furniture. Place seems to be cute at first look but it’s dirty, dusty with food on the ground. Needs better upkeep.
Not many vegetarian options but the vibe is great. Would eat the peach burrata again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Breakfast Burrito game is strong! So was the Cold Brew!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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