23 Best Cafes in Costa Mesa

“Honestly AMAZING! I was skeptical at first because it was in an office space but MAN that breakfast burrito was soooooo good! Exactly what I wanted. Light, good amount of meat and cheese and not greasy. I got a Vietnamese coffee to go with it and it was also delicious! I will be coming back :)“

“This was my first visit here, it came highly recommended. I was warmly welcomed, the barista explained my mocha/syrup/foam/milk options, and my order was ready quickly. The coffee was delicious and the café is such a vibe! I'll definitely be back.“

“I recently stopped by Chailo Coffee Club and it did not disappoint. The drinks are seriously good—everything tastes fresh and well-crafted. The sisters who run the place are incredibly friendly and welcoming…. “ You know who you are”, which makes the whole experience even better. The vibe is super chic and stylish, perfect for grabbing coffee and hanging out. Definitely a go-to spot if you’re in Costa Mesa and want a great cup of coffee.“

“This is my favorite coffee shop in the area, hands down. I work remotely and stop by multiple times a week to get out of the house. They have super fun seasonal drinks, amazing flavored cold foam, and strong high quality coffee. Plus no upcharges for alternative milks. Pastries are delicious and so are their breakfast burritos.

Beyond the fantastic drinks and food, the staff is incredibly nice and part of the reason I keep coming back. Hospitality makes a huge difference, and they're doing it right. Absolutely no notes!“

“The owner, Kev is absolutely accomodating! Not to mention every time I've gotten my lunch, the food is so tasty and fresh! They are truly a lifesaver - given I'm at work and always on calls. A lot of their food has a middle eastern twist and it taste soooo good! Its a must-try. You won't be dissapointed at all!“

“άψογο μαγαζί και άψογη εξυπηρέτηση“

“Perfect place for lunch sandwiches and burritos. All Fresh Dailey Patio dining Great.“

“They have the best coffee selection and their food is amazing! Also helps that each location is a cool vibe and their staff is pretty awesome.“

“So much fun! Been here multiple times. Had so much fun the first time I had to bring back my adult daughters to check it out. Can’t wait for the next trip.“

“This was the best breakfast experience I've had in a long time. A coworker and I were in town for travel and happened to stop in. Crocker's had amazing food, fantastic customer service and the cutest atmosphere. The bakery items were fresh and warm and their chilaquiles were delicious!“

“Service was amazing and food was great! I’m in a food coma with the sample Mimosas that put me into the coma“

“Plums was a great experience overall. The service was excellent, the place was clean and well organized, and the breakfast was very good. Everything felt fresh and comfortable, and the staff made the visit enjoyable. Definitely a 5-star spot and a place I would recommend for a nice breakfast.“

“We always eat here before the theatre. Food is great, service is great, and very convenient. I like dining and then walking over to the theatre.“

“Victor I cannot tell you how much it meant to us that you would go so above and beyond to accommodate our favorite soup
What an amazing experience , thank you to Chef Miriam as well
You made us feel so loved
We absolutely loved the balsamic mix you made us with the fresh baked bread
Would drive down from San Diego any time for this kind of amazing service“

“Every location of 7 Leaves consistently delivers exceptionally fresh and tasty ingredients with perfectly cooked boba. Definitely my favorite and I will drive out of my way for them. Can’t wait to see them expand into south OC and beyond!“

“Pretty much what I expected except the food which was tastier than I thought it would be (arguably the best part). It's obviously built for take away. Service workers were pleasant, preparation time wasn't too long, all food comes in take away containers, inside was stuffy and hot so I wouldn't eat inside. There were 3 small 2-person tables outside. Prices were more than I thought they'd be, but of course it's Orange County so that is true everywhere it seems. Over 10 dollars for most things. I ended up getting the French toast because it was only 7.99 and it was better than I thought it was gonna be for being one of the cheapest things on the menu.“

“friendly, knowledgeable staff. I let them know it was my first time and they took the time to explain everything in detail. They even put on the cup "enjoy your first time " the coffee is outstanding!“

“This is small place. They have a very good variety of coffee. I love the Ethiopian. I kind of retired my Nesspresso machine because of the Wilson Coffee. 😱“

“I had an amazing experience at Salty Horse! It’s definitely a must-visit spot in Irvine if you're looking for a high-quality brunch.
We ordered the Breakfast Burrito, which was incredibly satisfying. The portion size is generous, the ingredients are fresh, and every bite offers a wonderful depth of flavor. I also highly recommend the Steak and Fries—the steak was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy, and the fries topped with cheese were absolutely addictive.
As for the drinks, I went with the Hawaii Cowboy Coffee, which was a standout. The flavor profile is unique, rich, and aromatic—the perfect refreshing pick-me-up that paired beautifully with the food.
The atmosphere in the shop is fantastic and very photogenic. The staff were also super friendly and welcoming. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a great meal, and soak in the vibes. I’ll definitely be coming back for a second visit! Highly recommended for anyone looking for great coffee and delicious brunch in a cool setting.“

“The cakes and tarts are great, but unfortunately they don't have an oven and don't heat up their croissants! Which is a bummer because cold and stale aren't the best. But other pastries like mille feuille and lemon tart were incredible. Best mille feuille I've had in OC! There's no place to sit inside the cafe, but you can take your food and pastries to the general complex with portola etc, and there's lots of open seating spaces there“

“This is a learning experience for chefs and servers. So, knowing that your experience is different every time. It is hard to get reservations, and you need to be added to an email list that goes out and sign up quickly. The meals are themed.“

“Quiet place on your way to the bridge that connects the two malls. First off the floors, display windows, counters are clean. It's a French place with freshly baked pastries, cakes, chocolate loafs, baguettes, sandwiches, salads, coffee, champagne and imported goods from France. I recently discovered this place. Their salads are so big and very fresh. They offer a few selections...a beet salad, chicken pesto Ceasar and a House salad. Their sandwiches are also made that day and once they are gone they are gone. The girls are super friendly with that French flair and ready to box up a whole lot of goodness for you. So much selection for a petite place. Skip that Yu Cake that isn't even fresh but bussed in from God knows where and try this place. It's so affordable and a step up from homemade. They offer umbrella seating outside and because it overseas the garden and water ponds... it's really charming.“

“Nan & Reece Make the Armani Cafe Shine!

My visit to the Armani Cafe at South Coast Plaza was a lovely escape and honestly, the service made the experience truly exceptional. It's chic, comfy and elevated, but the atmosphere remains incredibly warm and inviting, thanks entirely to the fantastic team.

I have to give a massive shoutout to Nan and Reece. They are always amazing and welcoming every single time I stop by! Their friendly faces and professionalism make you feel cozy and right at home.

The desserts are just as impressive as the service. If you have a sweet tooth, you're in luck. The selection is divine—I particularly enjoyed the flaky, buttery croissants and lemon ricotta cookies are to die for - I highly recommend popping in to treat yourself!“