Costa Contemporary Kitchen

Exceptional service and great authentic food. I should've got a photo of my entree for this review, but I was too focused on enjoying it! The flan is made in house and made a great finisher!

Food and drinks were good as was the service. No issues there. It's a nice place w an upscale feel. The buying is all concrete so the noise is tough for having conversations. Otherwise good experience. Would be great prior to a show at the theater or concert hall.

Amazing food and service. Highly recommended.

We ordered our food to go, so we didn't spend much time in the restaurant. I was most impressed with the ceviche. Many restaurants will serve you the ceviche to-go with the fish already marinating in the lime juice sauce (leche de tigre). The problem with this is that by the time the ceviche arrives at your house it has - 1) overcooked, and 2) likely spilled everywhere. Costa is the only Peruvian restaurant I've found (and I'm Peruvian, I've tried MANY) that actually separates the leche de tigre from the fish. They even let you add salt and pepper to your taste. By the way, before eating it, you should let the ceviche marinate in the leche de tigre for 3-5 minutes - depending on how well done you want the fish. So... wow ... they know their stuff, they care, and they're thoughtful!
Okay, but what about the quality? Amazing! The fish is clearly sushi grade, and GOOD sushi grade! Moreover, the leche de tigre is the best I've had outside of Peru (so far). So, 20,000 thumbs up for the ceviche.
The other dishes are really good, too. Especially the arroz con mariscos and arroz chaufa, but I really wanted to rave about the ceviche.

Absolutely delicious!
We were lucky to get in as we showed up right as they opened without a reservation. We ordered empanadas, which just melted in our mouths, seriously the best ones we’ve ever had.
I ordered the braised beef with mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy, which was delicious and so filling. My husband ordered a dish with a tower of large potato fries, rice, chunks of beef and sauce. The flavors were incredible.
I’d love to go back when we’re Olin the area and try more dishes, as every dish we tried was amazing.

Great food, drinks and friendly helpful staff.

The food was excellent, however the staff were constantly trying to rush us. The bus boy tried to take our salad when we’re only half way through. They then tried to take our dinner plates. The waitress tried to give us our bill before we ordered dessert and then three times came over trying to ask us to pay. This was after only one and a half hours. The staff ruined what would have been a nice meal. Disappointing for a $80 meal.

Honestly my experience was terrible, I ordered a male fish, and they gave me spicy fish!! My daughter had a loin with 3 potatoes!! I don't know if it was because I ordered it to go and the portions were very small. The truth is that I know my food well and what they served me was far from what resembles Peruvian food dishes.

Atmosphere is nice and the bartender was nice, the food came out faster then expected and had great texture but it just lacked flavor

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Very good restaurant with cozy vibe, nice ambiance, good service, and good food. The restaurant is small with only about ten tables inside. Because of its small size service was very good. I had never had Peruvian food before so nothing to compare it to but everything was high quality and good. Restaurant was very clean. Drinks were amazing! Price was okay just a bit on the expensive side but the quality of food matched the price. Will go here again especially considering it is within walking distance from my house.

10/12/2024 : been a few years since my original review. Have come here several times over the years now and this place is better than ever. Hands down this is the best restaurant in the South Coast plaza area of Costa Mesa and maybe one of the best restaurants in Orange County. The watermelon alcoholic drink is the best drink ever!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche Mixto

What a delicious food they serve. Empanadas are beyond good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Empanadas, Yucca Fries

The owner greeted us at the door. Being new to Peruvian food, he provided a thorough overview of the various entrees. We started with the empanadas, had ceviche as our second course and the shrimp and filet as our main course. We shared each course as the portions were generous. We had the Watermelon Fresca cocktail. This was a spectacular culinary experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Empanadas, Ceviche Classico, Tallarin Verde Con Filete, Ceviche Mixto

First experience with Peruvian cuisine. The food was excellent, the service was personal and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was excellent! Will definitely return and share our experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ceviche Mixto

It's a unique spot across the street from SCP down Anton Blvd behind The Westin. They have a small indoor space with a bar and some outdoor tables. The decor is stylish and fun and the servers are friendly. Try a Pisco Sour and the Ceviche Mixto! Delicioso! I had the steak with Pesto noodles for my entree and the steak was very tender.

Parking: We parked at SCP and walked across the street.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Yucca Fries, Ceviche Mixto

A++++++++! This place was divine--everything about it, from the service to the delicious handcrafted cocktails to the authentic dishes!