Best Restaurants in South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is the most upscale shopping center in the Los Angeles area and with over 250 shops and boutiques and 30 restaurants it spills over into two city blocks. Shops like Hermes and Chanel sit alongside family-friendly stores that feature Hello Kitty. It's shopping for every taste and budget and the restaurants are equally diverse. Dining at South Coast Plaza is not about refueling for an afternoon of shopping; it's a scene that showcases some of Orange County's most highly rated restaurants.
Marché Moderne
3333 Bristol Street, Suite #3001
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 434-7900
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Marché Moderne is a destination restaurant located on the tranquil third level penthouse area of the Nordstrom wing away from the stores. It works equally well for an elegant lunch with the girls or a couples' date night. If you think you would never go to the mall for an elegant dinner, think again. The food is elegantly crafted and the desserts are not-to-be-missed. Sit inside for a classic restaurant experience or on the "patio" with billowing white curtains for a more casual feel.
Seasons 52
3333 Bristol Avenue, Suite #2802
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 437-5252
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The Seasons 52 menu is built around using the freshest seasonal ingredients. While menus change four times a year there are always a few items that remain like cedar plank roasted salmon and roasted shrimp and spinach stuffed mushrooms. Of special note are the various flatbreads and the mini-indulgences desserts which are perfect when you want just a taste of a something sweet to end your meal. There are many options here for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Hamamori
3333 Bear Street, Suite #320
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 850-0880
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Hamamori is not your typical sushi bar; it's Japanese fine dining OC-style with white modern décor throughout the restaurant and sushi bar. Try the happy hour menu for a first visit -it's reasonably priced and has favorites like tuna pizza and shitake mushroom fries. If you like sushi, the albacore with crispy maui onions gets rave reviews and in general, diners note the high quality of the fresh fish.
Anqi Bistro
3333 Bristol Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-5679
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Anqi Bistro and Noodle Bar may be the only restaurant located in a shopping plaza where you can sample gourmet Vietnamese-fusion cuisine and watch a fashion show at the same time. Whether the fashion show inspiration comes from its swanky sister restaurant, Crustacean, in Beverly Hills or its location next to Bloomingdales this is a hip eatery. Garlic noodles are a staple but it's the Asian small plates like chicken curry oysters and filet mignon pot stickers that get interesting.
Maggianos
3333 Bristol Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 546-9550
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Maggiano's is casual family-style Italian food in a comfortable environment. This is a perfect option for families that don't want fast food or a kid-themed restaurant. Portions are large and meant to be shared. The spinach salad is a favorite and kids give the flatbread style pizza a big thumbs up. Reservations are recommended if you want to eat between 5 and 9. Maggiano's is located near Sears.
