Best Date Night Restaurants in Costa Mesa

I had the pleasure of celebrating my 38th birthday at Ocean 48, and the experience was absolutely unforgettable. I was joined by a friend who was also celebrating a birthday, and the restaurant went above and beyond to make our evening special. From the moment we arrived, the staff’s thoughtfulness and generosity stood out. One of the highlights of the evening was receiving personalized birthday cards from the team—a small but incredibly touching gesture that warmed our hearts. To our surprise, the thoughtfulness didn’t end there. The restaurant even called the next day to check in and ensure everything had gone well, which truly reflects their commitment to exceptional customer service. The food was nothing short of phenomenal. We indulged in several dishes—almost the entire menu—and everything was absolutely delicious. Every bite showcased the chef’s expertise and attention to detail, making it difficult to pick a favorite. The manager and staff were the epitome of hospitality, setting a gold standard for customer service. Their attentiveness and genuine care turned our celebration into an extraordinary experience. I’m already looking forward to returning, this time with my mom, so she can also enjoy the amazing food and service. Ocean 48 is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place that knows how to create lasting memories. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, this is it.

Had the best time at RH last night! The space is absolutely stunning, and the service was impeccable from start to finish. Everyone—from the hostess to our incredible server, Ri—was professional, attentive, and genuinely friendly. Ri gave us some amazing recommendations, including the crispy artichoke (so good!) and the truffle fries, which were a hit. She truly made our evening special with her exceptional service and warm demeanor. The sunset views were breathtaking. We can’t wait to come back!

My husband, daughter and I had Christmas dinner at Mastro's. It was so crowded, I would have totally understood if the service or food was lacking... but to my surprise, everything was perfect! Service was amazing, food was just as wonderful as always. The restaurant was lively and festive. Once again, dining here was a great experience. Definitely pricey, but worth it for a special occasion!!

Xmas Eve dinner was wonderful at Habana. We were greeted at the door with complimentary sparkling rose wine while we were checked in for our reservation. Our reservation was for comfortable outdoor seating with a festive ambiance for the season. The server was attentive and courteous offering recommendations and adjustments for some of our dietary restrictions. The seasonal cocktails were delicious and our food was too. Overall a great experience and we are planning to go back soon!

This is real, authentic Italian pasta, the best you’ll find in the south coast area. It seriously tastes just like pasta you’d find at a nice place in Italy. The ragu is my favorite. In my opinion the prices for pasta are a little high for such a casual place, but I keep coming back, so clearly it’s worth it. The service is always very good as well. The patio is nice with a fire pit and good heaters. It’s in the camp which provides nice ambiance, but parking is a nightmare. It took us 15 minutes to valet.