Tag costa mesa

Eating and experiencing new foods is one of the best parts of vacationing. For this reason, many tourist-heavy destinations offer top-tier dining for visitors and locals alike. One such destination is Costa Mesa, California. Costa Mesa is a city filled with outdoor activities, shopping, and excellent restaurants. From seafood and steak to tacos and Asian fusion, there are so many options to choose from. Below, you will find tips for planning the perfect eatcation in Costa Mesa. 

Planning the Perfect Eatcation

If you want to get the most out of your eatcation, plan your trip in advance. Adequate preparation can save you precious time when you are at your destination. Look at various online resources to determine where you want to go, including Reddit, Yelp, the Michelin Guide, TripAdvisor, and Chowhound. Choose restaurants that have good reviews across the board. This can help guide your choices, so you can have the exact experience you want on your eatcation.

Do Your Research

Before you head out, it is helpful to research the local destinations’ food culture. Beach towns often have great seafood, while larger cities often have more variety. Check out the local area and be sure to cater your meals around what the area does best so you can ensure that you have the best experience. For example, sushi in Nebraska may not be the best of the best as they are landlocked and away from fresh seafood. It is also important to consider local customs and culture. Consider going to spots favored by locals rather than tourists so that you can have an authentic eatcation experience. 

Create and Customize Your Dining Map

Once you have done your research and have your desired locations in mind, it is time to plan your trip. To make the most of your time, map out your schedule in advance. Determine each place you would like to visit and create the most effective route. Be sure to check with each location to make sure you know their hours. Some places only serve certain meals at certain times. Get all of the necessary information about each location in advance to ensure you can stay on schedule and experience everything you want.

Food Scene in Costa Mesa

If your trip is in southern California, visiting the food scene in Costa Mesa is a must. There are a variety of options depending on the type of cuisine you enjoy. In fact, no matter how specific their preferences are, there is likely something for everyone in Costa Mesa. From vegetarian to gluten-free options, your whole family can enjoy eating out in the area. Consider checking out the following restaurants in Costa Mesa during your eatcation.

Knife Pleat

Knife Pleat is one of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. It offers a contemporary take on classic French cuisine. The restaurant’s chefs are skilled in several classic French dishes and offer amazing dessert options. The restaurant is elegant yet approachable and draws people from all over the world. Located in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza, you can conveniently enjoy an afternoon of shopping and dining.

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a must-visit restaurant in Costa Mesa. It serves Chinese food specifically focused on Shanghai cuisine. From its dumplings to perfectly seasoned vegetables, the menu has something for everyone. Unfortunately, because the dishes are so delicious, the restaurant is often busy, so it is important to reserve your table at Din Tai Fung in advance.

Hana re

Hana Re is a sushi bar with unmatched dishes. They carefully select their seafood and meat to ensure pure perfection when served. In fact, the kitchen is open so you can see exactly how your dish is created. Hana Re is a Michelin-starred restaurant that consistently leaves patrons coming back for more.

Plan Your Eatcation Today!

Costa Mesa has a plethora of incredible restaurants to try and enjoy. If you love trying new foods, make sure to visit its delectable food scene.

Costa Mesa is often referred to as the heart of Orange County, but where exactly is it located? What is it most well-known for? Is Costa Mesa near any beaches in California? 

Is Costa Mesa Near Any Beaches?

Our travel agents get this question a lot, and we understand that there is a lot of hype surrounding Costa Mesa and all of OC. Costa Mesa is an incredible city that is very close to well-known beach towns such as Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and even Laguna Beach. Plus, Costa Mesa is home to one of the largest and most famous malls in the world. Whether you are in the mood for some beach relaxation or you want to score big with some unique shopping, Costa Mesa is certainly the place to be. 

Newport Beach

As a stunning and world-renowned beach location, Newport Beach offers a unique opportunity to see the Pacific Ocean. Its beaches are known for being clean, pristine, and beautiful during the day and the night. Walk along the boardwalk and witness the sunset while making your way to an amazing seafood dining location. The next day, get yourself over to Fashion Island, which is a huge shopping center located near the ocean in Newport Beach. You will find a new selection and outlet pricing all in one shopping experience. 

Huntington Beach

In addition to sprawling beaches and plenty of opportunities to camp out, Huntington Beach has a fun beach town that just feels like home. You and your family can make an entire day out of going to the beach as there are plenty of games to play and food to try. Make sure to arrive early so you can claim one of the fire pits, which you can use to cook burgers and s’mores while playing in the ocean. 

Laguna Beach

Though tucked away a bit further south, Laguna Beach is still very close by. This is a quaint artistic town with plenty of great California history to discover. You can find plenty of sandy beaches to sprawl out on if you prefer to spend the day listening to the sounds of the Pacific. You can also stroll through the town and visit one of the many art museums or seafood restaurants along your path.

Costa Mesa

Of course, Costa Mesa is the hub of all of these entertainment options. You can spend all day at the beach while also visiting famous theme parks and dining at five-star restaurants. From Costa Mesa, you can reach just about any activity in Orange County due to our convenient and centralized location. 

Not to mention, we proudly boast the home of South Coast Plaza, one of the most acclaimed shopping locations in the world. With hundreds of different shops, markets, restaurants, and experiences to try out, you will have a shopping trip like no other. Costa Mesa is home to many great hotels and hospitality locations for this exact reason, as we are so close to everything you could ever want in the perfect vacation.

Plan Your Costa Mesa Vacation Today!

At Travel Costa Mesa, we can give you plenty of reasons to visit. But we like to let our city speak for itself. Just a quick trip to our website will give you endless opportunities for Costa Mesa recreation, fun, beach access, museum spots, and so much more. If you are looking to access a bunch of different attractions in Orange County and you don’t know where to go first, choose Costa Mesa. It is close to everything and you will find it easy to travel from place to place while staying in some of the best accommodations. Visit us soon and have an incredible vacation!

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa was established in 1993 and is a creative space full of a vibrant assortment of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The LAB stands for Little American Businesses, and this is precisely what is so special about the place. The Lab Anti-Mall, first and foremost, focuses on supporting small businesses as well as artists, musicians, local culture, and fashion. Moreover, this creative space takes pride in being a harbor for free thinking, originality, fun, and funkiness.

Now, the Lab Anti-Mall is a unique center with indoor space and an outdoor courtyard for all who love art, culture, and good food. The three-decade history of the Anti-Mall began when a Costa Mesa night-vision goggle factory was reborn as a creative space with the help of The LAB Team in 1993.

The array of events hosted by the LAB Anti-Mall truly speaks for itself and illustrates the goals and vision of its team. Except for various art shows and pop-up and artisan markets, there are such events as book and poetry readings, creative classes, sustainable wardrobe clothing swaps, and even animal adoption pop-ups.

What Is the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa?

The LAB Anti-Mall is not just another creative space, but it is a welcoming community with projects like a wishing tree messaging installation, “The living room” community seating, a walk-through gallery, and rotating murals. The LAB Anti-Mall takes pride in promoting creative evolution in the area, giving space to local artists for art and musical events, and bringing together a diverse mix of cultures.

Don’t forget to admire projects such as:

Community Tile Wall Project: the mosaic tile wall is one of the oldest pieces of art on the territory of the LAB. Volunteers from Orange County have been helping to build the wall throughout the years, and this is a good case in point for the community surrounding the LAB Anti-Mall.

• Here, you can find the list of the various events constantly curated and hosted by the LAB.

Memorable Eats from Affordable to Luxurious

Apart from art, the LAB is known for its abundant choice of:

• Unique cafes and restaurants with seasonal vegan cuisine
• Hand-crafted gourmet pizza
• Instagram-worthy lattes
• Organic teas
• Plant-based ice cream
• Craft beer
• Trivia
• And more

You can find here such gastronomic gems as Lebanese and Cuban cuisines, traditional Southern food, and a sushi bar crowned with one MICHELIN star. You can also go on a dream adventure of searching for a hidden speakeasy bar. In addition, the LAB Anti-Mall is a home for shops with locally sourced eco-friendly goods.

Key Restaurants to Try

Here are a couple of eateries that can be thrilling destinations with the trip to the LAB in Costa Mesa: 

• Barbonzai is a restaurant of unique Lebanese cuisine with a modern Mediterranean twist. The food is not only flavorful but healthy as well. The business is local and family-owned.
• Hana Re is a Michelin-star sushi bar known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional omakase experience curated by Chef Atsushi Yokoyama, a true master of his craft. Keep in mind that you need to have a reservation. 
• Ruin Bar will take you on a true speakeasy adventure. This cozy bar is hidden behind white shuttered doors and consists of indoor and outdoor space. The atmosphere is quirky, and the craft cocktails are delicious. Moreover, on Fridays and Saturdays, the air is spiced up by DJ performances, and guests can enjoy Live Music on Thursdays.
• Seabirds Kitchen has an outstanding vegan menu carefully crafted using seasonal products.

Another exciting part of the LAB is a variety of one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques and clothing shops. These promote the “anti-mall” atmosphere. Staying true to its nature and mindset, the LAB hosts shops with:

• Vintage clothing
• Handmade jewelry
• High-quality minimalist designs
• Streetwear
• Children’s clothing
• And more

LAB Anti-Mall Shops Where You Can Treat Yourself

• Red and Blue Vintage is part of a doughnut shop and is the personal passion project of its owner. Apart from a curated collection of clothing, visitors can find unique vintage decor pieces. Take notice that the shop is closed on Tuesdays.
• Buffalo Exchange began its history in 1974 and keeps an affordable and curated collection of vintage clothing. This thrift shop also buys clothes and has a trade-on-the-spot program.
• Mod Ref | Common Market is a quality clothing and lifestyle accessories brand aiming to provide customers with affordable and timeless clothing inspired by minimal architecture, art, music, and nature. The store is closed on Mondays.

Smaller Shops That Make a Big Difference

• Eco Now is a refill shop that promotes sustainable living and features eco-friendly and locally sourced goods.
• Plant Matter. Is there a nicer reason for having a day out in Costa Mesa than adopting a new plant under the attentive guidance of the knowledgeable team of this plant shop? Come and choose your new green companion. The shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Creme Tangerine is putting its efforts into keeping the vinyl culture alive and has a superb collection of records.

The LAB: A Place to Experience a Different Side to Commerce

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa is about more than spending your hard-earned cash. It’s a place to support your community and reward the efforts of creators, chefs, designers, and more. To learn more about the LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa (and about visiting this city in general), pop by Travel Costa Mesa.