I'm trying different middle eastern restaurants around the Newport/Costa Mesa/Irvine area. I ordered the chicken shawarma and cheese borek to go for lunch -- delicious! Definitely would again. Owner and staff were very pleasant. Sahten! صحتين! read more

Pom & Olive - Chicken Shawarma Wrap and Cheese Borek - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Always delicious. Usually get these two dishes and they never disappoint. Staff is incredibly hospitable and eager to please. Beer/wine selection is pretty solid. Highly recommend their beef shawarma, falafel, and iskender kebab as well. read more

See all

Dark scary not friendly super dirty and the food isn't even good.... I just wanted a falafel and they don't give you pita with it strange.... Small portions. Never will I return.... read more

Not really authentic. Strange flavors that I didn't taste before in any other "Mediterranean" restaurant. Good price. Service is just ok, waiter was somehow rude, but the person in charge was friendly. read more

Looking for a great Mediterranean restaurant in a sea of choices in Orange County? Look no further than this gem of a restaurant in Costa Mesa! Doesn't matter what you order.... koobideh, kabobs, shawarma, lamb chops or any other entree on their extensive menu, you will not be disappointed! I ordered the lamb chops that were grilled to perfection and melted in your mouth. The chops were well marinated and full of flavor. The dish was accompanied with mixed rice, grilled veggies and side salad. The portions are generous. The owner and staff were friendly and attentive. They really made us feel welcome and made the dining experience very enjoyable! Will definitely be back and will recommend to family and friends! read more

Great food. Was surprised by the prices, very generous portions and great seasoning. Will definitely be back to try other items.

In that nether world way past South Coast Plaza, the Lab, the Camp, but before Newport Beach and Fletcher Jones is... Pom & Olive? Pom & Olive seems sort of hidden because it's on the lazy side of Costa Mesa but it's easy to find on Bristol Street as it occupies a large space. The left dining room is immersed with natural light, giving it an airy feel. For just $1-$2 more per dish than fast casual places (Doner G, Henhouse, etc.), you can have a great sit down meal in an elegant setting. The owner was generous in honoring the Yelp check-in offer of free Pita Fries with Hummus. At a table of 4, we had 3 check-ins even though we only ordered two fully entrees. Cucumber Refresher ($4) - A refreshing cucumber drink with splash of lemon or lemonade and honey syrup. It's much like the Mexican pepino agua fresca. The blended cucumber here is more coarse than some other places where I've had it. It came up the straw fine, but if there's only one tweak I'd make, it would be to spin the cucumber a couple of extra seconds in the blender to get it just a little more chopped up. PIta Fries w/ Hummus ($6 or free with Yelp check-in!) - These were good, addicting and a little oily, so don't have too much. I couldn't figure out if they were pan fried in olive oil or just baked and flipped in the oven. Warm, crispy pita strips, sliced like long fingers with just the right amount of hummus to match. Koobideh Kabob Entree with Greek Salad, Rice and Grilled Veggies ($11) - You can get either two ground beef sirlion skewers, two ground chicken skewers, or one of each. I went for one of each. The salad that comes with is a basic greek salad (lettuce, tomato, kalamata olives, feta cheese). For rice you can choose basic basmati or their curried rice with lentils and raisins. The rice with lentils and raisins was very good, a defined but not too strong curry flavor with some sweetness from the raisins to balance. As for the skewers, both were great. I liked them equally the same. Both were well seasoned and grilled perfectly, very tender and juicy on the inside. The fire grilled veggies that came with were zucchini and onions. I spent $15 before tax and tip and had plenty of leftovers, enough to feed me for dinner also! Overall, we had a very enjoyable Sunday lunch. Surprisingly, the restaurant was not packed at all. The owner came to check on us numerous times, was attentive and kept our water refilled. If you are looking for a nice little place a mile away from the madness of South Coast and the Lab and the Camp, somewhere that actually has parking, I totally recommend Pom and Olive! read more

See all

Dinner with friends, our first time, nice size, plenty of seating and friendly staff. We ordered samosas, shawarma trio, Iskander plate and lamb shank. Food was mediocre, flavors were good, portions were small compared to other persian restaurants. Menu is vast and diverse and staff was friendly. Quality and freshness of food was not good, shawarma meats were all dry and tough and did not seem to be authentic shawarma cooked on rotating grill but was just strips of meat cooked on flat top. Lamb shank was our least favorite, strong smell was overpowering the dish, smell should not be that strong when cooked properly, I know since I cook with lamb. Rice and salad was decent, samosas were good. Not worth a second trip. read more

Reviews are kinda all over the place for Pom & Olive, so I wasn't sure what to expect when we ate here. First of all, I believe this restaurant has been here for some time. The signage and way the restaurant looks makes it seem that way. It is a large place with it's own parking lot on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa. With it's proximity to South Coast Plaza, I am amazed that I have never discovered this place earlier. ;P My friend and I enjoy Mediterranean and Persian food and decided to check this place out for lunch. As I just stated, the menu is a mix of both cuisines. The restaurant looked like there were two dining room areas and a bar, and they were seating all the restaurant patrons into the one side for lunch. Yelp check-in gets you free Pita Fries. These were absolutely delicious. They are deep fried strips of pita bread goodness served with hummus. I love Koobideh so I went with that. The beef koobideh was flavorful and cooked well. I saw a lot of people complaining about dryness of their food here, but that was not the case with my koobideh. I came with basmati rice and salad. My friend ordered the Combination Shawarma plate. He enjoyed it and I had a bite of the shawarma and it tasted good, but I preferred my plate to his. Service was attentive here but I would kind of stop at that. It wasn't exactly what I would describe as warm and fuzzy as far as the vibe here. It is adequate but nobody is really going out of their way here to be overly friendly here. We got here when it opened for lunch on a Friday and it was pretty crowded when we left. The menu here is pretty large and offers quite a selection if you have a fairly large group with diverse tastes. We both enjoyed our lunch at Pom & Olive. I would definitely stop back in if in the area to check out more of the menu. read more

See all

I preordered and picked up chicken kabobs, falafels, and rice with lentils and raisins for my contribution to a potluck dinner for a dozen guests last night. I was very pleased. The food was tasty and plentiful and the cost was reasonable. I will definitely do this again! read more

Pom & Olive is a must visit for anyone in Orange County craving Mediterranean food! The owners are always super friendly and welcoming to all of their guests. The food and drinks taste amazing every time we visit and I recommend the chicken shawarma wrap and definitely the pita fries! read more

Cutest sit down spot with a reasonably priced menu. Stopped in with my coworkers for lunch and I was blown away by how delicious everything was. Beautiful plating, tasty entrees/appetizers and yummy dessert. This is definitely on my return list. read more

We had Kale salad, veggie combo and chicken kobedeh. All of them are freshly prepared, garnished and cooked. Well done, we shall come back to try different items. read more

See all

Best Mediterranean Food HANDS DOWN! Everything is fresh, homemade and from Authentic Family Recipes. Totally affordable for anyone. Don't pass this place up. It's Heaven on Earth! Dine In Patio Dining and Take Out! read more

When people post four and five stars, I expect amazing. Pom and Olive was fine. Just fine. It was next to a low-fi motel, and that was appropriate. Food was okay. Service was sweet -- I had to explain to the innocent young man who brought the cocktails what each of the drinks were so that he could give each to the correct person. The food was fast casual-caliber, but the price was definitely more. I wish the best for this restaurant, but please, Yelpers, keep it real. read more

Oh my goodness this place is sooooo gooood! We were looking for a Mediterranean restaurant nearby that we hadn't been to yet, and when we came across this one on Yelp with almost 1,500 reviews at 4.5 stars, we were sold! It's a casual spot, but I would say it's 1 level above casual. It's just a nicer setting with big booths. Even the bathroom is big and homey with a wood dresser in the corner. I love all the pomegranate options like the pom stew, pomegranate lemonade, pom Bellini, and pomegranate ice cream. The limeade was really good, light in flavor with added chia seeds. We got the appetizer for free with the Yelp check-in deal. Those pita fries were perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. I was trying to decide which I like better, these or the standard pita bread squares, and I think this is my favorite version. For the entree I had to try the Cornish hen kabob. The kabob line started with the dark meat and ended with the white breast meat. All bone in which I love. Served along side grilled onions and zucchini. It was all perfectly flavorful, as was the salad and the basmati rice. There are so many other menu items and drinks that I can't wait to try! And next time I will have to save room for dessert too...especially for that pomegranate ice cream! read more

See all

I finally got to give this restaurant a try after passing by it on my commute - so happy I did! Both of the entrees we ordered were fresh and delicious, and it was nice not to feel like I just ingested a ton of calories. Would definitely come back, it was a relaxing atmosphere and the service was very efficient! read more

This is our MOST FAVORITE Persian restaurant in all of OC. The food is FANTASTIC--especially their koobidehs. I usually get the combo platter (a beef and chicken skewer with lentil rice and salad) and it's soo good! My husband usually gets the grilled Cornish hen which is amazing. I recommend this place to everyone looking for exceptional service and delicious food! 5 stars all the way In response to the strange 1 star review below, I was just at the restaurant with these people and they were extremely rude to the owner and servers. The man who wrote this review below seemed extremely upset (?) with the servers that I had my service dog with me (even though we were seated 30 feet away). If you do not like people or animals, (especially on New Years Eve) then please stay home. It's not fair to other hardworking businesses and people who are doing their best to serve you to be insulted and put down just because you're having a bad day. This is an awesome restaurant and I highly recommend! read more

Pom & Olive - Beef and Chicken Koobideh Kabab so - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Pom & Olive is my absolute FAVORITE Place for LUNCH and is a complete Hidden Gem in Orange County!! It is my GO-TO Impressive Lunch Spot I bring ALL of my Clients to. You won't find better quality Mediterranean food in OC and definitely cannot beat the GREAT price. I come here at least once a week and have loved everything I have eaten from the starters to the salads to the wraps and shish kababs. But my favorite meal begins with the Pita Fries and Hummus, so delicious...and great for sharing. I love salads and the Kale Salad with Chicken Shawarma aka Stuart's Special is the best item on the menu especially if you ask for the spicy chili oil on the side. The shawarma is so flavorful, tender and amazing! The atmosphere is great and open and the service is unbelievable! Also you are ALWAYS welcomed in by BOTH of the Incredible and Kind Owners. Please try Pom & Olive- it will be your new favorite spot! read more

We tested Pom and Olive for our wedding and now they are catering our wedding! So excited for all their delicious food!

Me and a few friends from Taiwan were looking for an interesting restaurant. Pom & Olive caught our eyes with so many reviews. We arrived at the restaurant, staff were friendly. A lady was, perhaps the owner was even friendlier. She gave us a feeling of a family style restaurant, more of coming home to your mom style. Food were special, love the watermelon martini. Overall, 100% satisfied with our choice. I am planning to come back with my employees very soon. read more

Pom & Olive - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

We've been here a few times with my family and we are always pleased with the delicious, fresh, flavorful meals. The menu is vast and everything we've tried has been tasty...the lamb stew, filet mignon kabobs, chicken shawarma wrap, and several of the appetizers, as well as the fattoush salad. And we love the Pita Fries! Service is fast and friendly. The place is spacious enough for large groups too. read more

Great food and reasonable prices. The lentil rice is delightful and I always get the chicken koobadeh. So yummy! Oh and the people that work there are very nice. read more

Amazing food, great value and wonderful service!! The prices are amazing. The iced tea is delicious. They have very unique flavors and the food tastes fresh. We will be coming back more often. read more

Really a 3-star place, but for the location, an easy 4 stars. Credible Mediterranean food. Fattoush salad would have been lovely, but there was too much iceberg lettuce and the sumac spice was old and bland without any sourness. The kale salad had a fine pomegranate sauce which was not overwhelmingly sweet, and the chicken schwarma topping was of good quality, but that had an additional hummus sauce which wasn't so great. The side order of hummus was mercifully without off tastes but was a little bland. A highlight was the pita fries, which was a really good idea that I haven't seen before here or in the region. Very sweet service, and surprisingly affordable given the oldschool nice OC interior decor. read more

Very good Mediterranean food. Good kebabs and rice. We got the jujay and koobedeh kebabs and they were terrific.

I craving for salad and along the way of yelping, we found this little Mediterranean spot. Thanks to my fellow yelpers, the pictures helped me decide. My friend and I were super hungry, so we ordered quite a few things. This place is not anywhere near a busy plaza, but next to a motel? Holiday Inn? It's family run and when you walk inside, it looks quite traditional. Sometimes you might have to flag them down. CHECK IN on yelp to get a free appetizer! Tzatziki or pita fries. (we got the pita fries with hummus) We ordered the soup of the day - lentils. Not too flavorful and super greasy! I drained out the lentils and had it with the pita fries. That was tastier. I ordered the Chicken shish kabob and my friend ordered the boneless chicken kabob. Both very delicious, just that mine was with chicken breast and her's with dark meat. The food is very good and it's a good sized portion. It comes with a salad and mixed rice with raisin or white rice. Cannot forget the fresh cucumber honey lemonade!! Now that was refreshing. I'm going to try the others next time! Good experience and it satisfied our tummy! read more

Pom & Olive - Check in on Yelp and you'll get a free app! Pita fries or tzatziki. Yum! - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

love this place! Always. Fresh kebabs, wraps are always good. Spiced up Turkish coffee. read more

Pom & Olive - Second to no one. - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Great kabobs. I always eat here when I'm nearby. Service is good, taste is good. Can be a bit loud with the amount of people during the lunch hours read more

Very tasty food fresh and healthy!! Very friendly service clean and nice ambiance thank you! read more

Pom & Olive - Chicken Koobideh Kabab - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Came here on a whim -- was very hungry after a long day in the office. The beet salad was awesome. So was the grilled chicken. So fresh and fast. Cute ambiance. Nice service. Coming here again. read more

Excellent food. I had family of 8 coming over for a get-together and catered the Chicken kebab plate with rice and veggies. Also the falafel side platter ($1 each) is a great option for vegetarians. Upon picking up the food; the car was filled with an amazing aroma that I couldn't wait to indulge. The chicken was perfectly cooked and substantially more food than what you'd get at Panini cafe. The quality of the meat; the juiciness of chicken; and the sumac and tahini and hot pepper paste they provided really made the evening. Don't sleep on this amazing family-owned restaurant that makes quality food! read more

It was okay.... You can tell it's authentic but I've had much better authentic Mediterranean food. Not as good as I thought it was going to be because the pictures and the reviews were a bit deceiving. The food was bland and not that fresh. I wouldn't come back read more

Delicious, big portions and great prices! I wish they were closer to where I live. Had the pomegranate stew. So delicious!

During COVID review: I know everyone is struggling to make it and I don't want to bring down any business; however, safety and cleanliness shouldn't be taken lightly. I'm leaving a neutral review but feel like it should have been a lot less. While I was having my dinner, I watched 3 tables turn over. The owners (assuming) picked up the plates and silverware but did no COVID precaution cleaning. No disinfectant spray bottle or rag to wipe up. I saw 3 different tables get used by the next customers and weren't properly cleaned. 2 of the tables for sure did get wiped down even to get cleaned. Again, sorry that this will be perceived as a negative review but people's health are at risk here. If you're going to stay in business you should abide by health and safety standards, regardless of whatever your situation is (understaffed, back log, etc) Not to mention, slow service, protein was over-cooked but I'm not going to knock them for that due to the circumstances. read more

I tried the filet mignon meat platter- I think if I can recall it came with 4 pieces like a kabob style line up with onions and zucchini and 1 of my meat pieces wasn't tender like the rest- it was super hard & chewy. Dispite that, the flavor of the meat was on point. it was yummy. I wish portions were bigger. Also service wasn't good. But food had amazing taste. I would come here again solely for the food. :) oh I forgot I also ordered a side order of the hummus and pita... the pita was a little hard but hummus was super yummy. read more

We had the chicken shish kabob and the combination plate. This food was very well proportioned, cooked perfectly, extremely flavorful, well seasoned and was presented well given the current Covid state. Thank you to restaurant staff for providing disposable plates and a pleasant dining experience. read more

Pom & Olive - Chicken Shish Kabob and the Combination Plate! AMAZING! - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Good Mediterranean food and cocktails and reasonable price for the amount of food provided read more

Pom & Olive - Shawarma Trio and Mediterranean Mule - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Place doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is delicious! Staff is so nice and welcoming. They have the best lamb my mom and I have ever eaten. 100% coming back here many times in the future. read more

Pom & Olive - Lamb Shish Kabab - Mediterranean Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

OMG YAAAAS 5 STARS!!!! I've been working in Costa Mesa for 3 months and I only just found this place NOW?! I have been missing out. Let me tell you about my awesome experience... FOOD: I ordered the Kale salad with chicken to-go. I also checked in on Yelp and got free pita fries! I ate it back in my office and everyone was asking me where I got my food because it smelled so darn good. My goodness this was delicious! LOCATION: This place is located right next to an inn with reasonable amount of parking. I had no idea what the place was like inside but heads up to everyone: it's a sit-down restaurant but they also do to-go orders! You seriously feel like you're at home in this place. SERVICE: You're greeted so warmly and they look after you even while you're sitting down and waiting for your food. While I was waiting I was offered a glass of water twice! They were so nice and sweet. Am I coming back? Heck yes, I can't wait to come back! read more

See all