Late review but I felt like I should leave this here just in case people are wondering cause if…read morethey closed down cause of the food quality. -- Came back to Playa Mesa for my friend's birthday. The chips and salsa were really good. The aguachile had a nice spicy flavor that made it stand out. The queso fundido was SO good super cheesy, and paired with the handmade tortillas it was one of my favorites. We also ordered the calamari and I was surprised by how good it was. Everyone ordered different rounds of cocktails throughout the night and honestly, not one missed. Service was a little slow, but it was a busy Friday night, so that's somewhat expected. I've been here before and the grilled octopus tacos and carne asada burrito were just as good as I remembered them. They also made the birthday celebration really cute. They sang happy birthday, brought out a small ice cream, and gave my friend a big mariachi hat. Good food, great drinks, and still consistent as I remembered it. So long Playa Mesa. 9.5/10

Playa Mesa has a great atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics. In the evening, the open windows…read morecreate a nice breeze, though they do let a few flies in. The hostess was friendly, and our server was funny and kind. He was a little less attentive as it got busier, but the staff worked well as a team, so we never had to wait for refills or anything we needed. Parking in the back can be a little tight. The birria tacos were packed with flavor, and I loved the inside-out cheese crust. My husband's fajitas were flavorful, although the chicken was a little overdone. The guacamole was excellent, especially with the pepita seeds adding great texture. Overall, we enjoyed the flavorful food, service, and atmosphere. We'd definitely come back!

Yes it's as cute as it appears on socials and yelp! Their…read morecoffee is good, and they have a great food menu as well that's made to order! There are so many cute plants to look at and to purchase, along with cute merch as well! The staff is super friendly, including the baristas. There's plenty of seating, the ambiance is great. You come for coffee but definitely are staying for the vibes. They have a handful of 20 min parking spots right out front or, you simple park right across the street at the parking garage, and they validate for 2 hours! Check out my photos!

Beautiful coffee shop with very decent prices for breakfast staples including matcha and multiple…read morecoffee types (I'm not a coffee drinker) and super friendly staff. Inside has a lovely, jungle-y maximalist vibe with live plants all over the place and as its kinda half greenhouse, abundant natural light. My matcha was solid and my husband enjoyed his coffee. We were a little surprised that some of the hot foods were pre-packaged; per the staff prepared the night or day before and then brought in a warmed up; something like this? Not all breakfast items were available on the menu when we were there (in the morning) - a little confusing, as the staff implied it was based on timing of a delivery or preparation or something? Regardless, ample indoor and outdoor seating and within walking distance of some of the hotels around there.

I'm not vegan, but this place has completely won me over. The food is so good that I honestly don't…read moremiss the meat. We always order the beer-battered tacos, purple taquitos, and the Brussels sprouts--they're all incredible. The jackfruit is top-notch and absolutely shines in the nachos. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is what keeps me coming back. The outdoor patio is beautiful, the indoor décor is warm and inviting, and the whole restaurant feels like a welcoming community rather than just somewhere to eat. The staff deserves a special shout-out. Tanner is hardworking, creative, hilarious, and somehow manages to make every visit more fun while providing excellent service. Manager Yassi is an absolute delight and helps create the positive, welcoming vibe that makes this place so special.

My sister and I decided to grab a quick bite at Seabirds after spending the afternoon walking…read morearound and shopping at The LAB Anti-Mall. Since it's a vegetarian restaurant, I was excited to give it a try, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. We ordered three different tacos, and they were all delicious. My absolute favorite was the Beer Battered Avocado Taco. It was packed with flavor, perfectly crispy on the outside, and the creamy avocado inside made every bite amazing. If no one told me it was vegetarian, I probably wouldn't have even noticed because it was that satisfying. We also tried their house-made Fig Vanilla Iced Tea, which was so refreshing and unique. It paired perfectly with the tacos and was a great choice for a warm California afternoon. To start, we ordered the chips and guacamole, which were fresh, light, and the perfect snack while waiting for our food. Everything tasted fresh and made with quality ingredients. We sat outside under the large umbrellas, and the outdoor seating area had such a relaxing atmosphere. It almost felt like we were having a little picnic while enjoying the beautiful weather and people watching around The LAB. The service was also fantastic. Our server was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to try something different, this spot is definitely worth checking out!

Was visiting Newport yesterday and decided to stop by Mendocino Farms for lunch. Payton was very…read morekind and helpful, will definitely go again!

I usually come here post-workout and usually love doing the half sandwich and a small side and…read morethat's always so good. My usual order is the chicken pesto and the couscous as a side! But the heirloom BLT is here for the summer and it's my ABSOLUTE favorite sando they have! I wish it was all year round tbh. So good every time!

Smoothie bar pay there, kind of boosted smoothies that are basic, kind of medium thickness,…read moreinteresting flavors but taste blended (similar to whole foods) it is all organic flavors. Their hot bar holding have more meat based breakfast burritos. The mothers monthly special deals is a steal because you get a variety of food and get to choose your side, but moreso in comparison to typical brunch places versus the ingredients. Its a good place for specialty snacks.

Seriously disappointing to see management fire the Costa Mesa 15. I'm really curious how the…read morePrivate Equity firm will feel when sales falter. Mother's has always been overpriced with mediocre ready-to-eat food, but this recent revelation means we won't be shopping there anymore.

Yelp me, Yelp you! I…read morelove a good rotisserie chicken, so of course I had to try Chixy Natural Chicken. The chicken was moist, super tender, and had lots of flavor. Definitely not one of those dry chickens that makes you reach for water after every bite. I only tried the chicken this time because you have to check out the main attraction first, right? If the chicken is good, then we can start exploring the rest of the menu! Safe to say, the chicken passed the test. Next time I'll definitely try some of their other food. Good flavor, juicy chicken, and I'll definitely be back!

The first time I visited this quaint little spot was several years ago while I was living in…read moreanother state. I recently found myself back in the area for a quick bite with a client, and I knew exactly where I wanted to go. The service was just as friendly and welcoming as I remembered, and the food was every bit as enjoyable. Their approach is refreshingly simple, clean, wholesome ingredients without seed oils, unnecessary additives, or excessive seasoning. Just real, quality food that's prepared well. After all these years, it's easy to see why they're still going strong. It's always nice to revisit a place and find that it has stayed true to what made it special in the first place. Thanks again for another great meal. I look forward to being back the next time I'm in the area! Ps they have the best homemade oatmeal cookies ever!

Great food! I love many dishes there, but sometimes the service can be slow. They have many yummy…read morefood but it doesnt make you heavy and bloated.

We came to True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach for Sunday brunch a couple of weeks ago, and we had…read moresuch a great experience from beginning to end! First, the location is incredible--the surrounding area and views are absolutely mesmerizing. And if you don't want to deal with parking, they offer valet for around $10, which for me is always worth it. I'd much rather pay the $10 and not have to worry about finding a spot! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the sweetest host. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name, but she was adorable and so welcoming. My son had forgotten his phone charger, and she even let him borrow one so he could charge his phone. It was such a small gesture, but those are the little things you remember. We decided to sit at the bar, which is beautiful and very clean, and we were immediately greeted by Sarah. Nowadays, it feels rare to find that old-school kind of customer service--someone who genuinely makes you feel welcome and seems happy to take care of you. Sarah was exactly that. She walked us through the menu, shared some of her favorite recommendations, and paid attention to all the little details. She made me a delicious coffee with cinnamon, exactly the way I like it. She got it down perfectly! My son was also recovering from having a little too much fun the night before , and Sarah recommended a recovery juice that he absolutely loved. We both ordered the Ranchers Hash, and it was DELICIOUS. What I especially appreciated was the portion size. So many times you go out for breakfast or brunch, eat way too much, and spend the rest of the day regretting it. This felt like the perfect balance--fresh, wholesome ingredients, great flavor, and a portion that actually leaves you feeling good afterward. I also have to mention Steven, who was working alongside Sarah. The two of them make a great team. Their personalities and energy balance each other really well, and both were incredibly kind and attentive. You can tell when a restaurant has good team morale because it translates directly into the customer experience. Everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy working together while still providing fast, prompt, attentive service. The restaurant itself is beautiful and clean, the food was excellent, and the service was wonderful--but the highlight of our visit was definitely Sarah. She made what could have simply been a nice Sunday brunch feel memorable. We will absolutely be back. Thank you, Sarah, Steven, our sweet host, and the entire True Food Kitchen Newport Beach team for such a wonderful experience!

Very friendly staff and the food is fresh and healthy. I got the Brussels and kale salad,…read moreabsolutely delicious. They're lemonade is also bomb. It's not too sweet., just right. I work up the street and have a very tight schedule for my brakes and they had it ready in just a few minutes too. I'll definitely be baxk

August 2026: We love this restaurant with its tasty & healthy offerings so much so that we ate…read morehere twice taking advantage of our time in the area. The first time we visited it was crowded and there was a long line. But, they allowed the two of us to go ahead of the line because the rest were large groups, which we appreciated. The young man who took our order was very kind. We both ordered the chicken entree with steamed brown rice except I opted for the grilled vegetables and hubby chose sweet potato fries. We enjoyed our delicious meals! The chicken was tasty, tender, and grilled to perfection as were my vegetables drizzled in olive oil. The sweet potato fries were so good especially with the their homemade sauce. Eating here allowed my blood sugar to come into range for surgery the next day. It goes on to show a good diet is everything. I knew Flower Child would come through. It was the perfect low carb, high protein meal. The second time we arrived, there was no line so we were able to order right as we got up to the counter. The young lady there was very welcoming. My husband ordered the same thing but I slightly changed the meal opting for a cauliflower risotto in place of the grilled vegetables previously. Delicious! The interior has a whimsical & bright decor and impeccably clean. The high ceilings make it feel very spacious & airy. Looking forward to returning.

Bomb.com tacos are what you'll find at Salt & Lime! I took my friends here for a girls night out…read moreand we all loved it. It's this cute little spot on 17th street for good food and good vibes. We got the chips and guac to start. Super yummy, plenty of chips, and the perfect way to start a meal. For my main I got the taco flight of three: braised short rib, wagyu ribeye, and shrimp. Each taco was perfectly crafted with all of the different elements on it. Their tortillas are all made in house, and you can really tell the difference. I also love how each taco has a fresh element on it, a slaw or salad. My fav was definitely the wagyu ribeye. The meat was cooked perfectly and the shishito pepper was a nice touch.

I ordered the Chipotle shrimp, peppered steak, & the apple pork belly taco flight. Presentation was…read moregood but the food just lacked flavor. It's not bad though. For the price I paid I was expecting way more. Place is too pricey for alright food. Don't believe the people that says its hella bomb. Trust me it's not. It's a cool spot if you wanna go hang out or on a lil taco date. Just don't expect nothing crazy tho. 6.5/10 could be a 7

Busy Saturday at peak brunch time, but we were greeted and seated quickly…read more The environment was casual-chic with a focus on chickens (eggs?), and the space was well laid out and easily navigable. The food was excellent. We had the protein omelette and the breakfast burrito. The protein omelette was strong, and the Jurassic pork (sweet and savory seasoned bacon) stole the show there. Toast and fruit was well made and fresh. The burrito was where things went to the next level. Steak AND bacon in a burrito in this economy? Unbelievable. It was so rich and heavy I almost couldn't finish it. They didn't overcompensate for a lack of meat and eggs with a bunch of potatoes. The whole burrito was well balanced in that respect. The beans were excellent, and the cherry on top was the fresh made red chile salsa. It tied the whole experience together perfectly. Finally, the coffee was excellent as well, the only caveat being that we actually got our food before our coffee (only one barista was behind the bar and she was pretty backed up). Wonderful brunch experience, I will be back.

Lively spot with a fun rooster-themed atmosphere. They currently have 11 locations in SoCal, with…read moreanother Palm Springs location opening up in October and Highland Park next year. A baker's dozen soon enough. We ate: California Breakfast Burrito - comes with carne asada, pico de gallo infused guac, house potatoes, eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. served with rice, black beans and salsa on the side. Pretty substantial and filling. Rooster Flight - the menu says choose any 3 french toast or pancakes. But you can't choose any limited-time special pancakes, so just mix and match from the regular menu. I got the brioche French toast, which was buttery. The Churro Pancake was a heavy dose of cinnamon sugar, fair warning. I liked the Strawberry Cheesecake Pancake with the cheesecake cream, graham cracker crumbs, and macerated strawberries. Portions are fine for two people. For each flight sold, $1 goes towards their parent company's nonprofit Rise & Shine. Prepare to wait if you go on a weekend. But it was nice sitting on the patio and enjoying brunch on a sunny Saturday.