DINER NOCHE
Hola Adios serves craft coffee by day and, as of recently, transforms into a cozy diner by night. Wednesday through Saturday after 5 p.m., you’ll find indulgent classics such as smash burgers and fried chicken sandos ($10), along with sides like fried pickles ($6) and cheese fries ($9). New Jersey-style disco fries come with toppings from chorizo to carnitas ($14 to $16). Don’t miss the specialty nachos ($15). 120 VIRGINIA PLACE, 949-329-8987
GOOD TO KNOW
Owner Ryan Jimenez notes that everything at Diner Noche is cooked in beef tallow, including the crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside french fries.
PITA HOT
The family behind the popular Fullerton restaurant has brought its Mediterranean flare to Costa Mesa. Mix and match the protein (beef, chicken, falafel, or shrimp), base, and side options when building generously portioned plates. Plant-based sides include tabbouleh, mixed pickles, and hummus. End your meal on a sweet note with flaky layers of pistachio or walnut baklava. The shop also caters. 1750 NEWPORT BLVD., 714-519-2011
PRADERA BRUNCH
Sit under a beautiful lighting installation and enjoy a vibrant Mexican take on brunch. The menu boasts a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes, from the sweet (fresas con crema waffles, $14, and molletes dulces, $8) to the savory (smoked brisket Benedict, $21, and birria braised beef omelet, $25). Be sure to try a licuado, a milk-based smoothie flavored with chocolate, banana, or strawberry ($8), usually presented in a plastic bag. 2300 HARBOR BLVD., 949-991-2007
THYME TO EAT
One of Costa Mesa’s newest bakeries serves Middle Eastern delights, specializing in authentic saj, a Lebanese flatbread. The small but mighty menu has freshly baked saj dishes that pack a punch, such as the ever-popular za’atar pie ($11) and za’atar pie with cheese ($12). The saj wraps ($16) include a refreshing balance of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and mint, which accompany various combinations of za’atar, labneh, and cheese. 1951 HARBOR BLVD., 714-733-7555
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