New Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Bars and Parks in Costa Mesa to Check Out in 2026

Costa Mesa always has something new going on, and that is one of the many reasons people love living here. From new coffee shops and restaurants to exciting park improvements, there is a lot happening around town right now. As a local realtor with Torelli Realty, I always like keeping an eye on what is new in Costa Mesa because these are the places and spaces that continue to make the city such a fun place to call home.

If you are looking for new spots to try in Costa Mesa, here are a few that are either newly opened, recently announced, or worth keeping on your radar this year.

Salty Horse is one of the newer coffee and brunch spots people are talking about

Salty Horse has quickly become one of the buzziest newer spots in Costa Mesa. Travel Costa Mesa describes it as Costa Mesa’s newest café, with a coastal-meets-cowboy feel and a menu that includes drinks like Yuzu Matcha along with brunch favorites like Campfire French Toast and Ube Maple Chicken & Waffles. It is the kind of place that feels very Costa Mesa—creative, a little unexpected, and easy to picture becoming a regular weekend stop.

Gremlin Garage brings a different coffee shop vibe to Costa Mesa

If you like finding local spots that feel a little more hidden and unique, Gremlin Garage is one to know. Travel Costa Mesa recently highlighted it as a coffee speakeasy tucked inside a garage, and also described it as a woman-owned coffee spot with a very different feel from the usual coffee run. For anyone who loves discovering neighborhood gems, this is a fun one to add to the list.

Earlybird Breakfast Burritos is a fresh new addition

Earlybird Breakfast Burritos officially held its Costa Mesa grand opening on January 17, 2026, at 2930 Bristol Street, with regular hours beginning the next day. For people who love quick local favorites and easy breakfast spots, this is another example of Costa Mesa continuing to add new food options across different parts of the city.

Café Mesa at Lions Park is one of the most exciting local additions coming to Costa Mesa

One of the more exciting projects coming to Costa Mesa is Café Mesa at Lions Park. According to the Daily Pilot, local business Neat Coffee was awarded the contract to operate the new 1,100-square-foot café in the city-owned park. That is a big win for Costa Mesa because it is not just another coffee spot—it is a project designed to create more community gathering space around the library and civic center area.

For locals, this is exactly the kind of addition that makes Costa Mesa feel even more connected. A great coffee spot inside a central community space is the type of thing that adds to everyday life here.

Westwood Coast brings a new restaurant and bar experience to Costa Mesa

Westwood Coast is another newer addition that has been getting attention. Travel Costa Mesa describes it as a country-inspired restaurant with a strong bar program, steaks, live music, line dancing, and even a mechanical bull. Whether that is your scene or not, it shows how Costa Mesa continues to bring in concepts that are fun, different, and give people more reasons to stay local for a night out.

Highball is a new cocktail bar to keep on your radar

For anyone who likes trying new bars in Costa Mesa, Highball is another name to know. OCfoodies reported that Highball, a Japanese-style cocktail bar, and Naisho Omakase were set to debut in Costa Mesa on March 23, 2026. Spots like this continue to add to Costa Mesa’s food and nightlife scene, especially for people looking for something a little more elevated and new.

Pacific Pearl Café is another new coffee and lunch option coming to Costa Mesa

Pacific Pearl Café is also on the way to Costa Mesa. What Now Orange County reported in January 2026 that the concept was planning a new location at The MET complex on Anton Boulevard. That is another welcome addition for people who work in the South Coast Metro area or want more local coffee and lunch options nearby.

New park improvements are also part of what is new in Costa Mesa

It is not just restaurants and coffee shops that are new in Costa Mesa. The city is also investing in park improvements, which matters for both residents and families looking at different neighborhoods. The City of Costa Mesa says Ketchum-Libolt Park improvements began the week of January 5, 2026, with completion expected in late summer 2026.

TeWinkle Park is also seeing a major lake repair and rehabilitation project, with improvements including a new liner, water quality upgrades, landscaping enhancements, and shoreline rebuilding. The city lists the project end date as summer 2026.

The city’s 2026 contracts page also shows a January 2026 agreement for Shalimar Park improvements, another sign that Costa Mesa continues to invest in its public spaces.

Why this matters if you live in Costa Mesa

One of the best things about Costa Mesa is that it is always evolving while still keeping that local feel people love. New restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and park improvements make a real difference in how people experience a neighborhood day to day. Whether it is grabbing coffee with a friend, trying a new dinner spot, or enjoying a better park with your kids, these updates are part of what keeps Costa Mesa such a great place to live.

As someone who lives and works locally, I love being able to share not just homes for sale, but what is happening in the community too. At Torelli Realty, a huge part of what I do is helping clients understand the lifestyle side of Costa Mesa just as much as the real estate side. That is what makes this city special.

Thinking about buying or selling in Costa Mesa?

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Costa Mesa, knowing the neighborhoods, local businesses, parks, and overall community feel matters. That is a big part of the value of working with a truly local agent. I’m Kendra Fisher with Torelli Realty, and I love helping clients stay connected to what is happening in Costa Mesa—both in real estate and in the community.