Ospi Costa Mesa

“One of the best Italian restaurants I’ve had in California. Everything from the ambiance to the ingredients and the service was top notch. There were a lot of people there celebrating graduations and birthdays and the vibe was so wholesome and lively. Recommended food orders: Japanese eggplant - packed with flavor, the parmigiano fonduta made the eggplants very succulent. Perfect for sharing Kale salad - fresh appetizer with avocado and light dressing Cauliflower - the sauce is phenomenal and the dates are a unique addition We got 3 pizzas… 1. Must get their most most popular pizza with stracciatella 2. The marg is superb 3. The funghi is great but I wasn’t a big fan of the one of the sauces on the pizza (tasted it a bit like bbq) Overall the appetizers were exquisite and the pizzas were super super thin but packed with fresh ingredients and very hearty sauces, leaving you satisfied without being stuffed!”

“Probably one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Orange County. Great food. Everything we ordered was flavorful, perfectly seasoned. Particularly the calamari and the pizza are a must try. The sole fish was very good too. The tiramisu was perfect to top it all, with a little flambee show. Service was also top notch!”

“Dining at Ospi in Costa Mesa was an absolute delight from start to finish. The moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted with a modern, coastal elegance that feels both elevated and inviting. Every dish that arrived at our table showcased masterful technique and a deep respect for authentic Italian flavors, but with a fresh, California-inspired twist that makes Ospi truly stand out. The pastas were silky and balanced perfectly with their sauces, and the wood-fired pizzas had just the right kiss of char — crisp edges, chewy centers, and bold, nuanced toppings. Each bite felt thoughtful and intentional. But the tiramisu—what a showstopper! It wasn’t just dessert; it was a grand finale. Airy yet rich, with the perfect interplay of espresso-soaked layers and mascarpone cream, it struck a flawless balance between indulgence and lightness. The texture and flavor were so memorable that it’s worth visiting Ospi for that dessert alone. From the attentive service to the vibrant atmosphere and truly exceptional menu, Ospi Costa Mesa has mastered the art of refined comfort dining. Whether for a casual date night or a special celebration, this restaurant deserves a spot at the top of your list.”

“Super popular place and very busy on a Friday night. Simple decor, great lighting in large spaces but the feel is contemporary and warm. The food tastes authentic and inspired. A little different than the usual Italian fair.. the tableside tiramisu was super fun. And huge. Service was OK, but not outstanding. Server was friendly but check ins were infrequent and my water glass was empty more than half the night. Happy to go back to try the crispy parmesan we didn't get order this time.”

“5/19/26 We heard of this restaurant thru a PT, so we went for a birthday celebration. Our waiter learned that we celebrated a birthday so he offered a welcome "Processco" for the table. That was a nice touch 🙏🫶. Let talk about food: 1. Calamari: 5/5 - delicious, light battered and crispy almost like tempura. The calamari was tender and fresh, fried perfectly. Loved the tomato sauce, so much flavors, bright but with sweetness. 2. Marinara pizze: 3/5 - it is more like crispy cracker than super thin crust pizza, literally no bread or doughy texture at all, so I would call it a crispy flatbread but not a pizze. However, it was tasty with spicy kicks to it. 3. Caesar salad: 4/5 - not a traditional caesar salad but delicious and refreshing. Not creamy like a typical one, more citrusy but well balanced with sweetness afterwards. Nice touch with Pangrattato. 4. Fried provolone: 4/5 - delicious crispy fried provolone discs. Never had a fried provolone before so this was a surprise to all of us. I would prefer the tomato sauce which was served with Calamari rather this creamy tomato sauce. The waiter offered us it, another very nice touch. 5. Spicy Rigatoni: 3.5/5 - it was ok, didn't knock my socks off. It was not spicy as claimed and didn't have much flavors other than creamy tomato sauce. 6. Mandilli: 2.5/5 - it was ok, kinda typical creamy sauce with pesto. Definitely not like the genuine one you would have in Genoa. The sauce should be a pesto base with creamy sauce created from pasta water, Parmigiano or similar, and some Evoo but not greasy. However, we enjoyed the fresh Mandilli pasta (a little handkerchief). 7. Crispy sole: 3.5/5 - definitely crispy panko coating but a bit greasy with butter. The sole was moist and fresh. I would prefer a lemon capers butter sauce rather a mayo based capers sauce. The Arugula salad was bright and paired well with the fish, it helped to wash the greasy palate... 8. Flambe Tiramisu: 4/5 - a different interpretation of conventional Tiramisu with a Flambe touch. Very good! Love the real Italian espresso flavor. 9. Branzino: ???/5 - I ordered it but the waiter misunderstood not to put it in so we didn't get to try... Overall, the food was good but can use some different approaches or executions. Have to say expensive compared to some other great restaurants around for what you pay and get. Much appreciated for the Processco welcoming and fried Provolone 🙏🫶🙏”