Mesa

Mesa Restaurant Review:

Mesa is one of OC's sleekest nightspots for dinner, late-night dining and a hot bar scene. The organic décor, dark interior and black banquettes give the space a cool metropolitan vibe. Executive chef Niki Starr Weyler, whose pedigree includes the kitchen of Broadway by Amar Santana, ensures that the contemporary cuisine isn’t an afterthought. Start with a hand-shaken cocktail and the cast-iron skillet PEI mussels with the right touch of butter and sea salt. Next, try the balanced roasted beet salad, which is accompanied by house-smoked goat cheese and candied pistachios, and topped with a sherry shallot vinaigrette. Beef and seafood mains are highlighted by the wine-braised short rib served with house-made gnocchi and mushrooms. At meal's end, go for the warm bread pudding with vanilla maple bacon. Want to pair your food and wine? General manager Peter Jaisel can recommend reasonable by-the-glass selections for each dish.