Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa

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For those in Costa Mesa and across the greater Orange County area seeking an authentic and truly exceptional Japanese dining experience, Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa is a must-visit. This "little gem" is celebrated by locals as a haven for noodle enthusiasts, particularly for its dedication to crafting fresh, homemade udon and soba noodles that are simply unparalleled. It's a place where traditional Japanese culinary artistry meets a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, creating a dining experience that's both comforting and exciting.

Meiji Seimen has quickly garnered a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail, from the perfectly "chewy" noodles to the "flavorful and complex" broths. Customers rave about dishes like the "ice cold and savory" cold soba, and the "no notes" perfection of their curry udon and kimchi udon. Beyond the noodles, surprises like their "surprisingly good, very juicy and crispy" chicken karaage further cement its status as a top-tier Japanese restaurant in Southern California. While its "tiny" dine-in space may hint at its popularity (with a waitlist being common), the quality of food and the attentive service consistently make it "superb" and a place locals "would eat every day for the rest of my life and die happy." If you're a Californian who appreciates genuine, high-quality Japanese comfort food, Meiji Seimen is undoubtedly worth the wait.

Location and Accessibility

Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa is conveniently located at 1113 Baker St Ste E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA. This address places it within a dynamic and easily accessible area of Costa Mesa, making it a prime destination for Japanese cuisine lovers across Orange County. Baker Street is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for those driving from various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

The restaurant is situated in a strip mall, which typically offers the advantage of a private parking lot. This provides convenience for diners, although on busy nights, finding a spot might require a bit of patience, as is common with popular establishments in bustling areas. Despite its "hole-in-the-wall" and "unassuming strip mall" exterior, its central location makes it a practical choice for a delicious meal. For locals, this means easy access for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or picking up a satisfying takeout order. The ease of reaching Meiji Seimen contributes significantly to its appeal as a go-to spot for authentic Japanese comfort food in the Californian landscape.

Services Offered

Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa provides a focused yet comprehensive range of services, centered around its exceptional noodle and Japanese comfort food offerings:

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant offers a "comfortable and cozy" dine-in experience, seating around 27 people. While the space is "tiny," it provides an intimate setting to enjoy freshly prepared meals.

• Specialized Udon and Soba Noodles: Meiji Seimen prides itself on its signature noodles, which are "freshly made every morning" by "noodle masters using traditional techniques." Customers can choose from a wide variety of udon and soba dishes, served hot or cold.

  • Udon options: Kake Udon, Tempura Udon, Curry Udon (highly recommended), Kimchi Udon (special), Nabeyaki Udon, Shabu Shabu Udon, and various cold udon options.

  • Soba options: Zaru Soba (cold soba with dipping sauce – very popular), Tempura Soba, Kake Soba, and Kamo (Duck) Soba.

• Authentic Broths: Their well-balanced Kansai Region style soup is "carefully crafted with Kelp from Hokkaido and four types of bonito flakes," resulting in a "mellow and subtle with a noticeable sweetness."

• High-Quality Appetizers and Sides: Beyond noodles, the menu features a selection of popular Japanese appetizers and side dishes, including:

  • Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken – described as "very juicy and crispy")

  • Tempura (assorted or shrimp – served without sauce initially, but can be requested)

  • Takowasa (raw octopus with wasabi)

  • Braised Pork Belly

  • Grilled Ox Tongue

  • Edamame, Gyoza, and various salads

• Rice Bowls (Donburi): They offer a selection of satisfying rice bowls, such as Fried Chicken Bowl, Eel Bowl, Beef Bowl, and various Curry Bowls.

• Lunch Sets: Meiji Seimen offers dedicated lunch sets, such as the Fried Chicken Set, Saba Set, and Tonkatsu Set, providing complete meals for a good value.

• Takeout and Delivery: Given its popularity and small interior, takeout is a popular option. They also offer delivery services through third-party platforms like Uber Eats and Postmates.

• Reservations/Waitlist: Due to potential wait times, especially during busy periods, it's advisable to check if they offer a waitlist (e.g., via Yelp) or accept reservations.

• Beverage Options: A selection of beverages, including beer and wine, is available to complement meals.

Features / Highlights

Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa distinguishes itself with several key features that make it a favorite among Japanese food enthusiasts in Orange County:

• Authentic, House-Made Noodles: This is arguably their strongest selling point. Both udon and soba noodles are "house made" daily by "noodle masters using traditional techniques." Customers consistently praise their "chewy" and "perfect" texture. This dedication to freshly made noodles sets them apart.

• Exceptional Broth Quality: Their Kansai Region style soup is meticulously "crafted with Kelp from Hokkaido and four types of bonito flakes." This results in a "flavorful and complex" broth that is both "mellow and subtle with a noticeable sweetness," forming the perfect foundation for their noodle dishes.

• Highly Praised Curry Udon and Kimchi Udon: These two dishes receive rave reviews. The Curry Udon is so good that a customer "thought there was no way to top it," while the Kimchi Udon (a special) prompted a declaration of "I would eat that every day for the rest of my life and die happy. The broth was so flavourful and complex."

• Delicious Cold Soba Noodle: Their cold soba noodle dish is a favorite, with the "ice cold and savory" dipping sauce being a major highlight, making it a refreshing and flavorful choice.

• "Surprisingly Good" Chicken Karaage: Beyond noodles, their Japanese fried chicken is noted for being "very juicy and crispy" and "surprisingly good," often described as "one of the best fried chicken I've ever had."

• Variety of Authentic Japanese Dishes: While known for noodles, Meiji Seimen offers a broad menu that includes traditional appetizers like Takowasa and Braised Pork Belly, as well as various rice bowls and tempura, ensuring there's something for every preference.

• "No Notes" Perfection: A testament to their consistent quality, one picky reviewer stated they had "NO NOTES" or complaints about their experience, indicating a high level of satisfaction across the board.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Though specific mentions of staff are fewer, the overall sentiment points to a positive service experience, contributing to the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere.

• Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: Despite being a "hole-in-the-wall" in a strip mall, the interior is described as comfortable and cozy, providing an authentic Japanese dining environment.

Promotions or Special Offers

Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa, while focusing on the high quality of its authentic Japanese cuisine, does offer specific deals and value propositions that locals can appreciate:

• Lunch Sets: They offer dedicated lunch sets, such as the Fried Chicken Set, Saba Set, and Tonkatsu Set. These sets typically bundle a main dish with sides, providing a complete and often more affordable meal option for midday diners.

• Daily Specials: As evidenced by the "Kimchi Udon" being a "special," Meiji Seimen regularly features unique or seasonal dishes. Keeping an eye on their in-restaurant specials board or social media (if they actively use it for announcements) can reveal exciting new offerings.

• Complementary Items: The fact that they "throw in a free miso soup" is a small but appreciated perk that adds value to the meal for customers.

For the most up-to-date information on any daily specials or current promotions, it's always best for locals to visit Meiji Seimen in person or call them directly. While they may not run extensive coupon campaigns, their consistent quality and thoughtful additions like complimentary soup contribute to the overall value for money.

Contact Information

To savor the authentic Japanese noodles and dishes at Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa, here is their contact information:

• Address: 1113 Baker St Ste E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

• Phone: (714) 545-5175

Meiji Seimen operates with split hours for lunch and dinner service:

• Sunday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (dinner)

• Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (dinner)

• Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM (lunch), 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (dinner)

It's important to note the break between lunch and dinner service. Given its popularity and often noted "wait-list," especially during peak hours, it's advisable to "come early" or utilize online waitlist options (if available, e.g., via Yelp) to minimize wait times for dine-in service. For takeout orders, calling ahead is recommended.

Conclusion: Why Meiji Seimen is Suitable for Locals

For the discerning palates of Costa Mesa and surrounding Orange County, Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished dining destination. Its appeal to locals is deeply rooted in its unwavering commitment to authenticity and the unparalleled quality of its signature dishes.

The core reason locals flock to Meiji Seimen is its house-made udon and soba noodles, crafted fresh daily and renowned for their "perfection" in texture and chewiness. Paired with "flavorful and complex" broths, these noodle dishes offer a genuine taste of Japan that is both comforting and deeply satisfying. From the "ice cold and savory" cold soba to the rave-worthy curry and kimchi udon, there's a noodle dish to satisfy every craving.

Beyond the noodles, the consistently praised "surprisingly good" chicken karaage and other authentic appetizers demonstrate a broad culinary excellence. While the dine-in space is "tiny," this intimate setting only adds to its "hidden gem" appeal, fostering a cozy and authentic ambiance. The restaurant's popularity, often resulting in a "wait-list," is a testament to its quality and perceived value, with customers feeling that every visit is "superb." For Californians seeking a reliable source for high-quality, authentic Japanese comfort food that truly delivers on flavor and tradition, Meiji Seimen stands out as a top contender and a beloved local institution.

Meiji Seimen Costa Mesa

1113 Baker St Ste E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA