Hello dear
Welcome To La Farola
La Farola is a vibrant Argentine eatery located in Costa Mesa, celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of Argentina. Founded by passionate women, this cozy establishment specializes in mouthwatering offerings like classic choripán, savory milanesas, and their renowned empanadas that leave a lasting impression. Diners rave about the authentic taste and compelling presentation, making it a go-to spot for casual gatherings or special occasions. With options for takeout, delivery, and delightful outdoor seating, La Farola creates an inclusive dining experience, welcoming everyone to savor the essence of Argentine cuisine in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
About
La Farola
Welcome to La Farola, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, California. This vibrant eatery specializes in authentic Argentine cuisine, inviting food enthusiasts to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Argentina. Located at 2790 Harbor Blvd #118, La Farola has become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I couldn’t resist the allure of exploring La Farola’s menu, which boasts an impressive selection of dishes, including their standout empanadas and savory sándwiches. Each bite encapsulates the essence of classic Argentine fare, crafted with care and authenticity. The Choripan, a classic Argentine sausage served with zesty chimichurri, is a must-try at $17.90. For those craving something heartier, the Lomito sandwich featuring rib-eye steak topped with ham and Swiss cheese rings in at $19—an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- Empanadas: Customers rave about the variety and quality of empanadas, describing them as "bursting with flavor." The Caprese and Mushroom & Cheese options frequently receive high praise, and it's no wonder why visitors like Gladys O. turn to La Farola for their entertaining needs, often ordering dozens at a time.
- Milanesas: Another highlight you can’t miss is the classic Milanesa, perfect for those who savor crispy, breaded goodness, with options starting at $17.90—ideal for a fulfilling meal.
- Sweets: Don’t forget to explore the dessert menu, where delightful treats like Alfajor Especial and Pasta Frola await. Each sweet is a testament to the vibrant dessert culture of Argentina, with prices ranging to accommodate all budgets.
As I sat down in the cozy and casual ambiance of La Farola, I immediately felt at home. With friendly staff offering excellent service and the tempting aroma of fresh, flavorful dishes wafting through the air, my expectations were set high. Each dish was not only visually stunning but also superbly crafted, fulfilling the promise of authenticity that La Farola stands for. Food reviewer Arcadia W. echoed my sentiments perfectly when they remarked on how the gastronomic experience was one that made the meal worth every penny.
While parking can be a bit challenging during peak hours, the vibrant energy of La Farola, combined with its delicious offerings, makes every trip worthwhile. Whether you’re diving into a plate of empanadas or savoring a perfectly grilled sandwich, La Farola is a culinary destination that deserves a spot on your foodie itinerary.
So, if you're in the Costa Mesa area and craving the vibrant flavors of Argentina, look no further than La Farola. With every meal, you're not just indulging in food—you're experiencing a slice of Argentine culture right here in California!
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ When ever I have to entertain, I can count on La Farola to do their amazing empanadas, I order dozens at a time. They are delicious and they have a huge variety to pick from. They are really pleasant, also how the empanadas are presented to you ,they are picture perfect with amazing taste. Runnnn to get them. ”
“ You absolutely HAVE to check out this place! My friends and I were SO hyped to finally try it after seeing all the rave reviews, and let me tell you, they weren't kidding. The food is seriously delicious - authentic and flavorful, the kind that makes you want to lick the plate clean (almost!). It's super casual - you seat yourselves - and the food comes out perfectly cooked. We were a group of six, and the whole meal only cost us $75! Can you believe it? Where else can you get a fantastic meal for six people for that price? The empanadas were an absolute highlight - so bursting with flavor! I'm already planning my next visit. ”
“ Wowwwww seriously no complaints. Got there 3 piece empanada meal, with Caprese, Mushroom & cheese, and Spicy Onion & cheese. The spicy was too spicy for me but the other two were delicious!! Hot and fresh, with a bunch of cheese. Service was quick. Cute small local place- will be going back ”
“ Spinach empanada was good with chimichurri sauce and the side hot sauce you can add if you dine in. Would've wanted more of a cheesy pull though but relatively quick service. Need to try the other flavors and baked goods. Several tables available and a TV making this a cozy casual place. Parking is bit difficult with a full lot on a weekend. ”
“ This place is incredible. Customer service was friendly and helpful. The food is delish. We ordered 2 empanadas and some sweets. All were so flavorful and perfectly made. The chimichurri was so bright. Already running back ... ”
“ I stumbled upon this place as I was stopping by the spa in the same plaza. There is plenty of parking available in the lot. The restaurant itself is pretty small. It has 4 tables inside and 4 bar stools for bar seating. The service was quick and staff were very friendly. They offer bottled beverages and have a wide variety of options on their menu from sandwiches, pizza, desserts, and their empanadas. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area. Food review: I only ordered empanadas to try this time, but I will definitely be back again to try more menu items. My top 2 are definitely the Arab and Spicy Saltena. The chimichurri here is AMAZING. I wish I would've ordered a second one, it just wasn't enough for all 4 of the empanadas. Arab: (5/5) Omg! When I took the first bite my tastebuds exploded. Flavors are amazing, it came out nice and hot, and the texture was great. I'd definitely order this one again and again. Chicken: (4/5) This one is pretty good, but nothing spectacular. I'd pass and try a different one next time. Spicy Saltena: (5/5) This one is definitely in the top 3 as well. The flavors are amazing, it's stew like? Idk. Whatever it is was delicious and wasn't too spicy. Pepperoni: (3/5) This one was OK. It tastes exactly like pepperoni and cheese, but I could've gone without this one. ”
“ Went in hoping to snag some alfajores, but they were sold out. Ended up with a container of smaller-sized ones that were supposedly "the same thing" but basically mini and rolled in coconut shavings. However, I think they were too doughy or shortbready for my liking, and I was missing the oomph of the sweet filling that alfajores are known for having. I also tried a pepperoni empanada. At $4, it seemed so small, but it was a satisfying and surprisingly filling savory snack. I loved the melty cheese and salty pepperoni. The friendly lady who helped me at the register told me my empanada was going to be made fresh, so I just waited about 10 minutes at one of the few tables inside. Not sure if all empanadas are made to order, though. The interior is very casual. I can see La Farola being a solid spot to grab a quick lunch. It's located in a very unassuming white building with dark windows. No issues with parking in the lot. ”
“ La Farola is a cute little dining spot that offers one of the best empanadas in the area. It is my preferred spot to go get empanadas in Costa Mesa. Not only do they offer delicious empanadas of all different flavors but they also offer a full menu here. La Farola has sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas. All of which are just done right here. The owner is super nice and very helpful. The food may take a little time but it is worth the wait. The last time I came here was to pick up a few empanadas. They had over 17 types of empanadas. Our favorite was the Saltena, which included ground beef, potatoes, onion and red peppers. It was recommended by the owner and she was right because I was about to not get it. Empanadas are $3.75 each or $42 for a dozen. We got 3 and paid about $13 total and it came with a small chimichurri sauce and a hot sauce. They were good. The inside is smaller but there are some tables and chairs for you to enjoy your food. It's casual but cute. We would love to come back. ”
“ Love this place! Located in a plaza with plenty of parking. Service was friendly, ambiance was nice, and the food was delicious. They have a pretty extensive menu going from empanadas to pizzas to sandwiches. We only ordered the empanadas but would probably come back to try the other menu items. Definitely order some of the chimichurri sauce, extra if you can, as that's what really made the empanadas great. We also took them home to eat them with lemon wedges. If you eat them in store, ask for lemon if they have and it will really elevate the empanadas. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the empanada flavors. I'll be back and will recommend to my friends and family! ”
