AhbA - Costa Mesa, California

Mischa Tei

Ordered Uber eats and toast with feta came burnt. Burnt side was placed face down so I didn’t notice at first but even after spreading the feta I can taste the burnt and flipped the toast to see it was completely charcoal on the other side. Even after trying to scrape it off it tasted burnt. Disappointed they would serve this and mask food quality in this way.

Abbie Sweet

AhbA in Costa Mesa is a great new spot with a welcoming vibe and delicious food. The dishes are full of flavor, and the cocktails are really well made. The staff is very friendly and attentive, making it a perfect place for a nice meal out!

Daniel Markowitz

First time visiting this restaurant, probably won’t be coming back.

Ordering at the front before finding our own table was a bit strange, but there was a complete lack of service thereafter.

Food took 40 minutes to come out, and it was cold. The chicken sandwich was relatively modest in size for the price, and it was incredibly dry and lacking flavor. My partner got a BLT which somehow was lacking in lettuce and tomato.

Valerie Liang

Compelled to write a very mixed review- came in on Friday night with my partner and found that you have to wait in line to order food at a counter and you get a number like a fastfood joint and you are off to fend for your own table. The atmosphere inside is a good vibe but for the price you pay for food you'd expect better service. You basically stand around until someone gets up from their table and wait for them to come clear the tables but they don't wipe anything off- just take away old dishes so the table still has the previous person's spilled food on it. No water was served and I think if you want to order additional food/drinks you just have to go up and wait in line at the counter again. The food was actually very good- highly recommend the whipped feta and lobster roll (coming from someone who lived in New England). If this place could just operate like a normal restaurant we would be back.

Susan Atme

Very underwhelming. You have to order at the front before you sit down which is a bad start to the whole experience. Felt rushed. Then the mains came out before the appetizers. And then there was just everything on the table at once which again rushed the overall experience. The food for the most part was good. The Ceasar salad sucked. I wouldn't return or recommend it really.

C

I recently visited Ahba in Costa Mesa, and unfortunately, the service experience was disappointing enough to warrant a review.

Upon arrival, my partner and I were initially optimistic, but things quickly went downhill. A new bartender, who seemed overwhelmed, failed to take our order despite us waiting patiently. Instead, he complained to his manager, Quinn, about not wanting to serve us due to my perceived attitude. This was both unprofessional and bewildering.

To make matters worse, Quinn was frequently leaving the bar to assist upstairs, leaving us without support. When it came time to close out, our card was with the bartender, yet he completely ignored us in favor of chatting with a group of women across the bar and serving a new party next to us.

I understand it may have been the bartender's first week, but it’s disheartening to see such a lack of basic hospitality skills. As someone with a luxury hospitality background, I believe certain qualities are essential in this industry, and this employee simply doesn't possess them.

When I finally asked to speak with the manager, Quinn took his time finishing up drink orders rather than addressing our concerns promptly. I had to insist on a private conversation outside just to express my dissatisfaction, which shouldn’t be necessary for an upset customer.

While the food and drinks were enjoyable, the service is a critical aspect that needs immediate attention. If Ahba aims to build a loyal clientele, they must prioritize training and retaining staff who understand the importance of customer service. As it stands, I cannot recommend this establishment.

Harshita Didwania

Not many vegetarian options but the vibe is great. Would eat the peach burrata again!

Matt Ball

WOW! INCREDIBLE food and some amazing one-of-a-kind cocktails. Service was amazing and the vibe at this place is unbeatable. From the cozy downstairs lounge area, communal or private dining spaces, and a roof top deck that you’ll never want to leave!