Tucked into a former auto garage and gas station on Placentia Avenue, 2145 Eats has quietly become one of Costa Mesa’s most beloved dining secrets.
What started as a wood-fired pizza spot in an unexpected location has evolved into a neighborhood favorite.
This place earned spots on the Orange County 75 Best Restaurants List every year from 2018 through 2022.
The journey from hidden gem to local darling happened through word-of-mouth buzz and social media whispers.
How 2145 Eats won locals’ hearts
The converted garage setting in a nondescript part of Costa Mesa kept this spot under the radar at first.
That actually worked in their favor once people discovered it.
Early adopters spread the word organically, creating an authentic grassroots following that money simply can’t buy.
The restaurant got an unexpected boost when Joe Jonas mysteriously hyped their opening on all his social media feeds with a video of pizza coming out of the oven.
That celebrity shoutout introduced thousands of new fans to the space.
It was the consistent quality that kept them coming back, though.
Chef-driven menus that change seasonally kept regulars excited while the Neapolitan-style wood-fire pizzas provided the reliable anchor every great pizzeria needs.
The casual yet elevated atmosphere struck the perfect balance with high-quality service without pretension.
Diners loved feeling like they’d stumbled onto something special rather than being sold something trendy.
The majority of seating is outdoors, transforming what could have been a quirky industrial space into a romantic date-night destination under the stars.
When they added a craft cocktail program in September 2024, it felt like a natural evolution rather than chasing a trend.
The result is a loyal following that treats 2145 Eats like their personal secret, even as accolades continue rolling in.
Food Highlights
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Mushroom Pizza: This pie features a mushroom medley with bechamel sauce, fontina and mozzarella cheeses, rosemary, garlic, porcini powder, chives, and caramelized onions. Reviewers consistently call it the best thing on the menu with rich, earthy flavors that showcase why less can be more 🍄
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Margherita Pizza: The classic done right with San Marzano marinara, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Proof that simple ingredients executed perfectly never go out of style
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Prosciutto and Burrata Pizza: Topped with smoked mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, baby heirloom tomatoes, fresh arugula, prosciutto, and burrata. This pie delivers premium ingredients with every bite and feels like a splurge worth taking
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Gabagool Pizza: Features capicola (cured pork), hot honey, San Marzano marinara, shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and basil. This pizza brings the perfect sweet-and-savory balance that keeps people ordering it again and again 🔥
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Pepperoni Pizza: Sometimes you want the classics, and this version hits all the nostalgic notes. Comes with San Marzano marinara, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and parmesan while maintaining elevated quality standards
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Pork Belly: Flash-fried roasted pork belly with house barbecue sauce and savoy cabbage slaw. Customers describe it as a show-stopper they’re absolutely obsessed with, and the arugula dressing complements the richness beautifully
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Italian Sausage Pizza: Loaded with Italian sausage, San Marzano marinara, shredded mozzarella, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, and parmesan. A hearty, satisfying choice for serious pizza lovers who want bold flavors in every bite
Atmosphere
The vibe at 2145 Eats perfectly balances industrial-chic charm with genuine warmth.
Picture a reimagined garage space where the bones of the building tell a story, but the lush outdoor patio softens everything with twinkling lights and garden seating.
The crowd skews younger and creates an energetic but relaxed social scene where craft cocktails, local beers, and wood-fired pizzas feel like the only agenda.
It’s casual enough for jeans, special enough for anniversaries.
Bottom Line
Visit for award-winning Neapolitan pizzas from a scratch kitchen that’s earned Orange County recognition year after year, an enchanting outdoor patio perfect for date nights, and the legendary mushroom pizza and pork belly that reviewers rave about.
Address: 2145 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
📞 (949) 873-5853
🕔 Open Mon-Thu: 3 PM–9 PM | Fri-Sat: 12 PM–10 PM | Sun: 12 PM–9 PM