Capital Noodle Bar | Costa Mesa — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

Outstanding Dining Experience at Capital Noodle Bar - A True Costa Mesa Gem

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Capital Noodle Bar on Bristol Street in Costa Mesa, and I can confidently say it was one of the most exceptional restaurant experiences I've had in Orange County. From the moment we walked through the doors, everything about our visit exceeded expectations.

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between modern sophistication and comfortable warmth. The sleek interior design creates an inviting space that feels both upscale and approachable, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations. The open kitchen concept adds an exciting energy to the dining room, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry in action.

What truly sets Capital Noodle Bar apart, however, is their incredible staff. Every team member we encountered demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and professionalism that made our evening memorable. Our server Celeste was absolutely phenomenal - she possessed an impressive knowledge of the menu, offered thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences, and maintained the perfect balance of attentiveness without being intrusive. Celeste's warm personality and exceptional service skills transformed what could have been just another dinner into a truly special experience. Her ability to anticipate our needs and ensure every detail was perfect showcased the high standards this establishment maintains.

The food quality is simply outstanding. Each dish that arrived at our table was beautifully presented and bursting with authentic flavors. The noodles were cooked to absolute perfection - achieving that ideal texture that's neither too soft nor too firm. The broth in the ramen dishes was rich and complex, clearly the result of hours of careful preparation. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the ingredient quality is evident in every bite.

The attention to detail extends beyond just the food and service. The timing between courses was impeccable, our water glasses never sat empty, and the overall coordination of the dining experience felt seamless. It's clear that the management has created a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the operation.

Capital Noodle Bar has earned a permanent spot on our list of favorite local restaurants. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service - particularly from Celeste and the entire team - and inviting atmosphere makes this a destination worth visiting again and again. Whether you're a Costa Mesa local or just visiting the area, this restaurant deserves a spot at the top of your...

I really wanted to like this place because it's closer to me than the Chinese food restaurants in Irvine. Sadly, the experience was disappointing.

We ordered the Capital Bowl, which wasn't as unique as it was made out to be. Instead the broth was a bit fishy and overly salted. The egg noodles were the best part with great texture and bounce, but that probably wasn't even made in house.

We also ordered Hainan chicken rice dish. The chicken turned out slightly dry, but the ginger sauce and pickled vegetables were solid.

We also ordered some dim sum items. The spicy wontons didn't have the right balance of meat stuffing and skin, plus the meat they did use was too dense (like a Shu Mai). The sauce lacked depth, needing more garlic, shallots, green onions. The Xiao Long Bao committed the biggest crime--it was not juicy at all. I looked forward to this the most.

On top of all this, the prices are higher than most Chinese restaurants that serve the same food. Total bill came out to be $40 for 2 persons, something that is typically about $30.

Service and ambiance were good, but not enough to save them from a 2-star review nor to get me to come back. I guess I'll still be...

So, I don't write reviews often. However, I felt I had to tonight. I went to Capital Noodle tonight and got there around 8:20pm. This should be enough time for me to order and eat before they close. But that's not what happened. My boyfriend and I got turned down. We were told that they close the kitchen at 8:30pm. Mind you I got there at 8:20pm. So should be plenty of time. So we had to leave and go somewhere else to eat. I go there to eat every so often and I knew that they close the kitchen early and not by the hours that are posted on the door or what's online. But tonight was ridiculous. I told the manager that we were here two weeks ago at the same time and we were able to be sitted and served. But I guess she decided to close early tonight since they didn't have much customers. I will not be coming here for a very long time.

Don't trust the hours that are posted on the door or online. I don't think they are updated and they have changed things since COVID-19. I see the employees and manager turn customers away at 8:30pm. So the restaurant really doesn't close at times that are listed. So beware. I have seen many unhappy...