You know that feeling when you just want a slice that doesn't feel like it came off a factory assembly line? That is exactly why Nick's Pizza Ristorante Italiano has been a fixture in the Harbor Center for so long. It is tucked away at 2300 Harbor Blvd, right in the heart of Costa Mesa, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might drive right past. But the locals? They know. They’ve been coming here for years for the kind of old-school Italian comfort that feels more like a Sunday dinner at your nonna's house than a strip-mall eatery.
What’s the Deal with Nick's Pizza Costa Mesa CA?
Most people think "pizza" and "Costa Mesa" and their minds go to the trendy, high-end artisan spots over at The Camp or the Anti-Mall. But Nick’s is different. It’s a Ristorante Italiano, which basically means you’re getting the full spectrum of Italian-American classics alongside the pies.
The vibe is unpretentious. It's the kind of place where you see families sharing massive plates of pasta and regulars chatting with the staff. There’s something deeply reassuring about a place that focuses on the food rather than the Instagram aesthetics.
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The Menu: More Than Just Dough and Sauce
Honestly, the menu is a bit of a marathon. They’ve got everything from Deep Fried Calamari ($11.95) to Mozzarella Impanata. But the real reason people talk about Nick's Pizza Costa Mesa CA is the pasta and the specialty pies.
One of the standout items—and I’m telling you this from experience—is the Lasagna Al Forno. It's $13.95 for a lunch portion, and it’s a beast. You’ve got layers of pasta, ground beef, ricotta, and parmigiano, all buried under a thick blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s heavy. It’s rich. It’s exactly what you want when the world is being too much and you just need carbs.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, they have this dish called Rotolo. It’s basically ricotta, mozzarella, parmigiano, and spinach rolled up in a delicate pasta sheet. Think of it like an Italian sushi roll, but way better because it’s covered in marinara or meat sauce.
The Pizza Factor
We have to talk about the pizza. In a world of "thin crust" this and "wood-fired" that, Nick’s sticks to a solid, reliable Italian-style pie.
- The Crust: It’s got that perfect middle ground—not so thin it flops, but not so thick it feels like a loaf of bread.
- The Sauce: It’s a family recipe. It’s got a slight sweetness but plenty of herb-heavy depth.
- The Specialty Pies: You’ve got your basics, but then there's the Nick's Futura or the Pizza Bianca if you’re feeling like skipping the red sauce.
A simple cheese and tomato sauce pizza starts around $10.75 for a small, which in 2026 is basically a steal. If you want to go all out, the combination pies with 3 to 5 toppings run about $14.75.
Is it actually "Italian"?
You’ll hear some food snobs argue about "authenticity." Look, if you’re looking for a Neapolitan pie that was blessed by a priest in Naples, this isn't it. This is Italian-American soul food. The Spaghettini Bolognese uses a meat recipe that has literally been in the family for generations. You can taste the time in the sauce.
The Logistics: Planning Your Visit
Nick's Pizza Costa Mesa CA is pretty consistent with its hours, but they do close on Sundays, which is something that trips up first-timers all the time.
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (sometimes 9:30 pm depending on the crowd).
- Sunday: Closed.
- Location: 2300 Harbor Blvd # K1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
- Phone: (949) 722-7566.
They do delivery through the usual suspects—Uber Eats, Postmates, Slice—but honestly, it’s better if you just go there. The garlic bread is always better when it hasn't been sitting in a cardboard box for twenty minutes.
Why This Place Still Matters
In a city like Costa Mesa that is constantly changing, places like Nick's are the anchor. It hasn't tried to "rebrand" itself into something it isn't. It’s a family-run business where the "Ladies and Gentlemen" (as they like to call their staff) actually care if you enjoyed your meal.
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There's a reason you'll see "Nick's Pizza" names all over the country—from Jersey to Illinois—but the Costa Mesa location has its own specific DNA. It’s tied to the local community here in Orange County.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you're heading over there, here is the "pro" way to do it.
- Lunch is the secret weapon. The lunch menu is incredibly affordable. You can grab a Chicken Parmagiana Sandwich for $10.95 and it's easily two meals.
- Order the Gnocchi. Their homemade potato dumplings are like little clouds. Get them with the meat sauce.
- Check for the Soup of the Day. They serve it with garlic bread, and on a rare rainy SoCal day, it is the best $9 you will spend in the Harbor Center.
- Parking is a breeze. Since it's in a large shopping center, you don't have to deal with the nightmare of street parking like you do in Newport or Laguna.
Whether you're a long-time local or just passing through OC, Nick's Pizza Costa Mesa CA offers a slice of consistency in a world that's always trying to be the next big thing. Sometimes, the "old big thing" is exactly what you need.
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Next Steps:
Check their current daily specials by calling (949) 722-7566 before you head out, as they often have off-menu pasta features that aren't listed on the delivery apps. If you're planning a large group dinner, definitely call ahead for a reservation, especially on Friday nights when the dining room fills up fast with local families.