Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar: Where Costa Mesa’s Arts Scene Meets Modern California Cuisine

Steps from the glow of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, tucked inside the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar feels like a natural extension of the theater itself. With lakeside views, a chic bar and lounge, and a menu rooted in California’s seasonal bounty, the space offers an elevated dining experience suited for everything from upscale dining to a night of live performance.

Located at 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Silver Trumpet combines eclectic dining with a lively, lounge energy, earning it a reputation as one of the area’s go-to spots for modern California cuisine with a bit of flair.

Where Cuisine Meets the Arts Scene

Opened in 2017 by Wincome Hospitality, Silver Trumpet was inspired directly by its surroundings in Costa Mesa’s Arts District. Even its name nods to its tagline: “Where cuisine meets the arts scene,” positioning the restaurant as a culinary partner to the neighboring theaters and cultural venues.

The concept is described as a modern reinterpretation of classic restaurant and bar favorites, elevated with contemporary technique and presentation. Inside, the design is intentionally eclectic – polished yet playful – with details that reward a closer look. There’s a sophisticated bar lounge, a self-playing piano that adds an elegant soundtrack to the room, and a wall signed by Broadway performers that celebrates the restaurant’s connection to the stage. Outside, a “floating” bar patio overlooks the hotel’s water features and surrounding greenery, creating a relaxed, resort-like moment in the middle of the city.

The bar & lounge itself was designed by Anders Lasater Architects and recognized with an AIA Design Award for its dramatic back-lit façade, glowing onyx bar, and patio that appears to hover above a shimmering water feature, making it as much a visual experience as a culinary one. 

A California Contemporary Menu with a Theatrical Twist

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Hector Zamora, a Los Angeles–bred chef whose style is rooted in modern California cuisine and warm, approachable hospitality. He’s become a bit of a local personality, often highlighted by the hotel as “the heart behind the flavor” at Silver Trumpet, bringing passion and precision to every plate. 

The menu is best described as California Contemporary, drawing heavily from local Southern California farms and vendors. Seasonal produce, sustainable sourcing, and house-made desserts anchor the experience, echoing the broader ethos of modern California cooking.

Signature dishes include a beautifully composed lamb rack and diver scallops, both of which showcase the kitchen’s balance of comfort and finesse. The lamb might arrive with herbaceous, garden-driven accompaniments, while the scallops are typically seared to a golden crust and paired with bright, textural elements that keep the dish light and coastal.

In true theater fashion, dessert gets its own moment in the spotlight. Silver Trumpet offers rotating vibrant desserts and seasonal menu changes, inviting regulars to return to see “what’s opening next” on the plate. A brand-new dinner menu is also on the horizon, continuing the restaurant’s pattern of evolving with the seasons and the local arts calendar.

Guests with dietary preferences are thoughtfully accommodated, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available – another nod to the restaurant’s commitment to welcoming both hotel guests and locals alike.

Wine, Arts-Inspired Cocktails, and Pre-Show Rituals

Silver Trumpet’s beverage program is designed for lingering – before a performance, after curtain call, or as the main event. The bar pours wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, with a special emphasis on arts-inspired cocktails that play into the restaurant’s unique identity.

For guests who specifically appreciate wine, Silver Trumpet further distinguishes itself with a thoughtfully curated selection that complements both the cuisine and the surrounding arts scene. The list emphasizes California producers while also incorporating select Old World wines, offering variety and balance for a wide range of palates.

Compared to many nearby dining destinations, Silver Trumpet’s wine offerings provide notable depth beyond standard by-the-glass selections. Guests will find wines well-suited for pre-theater dinners, leisurely lakeside meals, and celebratory evenings alike, reinforcing the restaurant’s appeal as both a destination restaurant and a natural extension of a night at the theater.

The overall vibe leans upscale yet vibrant: guests can settle into the lounge for happy hour, enjoy live music, or carry their drinks out to the open-air patio to watch the lights of the Arts District flicker on. Silver Trumpet intentionally positions itself as the perfect pre-show dinner spot, drawing theatergoers heading across the way to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, as well as locals looking for an elevated night out.

Reservations are handled via OpenTable, but walk-ins are very much welcome, ideal for spontaneous post-performance nightcaps or last-minute brunch plans.

Sustainability, Service, and the Details That Matter

Behind the scenes, Silver Trumpet quietly incorporates thoughtful sustainability practices. Ingredients are sourced from local SoCal farms and vendors, and the restaurant participates in a food waste recycling program, aligning its operations with the environmentally conscious ethos of many modern California diners.

Service is where the restaurant aims to make the experience truly memorable. The team emphasizes attention to detail – from pacing a pre-show meal so guests make curtain time, to tailoring recommendations based on dietary needs, to suggesting pairings that enhance both the plates and the moment. Weekend brunch adds another layer to the experience, offering an all-inclusive format that showcases Chef Zamora’s signature dishes in a more relaxed, daylight setting – perfect for a lakeside morning or a leisurely start before exploring Costa Mesa.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re staying at the Avenue of the Arts, catching a performance at the Segerstrom Center, or simply seeking a stylish night out in Orange County, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar offers a polished but welcoming setting where food, art, and atmosphere play in harmony.

Location

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar

3350 Avenue of the Arts

Costa Mesa, CA 92626 

Contact & Reservations

• Phone: 657-778-6805 
• Website & menus: silvertrumpetrestaurant.com 
• Reservations: via OpenTable or directly through the restaurant
• Social: @silvertrumpetrestaurant and @avenueoftheartshotel on Instagram

With its lakeside views, award-winning lounge, and a menu rooted in California’s seasonal ingredients, Silver Trumpet lives up to its promise as a place “where cuisine meets the arts scene” – and deserves a starring role on any Costa Mesa itinerary.