CUCINA enoteca

CUCINA enoteca Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Like its sister location in Irvine, the Newport Beach version of CUCINA enoteca is in a large shopping complex. Yet the restaurant has done a great job of shielding itself from the bustle of the mall crowd through its vibrant, casual country interior and lovely garden patio.

About the drinks: Guests can select a bottle of wine from the unique retail program to enjoy with their meal, but we recommend grabbing a spot at the bar and indulging in one of the specialty cocktails.

About the food: Chef de cuisine Cesar Sarmiento oversees a contemporary Italian menu that emphasizes seasonal freshness and sustainability. Ricotta-stuffed squash blossoms, farmer’s chopped salad and margherita flatbread are good starters, although more adventurous types will want to go for a chicken liver pâté accompanied by Barolo-soaked fig spread. Handmade pasta such as the short rib pappardelle or mushroom and chestnut tagliatelle are ideally portioned, while the whole roasted branzino with toasted orzo or chicken fra diavolo with Brussels sprouts, leek, and mascarpone polenta are fine for those who want proteins. Save room for the olive oil cake with poached pear or the salted caramel budino for dessert.