CUCINA enoteca Irvine

CUCINA enoteca Irvine Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Set within walking distance of the Irvine Spectrum’s massive, neon-drenched cinema complex, this sister venue of San Diego’s CUCINA enoteca Del Mar counters the shopping center’s presence with its airy, rustic space done in earthen hues, a homespun décor, and a prominent wine display. CUCINA enoteca Irvine is also home to a retail wine shop.

Food & Drinks: Appetizers include fried squash blossoms with lemon ricotta and saffron aïoli, and beef tartare with cornichon and sunchoke chip. The baby beet and citrus fruit salad with crisp quinoa and yogurt provides an intriguing follow-up. Main courses range from pizzas and hearty pastas featuring handmade noodles to land and sea fare, such as the Aspen Ridge flat-iron steak with crispy potato and whole roasted branzino accompanied by ancient grain. Be sure to end your meal with the spiced olive oil cake with poached pear or perhaps the salted caramel budino.