THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: The first Southern California outlet of this Philadelphia semi-chain suggests they did their homework. Located a few blocks east of John Wayne Airport in the heart of Irvine’s original business district, the restaurant is positioned to be a prime destination for power lunches and road warriors looking beyond hotel fare. Those that come are rewarded with a sleek Tuscan-inspired setting with dark woods, soft lighting, a large rectangular bar, and an attentive staff that knows how to read the room and when to touch tables.

Likes: Attentive but not intrusive service.
Dislikes: Some seats give you views of the non-prep part of the kitchen.

Food & Drinks: Executive chef Istvan Toth enhances the atmosphere with a solid take on the menu of Northern Italian steakhouse fare. While appetizers like beef meatballs, crispy chicken livers or oven-baked lump crab cakes are proper starters, don’t sleep on the selection of spring rolls stuffed with Philly cheese steak or buffalo chicken --- they’re delicious misfits. The hand-made pasta dishes can be enjoyed as entrées or appetizers; opting for the latter leaves opportunity to appreciate several cuts of beef or mains such as cod loin with PEI mussels or pork chop with goat cheese puffs. For dessert, unique bites like mascarpone cheesecake join classics, among them tiramisu. The wine list is highlighted by numerous international heavyweights.