Food is not perfect but good. nice polite staff, fast
February 2024
Great date night meal! We had the Bucatini Amatriciana & the Torchio Alla Norma, with a side of lemon broccoli and the Limoncello Mousse Tart for dessert. Every course was absolutely excellent and we would definitely come back!
February 2024
I've eaten here (many) times over the years. This restaurant is always consistently great!
CUCINA’s contemporary Italian cuisine is prepared with a focus on California seasonality and the bounty of local farms. Combined flavors of Italy with the organic freshness of Southern California is emblematic of CUCINA’s from-scratch menus. Standouts include shareable portions of house made pastas, innovative pizzas, cleverly crafted seafood and meat preparations, an elevated selection of antipasti, dolci, and signature cheese and salumi program.
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.
