Excellent dining experience! The cuisine is unparalleled, the ambiance is beautiful, and the service is top-notch! Fantastic selection of wines as well. We'll be back. read more

Came here to celebrate the wife's birthday. It is an interesting take on traditional Italian food that is upscaled. It is in the SOCO area and plenty of parking. When you walk in there is a nice long bar area on the left while the main dining area is on the right. A couple of nice artwork on the walls give it a little modern look. Music is louder than normal, but not loud enough to drown out conversation. Service throughout the night was extremely good. We were brought out a small amuse-bouche to have. Nothing memorable about it. Water was always filled promptly. The cocktails also tasted delicious, though can't remember the exact ones we ordered. For appetizers we got the Caesar salad and grilled calamari stuffed with shrimp paste. The food is presented in unique and beautiful ways. I would say attempting to be Michelin quality but with decent portions. The Caesar had egg yolk that has been sous vide for 6 hours and fresh anchovies. It was a good Caesar. The grilled calamari tasted really good and made a nice starter. The entrees were phenomenal. I had the filet cooked perfectly (requested rare) and the pasta was delicious and rich. The pasta is cooked more al dente just fyi. My wife ordered the Pappardella Ripiena which is my opinion was the better dish. It was cooked perfectly and the bits of crispy duck skin was a nice surprise with each bite. Finally we had a Tiramisu for dessert. Presentation was beautiful and taste was also good. Only critique is that it had a little too much cream and should have more filling to balance out. Only negative from the night I would say is I did mark on the reservation it was a birthday and would have been nice if it was recognized without me saying anything to them. Other than that wonderful night and would come again. read more

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Life is short, eat dessert The recommended lunch selection by Alberto was perfect with light dressing on salad. Got to visit with pastry chef about her delicious creations, I promise if I found perfect vanilla beans while travel, I will brought a batch back to her kitchen. read more

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5 stars all around! We dined at the bar and were helped by Kevin, who absolutely made the whole experience for us. Love him. He was so personable and offered great suggestions for both food and alcohol. His specialty cocktails were great. As for the food, we started with the crudo. The scallops were so sweet and fresh. I had the pappardelle and husband had the filet, both were amazing and unique in their own way. We met the owner, Antonio as well, who was friendly and hospitable. This is such a special place and we'll definitely be back! read more

Il Girasole - Filet - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Great food. Great ambiance; bad service at restaurant ....but great service at bar Servers gave me another customers order; then when we explained we didn't order the dishes we watch them reserve those same plates to other customer. It was quite shocking. Rude wait staff will reach over your food while you're eating to take empty glasses. The waiter who did this to me let the empty glasses sit on the table for 30 minutes and it wasn't untill I started enjoying my food that he decided to take the glasses. Waitstaff will take food before you agree. I have gone to the bar several times before and have had great experiences there but the waitstaff is rude if you need a table. read more

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A few weeks ago, my daughter and I visited Il Girasole in Costa Mesa to celebrate my late wife's birthday. My Italian friends had highly recommended this new restaurant, and it turned out to be one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed like family. Antonio, the owner and creator of the menu, personally greeted us with warmth and professionalism, making us feel instantly at home. The restaurant is located in the Costa Mesa Business Center, a fantastic "venue" with an inviting atmosphere. The interior is stunning, with elegant Italian artistic touches, warm lighting that creates a cozy ambiance, and a beautiful painting that adds character to the space. We were given a perfect table, and Marco, one of the waiters--also a native of Italy--introduced the menu with charm and enthusiasm. Antonio himself (we asked for his recommendations) guided us through a personal culinary journey, offering recommendations that showcased his creativity and passion for Italian cuisine. We began with the Crust Bread caviar appetizer, the ahi-Tuna Gorgonzola antipasto (a bold and creative pairing), and the Yellowtail with caviar and beet sauce, which was silky smooth and beautifully balanced. Then came the Lobster Risotto served in a squash bowl, a dish so outstanding it alone was worth the visit. Even the simplest plate, Spaghetti with tomato and stracciatella, was a revelation--delicate yet distinguished, with flavors that transported us straight to Sicily and the Mediterranean. Another highlight was the Filet Mignon topped with a large ravioli filled with cacio e pepe, an exceptional dish in both flavor and presentation. For dessert, we had an exquisite tiramisu, beautifully served on a volcanic stone plate, accompanied by vanilla gelato and a touch of chocolate (and a candle to celebrate my late wife - very emotional time and very kind of them to surprise us. Much appreciated). Each dessert was simple yet elevated--a perfect conclusion to the meal. Antonio recommended three wines to pair with our dishes (a signature fruity cocktail too), though I must apologize for not noting the exact labels (the Cabernet in particular stood out). We finished with a Nonino aged Grappa, which was the perfect way to cap off the evening. My daughter and I loved every moment of our visit, and as we savored each dish, I couldn't help but think of how much my late wife would have adored Il Girasole. As a chef, Italian food ambassador, and cookbook writer, she would have deeply appreciated Antonio's dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients (many imported directly from Italy - best and selected EVOO and gold quality aged balsamic vinegar from Modena ...) and his ability to craft dishes that are both innovative and true to Italian tradition. I felt her presence with us, appreciating this beautiful experience through us from above. I've traveled extensively and been fortunate to dine at many great restaurants worldwide, often with my wife, but Il Girasole stands out as one of the most memorable. Antonio's expertise, creativity, and attention to detail are evident in every dish, and the service provided by his team is exceptional. This is, without a doubt, a Michelin-star-quality experience. Next time, I can't wait to try their octopus, pinsa bread, seafood pasta and aged steaks, which I've heard are phenomenal. While the restaurant is still very new, I am confident it will quickly become a top destination for food lovers and anyone looking to experience exceptional modern Italian cuisine. Lastly, I want to clarify that this is not a paid collaboration--this review is based solely on our personal experience. I cannot recommend Il Girasole highly enough to everyone who appreciates outstanding food, impeccable service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Antonio and his team have created something truly special. Bravo! read more

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The atmosphere, location, menu, nice. Food and drinks were all pretty good but A bit pricey but more than that a bit rich and too much for lunch, wish the weekly lunch options like a simple pasta were available. Extremely SLOW service without communication. 1:20 arrival with reservation, food arrived 2:25! We didn't have any appetizers and was not offered anything . They have a bread basket for sale that I didn't see on the menu they should have offered that to everybody as we were all waiting in patiently. We finally saw bread on the other table and ordered it which was worth the $8 , the olive bread and the butter was delicious but by then we were starving. I could see that the manager and the waiters were doing their best to try to speed things along but it would have been better to communicate and apologize in the moment. Looking around every table looked unhappy. And then finally the whole restaurant got their food around the same time no matter what time we got there. Plus our table was served at different times, luckily the waiter did not serve us cold food and he went out of his way to make sure we got good food. I think their menu, plating etc are just too fancy for who they have in the kitchen. Waiter Michael did apologize and offer an extra dessert on the house which was appreciated. But it was almost 2 hours in and out for four people no appetizers. First time here and we live minutes from here but sadly not sure we'll be back, not sure if they were just overwhelmed or if this is the norm. It was father's Day brunch but not really crowded. read more

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We came back after having an amazing meal/ experience last time. What can I say, they did it again. Our server Lucas was great. The food outstanding. We live in Dana Point and normally would never drive this far for dinner. But this is our absolute favorite Italian restaurant. Beautiful presentation and great food. We will be back. Again. . read more

What a great place! Overall 10/10 Food was great, drinks too! Our server was so nice and helpful! Ambiance and lights 5 stars! Will come back for sure read more

Il Girasole - Veal and cauliflower pure - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Antonio and his team are the best! I came here to Il Girasole with two other friends to celebrate one of their early birthday. Kevin and another server helped us and, of course, the service was exceptional! We had Burrata and Prosciutto with figs, Gnocchetti Sardi, and Risotto al Tartufo Nero. Kevin mixed some martinis for my friends. Antonio treated us to the yummiest and to die for desserts (tiramisu, cannolis, and gelato) and to fresh house made limoncello. The presentation of everything looked as good as it tasted! Everything was superb! Antonio is Orange County's best Italian restaurateur and Il Girasole is a neighborhood gem that I highly recommend for date nights and group events. read more

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I am so mad this place is far from me. I stopped here on my way back home to Beverly Hills. This place was highly recommended to me by some friends. I'm so glad I stopped by because this is a complete hidden gem. The food here is outstanding! The chef and the owner are brilliant with flavors and new creativity! Service is great because the owner is always present and is making sure that every guest has the best experience. Very cute cozy place makes you feel at home. Off the beaten path a little bit from what I understand, but I could be wrong because I'm not from the area. But if you guys want one of the best meals you ever have, this is a place you have to come and try And be a regular at. Get to know the owner and the chef, because food here can change daily and the chef always wants to give you something special. And everything we had was outstanding. read more

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It was okay....service was sloppy, asking someone to take the menus away quite a while after we ordered, having to ask for more water multiple times, food was okay. We'll give it another try since we went on a Friday night and they seemed busy..... read more

We just moved to Irvine from Los Angeles where we were spoiled with good restaurants, steep prices, over prices menu, but still decent food. We had to drive to Costa Mesa, Soco, OCmix to find some decent restaurants. We tried this place and I must say I was impressed. The food was excellent. I had the duck confit tagliatelle accompanied with a Solengo 2022. A délice. Great service too. You must try this place !! read more

What an amazing experience! Cocktails are very creative, wine selection to satisfy any wine lover. The food is out of this world! We had a chance to chat with the chef and the owner stopped by as well, which elevated the experience. Service was on point! read more

In my opinion, Il Girasole is the BEST modern Italian cuisine in Orange County. It quite literally feels like you are in Italy from the minute you walk in. The aromas, staff, and ambiance is incredible. Perfect for date nights, business outings, or just dinner with friends. We have tried almost everything on the menu over our countless visits to Il Girasole, and I can't ever find a single negative to say. Im often silent while we are here because the food is so good and meticulously crafted. They constantly shift up their menu, bringing in new, beautiful plates. Antonio is an absolute gem and we are so thankful he brought his expertise and passion right here to us in OC. He does a phenomenal job at bringing his Italian culture through every touch at Il Girasole. The staff here is incredibly talented and friendly. You can tell they take pride in every aspect of the restaurant. I'm excited to see where this place goes in the near future. The team never fails to make us feel special, welcome, and provide an exceptional experience every time. Whether you're looking for a quick bite for lunch, just a few drinks with friends, or dinner, Il Girasole is the place to go! You won't regret it!!! read more

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Do you want authentic Italian food? Give I'll Girasole a try. Professional servers and follow their recommendations, they know what and what not to order. A little on the expensive side but well worth it. Try it I guarantee you'll enjoy it and will become a favorite. read more

First of all the decor & design in this restaurant is stunning, the ambiance is so intimate & the staff and owner are so nice! Stopped by the bar for a drink which was good & I look forward to coming back read more

Il Girasole - Bar - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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The ambiance as soon as you walk in makes you feel cozy and at home. Everyone so welcoming! I had the chardonnay flower 2023 Sonoma, wow!! The presentation of the appetizer dishes are amazing. I would definitely share all the different dishes as every dish has its own uniqueness! Definitely coming back even if it's just for drinks! read more

Il Girasole - Tonno appetizer. - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Easily top ten of Orange County. About time we have a Lyon level Michelin quality resteruant in Orange County. Get your reservation now before this place gets packed. It's worth it. Servers from Oliver's osteria came over for this new resteruant. Snapper, truffle flaked risotto, gnocchi... grappa! Everything... yes please! read more

Il Girasole - Foie gras! - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had a wonderful evening at Il Girasole! Our bartender, Roxy, was well-versed in our favorite cocktails and lovely to talk to...we were excited they had both the green and yellow chartreuse. My husband and I were there to celebrate my birthday, and it was a perfect, intimate, and slow-paced meal, which we appreciated. We ordered the winter salad, bison short ribs, duck pappardelle, duck breast (I requested rare, which restaurants often miss the mark on, but not here!), and poached pear dessert. We truly enjoyed every single dish! They also brought cannolis for my birthday. It felt like dining at a cherished neighborhood spot: a fabulous meal, a warm welcome as if we were regulars, and a thoroughly satisfying experience. read more

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All the desserts, especially the Pavlova, we're very delicious. And the ambience was just right.

Had a nice date with my husband for Valentine's Day. Very impressed with the excellent service from our server Fabrizio, as well as the manager. I love going to a restaurant where you feel like you're being treated like family. Highly recommend. read more

Forgot about our order on mother's day. Waited over 45 minutes no food and only water. Didn't make it up to us

If you're looking for the most delicious, original, and unique dining experience come here. Me and my husband were looking for a new date night spot centered around Italian cuisine, and we found our place. Our server Michael was the absolute best, super attentive and went above and beyond recommending dishes for us. To start, we got the house made focaccia bread, arancini, and the Caesar salad 10/10 on all apps. Great portions, absolutely delicious. For our entrees we got the bone marrow lasagna and duck parpadella...100/10. I couldn't believe how good this food was. And of course, we had to do dessert, flourless chocolate cake. So so so good. If you're looking to splurge on some of the best food I've ever had, come here. And request Michael ! He's the best. Must try place here in OC. read more

Il Girasole - Duck parpadella - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine with friendly service and a nice relaxing ambiance, some of the best lamb and mashed potatoes I've had, will definitely be back, thank you! read more

What an incredible brunch experience! From the greeting at the door to our perfect corner table, we were delighted to have such a wonderful meal. The owner Antonio is the quintessential restaurant operator. We were thrilled to see our favorite bartender Kevin behind the bar serving up bubbles and smiles. We started with the Scallop Crudo that was to die for! With the coconut vinaigrette and kafir lime sauce, our tastebuds were happy and left us wanting more. We tried the Agnolotti stuffed with beets and marscapone, brown butter and crispy sage. WOW! My husband had the USDA Prime Ribeye steak and eggs that he said was melt in your mouth with the best crispy potatoes we've had anywhere and I had the eggs benedict with perfectly crisp prosciutto which was delish and much better than traditional bacon or ham. Since everything was so good we had to see how the French Toast was, and it was a perfect balance with whipped ricotta and blueberries. Of course we had to have desert, enter the Torta al Cioccolato. Man, this was delectable. Their in-house pastry chef is one to be watched. We were beyond impressed by the presentation of every dish. After we washed it all down with our final glass of champagne, we decided to get the Anatra Carina Duck breast with orange sauce to go! It was all so good we wanted to try more of their options. What a treat this was. I HIGHLY recommend this hidden gem in Soco. From the ambiance and decor to the incredible freshly made pasta, I promise this spot will not disappoint. Enjoy :)- read more

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The service and the food were on point. The seafood pasta was amazing, just wished I had some bread to soak up that fabulous sauce. The burratta with cured meat and melon was beautifully delicious. The veal cheek was so tender it melted in your mouth and it was served with the silkiest polenta. The duck breast was perfectly balanced and delicious. I just wish I had left room for desert. I most definitely recommend this restaurant, and I rarely make recommendations. read more

SoCo Mix is a favorite community space, and Il Girasole is an amazing addition. First and foremost a friendly greeting and attentive service. The food was simply amazing with so many unique options. My friend and I eat family style, and they served the meal with serving silverware and plates (usually we have to ask). Beet salad, focaccia, and a glass of red wine to start. They brought a potato croquette, amuse bouche that was a bomb of deliciousness We shared Lasagna and a pasta dish with a light tomato sauce. Dessert was a beautiful poached pear with gelato. We are already planning a return visit. Next will be Happy Hour, 2-6, daily at the bar. If you want an Italian meal that is delicious and every bite a joy, make a reservation or enjoy the upscale happy hour menu. read more

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Holy smokes I was just blown away at Il girasole! So much that I just made my Christmas Eve dinner reservation there. My personal favorite was the pesto gnocchi which was like an explosion of flavor. The French toast with Dubai chocolate will change your life. And the carbonara Benedict and short rib on the brunch menu is incredible. Everything was insanely delicious. They even have a dog friendly patio. I cannot wait to come back for Christmas Eve. read more

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Excellent restaurant! Excellent experience! Fine dining and excellent service! We were greeted hosted by the owner himself Antonio. Him and his team are great ! The food is everything ! Thank you for your hospitality. I usually do not review restaurants but I think this is my go to place going forward !!! Love love love cin cin read more

Il Girasole - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I absolutely loved this place. We came in at 4:40 and didn't realize that they open at 5. They let us sit at the bar to order some food and drinks until then. We ordered the strip bass and it was delicious! At 5 we decided to do two sets of the 5 piece menu and loved every dish we tried. I was so hungry in the beginning so I barely took any photos. My favorite dish was the hama crudo! This review has been sitting in my drafts for months. I barely rememebr everything I ordered but I can't wait to go back and see what they've done to the menu since it's seasonal! read more

My girlfriend & I had a great time catching up over dinner at Il Garisole. There's great food, great service & the vibe is trendy. Our server was wonderful with suggestions & humor. Thank you for a wonderful night! read more

Amazing! Best in OC what a gem! Its in a hidden area but so happy we found this place! read more

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Came here to celebrate a birthday, and had a large party of 13 out in the patio. The patio is covered and has heaters, so it was no problem even though it was a chilly night outside. The restaurant is very new, and we understand that they're still trying to figure everything out. Between the time we made our reservations and when we actually came in to eat, they had changed to a pre-set menu. We were all a little caught off guard in that regard. Instead of ordering a la carte, you choose from a list of options. An appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. The meal also comes with a bread roll. Our server was very attentive and helped explain everything. Despite having a set menu with limited options, we were disappointed to find out they were out of one of the appetizer options. Most people wanted to try the Hamachi, but there was only 3 left, so we gave it to the birthday boy and two other people in our group fought for it, haha. The rest of the food came out in courses, and we were all a little surprised at the portions given the price . We understand it's fine dining and multi-course, but everyone was still rather hungry after the main course. We asked if we can order off the a la carte menu, and requested some more bread, which our server was very kind to oblige after speaking with the kitchen (I don't think they normally give additional complimentary bread). He could tell we were all still quite hungry, and while we waited for our a la carte entrees, he brought out two complimentary plates of gnocchi for us all to share. (I ordered the gnocchi as my main entree and thought it was very flavorful and delicious. The pasta was just far too al dente for my taste. I felt like I had to chew it for so so so long, my jaw was getting tired!) After more bread, many more drinks, and additional entrees, we were finally satiated, and they brought out the desserts. Those desserts truly are show-stoppers! I ordered the Pavlova and honestly--I wish I could come back to this restaurant just to eat this pavlova over and over again. I know the restaurant is still in its early stages, and it will improve with time. I'm not eager to come back just yet. But hopefully soon in the future i I can try it again and see how everything has evolved. I greatly appreciate our server and the whole staff for their efforts. You guys made our night! read more

Have been coming here almost since their opening and have watched this restaurant evolve in wonderful ways. Chef Antonio Bevacqua has pushed the limits of local Italian flavors to create a modern twist on classical favorites. You cannot visit without trying the Arancini. Among the best you will have in California. For a different take on an old world favorite, try the Lasagna. The rich layers of meat and marrow give this dish a hearty and sophisticated flavor that will leave you delighted. The kitchen is always innovating, and don't be surprised if a chef brings you a little treat to get your opinion. Among the best wine selections in all of Orange County. Most important, Il Girasole has wonderful ambiance and vibe. Beautiful decor, lively music, and the staff is unquestionably first class. They make you feel not like a customer, but like family. This is an absolute must in the OC. read more

The restaurant was beautiful inside, the servers were friendly. We all enjoyed every dish we had, especially the duck. Had the crispiest skin and super tender. We'll be back again for sure. read more

Il Girasole quickly became our favorite Italian restaurant in Orange County because of its ambience, service, and incredibly tasty food. Each dish is beautifully plated, like a work of art, and the taste is even better. You can tell that the chef has carefully selected each ingredient to make the most delicious bites. The owner, Antonio, is extremely generous and hospitable. And our servers are always very attentive. read more

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First time to Il Girasole - we loved it! Had the four course meal and each course was delicious. I thought it was a decent value, at least relative to the fairly high a la carte prices. 1. Dungeness crab w avocado, Apple gelee, and ostrera caviar, and chive oil. 2. Agnolotti stuffed with veal cheek and sweet peas. 3. Eye of round. So good. That onion in the back was topped with something made with bone marrow and had oxtail inside! 4. Tiramisu. My wife had prosciutto, burrata and figs as a starter (big portion), the gnocchetti (handmade and quite al dente), also the eye of round (if you don't like it very pink - see photo - order it medium well), and the chocolate torta. Excellent service from a fun server. Great ambiance - we had an early 630 res on SAT night and the place was pretty empty for the first hour, but my the end it was nearly full - great to see - we want restaurants to do well. Great job, Il Girasole! read more

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Wow what an incredible find- Cozy and comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere and fun music. If you are looking for amazing modern Italian food make sure you try this place. The service was incredible and super knowledgeable. Alberto our server-explained all dishes and made the experience even better! We will be back! And don't miss out on the desserts! The Palova was incredible!! read more

Updated review. My friend and I dined here the day after their grand opening. Our service was extremely slow. The owner seemed to walk around to every table but skipped ours for some reason. When he finally stopped at the end of our meal- he did a talk and walk by asking how things were without really tuning in and already directing his attention to the bigger party behind us. We had asked 3 different staff members for crushed red pepper and it was never brought out. We waited for a while, hoping someone would bring it and by the time we gave up our pasta was cold. My wine was brought out super late as well. It was busy but not so much so that it excused them from providing decent service. The food is really good! And I hope this was a fluke. read more