Solstice in Irvine is a hidden treasure, and it's safe to say that my bestie and I had an absolutely delightful experience during our recent visit. This charming spot left us with nothing but good vibes and wonderful memories. Ambiance: The moment we walked into Solstice, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The décor exudes a trendy and modern yet cozy feel, making it an ideal spot for a casual hangout or a special celebration. The restaurant boasts a chic interior with beautiful natural light pouring in, and a serene outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying the sunny Southern California weather. The attentive staff added to the overall inviting ambiance, ensuring we felt right at home. Food: Solstice truly shines in its culinary offerings. The menu is a culinary journey that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. We savored an array of delectable dishes, and each one was a culinary masterpiece. The fresh ingredients and innovative flavors in every bite were a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality. I would recommend starting ahi tuna poke bowl, it was a refreshing and healthy option, while the short rib sliders were a savory delight. The cocktails were expertly crafted and wonderfully paired with our meal. Solstice's dessert menu is equally impressive, and the chocolate lava cake is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Price: Solstice offers a dining experience that's slightly upscale but worth every penny. The quality and presentation of the dishes, along with the attentive service, justify the prices. It's a perfect place for a special occasion, a romantic date night, or just a casual brunch with friends. The portions are reasonable, and you leave feeling content and satisfied. In summary, Solstice in Irvine is a gem worth discovering. It's a place where good company meets exceptional food and a warm, welcoming ambiance. My bestie and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this restaurant, from the trendy setting to the mouthwatering food. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience in Irvine, Solstice is undoubtedly the place to be. We can't wait to return and create more unforgettable moments at this culinary haven. read more

We visited Solstice to celebrate our anniversary and, despite being late for our reservation, were seated promptly as it wasn't too busy. For drinks, I tried the Tiki Room, a rum-based cocktail with pineapple juice. Unfortunately, it felt unbalanced--while I usually prefer drinks on the less sweet side, this one was too under-sweet and had an odd bitterness that threw it off. My boyfriend enjoyed the Golden Julius, though I felt it was missing something. The highlight of the meal was the Parker House rolls, freshly baked, fluffy, and warm. The citrus ginger glaze added just the right touch of sweetness and saltiness, and the homemade strawberry jam was a delightful addition--absolutely delicious. For mains, we shared the roasted half chicken, which came with an aji verde sauce and quinoa salad. The chicken was incredibly tender and juicy, bursting with flavor, and the aji verde sauce had a perfect balance of sweet, sour and saltiness, complementing the chicken beautifully. The quinoa salad was refreshing and paired well with the dish. My boyfriend opted for the short rib pasta, and it was a hit--the freshly made pasta was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of chew, and the short ribs were melt-in-your-mouth tender. To finish, we had the pistachio tres leches cake. While the pistachio flavor was rich and satisfying, the cake was far too sweet for my taste. Paired with the dulce de leche gelato, it became overwhelmingly sweet, though my boyfriend loved it. Overall, the food was impressive, and the service was fantastic--our server was attentive and thoughtful, making for a wonderful dining experience. We'll definitely return to explore more of the menu, though I'm hoping for cocktails with better balance and desserts that are a touch less sweet. read more

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Solstice stands as a beacon of Modern-American culinary artistry, a place where the rhythm of the seasons paints the menu with vibrant strokes of imagination and flavor. The experience began with their house-made biscuits, a simple offering that ascended to the extraordinary with the addition of homemade strawberry jam and butter. Oh, the jam! It was as if summer itself had been distilled, captured in the jewel-toned essence of strawberries at the peak of their ripeness. Then came the Potato-Leek Soup, an understated title for a dish that unfolded in layers of complex flavors and textures. Enhanced with leek cereal and shoestring potatoes, each spoonful was a discovery, a blend of earthy potatoes and the subtle, onion-like sweetness of leeks, with an unexpected hint of cauliflower. The meal crescendoed with the Solstice Salad, a dish that was as visually arresting as it was delicious. With mixed greens, slices of crisp watermelon radish, grated egg, and a buttermilk garlic dressing, it was a dish that captured the freshness of the garden and the creamy, tangy kick of the dressing--a symphony of textures and tastes. Even as the time ticked closer to their transition to dinner service, the care with which we were treated never waned. Solstice, with its dedication to ingredient-driven cuisine, not only honors the ingredients themselves but also respects the time and the patrons who come to savor them. As we departed, with the flavors of our brunch lingering like a fond memory, it was clear that Solstice isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey, marked by the cycles of the earth and the hands that turn its bounty into art. read more

We recently visited Solstice in Irvine for our company Christmas luncheon, which we had booked several weeks in advance for a party of eight. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing due to poor communication and unprofessional service. When we arrived, we were informed that the restaurant would be closing early for a private company holiday party. This crucial detail was never mentioned when we made the reservation or during the confirmation call a few days prior. To make matters worse, the hostess was incredibly rude, speaking to us with a dismissive and condescending tone. She bluntly told us we would only have two hours for our lunch, making the entire experience feel rushed and unpleasant. Had we known, we could have adjusted our reservation to an earlier time to avoid feeling rushed. During the meal, we felt pressured as staff started cleaning and setting up for the evening party while we were still eating. The uncomfortable atmosphere prevented us from ordering additional food or drinks, as it was clear they wanted us to leave. This lack of courtesy completely overshadowed our experience. We had looked forward to dining at Solstice and were eager to support a place we had previously enjoyed, but this experience was absolutely horrible. There were multiple opportunities for the staff to notify us about the early closure, yet they failed to do so, leaving us with an unpleasant and rushed holiday luncheon. We will seriously reconsider visiting Solstice again in the future. read more

Oh, the food? Phenomenal. An orchestra of flavors that danced across my taste buds, a culinary masterpiece worthy of a standing ovation. The service? Impeccable. Our server was charming, attentive, and seemed genuinely invested in making our experience delightful. But what good is all that when the restaurant pulls a fast one on you with a ridiculous, borderline insulting "technology fee"--a scam so audacious it deserves its own Yelp category? Let me paint the picture: You sit down, excited, scrolling through their fancy menu. You order, blissfully unaware that you're being silently bled dry for the privilege of navigating their clunky software. Then comes the bill, and there it is: a cold, clinical line item labeled "technology fee," like some Orwellian nightmare. Excuse me, but you're charging me extra for YOUR staff using YOUR technology?? Did I unknowingly fund your IT department this evening? Should I be expecting a shareholder's report in the mail? This sneaky little surcharge sullied what could have been a perfect evening. I didn't walk into this restaurant expecting to be double-crossed by innovation. I'd rather pay for overpriced cocktails than subsidize their decision for added technology . To sum it up: the food is divine, the service is angelic, but the "technology fee" is a hellish insult. Charge me $50 for a steak, fine. But don't insult my intelligence with your hidden fees. Fix this, or no amount of delicious food will save your reputation. read more

I had high expectations for this restaurant, but my dining experience last night was extremely disappointing. Here's what happened: I made a reservation in advance, but when I arrived, a white female hostess seated us right by the entrance. Since it was very drafty and cold by the door, I politely asked if we could move to a more comfortable table, especially since the restaurant had plenty of empty seats available. However, the hostess was incredibly dismissive and cold. She repeatedly refused my request, even saying, "This is the only table we can offer you. If you're not happy, you can leave." Her lack of empathy and professionalism made me feel completely disrespected. As a customer, I understand that restaurants have their policies, but her rigid and unaccommodating attitude was unacceptable, especially when there were so many open tables. Fortunately, I spoke to the manager, who handled the situation much better. He quickly moved us to a better table, which slightly salvaged the experience. That said, the hostess's poor service had already left a terrible impression. read more

had such a wonderful day enjoying delicious food with great company in a modern and clean atmosphere. Since it's an open kitchen, you can see the cooking area clearly, and the spotless and well-organized space made the whole experience feel even more trustworthy. They mentioned that the menu changes with the seasons, offering new dishes depending on the time of year. Being able to try different flavors every season is quite impressive. We ordered the Iceberg Wedge, Steak Frites, and Roasted Half Chicken, and everything was truly enjoyable. The Parker House Rolls, served warm and freshly baked, and the Churro Spiced Ricotta Doughnuts with chocolate and salted caramel sauce were especially delicious. The food was so good that I ended up enjoying everything without taking as many photos as I planned--such a shame! The staff were very friendly, and the building offers two hours of free parking, which made the whole experience even more comfortable. Just bring your parking ticket, and the restaurant will validate it after your meal. read more

Had such an amazing experience at Solstice celebrating my husband's birthday. From the moment we arrived, the service was absolutely impeccable. The staff went above and beyond and even surprised us with a handwritten card signed by the team wishing him a happy birthday. It was such a thoughtful touch that genuinely made the night feel special. The food and drinks were delicious, and every interaction felt intentional and genuine. You can really tell the entire team cares about creating a well thought out experience from start to finish, not just serving a meal. We were even surprised to receive a personal follow-up email from the manager thanking us for dining there, which honestly speaks volumes about the level of hospitality they provide. It's rare to find a restaurant that combines amazing food with such warm and attentive service, but Solstice absolutely delivered on both. We left feeling celebrated and appreciated. Highly recommend for a date night or any special occasion. read more

I had an enjoyable dinner the other night at Solstice, celebrating my colleague's birthday. The spacious interior gives you a cozy, upscale ambiance, and there's plenty of seating inside and on the patio. We ordered a plethora of food, including the Malbec braised short rib, pan seared salmon, grilled branzino, seafood risotto, and seared sea scallops. My personal favorites were the seared sea scallops, and the mushroom risotto it was paired with was absolutely savory. The seafood risotto was also decent but not quite as savory. The branzino and salmon were good as well. For dessert, we ordered the apple butter cake and the sticky toffee carrot cake. The Apple butter cake was on point, sweet and with a strong apple flavor. We weren't a big fan of the sticky toffee carrot cake; there was no taste of carrot cake, just the very rich salted toffee sauce. Overall, it was a fine experience, perfect for a one-and-done experience in my book. read more

We were here yesterday for a wonderful birthday dinner with friends. We were seated outside in the patio, which was really nice with the lights and the breeze. I noticed there's a fireplace that can be turned on if the temperature drops. We had a big group 13, but Sherry took care of us so well, very thoughtful when to take the orders for drinks, apps, entrée and fill up our water. It's next to a parking garage which is convenient to walk, however I'm not sure what the noise level from the traffic is during lunch weekdays. The food is very good, especially the Malbec braised short rib. The Solstice salad is fresh, the watermelon & feta salad is excellent although I'm partial to halumi cheese when it comes to watermelon salad. The short rib croquettes is also a delicious appetizer, which is good to get a taste of the short rib before you commit to the entrée. The Yuzu Breeze is refreshing if you like yuzu liqueur and midori. read more

Solstice is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and professionalism. The atmosphere is elegant yet inviting, making it the perfect place for a memorable meal. Our waitress, Emaily, was simply outstanding. She is not only incredibly kind and attentive but also smart and thoughtful, ensuring that every detail of our experience was perfect. Her friendly demeanor and genuine care made our visit even more special. And the food? Absolutely amazing! Every dish was crafted with precision and packed with flavor. From presentation to taste, Solstice truly delivers an exceptional culinary experience. Everything about our visit was wonderful--from the outstanding service to the delicious food and the overall ambiance. If you're looking for a place that goes above and beyond, Solstice is it! Highly recommended, and we will definitely be back! read more

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Solstice stands as a beacon of Modern-American culinary artistry, a place where the rhythm of the seasons paints the menu with vibrant strokes of imagination and flavor. The experience began with their house-made biscuits, a simple offering that ascended to the extraordinary with the addition of homemade strawberry jam and butter. Oh, the jam! It was as if summer itself had been distilled, captured in the jewel-toned essence of strawberries at the peak of their ripeness. The meal crescendoed with the Solstice Salad, a dish that was as visually arresting as it was delicious. With mixed greens, slices of crisp watermelon radish, grated egg, and a buttermilk garlic dressing, it was a dish that captured the freshness of the garden and the creamy, tangy kick of the dressing--a symphony of textures and tastes. read more

I recently dined at Solstice in Irvine, and while the food was undeniably good, my experience was tainted by some frustrating aspects. The menu offers a range of creative, seasonal dishes that were flavorful and well-prepared--definitely a highlight of the evening. However, the overall experience fell short of expectations. First, hidden fees were an unwelcome surprise. While I understand service charges or adjustments for large parties, it would have been appreciated if they were more upfront about these charges. Transparency goes a long way in building trust with customers. In summary, Solstice has great food, but the lack of transparency regarding fees and the average service detract from the overall experience. It's worth visiting for the cuisine, but be prepared for potential surprises on your bill. read more

I absolutely loved this place! The burger was incredible the bread was out of this world, truly top-notch . Service was solid, though it was quite busy, so our server was juggling multiple tables and it was a bit tricky to get quick info. We came specifically for the short rib, but learned it's only on the dinner menu, so we opted for a similar dish that was decent. We'll definitely be back to try the short rib next time! The donuts were a highlight, and the complimentary chocolate mousse for the birthday was fantastic. The ambiance is wonderful, mostly corporate guests, but I really enjoy the vibe and overall aesthetic. Parking gets validated, but it was crowded, so we parked across the street for free. Overall, a great spot and highly recommend! read more

The ambiance was delightful, exuding an upbeat and cheerful atmosphere perfectly complemented by impeccable service. However, we found the menu somewhat limited in variety. The dishes we tried, such as the squash soup and apple cake, were unfortunately either too salty or overly sweet, respectively. Additionally, the sweet potato seemed undercooked. Despite these shortcomings, the filet was exceptional, although I missed seeing my favorite ribeye steak on the menu. If your priority is exceptional cuisine, you might consider exploring other dining options. Nonetheless, we were grateful for the opportunity to experience the restaurant's ambiance and service. read more

So glad that Solstice is now open. When you walk in you are greeted by a team of hosts who make you feel right at home. We were quickly sat at our table. The set up was immaculate. There was even a fresh rosemary leaf on our table for each of us. The food. Amazing. We had the Charcuterie board and it did not disappoint. The paperdelle was amazing and so was the salmon. Even though everything was great, the best part was the service from our server Tegan. She courses our meals perfectly, gave great suggestions, and ensured our table was cleared the whole time. We will be back and will be asking for Tegan each time! read more

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the servers who went above and beyond to make everything perfect. The Wagyu pasta was an absolute delight, and the dessert was superb, adding a sweet note to my birthday celebration. I'm thrilled that my birthday evening was such a delightful experience. The restaurant's modern ambiance is truly amazing, and the plaza outside lights up beautifully at night, setting the perfect mood. The convenience of garaged parking and all-night validation at the restaurant made the evening even more enjoyable. Thank you for making my celebration memorable and special! read more

Solstice in Irvine is a must-visit restaurant. I've been there several times and I have never been disappointed with their food or drinks. The seasonal changes in their menu keep things fresh and exciting. The ambiance and decor are wonderful, and the overall atmosphere is just perfect. The service is always top-notch and the staff is very friendly. Every drink I have tried has been fantastic, and I always look forward to trying something new. Overall, Solstice is one of my favorite spots to visit with my girlfriend and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great food and dining experience read more

I recently dined at Solstice, and it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that set the stage for an extraordinary culinary adventure. The menu was a showcase of creativity, each dish was unique. The highlight of my evening was the short rib, a masterpiece of flavors. The service was impeccable, with staff were amazing, thank you Karlee for making my birthday so special! Every detail, from the elegantly plated courses to the desserts were executed with excellence. Solstice absolutely deserves five stars! read more