They really want to be the restaurant that Gordon Ramsey gushes about, but they miss on flavor and timing. One seating per nigjt, force you to the basement to eat off a community appetizer trough. Drinks were ok, nothing special except the price. Herded back upstairs to our our table, but another couple was sitting there. Hostess "allowed" us to move them, since she was confused and didn't know what to do. The food was pretty bland, and not special at all....even though it really really wanted to be. I would not recommend this over priced, owner-ego buy into the kool-aid sad experience to anyone. I wouldn't go back if someone paid me to. Well, maybe....but not for the food. read more

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What an amazing experience. I definitely want to come back and do this again. We added the pairing to our food so the sommelier came out and gave us a little history on the wine and how it compliments the food we are eating at that moment. The ambiance was fantastic including the service. 10 out of 10 read more

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Been going here for my wedding anniversary for the past 5 years. This year our service was really poor in comparison to normal. There were influencers there and so they received more special attention as well as some friends of the owner. The waiter forgot about us at the end of the evening so we waited to receive our bill for 30 minutes while everyone else left. He came running back and apologized but it was a real bummer to see other people getting long explanations about their wine or dinner while my husband and I were left behind. We decided it will be the last year we go back as things have changed since ownership changed. read more

Food was outstanding and the service is always amazing. It is pricey but it's not just another fine dining restaurant. It's a dining experience. Most definitely a special occasion kind of place. I've been there several times throughout the years. Always a great place. On my latest visit, our party of 12 dined in the wine cellar. Everyone was impressed. read more

It is always amazing to visit a new place where elegant attire is required to accompany your experience. Arrived dressed to impress. You are welcomed at the door and await your multi course dinner at the cellar where a team of knowledgeable mixologists are ready to prepare your drink to perfection or ready to assist you in the discovery of a fabulous bottle of wine. We opted for cocktails and I was happy to discover that my favorite single malts, some not very popular, were part of the bar selection. Friends were raving about the ambiance and the menu of specially prepared cocktails for the evening. The dinner was magnificent, every dish presented eloquently by the Maitre d' with special service selections for a friend that is vegan. I am not going to go in detail about the menu because I have a feeling that it changes constantly according to the season. The food and experience were amazing, we were a large group, I never felt rushed, and the intermission after a few plates and before the main course was a very clever part of the program. Highly recommended! read more

The Hobbit - French Near Me - Orange, California

The Hobbit was an extraordinary six course dining experience that started in the wine cellar for cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres. After being seated in our quaint dining room, we enjoyed a glass of champagne with an amuse bouche. Our table chose the wine pairings for each course as selected by the owner and level three sommelier Matt. The next course was hamachi followed by duck confit. Both courses were outstanding as was the impeccable service and the exceptional wine pairings. The Pinot served with the duck was one of the best I have ever had. Sorbet and a ten minute intermission was next. After the intermission, the main course of either filet mignon or halibut in a lobster sauce ensued. The accompanying Cabernet or Chardonnay were both on point. A glass of Port with chocolate Grenache cake capped the delicious meal. After 47 years in OC, this was our first visit to the Hobbit and it certainly will not be our last! Bon Appetit!! read more

The Hobbit - The Hobbit entrance - French Near Me - Orange, California

Had an amazing experience at this restaurant! We went for my uncle's birthday and they were extremely accommodating for vegetarian and other dietary restrictions. They did put us in a private room which was really nice, although it would've been nice to be closer to some other people since the music was a bit folky and quiet. All of the food was absolutely amazing (even though portions were small) and I actually left feeling not too hungry which I was worried about! The wine cellar and cocktail hour was also super unique and I loved that they help pick out a bottle. I would definitely recommend checking out this unique spot at least once if you are in the area. read more

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Had dinner last night for a friend's birthday. We had a large party and were seated in the wine cellar. Pre dinner drinks and an appetizer were served to all guests dining there that evening. Our main server , Andrew , was prompt and informative with each course. We enjoyed each offering with the halibut served over kale and white beans being the standout. We were able to meet the chef and tour the tiny kitchen. Would highly recommend dining here to anyone who enjoys excellent food and a unique venue. read more

Amazing ambiance and had the pleasure of having Jose as our server he was thee best ! Also food and drinks were amazing. Wonderful memory for our anniversary! read more

One word: wow! We came to The Hobbit for my partner's birthday this year and I was so blown away by my experience from beginning to end. I called in early October to make a reservation for a Saturday in December. I read on their website that Saturdays fill up quickly so I wanted to be prepared. They were in the midst of a remodel, but were able to take my info down and let me know they'd be calling for a deposit a few weeks later. I'm so used to today's online reservations so I called back a few weeks later when I didn't get my deposit call but I was assured that I did indeed have a reservation. Deposit calls were just slow due to the renovation. I got the deposit called about a week before my reservation and paid via phone ($100) which comes off of your bill night-of. Reservations are for 7, but we arrived around 6:15 where we were told to go to the wine cellar for drinks and we were free to explore the house. They had a fun seasonal cocktail menu at the wine cellar ba ($18 drinks) and we browsed their extensive wine selection while we sipped. We were able to chat with a sommelier and find a bottle within our prince range to enjoy with our meal. Once we were led back upstairs (around 6:55), we were served a glass of The Hobbit's sparkling wine and our "amuse bouche", a sampling of the style of food to come. Each course was an absolute delight. Being December, holiday music played at a perfect volume over the speakers creating the best ambiance. I never expected to feel so transported! Though it's a prix fixe menu, they were flexible when taking entree orders and allowed me to order my medium rare filet mignon as medium (I know, I know!). Around dessert, they brought out a drink for my partner's birthday. We were told it was a mix of five things that only the chef knew. We think for sure some whiskey and orange liqueur. It was great! The Hobbit is an absolutely exceptional place. It deserves all of the hype. It is a quality meal and you pay what you would expect a quality meal to be, but it's so worth it. Truly a once in a lifetime experience for us, though we hope to be able to revisit one day! read more

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Food, staff, and ambience were immaculate! This is perfect for intimate get togethers and celebrations. It is on the pricey/high end side but it is worth it. You get to tour the cellar, kitchen, and other dining rooms during your dinner. read more

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What a fantastic place for a special treat with friends. Food is amazing and even better that no choices are necessary. Appetizers in the wine cellar may be my best eating experience ever read more

The ambiance was nice. Most people come here to dine are couples. When arriving at restaurant, the host invited you to go downstairs to the wine cellar, amazing collection of wines to choose from. The pastry offered at wine cellar was very delicious. At 7pm, the hosts invited us to our table. The restaurant offered us champagne then serve with 3 perfect bits of appetizers, pate, beef tartar, seafood tart. The next course is seared diver scallop. The sauce paired up with the scallop was very tasty. The next course is mushroom risotto. The presentation was nice but wasn't very tasty, missing something. The restaurant offered sorbet to cleanse our pallet before serving the main course. There are 2 types of main course to choose from. 1) toasted eye of ribeye 2) saffron crusted halibut The dessert is way too sweet for my taste. This is the perfect restaurant for a fancy date night. read more

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Extremely expensive for mediocre food! Our two friends got food poisoning right after eating here! It cost $500 per couple to have a miserable night , vomiting and upset stomach (you get the picture)! Not worth it! Although we didn't get as sick as our friends, something felt wrong! Uncomfortable night, not happy stomach! read more

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Just not the same since Chef Michael sold this place. The chef that the new owner employ is unimaginative and the food over spiced. The new owners spruced the old house up a bit, but unfortunately the food is not worth the amount that they are asking for it. The service is the best part of this restaurant. But if the food doesn't match, it doesn't matter. read more

We've been dining at The Hobbit for years, and have been lucky enough to join them for a few dinners since the ownership change at the end of 2023. It's a truly special place, and we've had wonderful experiences every single time we've eaten here! A few highlights from the current year of service: We've found the cocktails down in the wine cellar to be exceptional and memorable. They really start the evening off on a great note, and I'm also glad they still have the French sandwich down there to nibble on while you enjoy your drink and look over the wine options. Speaking of wine, the pairings are always stellar, and if you're looking to venture out on your own and enjoy some of the many bottles down in the cellar, that's also a great option. You can be assured of excellent, personalized advice and a variety of price points available. We have found many of our favorite wines and wineries by first trying them here! The food, while always enjoyable, has gotten a little more inventive and thoughtful, and the menus are cohesive and delicious. The dining rooms have been refreshed, and the atmosphere and service remain excellent. The Hobbit has always been a lovely blend of friendly and approachable service combined with wonderful food and beverage, the sort of place that is celebratory but never stuffy. I'm happy to say that we think the experience there is better than ever. Whether it's your first visit or you've been there dozens of times, you're in for a treat. read more

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The first time I have been here post Covid, and under new ownership. While there will always been a charming and nostalgic memory from pre-Covid, the folks currently operating the hobbit provided nothing short of a magical experience. The front of the house staff was friendly, accommodating, and attentive. The decor has not changed, but that is part of what makes experience unforgettable. The food was exactly as I remembered it. Delicious in appearance and flavors. It literally took me back to be fond memories of first being introduced to this gem. Do remember, this is a fine dining experience. Invite those you truly enjoy the company of, and plan for a 4-5 hour evening of magical fun and blissful memories. read more

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This entire experience was one for the books! We've never had such great food, great wine, and accommodating service before. Everyone that works here is attentive, kind, and knowledgeable on the dishes. I loved the mood lighting and the gentle music. It created the perfect, romantic ambiance. Thank you to all the staff, Matthew, Alex, Andrew, Mercedes, Nick, Jose and Filé, for an evening to remember. Also, our unending compliments to Chef Nick, Chef Collin, and Chef Josh! We will definitely be coming back and bringing friends and family! read more

The Hobbit - French Near Me - Orange, California

This is a place you go to once and check it off your list. It is an historic location and a lovely home, but honestly, it's a bit outdated and the food, although decent and presented nicely, it isn't memorable. The experience starts in the basement and it was a bit crowded for a bunch of people moving around grabbing finger foods while others are standing in the way because thats where they can stand. Once you go upstairs, you get the main courses and I actually don't remember them because I ate there so long ago and recently discovered the pictures while cleaning out my phone so doing a late review. Having a break to explore the place was unnecessary because there's not much to look at. The service was good and the experience was organized. Glad we went but don't feel the need to return. read more

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I've been here twice, once before the remodel and once after. Both times the experience was amazing and I have to say the remodel is amazing ! Still kept it's vintage touch but with a contemporary feel. The food quality is amazing and you can tell each dish was crafted with intention and purpose. The whole experience is 4 hours which seems long but they pace everything very well, and allows for you and your party to enjoy the restaurant and it's ambiance. They even let you walk around and talk to the chef during the intermission. read more

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The Hobbit is an experience to be had. My in-laws treated DH and me to Christmas Eve Eve dinner at the Hobbit. Our reservation was at 7 pm. We walked in and were seated at our table. Then we were escorted to the champagne & hors d'oeuvres downstairs. At first, it was just us but then it got really crowded. I can only hope that everyone was vaccinated and not sick because it was wall-to-wall people after 10 minutes. I was able to try all of the bites along with their private reserve sparkling wine, but I definitely wanted out of the small space. Once we were done, we walked back upstairs to our table. I ordered the gingerbread Manhattan ($15). They serve a prix fixe menu. Ours included: 1) diver scallop, saffron rice with lemon coconut curry sauce 2) duck confit, Israeli couscous, with cremini mushrooms, tart cherry port sauce 3) prime filet mignon with black truffle cognac sauce or pan roasted Chilean sea bass with jasmine rice & sugar snap peas 4) chocolate pecan layer cake, grand marnier caramel sauce, Italian meringue & fresh strawberry The food was delicious and the courses are really spread out. I really enjoyed it but it was a long dinner. The scallop was perfectly cooked as was the filet mignon. The steak was tender and melt-in-your-mouth. The duck confit was so good with the couscous. The chocolate pecan cake was the perfect end to a lovely dinner. I also had the affogato because I needed a kick of caffeine before driving home. We didn't leave until 11 pm and it was a long day for me. They hand-write their checks so getting the bill took forever. Otherwise service was great. Parking in the small lot was easy. The Hobbit is great for special occasions and reservations are a must. read more

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This experience, although an eating adventure, is a "one-and-done" meal for my family. I did appreciate the excellent service. Still, most of the food items were over-salted. No wonder there were no salt or pepper shakers or mills on the table. The 3 amuse bouche tastes were unique...as the Chef has it his way. They were fine and were served with house champagne. Even though they present a "six-course" dining experience, I still left hungry because those six courses are spread-out over 4 hours AND are very small portions. $150 per person plus wine and cocktails makes for a spendy evening. Pleasant but no need to repeat. read more

The food and wine here flow freely. It's pricey, but you come here to treat you and your significant other to a fine dining experience. Plan an Uber or other ride service, the pairings are generous and they come with each course. Now, get dressed in your finest and have an elegant night. read more

A Disappointing Experience at The Hobbit - Sadly, Not Worth the Hype I had been looking forward to dining at The Hobbit for a long time. Friends had raved about it, online reviews were glowing, and our expectations were high. This was meant to be a special night out, so my wife and I dressed up, arrived early, and started with a cocktail in the basement lounge. The ambiance was lively, and the service started off strong--things were looking promising. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly changed once the meal began. The Three Perfect Bites amuse-bouche was an uneven start. Two were enjoyable, but the third was underwhelming. Temperature and texture seemed off--they weren't crispy as they appeared, and they landed somewhere between warm and cold. The Japanese Hamachi Crudo had a flavorful apple drizzle, but the scallop didn't seem properly prepared. The next course, which I honestly can't even remember if it was lamb or something else, was dry, lacking in flavor, and entirely forgettable. The palate cleanser, a sorbet, turned out to be the highlight of the night. That alone speaks volumes. For the main course, I opted for the filet mignon, while my wife had the lobster-glazed cod. My steak was cooked well, and the sauce had some flavor, but the accompanying potato cake and mushroom were both dry and uninspired. It felt like something I could get at a mid-range steakhouse--not a restaurant of this caliber. My wife's cod was equally underwhelming, lacking the richness or complexity you'd expect from a fine-dining seafood dish. Dessert was another letdown. I had read that we would be served some sort of date cake with hazelnut, but instead, we received a chocolate tart with meringue and raspberry--a disappointing substitution. Like much of the meal, it failed to impress. For $150 per person plus an 18% mandatory gratuity, the cost came out to just over $900 for four people. While we knew it would be an expensive evening, the price was far too steep for food that didn't meet expectations. The staff and ambiance were great, but unfortunately, that's not enough to bring me back. There are far better fine dining experiences in LA and Orange County--and even more memorable meals at much more affordable restaurants. While I'm glad to say I've been here once, I wouldn't recommend The Hobbit, nor would I return. For those considering a visit, I'd say--manage your expectations, or perhaps, choose another spot for your special night out. read more

Under New Ownership!! I really wanted to love the experience but when you acquire a business and keep the same name and image, it comes with some expectations that you live up to the name. I was disappointed as someone who was a fan of the old business and my boyfriend was disappointed as a first time experience. Instead of starting off upstairs, we now started out downstairs in the cellar when you arrived between 6-7pm. The wine selection is looking less plush than before with the back wall having seating instead of cabinets of wine. There is no longer the amazing hors d'oeurvres in the wine cellar. That was one of my favorite parts of the experience. I looovedd their pate in the past and those cute little soup cups and I feel at a lost. I tried to be in the moment to not ruin the experience for my boyfriend so I had to cover my disappointment. We had their Seasonal Cocktails ($18/each). My boyfriend had the Season's Greetings and I had the Not Your Grandma's Wassail. It was nice to walk around with the cocktail but it was limited to just look at the wine without the immense amount of snacks I was used to. They had one tray of complimentary French sandwich, which was flakey and nice but one thing does not replace a whole room of hor d'oeurvres. Then at 7pm the dining experience begins. We head to our tables and I immediately notice NO MORE ROSE BUTTER. I'm sorry I like my extra Rose Butter. It made the experience extra. Now I just get regular butter. The tasting menu was condense compared to what it was prior also. I'll just go over what we had for the December 2023 Tasting Menu. Amuse Bouche - These 5 tiny bites replaced the glorious hor d'oeurves that I once loved. To add insult to injury nothing was well executed. The crab puff was the best thing on the plate but everything else just missed the mark, compared to my prior sentiments when everything consistently impressed me with the previous ownership. The candle on the table was not lit until after the Amuse Bouche. Was this intentional? Because it seemed like they forgot and came back to do it later. Roasted Fennel & Scallop Tortellini - Served with sunchoke, pickled kale, toasted walnuts and herb oil. The flavors were delicious but the tortellini was tough. The texture failed to hit the mark but the sunchokes were the star of the dish. Maple Leaf Farms Duck - A smoked breast, confit spanakopita, parsnip, pistachio, apricot, natural jus. I remember this dish being set down, and a different staff member coming over to rotate it because it was set down incorrectly. That stuff doesn't bother me but I couldn't help but notice. The duck was great but the spanakopita was as good as something I get from Trader Joes. Sorbet - A citrus sorbet to palette cleanse between dishes. It was sweet and tart. INTERMISSION - 15-20min. I understand the intermission with the prior business model because I feasted in the wine cellar AND they used to have a salad dish to balance everything out. At this point I barely had a few bites of this and that to need to get up and walk around. They suggested we look at the kitchen and walk around. We went to say hi but there was really not much to look at. We went up to the infamous balcony. I have avoided the balcony for so long because I heard it was romantic and I didn't want to go with any randoms. I saved that balcony for someone special. Super anticlimactic. My boyfriend was like... umm, the street view? 7 Eleven? Okay my bad dude... not as romantic as the rumors. Cured Filet Mignon - With potatoes lyonnaise, heirloom carrots, bone marrow bordelaise. The filet mignon were medium rare by default unless opted otherwise. I had mine medium rare and my boyfriend had his medium. No doubt the filet mignon was perfectly cooked. The vegetables on my plate were on the hard side and difficult to cut into. I would have liked it softer. My boyfriend described the potatoes lyonnaise as a glorified hashbrown. The color and portion size of the potatoes lyonnaise looked different on his plate and my plate. Chocolate Ganache Tart - Served with hazelnut praline, cinnamon ice cream, brown butter crumble. The chocolate ganache was too sweet and too rich and worst of all the base of the tart was too hard to break into. We both only had a bit of it and ate all of the ice cream. The meal was just heavy and imbalance compared to my experience in the past. The pace of the meal was incredibly slow. We didn't leave until 10:35pm and it was basically because I rushed them for my check. The whole time I didn't know how much it would be but this meal was $389.07 with the 2 tasting menus, 2 cocktails and 18% tip. I understand they just spent money on renovations and inflation but I just wanted satisfied with my meal. I have more to say but I reached Max Characters on this review. Water refills before they are needed to the point of interrupting cute moments. Assumed me and my bf were married, calling us Mr and Mrs D. Please don't assume. read more

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I have been to The Hobbit several times before the new ownership and remodel, and just went for the first time since the remodel. Matthew the new owner has done an incredible job with the place - it retains its Hobbit charm but with a nice facelift. You can't go wrong with the hospitality and service here. Everyone is so kind, thoughtful and knowledgable. A group of friends and I went recently for my birthday and were on the patio having cocktails when Andrew our server came out and asked if we'd like to have any gifts or personal items taken up to our dining room. That was very sweet and much appreciated. The new setup has appetizers at the table instead of in the cellar - I will say, I do miss the camaraderie of being in the cellar for champagne and appetizers. It did get crowded down there but it is still crowded now that the bar has moved into the cellar too. Regardless, the experience is still lots of fun here whether you're on date night or with friends and I always look forward to it. The wine cellar is extensive and impressive and one of my favorite parts about The Hobbit. The sommelier on staff is kind and happy to help you pick out your bottle of wine, or assist you in the wine pairing for the evening. But if you're into cocktails, those are good too! I enjoyed my dirty martini! The attention to detail at mealtime is really lovely. The plates and glassware used are all *chefs kiss*. I wouldn't say the food is my absolute favorite, but it is very good and I've enjoyed each meal that I've had. Overall, if you have not been to The Hobbit, I highly recommend it. It is a hidden gem of a culinary & wine experience! read more

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OMG! I've been waiting to ho here gor years as I heard nothing but great reviews! The whole experience was very disappointing! Terrible food from the appetizers to the main course! Ugh! At the intermission went to kitchen to see chef with baseball cap on sweating over food and not using proper safety standards for foid handling , gross. New owner needs to step up the food quality and quantity. Asked for more bread was told they might have some as it was the only star of the dinner besides dessert. This place won't last with such High prices and horrible food! read more

One of the best dining experiences I've attended. Highly recommend for a special occasion. I was worried I would get bored at a 5 hour dining event, but it was so pleasant and relaxing. It is definitely pricey, but worth the money in my opinion. For a party of two, total cost was $449 with two cocktails, one wine pairing, and the upgraded fish entree for the six course meal. Tax and tip included. Service was excellent, wine pairing was fantastic, and the food was exceptional. Loved every course and hors d'oeuvres, as well as the cozy old home setting. It's not Lord of the Rings themed at all, so don't go if that's what you're expecting. Fun place to bring a group of friends since it's an intimate setting. read more

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Talk about a dining EXPERIENCE! Dining at The Hobbit is a full evening event! With a murder mystery vibe, diners experience the many layers of their cocktail and dining experience on different levels of the house (restaurant). Cocktails upstairs in a small dimly lit lounge. Appetizers and champagne in the musky wine cellar and dinner with a built in intermission! So much fun!! I rate the dining experience 5 stars and the food 4 stars. read more

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Very mediocre food and service,not what it used to be,all about trying to upsell expensive wine

We were celebrating our Anniversary and excited to try The Hobbit. The restaurant advertised as an intimate and unique experience. Unfortunately the guests in our room became very loud to the point that we couldn't carry on a conversation. The staff sympathetic but clearly not able to handle. We asked to have our dessert on the outside patio. Spending $400+ doesn't guarantee you'll have an enjoyable experience. I sent the restaurant an email about our experience but they never responded...guess they don't care. Years ago my family had work Christmas parties and dinners...clearly it's changed read more

Parking is easy to find and plentiful. Make sure to go early for their cocktail hour. Bartenders all very knowledgeable and great cocktails. They even offer cocktail pairings for the dishes the chef creates as well. Great wine selection and the sommeliers will even help you find your new favorite wine. What made me regret not going earlier to the cocktail happy hour was the baked snack they were serving. Flaky laminated dough stuffed with cold cuts (turkey if I remember correctly) and some whole grain mustard. Loved that you were able to grab as much as you want which is super dangerous because you may end up getting too full. Menu here changes on what ingredients are in season and what the chef has been able to source. Every dish we had was a hit and we look forward to going back. Also shout out to the baker, but the bread they were serving was also another dangerous one. I think ended up eating 8 portions of the bread alone it was soo good. Restaurant was very homey seeing as how it was literally a home that got converted into a restaurant. Overall we really enjoyed the whole experience. During dinner, there is a break in between one of the courses and it gives you time to walk around the restaurant and even explore the kitchen. Really enjoyed being able to speak with the chef and see him and his team in action. read more

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It had been a few years since I had been so decided to treat a friend for his birthday. Hands down, this is one of the most unique dining experiences. You start the evening in the wine cellar where you get a glass of champagne (or martinellis) and there are an assortment of appetizers to try. They are all super tasty with my favorites being the cucumbers with cream cheese and caviar, shishito peppers, okra and the puff pastry. You are also able to parooze their wines and make a selection if you choose. Following appetizers you are seated at your table where you get 4 courses of really good eats with intermission before you get the main. I am posting photos of the evenings menu, however the menu does change quite frequently. Course 2: Seared Diver Scallop Saffron Rice Lemon Coconut Curry Sauce. Flavors just dance in your mouth and the scallop was cooked perfectly. Course 3: Duck Confit with Israeli couscous with Baby Cremini Mushrooms Tart Cherry & Port Sauce. Another amazing course. Right amount of sweetness in the sauce which paired perfectly with the duck. Intermission: holiday sorbet was super refreshing Course 4: Prime Filet Mignon Black Truffle Cognac Sauce. The truffle flavors were not as intense as I had hoped... but still an amazing entree with a perfectly prepared filet. My friend got the Pan Roasted Chilean Sea Bass Jasmine Rice & Sugar Snap Peas Blood Orange Beurre Blanc, so we splits. Both entrees are examples of perfection. Dessert: Chocolate Pecan Layer Cake Grand Marnier Caramel Sauce Italian Meringue & Fresh Strawberry. The cake was delicious, but on the rich side. All in all such a fun dining experience with exceptional service. I also loved the holiday decor. If you're looking for a special restaurant definitely give the Hobbit a try. Just remember to book as early as possible. read more

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Decided to go back to the Hobbit to check out the re-model now that it's under new ownership. I liked that they moved bar to the wine cellar, the signature cocktail was okay a bit sweet for my taste. I'd like a bit more balance for the price. The wine selection is very good, but you do need to navigate the mark-up. There are a few value items, but some bottles are marked-up by the full 2.5-3x restaurant standard. The food is old school, I would have preferred one excellent amuse busche as opposed to several mediocre bites. The food didn't feel nuanced enough for the price, I think there are a lot of chef driven restaurants in the area that feel more inspired at a lower price point. The vibes weren't the same as it used to be, I recall it being a much warmer in the past. read more

This restaurant has been on my bookmark list for over 2 years. After waiting months for a reservation, I was finally able to dine at this establishment. It was a great experience and a wonderful way to celebrate my mother's 65th birthday. The house on the outside is nothing special, but as you enter the inside of the home, everything changes. The main dining floor has a warm and cozy atmosphere. The interior decor can be described as classic European with old charm elegance. The dining area had soft white linens, beautiful china, and stunning drapery. The house has 3 levels: -The main dining room -An upstairs level, which has 2 separate rooms - A wine cellar Below is a brief rundown of the schedule: -The cocktail hour starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 7:00 PM. -At 7:00 PM, you are guided to the wine cellar, where you munch on hors d'oeuvres and drink wine and/or champagne. The wines in the cellar are impressive and would appeal to any wine connoisseur. We opted for a bottle of 2012 nuits saint georges. It was fantastic and highly recommended. -After the hors d'oeuvres, you make your way up to the dining area for a pre-fixed menu of items. - There are two courses served in the main dining room. After those meals are served, you are excused and given about 45 minutes to break. -After the break, you are given a palette cleanser, which is followed by the main course and dessert. Keep in mind that this dinner can last anywhere from 4-5 hours. Thoughts on the food: For being a vegan, I was pleasantly surprised with how delicious my food items were. Each dish was rich in flavor and texture. Each plate was like a little piece of art brought to my table. I was served a roasted avocado with vegetables and a special sauce, portobello mushrooms with vegetables and an apple tart. Now, would I say my items were worth the cost? No. I do understand that the restaurant has to charge a certain cost per-person, but I wouldn't say 175 dollars for an avocado, portobello mushroom and dessert was worth it. At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, so I can't complain too much. My mom, being a little less adventurous and more finicky, opted for the simpler choice, seabass. She raved about the sauce and loved every single bite. My step dad ordered the lamb and enjoyed it, but felt it could have been a bit more flavorful. The chocolate cake and truffles were delicious; definitely satisfied our sweet tooth. I will throw this disclaimer out there -- this experience is not for picky eaters; you must be willing to give new dishes and combinations a try. If you are a picky eater, this isn't your place. The service: Our waitress was extremely knowledgeable on the menu items and very attentive. Matthew, the General Manger, was extremely kind and welcoming, and the talented chef was personable and hospitable. By the end of the evening, we were pleasantly stuffed. The combination of rich food, excellent service, and lovely atmosphere made for a wonderful evening. While this restaurant is a big splurge, it is most definitely an experience you will enjoy. It's also a great way to spend a birthday, anniversary or celebration. Note: this restaurant does have a dress code, so dress accordingly if you plan to dine. read more

How lucky we ended up with our dinner at the Hobbit! Thanks (or may be not) to the rain one of the newly installed windows not being 100% watertight and our table placed next to it, owner Matt and Maitre D Mike were so kind to have us sit upstairs and have our private dinner... the main thing that made it memorable is that both Matt and Mike checked in on us periodically and we got to have a great chat with both. We have been wanting to go to the Hobbit for years, possibly more than a decade - our 20th anniversary was for my better half a good enough opportunity to book a table for two... even though the Saturday (2/3, our actually wedding date) was already taken when she booked early December, the Sunday (2/4) worked just as well as we attended a concert Saturday evening.... Back to our dinner, before eating we were able to enjoy the wine cellar and our two signature drinks - Partridge in a Pear Tree for me and Gingerbread Manhattan for my better half.... we ended up swapping the two as ginger to me is absolutely fantastic. The tasting menu was beyond expectations! AMUSE BOUCHE & CHAMPAGNE - great SEARED DIVER SCALLOP -- PEI mussels, fried potato, pickled apple, saffron, chorizo, broth. I'm normally not a scallop fan (mussels yes as a born and raised Dutchman) but this ensemble was that smooth that I did not mind the scallop at all. Masterful. DUCK CONFIT RAVIOLO -- parsnip, melted leeks, pomegranate emulsion, pecorino. Absolutely full of flavor and taste. Beautiful. The intermission was a bit earlier for us compared to the other patrons so we were able to hang out with chef Nick who showcased his talent on the filet mignon and how we prepared it (I will not share here) SORBET -- fresh seasonal flavor, nice palette cleanser. CURED FILET MIGNON -- potatoes lyonnaise, heirloom carrots, bone marrow bordelaise. My choice and I'm glad I picked it.... super juicy and that meat was without any flaws. BUTTER-POACHED MONKFISH -- israeli cous cous, cauliflower, lobster sauce américaine. My better half's choice. Really fresh, I'm a picky seafood eater and anything fishy (that means a turn-off) I usually turn my back on. Nick and team delivered big time, maybe even more remarkable in ensemble than the filet which is already a good starting point. CHOCOLATE GANACHE TART -- hazelnut praline, cinnamon ice cream, brown butter crumble. We are both suckers for dessert and espressos so this tart literally took the cake. The one only ehhh moment was when we saw the espresso cups that looked a bit diner like but the content inside them was superb. Soooooo.... I'd assume this amount of text would suffice in saying "you'd have to go!".... Matt, Mike, Nick and their team made this experience wonderful and we'd want to go back soon. 10/10! read more

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Long story short: I was way more impressed with the drinks than the food Reservation: You can come between 6pm-7pm to get drinks at the bar upstairs or explore the house, but I got there right at 6:55 and it was time to go down to the wine cellar for unlimited champagne and appetizers. Dinner: 1. Scallop was phenomenal! 2. Duck breast a little dry 3. Sorbet interesting taste 4. Ribeye was decent (fish alternative for $8.95) - THE FISH WAS SO GOOD. I'm not usually a fish person when it comes to a main entree but omg so delicious! 5. Apple tarte kinda difficult to chew Wine pairing $60 Comes with 3 pours of 4oz with the entrees and 1 pour of 2oz with dessert. I must say, I've never had wine this delicious. I'm not a rosé person AT ALL but it was delicious! All the wines were so yum and well worth the price. $118/person (not including gratuity, which is added to the final bill so you don't need to tip). read more

The Hobbit - Sign out front - French Near Me - Orange, California

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Have wanted to dine here for a number of years and finally had the opportunity. It's a super cute space - converted home that has a ton of charm but no central air. I'm guessing that's not an issue most of the year, but on a 100 degree day, it was a serious problem. All of us were really uncomfortable the entire time with the possible exception of the time spent in the wine cellar which was cooler, but packed with the entire guest list for the evening. Super wine list if not a bit over priced. Pre dinner cocktails were excellent, although the "bar" was in a tiny room upstairs and there was a long wait for hand crafted cocktails. That is really a shame as I would've loved a second before dinner. Outstanding selection of spirits. Dinner was good but not out of this world. Plating was beautiful and service was very good. I was really disappointed with the beef wellington and wish I'd opted for the fish option. Beef was fine, but just a let down for expectations. A couple of issues, beyond the uncomfortable temperatures in the building, that really stood out... Intermission, we were asked to leave the tables so they could do a re-set. Sounded great but we returned the the same soiled linens just re-folded, and soiled butter dishes and knives. Not the most egregious thing, but it still seemed pretty tacky. Another thing that stood out is they don't enforce the dress code. They are very adamant on their website about what is and what isn't acceptable/permissable, but there were a number of guests dressed in clothing that was supposedly "unacceptable." Disappointing. The pricetag for dinner per person is pretty reasonable, but you're probably going to drop at LEAST $200 per person if you just have soft drinks. For an experience like that, I just feel a bit let down. I guarantee that I have higher expectations than most, so I would still recommend the place, but ultimately, it's no 5 star experience. It is memorable, however, and for a special occasion would be a good choice. read more

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Very unique dining experience. Ambiance kind of feels like you're at a dinner party with a bunch of strangers in a charming old house. We showed up early to enjoy some cocktails before the dinner event itself started. There is a nice outdoor patio seating area that we enjoyed our cocktails. The servers will then announce the start of champagne and hors d'oeuvres hour in the wine cellar. Hors d'oeuvres were all fantastic - huge variety - though recommend pacing oneself to not fill up too much in order make sure there's room for the rest of the courses! Hors d'oeuvres ranged from puff pastry sandwich to okra to soup to pate. The sommeliers (?) are down in the cellar mingling amongst the guests to help choose wine. While generally nice - there wasn't necessarily an impressive level of expertise regarding the wine - limited advice was given on what would pair well with the meal and/or highlighting the particular notes of each wine to help guide guests. Once this hour is up, the servers show you to your tables to begin the plated dinner courses. The salmon course was my favorite - beautifully cooked salmon in a light decadent sauce - couscous was perfect. Quail was not my favorite - perhaps may just be that I don't enjoy quail as a protein - but it wasn't particularly the most tender, moist poultry that I've had. Sorbet (mango, if I recall) was tasty and refreshing - enjoyed this transition between courses. The wild mushroom stuffed filet was a well-executed medium rare - delectable sauce and mashed potatoes. Dessert was okay - the crust of the orange custard tart was a bit dense - though enjoyed that it wasn't too sweet and balanced with tartness. Service was attentive and welcoming overall. There was one server in the cellar that was particularly friendly and helpful - frequently offered to refill our champagne glasses. It took a bit towards the end to receive our check - we were informed it was because they were being handwritten in the back - not really sure what this added to the whole experience as we barely looked at the check and didn't get to keep it or anything, so not sure the handwritten check is worth the added time on the part of the guests and the restaurant. Worth checking out - You have to be vigilant on Open Table to secure a reservation. It will be expensive but to be expected given the intimacy of the experience and multi-course dinner. read more

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Website says $150/person and we were charged $175. Just now - 5/11/25. So angry. Is the website old? No! Tonight's menu was current. Will be calling tomorrow. Food was okay. Dessert was fabulous. Service was awesome. Not our 1st time here but definitely the last. read more