I liked there pasta with short rib meat because the meat was soft and the marinara sauce was light a great also I would come back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer R.
What a great spot. The inside is cozy and comfortable with a great views of the kitchen at work. I sat at the bar and watched the action. Staff were friendly and attentive, and the wine list was decent with an option to please everyone. The food menu had some of the best variety of tapas I'd seen in a while. It was hard to only order five things! You will spend a bit but it's worth every penny to try so many wonderful dishes. I don't eat gluten and I had no trouble finding safe options.
Danise O.
Located in a strip mall, this little restaurant has a nice Spanish Italian vibe. We waited to be seated until our entire party arrived. While we waited we were offer a drink or to sit at the bar. The menu has many tapas to choose from, which allowed us to share several items. The food was good. My favorite was the paella and the stuffed dates. We also shared the sausages and lobster ravioli. The ravioli was delicious. There are many items I'd like to try. This place is worth a visit.
Eileen M.
The food was good. Very cozy place. I've always been curious about it and choose to go there to celebrate my birthday. It has that feeling of Italy and Spain. I would love to come back and try something else. The service was excellent. I really liked how you can see the chef cooks.
Shawn W.
Cute place. Extensive small plates on menu which we love. Bar service lacking but they try. Lol! Stick with wince for best consistency. Fun servers. Amazing chef with great creativity! Will be back!
Shruti A.
Everything was amazing from the wine, to the tapas...to the dessert! We started with the arugula Greek salad, which was fabulous. The calamari steak was wonderful, done in a unique way, no breading, but absolutely delicious! And the butternut squash ravioli was to die for amazing! We almost ordered another instead of dessert.,.but decided to finish up with one of their many fantastic desserts, the Limoncello Mascarpone cake, and we were not disappointed! The service was outstanding to boot, so will definitely be back!
R C.
Can't attest to their food...didn't get to eat. However their service is subpar. Who made a yelp reservation, we were about 15 minutes early and told to wait. There were no other parties waiting but on quick glance restaurant looked full. My husband and I sat waiting with our toddler. After some time my husband noticed that there was an empty table in the middle of the room. I asked one of the ladies there if we can be seated since there was an open table. "I don't know you have to ask ____" referring to the hostess. Well the hostess was nowhere to be found and she could have offered to ask or locate her for us. So we sat there some more wondering when we would be seated and finally just left.
Greg Z.
Sadly, very sadly, we walked into Truffle Bistro this evening early for a 6pm reservation.Our noses were assaulted with an overwhelming smell of disinfectant.We turned around and walked out and canceled our reservation.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dump this disinfectant and replace it with something neutral with no smell.We were really disappointed we didn't get a chance to try what looked like great food!
Brad C.
My family had dinner there the other day to celebrate my mom's birthday. The food and service (Nina) were all very good.The place is small and intimate, which we all liked. Also, there is no blaring music or TVs, and the lighting is just right- enough to read the menus and see the food.We had the stuffed mushrooms and duck breast for appetizers. The duck was fine (pomegranite sauce was excellent), but the mushrooms were even better. I would have preferred 4 mushrooms rather than 3, but at least they were all good size. The marsala sauce was very tasty. I would suggest serving a little bread with that dish (and others) to sop up the tasty sauce.Next we had the farfalle pasta with chicken and mushrooms (very tasty; tender chicken), lobster ravioli, papardelle with meat ragu, gnocci gorgonzola and sauteed artichokes. We finished them all. The best were the papardelle and farfalle (the lobster ravioli I didn't get to taste but will try next time).For dessert we enjoyed the pineapple upside-down cake, apple tart, cannolis and lemon cake. All were very tasty.Nina, our server, was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Ask for her.
Jacqueline N.
Unpopular opinion - the food is just ok. Fine for the price. But I bumped a 3 star to a 4 star for the service and drinks. We had the bone marrow, calamari, tuna tartare, robo de toro, lamb skewers and truffle fries. We typically order more at tapa places but just wasn't feeling it. I'm a huge fan of tapas and we love Vaca in Costa Mesa--Wanted to try something new but it really didn't compare. Albeit it also isn't as pricey so that's a plus. Overall probably wouldn't come again but its still a cute place.
I would give this place a 4.5 overall. The service was good. The food was delicious. We ordered tapas: Short rib gnocchi, Spanish sausage, caprese salad, stuffed dates, and the truffle fries. All came out pretty quickly (we got there during a short lull) and everything was really delicious. I had a glass of the rose and the chianti - both I enjoyed. My partner ordered the strawberry margarita and he liked it. They have an extensive cocktail menu and a decent selection of different wines. All reasonably priced. The dessert was good.The place is located in a strip mall, which is kind of random. But the inside was quaint and cute. Our tables were NOT sticky (I saw some reviews mention this and we did not have that experience). Everything was clean. Everyone was friendly and our server checked in with us.We will definitely come back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Kelsey V.
I was born and raised in the City of Orange, and I can say with full confidence this is one of the best hidden gems in the city. We started coming here about two years ago and have been hooked ever since! My husband and I love to come here for date night, and we ALWAYS bring our out of town visitors here, and they are always impressed. I'll start with the food. There is no bad menu item; they are all outstanding! My personal favorites are the Gorgonzola gnocchi, butternut squash ravioli, salmon carpaccio, and the tuna tartar. My husband is a meat eater and loves the wings and meatballs!The staff is also so fantastic. They have a family owned vibe and everyone from the hostess to the servers to the owner are friendly and knowledgeable. And this dude (owner) can COOK! Watching him on the line is incredibly impressive, especially as it is generally just him jamming out all the food. The inside is quaint and intimate. The servers make great drinks, and the dessert it poppin. I have no negatives. Go support a great local restaurant and staff!
Jackson Knust
What a great find everything we tried here was delicious the owner is super friendly and he comes to tables and. Makes sure his guests are happy with everything.Try the oxtail and his daily special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ASOT
We had a scallop appetizer, and it was delicious. Bocelli Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio wine. I had a Greek salad, and it was delicious. My wife had sea bass. It was delicious. I had rack of lamb. It was tender fall off the bone delicious. A quiet little unknown gem. Food, wine, and atmosphere were excellent. I would go here again and recommend this place highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Therese Herring
I was looking for a new date night experience and I always read reviews before I make a reservation. I am appalled that the owner leaves immature responses to reviews instead of improving to please the consumer's dining experience. Not very classy or nice, so I will have to pass on this one.This review and response is disappointing:Horrendous experience, food is trash. Mediocre service. Tabletops we’re dirty, not to mention the servers look like they’re working in a hostile environment. My husband got the “robo de toro” extremely salty. The owner just stares at you, it makes you feel extremely uncomfortable. Will never return1Response from the ownera day agoYou must be a sad person. Did you know that you can also leave 5 stars review? All of your four reviews are one star. That’s makes me think.
I liked there pasta with short rib meat because the meat was soft and the marinara sauce was light a great also I would come back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great spot. The inside is cozy and comfortable with a great views of the kitchen at work. I sat at the bar and watched the action. Staff were friendly and attentive, and the wine list was decent with an option to please everyone. The food menu had some of the best variety of tapas I'd seen in a while. It was hard to only order five things! You will spend a bit but it's worth every penny to try so many wonderful dishes. I don't eat gluten and I had no trouble finding safe options.
Located in a strip mall, this little restaurant has a nice Spanish Italian vibe. We waited to be seated until our entire party arrived. While we waited we were offer a drink or to sit at the bar. The menu has many tapas to choose from, which allowed us to share several items. The food was good. My favorite was the paella and the stuffed dates. We also shared the sausages and lobster ravioli. The ravioli was delicious. There are many items I'd like to try. This place is worth a visit.
The food was good. Very cozy place. I've always been curious about it and choose to go there to celebrate my birthday. It has that feeling of Italy and Spain. I would love to come back and try something else. The service was excellent. I really liked how you can see the chef cooks.
Cute place. Extensive small plates on menu which we love. Bar service lacking but they try. Lol! Stick with wince for best consistency. Fun servers. Amazing chef with great creativity! Will be back!
Everything was amazing from the wine, to the tapas...to the dessert! We started with the arugula Greek salad, which was fabulous. The calamari steak was wonderful, done in a unique way, no breading, but absolutely delicious! And the butternut squash ravioli was to die for amazing! We almost ordered another instead of dessert.,.but decided to finish up with one of their many fantastic desserts, the Limoncello Mascarpone cake, and we were not disappointed! The service was outstanding to boot, so will definitely be back!
Can't attest to their food...didn't get to eat. However their service is subpar. Who made a yelp reservation, we were about 15 minutes early and told to wait. There were no other parties waiting but on quick glance restaurant looked full. My husband and I sat waiting with our toddler. After some time my husband noticed that there was an empty table in the middle of the room. I asked one of the ladies there if we can be seated since there was an open table. "I don't know you have to ask ____" referring to the hostess. Well the hostess was nowhere to be found and she could have offered to ask or locate her for us. So we sat there some more wondering when we would be seated and finally just left.
Sadly, very sadly, we walked into Truffle Bistro this evening early for a 6pm reservation.Our noses were assaulted with an overwhelming smell of disinfectant.We turned around and walked out and canceled our reservation.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dump this disinfectant and replace it with something neutral with no smell.We were really disappointed we didn't get a chance to try what looked like great food!
My family had dinner there the other day to celebrate my mom's birthday. The food and service (Nina) were all very good.The place is small and intimate, which we all liked. Also, there is no blaring music or TVs, and the lighting is just right- enough to read the menus and see the food.We had the stuffed mushrooms and duck breast for appetizers. The duck was fine (pomegranite sauce was excellent), but the mushrooms were even better. I would have preferred 4 mushrooms rather than 3, but at least they were all good size. The marsala sauce was very tasty. I would suggest serving a little bread with that dish (and others) to sop up the tasty sauce.Next we had the farfalle pasta with chicken and mushrooms (very tasty; tender chicken), lobster ravioli, papardelle with meat ragu, gnocci gorgonzola and sauteed artichokes. We finished them all. The best were the papardelle and farfalle (the lobster ravioli I didn't get to taste but will try next time).For dessert we enjoyed the pineapple upside-down cake, apple tart, cannolis and lemon cake. All were very tasty.Nina, our server, was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Ask for her.
Unpopular opinion - the food is just ok. Fine for the price. But I bumped a 3 star to a 4 star for the service and drinks. We had the bone marrow, calamari, tuna tartare, robo de toro, lamb skewers and truffle fries. We typically order more at tapa places but just wasn't feeling it. I'm a huge fan of tapas and we love Vaca in Costa Mesa--Wanted to try something new but it really didn't compare. Albeit it also isn't as pricey so that's a plus. Overall probably wouldn't come again but its still a cute place.
Restaurantji Recommends
I would give this place a 4.5 overall. The service was good. The food was delicious. We ordered tapas: Short rib gnocchi, Spanish sausage, caprese salad, stuffed dates, and the truffle fries. All came out pretty quickly (we got there during a short lull) and everything was really delicious. I had a glass of the rose and the chianti - both I enjoyed. My partner ordered the strawberry margarita and he liked it. They have an extensive cocktail menu and a decent selection of different wines. All reasonably priced. The dessert was good.The place is located in a strip mall, which is kind of random. But the inside was quaint and cute. Our tables were NOT sticky (I saw some reviews mention this and we did not have that experience). Everything was clean. Everyone was friendly and our server checked in with us.We will definitely come back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Bacon Wrapped Dates
I was born and raised in the City of Orange, and I can say with full confidence this is one of the best hidden gems in the city. We started coming here about two years ago and have been hooked ever since! My husband and I love to come here for date night, and we ALWAYS bring our out of town visitors here, and they are always impressed. I'll start with the food. There is no bad menu item; they are all outstanding! My personal favorites are the Gorgonzola gnocchi, butternut squash ravioli, salmon carpaccio, and the tuna tartar. My husband is a meat eater and loves the wings and meatballs!The staff is also so fantastic. They have a family owned vibe and everyone from the hostess to the servers to the owner are friendly and knowledgeable. And this dude (owner) can COOK! Watching him on the line is incredibly impressive, especially as it is generally just him jamming out all the food. The inside is quaint and intimate. The servers make great drinks, and the dessert it poppin. I have no negatives. Go support a great local restaurant and staff!
What a great find everything we tried here was delicious the owner is super friendly and he comes to tables and. Makes sure his guests are happy with everything.Try the oxtail and his daily special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a scallop appetizer, and it was delicious. Bocelli Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio wine. I had a Greek salad, and it was delicious. My wife had sea bass. It was delicious. I had rack of lamb. It was tender fall off the bone delicious. A quiet little unknown gem. Food, wine, and atmosphere were excellent. I would go here again and recommend this place highly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was looking for a new date night experience and I always read reviews before I make a reservation. I am appalled that the owner leaves immature responses to reviews instead of improving to please the consumer's dining experience. Not very classy or nice, so I will have to pass on this one.This review and response is disappointing:Horrendous experience, food is trash. Mediocre service. Tabletops we’re dirty, not to mention the servers look like they’re working in a hostile environment. My husband got the “robo de toro” extremely salty. The owner just stares at you, it makes you feel extremely uncomfortable. Will never return1Response from the ownera day agoYou must be a sad person. Did you know that you can also leave 5 stars review? All of your four reviews are one star. That’s makes me think.