Let me first start by saying I cannot believe it’s taken me so long to visit Bistango in Irvine, especially considering how long this classic Orange County restaurant has been in business. The ambiance inside the restaurant is sexy and sophisticated with a dimly lit bar followed by bright, airy seating. The walls inside the restaurant are adorned with a variety of art from local artists and the restaurant also offers beautiful outdoor dining.
Bistango in Irvine also routinely features a variety of events and entertainment.
Bistango in Irvine also routinely features a variety of events and entertainment. We happened to dine on a Thursday which is part of their new Jazz dining experience. Guests can sit on the patio and enjoy performances by the talented students from Saddleback College. It created the perfect backdrop to enjoy a delicious happy hour and dinner surrounded by tall palm trees and a scenic fountain.
Bistango in Irvine is one of the few restaurants that offer an awesome Happy Hour menu.
Speaking of happy hour, Bistango in Irvine is one of the few restaurants that offer an awesome menu for the after-work crowd. While many restaurants might only offer a few items on their happy hour menu, Bistango has an extensive list of selections from lamb chops to sliders.
Next, what happy hour would be complete without a few fabulous cocktails? If you’re in a tropical mood you will love their new bar menu. Pictured above is the Coconut Mojito with Rum Haven coconut rum, fresh mint, and fresh squeezed lime juice. Next is the Ginger Basil Lemonade with Malahat ginger rum, fresh strawberry, fresh basil, with a splash of lemonade.
If you are a fan of bourbon then I highly recommend their Forbidden Sour and Bistango B&B cocktails.
On the other hand, if you are a fan of bourbon then I highly recommend their Forbidden Sour and Bistango B&B cocktails. The Forbidden Sour Martini includes Bourbon, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice and is garnished with an edible orchid. The Bistango B&B features American Born Bourbon & Benedictine infused with dried cherries, orange peel, brown sugar, cinnamon & vanilla bean, garnished with a black cherry. Both are outstanding selections.
If you’re really looking for an impressive dining experience than grab your date or best friend and head to Bistango in Irvine for a deluxe 3-Course Porterhouse dinner for two. For only $66 per person, this pre-fixed dinner is the deal of the century. Guests can enjoy Organic Baby Mixed Greens or Garlic Soup, a 24 oz Porterhouse Steak and Prawns with a choice between Potato Au Gratin or Shoestring Fries, and for dessert a beautiful Chocolate Souffle. The dinner also includes a glass of house wine per person.
Did I mention that the Porterhouse steak is ENORMOUS?
This is easily one of the most enormous Porterhouse steaks I’ve seen served at a restaurant, not to mention it is topped with jumbo grilled shrimp. If you’re ordering this pre-fixed dinner I also highly recommend getting their fries. While I am normally all about the au gratin potatoes, Bistango in Irvine has the most delicious fries. I hear they are drizzled in truffle oil which would explain why they’re so delicious.
If you are looking for additional suggestions, I also enjoyed the Linguini in Clam Sauce. In fact these clams were so good I could just completely skip the linguini. They definitely provide a generous portion as well.
For dessert get ready to experience one of the best souffles in possibly all of Orange County.
Finally, once you’re ready for dessert, get ready to experience one of the best soufflé’s in all of Orange County. This is as close to a traditional soufflé as it gets. Our souffle arrived perfectly puffed with housemade whipped cream and chocolate sauce served tableside. I love a good souffle and would order this pre-fixed dinner just for this!
Bistango
19100 Van Karmon Ave
Irvine, CA 92612
Reservations: 949-752-5222
Sondra Barker
