Absolutely terrible Valentine's Day experience. Three Course Prix-Fix meal was terribly overpriced for cold mediocre food. The staff were inattentive and at times blatantly rude. The pacing of each course was dreadfully long, causing much dissatisfaction to my table, and visible dissatisfaction to the tables around me. When my main course had initially arrived to my table, It was undercooked to blood rare when i had asked for medium-rare. When I had asked for my food to be reheated due to all of being cold/ undercooked-- they served me an overcooked steak, with cold sides. Frustrated with the service and food not equating to its price, I asked for my final course to-go. Which staff had obliged to, however they would put our desserts smushed together in one take- out box. For over 290 dollars, what a rip-off-- on Valentine's Day of all nights too. I will never be coming back, absolutely awful experience. read more

I came here with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day, and they had a fixed price menu (135/person). Unfortunately, overall, we did not have a good experience. When we sat down, our server came to us with menus quickly (food and wine list). He did not ask us for our drink orders, or provide a non-alcoholic beverage list--just straight into the food. After that, we waited for a while to get our starters (we both ordered the lobster ravioli). The plate was warm, but the food was lukewarm at best. My boyfriend sent back his food, and the waiter brought back a "hot one," but this was cold too. The flavor was fine. Next up was the main course, which we waited about half an hour for after the starter. He got the ribeye and I got the surf and turf (lobster and filet mignon). Like the starter, the plates were warm but the food was not. It felt like they were keeping all of the plates under a heat lamp for hours on end before they got delivered to the table. He thought the ribeye was about average in taste, highly fatty, and no bone--although it was cooked to his preferred taste. I thought that the lobster was nice, but lukewarm, and my filet mignon seemed to be a different cut of meat. The flavor was nice, and so were the potatoes with it, but the fact that it was not hot and did not seem freshly prepared detracted from the experience. The dessert was a raspberry chocolate mousse cake, which tasted a bit stale (perhaps from the fridge). While the food was underwhelming, and so was the service, I can say that the atmosphere was nice (a great live band was playing). Our server was also very nice, but seemed to be super stressed the entire evening and the staff as a whole was spread thin. I'm sure this restaurant is good under normal circumstances, but I wouldn't recommend it for Valentine's Day. read more

We had a party of 9 dine here for lunch which all but one was trying it for the very first time. The restaurant dining area was beautiful! It was decorated beautifully for the Christmas holiday. Our server Eddie was awesome, he tended to our entire table and helped those of us unsure about what to order. My wife ordered a Caesar salad with salmon, and I ordered a chicken sandwich with fries. The food was delicious! The restaurant hit all the right points (food*service*ambiance)! There were no leftovers to take home, at least from our orders. It was a great time! Eddie was also just as good a photographer as he was a server. He took several photos of our group, from all angles of the table. Coffee was good, restrooms were clean, food was reasonably priced for the quality, and their parking was plenty. We had no negatives to report. We look forward to dining here again whenever we're in the Irvine area again. read more

Bistango in Irvine - Caesar Salad w/ Salmon - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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My husband and I had a valentine dinner reservation. It was3 course meal. Steal was salty and over cooked Request for medium rare Sea bass was ok But portion was small than last visit. Price is per person $130.00 We ending pay with tips$400. It is not worthy of money. Will not coming back for sure read more

please fire your hostess bella. waited over an hour for a reservation. took over an hour for our main course to come out. overbooked and they did not care whatsoever. they chose people who had later reservations which is so stupid. not even worth the wait. will never come back here again. ridiculous. the host was extremely rude and gave terrible attitude. the restaurant itself is located inside a business building and is so so badly decorated. worst dining experience ever. if i'm paying over 300 dollars for a dinner ... im expecting a better experience. i understand that restaurant get busy but this was terrible. read more

Bistango in Irvine - inside business building. fluorescent light poorly covered up poorly by tarp. - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is the second year my boss has treated our small office to lunch at Bistango. We each loved our items from last year, and were pleased to see the same menu offered this year. My Chilean sea bass was exactly as I remembered, deliciously seasoned, and cooked to perfection. Our table also ordered the fettuccine with filet, pasta puttanesca, spaghetti bolognese, and mixed green salads with apples and pears. The food was spectacular. The only issue I had with our experience was with the service. Upon walking into the outside dining area, my boss asked if we could be seated at a booth. The gentleman seating us snootily informed us the booths were only for reservations (which we had) even though it was a Thursday afternoon and there were several booths empty. Also, for a more upscale establishment, I was turned off by my bread plate having visible food remnants on it. read more

Bistango in Irvine - Oven Roasted Chilean Sea Bass - American Near Me - Irvine, California

So first of all, the food sucks. Our server constantly brought us bread every 5 minutes because I think he knows that...the food sucks too. Secondly, I wouldn't recommend coming here on a weekend actually I wouldn't recommend coming here at all because guess what? Yes. The food sucks. Lastly to bring it home..don't come here. Why you ask? THE FOOD SUCKS. Live music was nice, but the food sucked. read more

Attended Bistango for their Valentine's day dinner event. All I can say is this was complete Chaos. When we arrived there was a long line of couples waiting to be seated and it was very apparent that they had lost control of the reservations process, as there was a full restaurant of people from a prior seating. We waited 45 minutes past our reservations time to be seated. Everything from that point forward went down hill. It took the serving staff 30 minutes before they even acknowledged our presence, and an addition 15 minutes before there was water on our plates. The server simply did t care. Food was ok, but by this point, our special evening was ruined. We have dined here before on a regular evening, but they are clearly not equipped on many levels to handle a special fixed holiday menu event. I would not return unless they compensated us. It was a terrible experience. read more

My husband and I love this place for date nights. The food is consistently great. The music and dancing is romantic. And Frankie and the bar staff always provide top notch service. My favorite drink is the Irish-O and my husband likes the old fashioned. Guacamole and chips is a great appetizer. And we usually order the steak and chicken entrees. I am never disappointed at Bistango. read more

Bistango in Irvine - Irish-O - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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The food, service, and ambiance was awesome. The restaurant is in the business complex but dinner at night is very peaceful and relaxing.

major rip off! I would give zero starts for the food if I could. Mediocre service, terrible quality ingredients. $90 prefix Christmas dinner gets you A salad or A butternut squash soup which was ok A very chewy New York strip steak, 3 small scallops or a slice of dry salmon For dessert there were no options, just a slice of store bought pecan pie Ordered crab cakes, got one small crab cake. The bill was $450 for 3 people, which in my opinion was ridicules considering the fact that the dishes were Applebee's quality at best. Honestly, that was one of the my worst culinary experiences here in OC. read more

For my Dad's surprise birthday party, I decided on Bistango and the "Studio" area! It was one of the best decisions I've ever made for a surprise event at a restaurant. Professionalism I started speaking with event coordinator Tamara for my dad's birthday and then Karyn took over. Both had excellent communication skills, very informative, and made setting up the event very, very easy! I was so impressed that Karyn even asked me if I wanted a "fake reservation" just in case my Dad got to the restaurant early and found out we had a larger group than he was told would be there. Service We had our own dedicated server named Mike in the "Studio" area. He was the best server I've ever had at a restaurant hands down! All my friends were also impressed with his service. We brought our own wines from Frisby Winery! Mike always made sure our glasses were full and changed out the glasses as we went from one wine to another! Mike did not rush anything! He made sure we finished our appetizers and then made sure we were ready to order dinner when we wanted. We brought two homemade pies which he put the candles on for us and then sliced the pies up after we sang "Happy Birthday" to my Dad. Mike's support staff also did a great job too! The hostesses (Olivia and Delany) were also very friendly. I believe it was Olivia that was aware of the surprise birthday party. While walking us towards the studio she actually to us to different areas of the restaurant to delay the surprise. It worked perfectly. The manager, Ray, was also very professional and made sure everything was to our standards. He checked in often. We all decided to finish the night at the bar and the bartenders were also great! The live music at the bar was a plus! Food The food was amazing! The Octopus for appetizers was very tasty! Everyone loved the Clam Chowder and Sweet Garlic soup. Among the main entrees ordered were the Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, Rib- Eyes, Salmon and the Pork Chops... all were beyond delicious! Studio (Dining Area) Awesome semi-private area of the restaurant. It's perfect for parties under 20 or so. I highly recommend! Hopefully you get Mike! You can see how impressed I was with every aspect of Bistango! Highly recommend! read more

I love the live music in the lounge and the gorgeous artwork to admire. The food is amazing I usually order the Sea Bass that's cooked to perfection it is served with Risotto and asparagus. The lamb chops are delicious cooked to perfection. Order the Grand Mariner Soufflé meet when you order your meal they make it fresh. Their Chocolate Martini is the best one I have ever tasted. It's always a great evening out the service is fantastic. Great for a date night. read more

Nice location, great food and service!! Nice music some evenings also!! Menu variety is seasonally with fresh ingredients!! read more

Cutest spot! The patio feels like a little garden escape! The botanical garden was lovely! I went on a Monday and they had live jazz playing, which made the night feel extra special. Drinks were great, the food was super tasty, and the whole vibe was just wonderful. Can't wait to go back! read more

The service is good but not great. The overall style of the restaurant is outdated. It's a gigantic fish bowl feeling which means it's loud. The food quality was bland. The Spanish shrimp entree is what you could make by watching a You Tube video for 5 min. The swordfish was very good which had a mushroom gravy flavor. We ordered two glasses of champagne which was cold and served in chilled glasses. Overall just a mediocre restaurant in an old run down corporate building. read more

Top notch! More of a fine dine spot, but great for a business lunch. Menu is full of choices for all preferences. The seating is all indoors, but extends out into the atrium of the building. Decor and shading over atrium area are elegant and fun at the same time. I have been here several times for lunch. In my trips I have had a sandwich, salad, and lunch specials in my visits. The latest king salmon was the best. If looking for a good business lunch spot then this is your place. Stop reading and go on in. read more

Came here for a business dinner with a big group. The food had a pre-prepared taste to it, steaks were raw and rubbery. Service is questionable and rushing you to place you to order. Wouldn't recommend read more

Bistango never disappoints. You don't go to Bistango to eat only . The very atmosphere of esthetics in everything they do . Art collection on the walls , live music , the presentation of their dishes, service and much more . There is some sort of magical attraction in this place for us . We keep returning here for all the happy events of our lives . read more

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I was with a group of friends and this was the first time I was at Bistango. Great atmosphere, nice little trio of musicians etc, The first thing they give you is some bread/rolls and butter. They must have been sitting around for a while...I dunno who makes these rolls but the crust outside is like a thin piece of leather...wow I couldn't believe it but so be It. I ordered the BLT hanburger $38...I thought this must be really some burger...NOT. It was over done, I guess the chef's idea of meadium w/a pink center was not what my idea of that condition of finished burger, the beacon was very flat thin and lifeless, same for the tomato. I didn't want my friends which I had just met, to think I was a trouble maker so I didn't send it back. MY wife's dish of pasta and steak was really good, the meat was cooked just right and we should have that dish and shared it. I am a burger cook and I know if you don't keep a close eye on that paddy and take it off earilier than you think is necessary, if you want a pink center... it's way too done. To say this place is "Pricey" is an understatement, so I know I should have sent it back, but "Say la vie" read more

So, food was ok. The ambiance was great and the service was good. The food however was a ok. The gnocchi was great but the steaks came out warm almost cold. Not the best quality. The cheesecake was amazing. Drinks were a 4 out of 5. Would I come back. I don't think so. read more

Bistango in Irvine - Fun peps dancing - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Live jazz most nights of the week. Extensive wine list and bar list. Separate bar menu. read more

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First time I there I went with my girlfriend we both love it will be back again the food was very delicious the ambiance and the service was on point read more

Relaxing on the patio of Bistango last night was exactly what we needed. A delicious Chilean sea bass with grilled asparagus , a light Chardonnay , the soothing sounds of the jazz band and these beauties. Take me back... read more

Bistango in Irvine - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Tried this place out for the first time last Thursday. I've driven by it many times but i had never ate there. For someone who had never been there before, the parking was a little bit confusing. From the place we entered we had to go around the whole building until we could find a place to park. Signage wasn't clear. We walked in and the atmosphere was nice. But you can also tell that you're sitting in the lobby of an office building. Maybe if we were sitting outside it would've been better. But it was too cold to sit outside. We wanted to try their signature cocktails, but because most of them that were vodka-based were made with flavored vodkas that I had gluten, I went with a traditional Tito's mule. But we also ordered their signature mule. It was extremely extremely sweet. Like it was 50% maraschino cherry juice. Also the copper cups that they serve the meals and we're old and faded. They were like the free Mule cups the vodka companies give as promotion, no like a cup that was curated for a signature cocktail. We started with the tuna tartare and the beets and pear salad. The tuna was very good. Not enough of the little taro chips with it though. The beets and pears was interesting. The beets were quartered and were very big. The pears were excellent as was the cheese that came with it. But the flavor of the beets was overwhelming and I think it was because of the size. If they were cut smaller or sliced I think it would've been better. It just made it difficult to eat and the flavors became muddled and just beet flavor. We decided to share the New Zealand lamb shanks and a side of Brussels sprouts. The waiter asked if we wanted and half order or a full order. We ask for the full order because we were sharing. When the entrée came out, there were three lamb shanks on the plate. I asked how many were in a half order and he said too. I said how was three full order and two a half. I joked with the waiter that it should be called a full order and a 2/3 order. Or that an extra lamb shank should've been on the plate. The lamb was delicious. It was soft and tender and juicy. The brussels sprouts were ok. Very basic. We skipped dessert because we were super full, plus the signature mule was like a desert in itself. I guess if you live in the area, and you want to eat somewhere nice and convenient it would be a good place to go. But the ambience wasn't great. Lots of small tables close together with a lot of older people eating at them. It was loud because everyone was talking. But it wasn't a upbeat vibe. The food was OK, but I feel like it was overpriced for what you're getting and where you're at. Maybe we ordered the wrong things. But I've had beet salads at other places that far exceeded that. The lamb was the best part of the mediocre OK meal. The reason I gave three stars instead of two is because I appreciated the cleanliness, and how all the wait staff wore masks. I've been to many restaurants where the employees who are handling your food or maskless so at least they were being safe here. read more

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We went this evening for Valentine's Day and the food was OK except for my wife's sea bass which was undercooked. She sent it back asking to have it butterflied and reheated in the oven and it was still bad. Yes butterflied but not cooked through. We informed Eddie our server and my wife spoke with the manager yet it is what it is. The appetizers both shrimp cocktail and ahi tuna were superb and so was my filet mignon and shrimp yet they missed the mark on the seabass. I visit many restaurants each month and this one just slipped out of my top 10. It's a shame I spend $399 on the two of us and have to complain! Well this one will need to earn us back as we have been coming for years and this time the bar has fallen and they are no longer a consideration. The music was good and the wine found a happy place in our hearts. Saddened to see what we got for the evening. Not happy. read more

The place is dead. I wait about 30 minutes to get my food and it arrives cold. Not to mention my drink was terrible. Last time here. read more

One of the reasons why this place has been here for over 35 years, is the great dishes, ambience and service. You won't be disappointed!

Inside and out, the ambiance is gorgeous. Parking was tricky because we didn't realize it was in a business building. We thought we had the wrong address. Park in the parking structure and take ticket to get validated by hostess. The food was disappointing because the presentation was beautiful! The clam chowder had tortilla strips and some greens on it. I appreciate the fusion but I couldn't taste the clams. Same for the crab cakes. So much watercress on top, I couldn't taste anything but its aftertaste. I HIGHLY recommend you ask fir the dishes plain/traditionally made. There was a special event going on and there was no notice on n our reservation. Our dog scared the crap out of the waiter because he was so anxious with the loud conversations surrounding our table on the patio. It was just weird. We appreciate the accommodations, but it's better to add a message on reservations for such a events. We live 35 minutes away and were disappointed. The staff were wonderful and covered for our waitress (they were busy waiting on special event guests) that disappeared after we ordered our drinks. We won't be going back but it's really because for the price, we were expecting amazing food. read more

Where do I start. Had a reservation for Valentine's Day but I guess reservations don't matter here. Ended up waiting 20 minutes past our reservation time to get seated. They put us in their "private room" which seemed more like a storage space they had to use to seat people because they overbooked. For a preset menu at the price of $125 per person, tax and gratuity not included I was expecting quality food. However, that was not the case. The lobster bisque had a piece of ravioli in it that was the "lobster" part of the soup... this tasted like a canned heated up soup with a piece of ravioli in it, no lobster found. For the main dish I ordered the surf and turf however on the menu it does not clarify what the surf part is. For the price I was paying I was expecting a small lobster tail but nope. Their surf and turf you get 2 pieces of store bought shrimp and a mediocre steak cooked nothing like how you asked for it to be prepared. Worst experience ever. Save your money this place is a legit scam. read more

Seated in a room off the main dinning room It looked more like a garage than part of the restaurant Our meal lasted 3 hours not by choice but because we were forgotten Fours arrived after 90 min cold. One member of our party's entree was completely forgotten Without question the worst dinning experience of my life. read more

From the valet to walking inside, we felt completely welcomed with our table preference being accommodated for a working lunch. The waitstaff service was top tier with beautiful recommendations from the server. I was easily accommodated without dairy in salad and entree. I started with the octopus salad and had a salmon burger (they make in house) which were both delightful. They feature very tasteful art for sale which sets a beautiful ambience, paired with the open air sails they have a gorgeous venue. I only ate here for a work lunch but it wasn't too loud and my only regret is that I won't be back here for dinner to experience some of their wines/dinner entrees. read more

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I love coming here. The food is amazing. We always get the rib-eye steak, caesar salad, and of course their chocolate soufflé, which is amazing and one of the best I have ever had. I highly recommend this place, especially if you want to have steak! read more

This is my 3rd time at Bistango for lunch . Let's give it 5 stars . Quality and Ambience read more

Bistango in Irvine - Spaghetti and shrimp cocktail - American Near Me - Irvine, California

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My boyfriend surprised me with dinner reservations here for my birthday last month and while the restaurant experience was great, the dinner service didn't feel like a special event for celebrating a birthday. We were seated in a large booth away from the live music, so it was quite nice to hold a conversation without interruptions. After browsing through our options, we selected our meals. Started the meal with a Burrata Melon Salad. Three large wedges of ripe cantaloupe wrapped in Jamon Serrano and topped with arugula, onion marmalade, burrata and a generous splash of aged balsamic. I was hoping for a savory starter, but this sweetened up my palate instead. For my entree, I chose the 10oz Filet Mignon cooked to medium rare with mashed potatoes, asparagus and spinach. With a filling appetizer, I took about half the plate home. As we finished up our last bites, our server remembered we were celebrating a birthday and asked if we wanted dessert. When I inquired what we would get, the birthday dessert were profiteroles. We accepted, but I guess I was expecting it to come unannounced since it was noted in the reservation. Oh well, great food and great dining experience, but lacked that wow factor for a celebration. read more

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Amazing experience!! Our server, Emily, was the sweetest. She was so kind to our daughter. The server you get at a restaurant can really make or break your experience. We were lucky to get her There was live smooth jazz and the food was phenomenal. We will definitely be back. read more

Bistango in Irvine - Chocolate souffle. Delicious. - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Can't believe I haven't stumbled across this restaurant before now. Sooooo good! Excellent food, excellent service! Nice ambiance and the staff is amazing. Blaine is the man! Brought my mother here for her birthday and had no idea that the whole experience would be so enjoyable. Will definitely be coming back. read more

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Bistango is a fine dining restaurant located inside a business building. I came here on a Saturday evening. We had the option of sitting inside or outside, however we opted for indoor as it was a little chilly that evening. Our server was Michael and he was very knowledgeable in the different dishes offered. I was also a fan of the live music that was available. I opted for the 16oz New York steak. It comes with a green peppercorn sauce on the side and some roasted potatoes. I personally was not he biggest fan of the green peppercorn sauce, another member of my party ordered the ribeye, which came with a red wine sauce which I used instead. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very well seasoned. They have two options for parking, valet and self parking. Luckily they do a ticket validation. I definitely recommend coming here if you're looking for a a nice meal to treat yourself. read more

Bistango in Irvine - 16oz New York Steak - American Near Me - Irvine, California

Amazing food. Scallops blew my mind. Service was top notch and all our needs weee meant. Interesting location

Excellent food, great service, wonderful ambience, and music. What more could you want?