Order CUCINA Enoteca Takeout or Delivery
CUCINA Enoteca Photos
Business Info
CUCINA ENOTECA ATMOSPHERE
What's the vibe?
You might also consider
More like CUCINA Enoteca
Recommended Reviews - CUCINA Enoteca
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
This place is really good. We were looking for a place to eat before heading out to do some shopping. Squash blossoms was crispy tempura fried on the outside and goat cheese inside. Rigatoni pasta had a great bite and right amount of saltiness. Soppressata Pizza was my favorite. I love the crust and sausage. Our server was great, he made some recommendations and checked on us often. The restaurant is cute and spacious with wall to wall wine bottles and cool decorations. Will definitely come back try the other pizzas.
We had a fantastic experience at CUCINA enoteca at Irvine Spectrum! The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and we really enjoyed sitting outside on the patio. The food was amazing. Everything came out fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our drinks were also really good, and we were impressed with how quickly everything was served even though the restaurant was busy. A special shoutout to Phillip, who provided amazing customer service. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of throughout the night. Great service really can make or break a dinner, and he definitely made ours better. One thing to be aware of if you choose patio seating: dogs are allowed outside, so keep that in mind if you're not comfortable dining around them. It wasn't an issue for us, but it's worth mentioning for others. Overall, great food, great drinks, excellent service, and a really fun atmosphere. We had a wonderful dinner and would absolutely come back. 5 stars!
This place never disappoints love going there time to time. There food is good and the servers are extremely friendly And love how it has indoor and outdoor options
We were shopping at Fashion Island and got hungry. We decided to try Cucina Enoteca for the first time. We sat outside because it was such a beautiful day. Their outdoor space is stunning as well. Grilled Octopus - Beautiful presentation, but I didn't care for the texture. Together with the heirloom tomato, red onion, and cucumber was good though. Tagliatelle Bolognese - This was my favorite dish. It had veal, pork, and Parmesan. Wagyu Burger - My 5-year daughter enjoyed this burger. Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries - This was a big hit with everyone. A generous portion as a side and can be shared with the entire flavor. Just the right mixture of Parmesan and truffle oil.
Located in a surprisingly quiet pocket of the mall, this spot is a peaceful escape from the retail chaos. The outdoor-style seating is cleverly shielded by lush plants, creating an intimate, cozy greenhouse feel right in the middle of a bustling complex. * The Hits: The pasta was outstanding and served family-style--the giant, shared platters easily feed 3 to 4 people and are incredible value for a group. * The Miss: Skip the Wagyu short ribs. While nicely cooked, they fell flat on flavor and simply weren't worth the hype or price tag. * For the Kids: The "make at your table" pizzas were a massive home run. It kept the kids entertained, completely mess-free, and they devoured their own creations.
Honestly the service really makes a big difference. Ambiance is hippy/trendy and I love the wine selection. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford a nice bottle of wine.
I forgot I had the one in fashion island. But after a few years the quality of the pasta, to the pizza and sharable still kept its standards to date. My favorite was the beef brasato that stole from my friend's plate. The bolognese was good but a bit underwhelming in flavor of the sauce. The focaccia was super fluffy and paired well the ricotta.
This is probably one of my top 5 favorite restaurants of all time. I'd previously been to the Fashion Island location, but last weekend was my first time going to the Spectrum location. My boyfriend and I went last week. This is SUCH a great date night spot! I'm a sucker for a romantic ambiance anywhere & everywhere. The prices are also pretty reasonable and beat the price point of the other fancy date night restaurants at the Spectrum. My favorite thing to order at Cucina is the roasted cauliflower. This evening we also split the focaccia and Bolognese. Their drinks are also phenomenal, and the service is always incredible.
We had reservations Saturday, we were able to get seated right away, the staff were friendly , service was quick, drinks and food were good. Cute date night spot. We had - Tempura fried stuffed squash blossom Short rib mafaldine Tiramisu I forgot what the other dish was , overall food- I'd give it 7.5/10.
Our first time here. It is located outside of Fashion Island Mall. There is plenty of parking. Reservations can be made on Open Table - highly recommended. The restaurant is big, clean, and has indoor and patio seating. In the patio area, there is a fireplace and heat lamps. Our server was friendly and attentive. My water cup was always filled. Our food was amazing. Everything was so yummy and flavorful. The portions are generous as well. We would definitely come back to try their other menu items.
I came here for lunch during the week and it was very busy and packed. Service was super quick so if you needed a fast lunch in a nice restaurant, this would do the job. I ordered the beef mafaldine as the description sounded really good with braised beef, mushroom, kale and Parmesan. The beef was nice and tender but the sauce that was used was really tangy. It was so sour that I actually thought the dish had perhaps gone bad. The noodles were also too soft and I am one that does not like al dente. The staff was very nice and the restaurant was very clean. But from a food perspective, the food at the Newport Beach location was much better.
Great lunch with my sister.... Had a nearby appointment, so my sister and I came here for lunch. We split the beets and pasta. We LOVED the rigatoni bolognese, which wasn't on the menu, but we asked the waiter what was closest to that, and next thing you know, he got the chefs to make it for us. Beets were great with arugula and yogurt sauce. Rigatoni bolognese was great. This place doesn't have the best/freshest pasta I've had in OC, but their sauce and the lemon ricotta are amazing. Service was great and overly accommodating, and it's just a real cute place. We will be back.
If I could give 3.5 stars I would because it's a cute place and the food is good but just misses the mark on being great! I also like their cocktails as well and the wine selection. We were able to come on Friday at 5:30 and be sat immediately which was great. They changed their menu and no longer have the short rib pappardelle! I was a wee bit sad about that but they did have the short rib mafaldine. I like the noodle and the flavors but the short rib was severely lacking. In the past dish, you really saw and tasted the short rib but it was so small in here and shredded you barely noticed it was in there. It was tasty but I was wanting more. The chopped salad is good because you get a plethora of different vegetables but I wish it had a little more dressing & had some toasted breadcrumbs on top with more cheese. The focaccia is made in house and was buttery, airy & had that crunch on the outside. I think the brussel sprouts need a different side like something with acid or vinegar. The hot sauce doesn't go with it. Overall, with a few tweaks to the dishes I think it could be great.
1 month ago
Disappointed in this restaurant, do not recommend coming here during lunch. For being one of the few sit down restaurants in the Irvine spectrum, I would expect them to have better service to bring customers to eat for lunch or dinner. Came during lunch time with my family expecting a better experience than the fast food places around the spectrum. The location at fashion island surpasses this location. Service was extremely slow not from the kitchen but from the servers. Not enough servers for the amount of people eating lunch. Our server had multiple tables and could not pay attention to any of them properly. My server forgot the pizza I ordered and after ordering food for my children he didn't come back for another 10 minutes to take our orders. He didn't not recommend anything in the menu, and didn't even offer us any wine or cocktails to pair with our lunch I Was expecting to have a drink, an appetizer and two entrees instead I asked for the only pasta I got to go since I no longer wanted to be inside the restaurant. Food is great, the pasta i took home, tasted great so compliments to the chef and kitchen staff but would not recommend eating here for lunch. Might have been just my server since it took another server to realize I was not satisfied with my lunch. Gave two stars: One for the high quality ingredients and delicious food And another star for the aesthetic of the restaurant, looks very pleasing to the eye and the decoration is nice. read more
This place is really good. We were looking for a place to eat before heading out to do some shopping. Squash blossoms was crispy tempura fried on the outside and goat cheese inside. Rigatoni pasta had a great bite and right amount of saltiness. Soppressata Pizza was my favorite. I love the crust and sausage. Our server was great, he made some recommendations and checked on us often. The restaurant is cute and spacious with wall to wall wine bottles and cool decorations. Will definitely come back try the other pizzas. read more
We had a fantastic experience at CUCINA enoteca at Irvine Spectrum! The atmosphere was lively and inviting, and we really enjoyed sitting outside on the patio. The food was amazing. Everything came out fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Our drinks were also really good, and we were impressed with how quickly everything was served even though the restaurant was busy. A special shoutout to Phillip, who provided amazing customer service. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of throughout the night. Great service really can make or break a dinner, and he definitely made ours better. One thing to be aware of if you choose patio seating: dogs are allowed outside, so keep that in mind if you're not comfortable dining around them. It wasn't an issue for us, but it's worth mentioning for others. Overall, great food, great drinks, excellent service, and a really fun atmosphere. We had a wonderful dinner and would absolutely come back. 5 stars! read more
11 days ago
This place never disappoints love going there time to time. There food is good and the servers are extremely friendly And love how it has indoor and outdoor options read more
2 months ago
We were shopping at Fashion Island and got hungry. We decided to try Cucina Enoteca for the first time. We sat outside because it was such a beautiful day. Their outdoor space is stunning as well. Grilled Octopus - Beautiful presentation, but I didn't care for the texture. Together with the heirloom tomato, red onion, and cucumber was good though. Tagliatelle Bolognese - This was my favorite dish. It had veal, pork, and Parmesan. Wagyu Burger - My 5-year daughter enjoyed this burger. Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries - This was a big hit with everyone. A generous portion as a side and can be shared with the entire flavor. Just the right mixture of Parmesan and truffle oil. read more
Located in a surprisingly quiet pocket of the mall, this spot is a peaceful escape from the retail chaos. The outdoor-style seating is cleverly shielded by lush plants, creating an intimate, cozy greenhouse feel right in the middle of a bustling complex. * The Hits: The pasta was outstanding and served family-style--the giant, shared platters easily feed 3 to 4 people and are incredible value for a group. * The Miss: Skip the Wagyu short ribs. While nicely cooked, they fell flat on flavor and simply weren't worth the hype or price tag. * For the Kids: The "make at your table" pizzas were a massive home run. It kept the kids entertained, completely mess-free, and they devoured their own creations. read more
3 days ago
2 months ago
Honestly the service really makes a big difference. Ambiance is hippy/trendy and I love the wine selection. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford a nice bottle of wine. read more
I forgot I had the one in fashion island. But after a few years the quality of the pasta, to the pizza and sharable still kept its standards to date. My favorite was the beef brasato that stole from my friend's plate. The bolognese was good but a bit underwhelming in flavor of the sauce. The focaccia was super fluffy and paired well the ricotta. read more
This is probably one of my top 5 favorite restaurants of all time. I'd previously been to the Fashion Island location, but last weekend was my first time going to the Spectrum location. My boyfriend and I went last week. This is SUCH a great date night spot! I'm a sucker for a romantic ambiance anywhere & everywhere. The prices are also pretty reasonable and beat the price point of the other fancy date night restaurants at the Spectrum. My favorite thing to order at Cucina is the roasted cauliflower. This evening we also split the focaccia and Bolognese. Their drinks are also phenomenal, and the service is always incredible. read more
2 months ago
We had reservations Saturday, we were able to get seated right away, the staff were friendly , service was quick, drinks and food were good. Cute date night spot. We had - Tempura fried stuffed squash blossom Short rib mafaldine Tiramisu I forgot what the other dish was , overall food- I'd give it 7.5/10. read more
4 days ago
Our first time here. It is located outside of Fashion Island Mall. There is plenty of parking. Reservations can be made on Open Table - highly recommended. The restaurant is big, clean, and has indoor and patio seating. In the patio area, there is a fireplace and heat lamps. Our server was friendly and attentive. My water cup was always filled. Our food was amazing. Everything was so yummy and flavorful. The portions are generous as well. We would definitely come back to try their other menu items. read more
I came here for lunch during the week and it was very busy and packed. Service was super quick so if you needed a fast lunch in a nice restaurant, this would do the job. I ordered the beef mafaldine as the description sounded really good with braised beef, mushroom, kale and Parmesan. The beef was nice and tender but the sauce that was used was really tangy. It was so sour that I actually thought the dish had perhaps gone bad. The noodles were also too soft and I am one that does not like al dente. The staff was very nice and the restaurant was very clean. But from a food perspective, the food at the Newport Beach location was much better. read more
6 months ago
Great lunch with my sister.... Had a nearby appointment, so my sister and I came here for lunch. We split the beets and pasta. We LOVED the rigatoni bolognese, which wasn't on the menu, but we asked the waiter what was closest to that, and next thing you know, he got the chefs to make it for us. Beets were great with arugula and yogurt sauce. Rigatoni bolognese was great. This place doesn't have the best/freshest pasta I've had in OC, but their sauce and the lemon ricotta are amazing. Service was great and overly accommodating, and it's just a real cute place. We will be back. read more
If I could give 3.5 stars I would because it's a cute place and the food is good but just misses the mark on being great! I also like their cocktails as well and the wine selection. We were able to come on Friday at 5:30 and be sat immediately which was great. They changed their menu and no longer have the short rib pappardelle! I was a wee bit sad about that but they did have the short rib mafaldine. I like the noodle and the flavors but the short rib was severely lacking. In the past dish, you really saw and tasted the short rib but it was so small in here and shredded you barely noticed it was in there. It was tasty but I was wanting more. The chopped salad is good because you get a plethora of different vegetables but I wish it had a little more dressing & had some toasted breadcrumbs on top with more cheese. The focaccia is made in house and was buttery, airy & had that crunch on the outside. I think the brussel sprouts need a different side like something with acid or vinegar. The hot sauce doesn't go with it. Overall, with a few tweaks to the dishes I think it could be great. read more
9 months ago
For a fine dining restaurant, I did not feel as impressed as I had hoped to be. The atmosphere was nice--we sat outside and the patio was lined with heaters. Dogs are allowed on the patio. Service was great--quick and friendly. However, the food disappointed me. Antipasti - giant meatball was just a meatball, nothing special. I felt the same sentiment about the parmesan truffle oil fries. The squash blossoms were a little too sweet for all of us. We were all excited for the burrata, and it was good, but nothing on the menu indicated that it was just a salad. Pizza - The soppressata pizza was overwhelming in flavor of the peppers, although those were only a component of the pizza. Pasta - the bolognese tasted overpoweringly of white wine. Maybe more salt would've helped? Dessert - the chocolate budino was essentially a souped up pudding. Overall, I felt that the menu poorly portrayed what a lot of the items were, and a lot of the flavors were overpoweringly strong in places they shouldn't have been. read more
It's a beautiful large restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. I found the indoor table with large lounge like seats reflected the relaxed atmosphere. I ordered the kale pesto and my friends also ordered pasta dishes too. It took about 25 minutes during Friday lunch hour to receive our meals. Aside from the wait, the pasta was al dente and the dish tasted fresh without any heavy fattiness. It was a good serving size, not abundant like Cheesecake Factory but just enough. We finished our meal with the chocolate budino and passion fruit custard. The budino was so decadent, especially that layer of caramel. Then the custard was so sour that not even the white chocolate and whipped cream can balance it out. read more
7 months ago
I have eaten here a few times and have always enjoyed it. Reservations are easily made using OpenTable. I always have to order the fried squash blossoms, a must try! And last night we tried the rigatoni amatriciana (my least favorite pasta dish I've tried there) and the roasted jidori half chicken. The chicken was surprisingly delicious with a crispy skin and delicious accompanying sides- mascarpone polenta, roasted mushrooms and caramelized whole baby onions. For a cocktail, I tried the Isola Rosa with toasted coconut tequila, pineapple and hibiscus. Tasted too much like juice. So, last night was a bit of a hit and miss. but, I still enjoy trying new things and meeting friends for dinner at Cucina Enoteca. read more
Finally tried this spot and we were impressed. Our server was totally chill and nice. The food exceeded expectations. Would definitely go back. Also, the vibe and decor were certainly to my liking. The pasta had homemade elements to it and the pizza was delectable. Her burger was also great. Also i apologize to the waiter for my gfs PDA :( read more
Decent Italian spot at Irvine Spectrum. I had the mussels and they were great. Big portion, flavorful broth, and the bread was delicious. I like their $12 corkage if you buy a bottle from their in-house wine shop. That's a nice touch. Had a glass of their Prosecco this time and didn't love it. Kind of underwhelming. I'd come back for the mussels and a cocktail next time. read more
5 months ago
Came on a Saturday night around 7pm and sat at the bar with no wait. Service was good and food was great! Got the mushroom pizza and the brandt beef brasato malfadine and both were so good. It was worth every penne! Would definitely come back. read more
My mom and I were shopping at irvine spectrum and started craving Jtalian food so we stopped by this restaurant. The food here is so good and the portions are quite generous! We shared the roasted pear and burrata salad, the short rib pasta, and the mussels. My favorite was the pasta which was packed with meat, veggies, and flavor. The pasta shape itself was fun to eat and had a great chewy texture. Great flavor and not too salty. The salad was so good too! Very light and refreshing and a nice bite to eat as a palette cleanser between the heavier flavors of our entrees. We made a reservation for their patio seating so we got seated pretty quickly and our food also came out at a fast speed. Patio seating is quite dog friendly too and our puppy was able to happily dine with us. Definitely recommend trying if you're shopping at the spectrum or just craving italian food in general! read more
Went here with coworkers, and everyone loved it! The vibe in here doesn't even feel like you're in Irvine. It's like being transported to Italy. Great date night atmosphere, despite being at Irvine Spectrum. Service is warm and welcoming. Although we waited a bit for our food, I will not dare complain, because every delicious bite was well worth it!! Come here when you have time for a leisurely meal and can savor. I got the rigatoni amatriciana + egg, and it's probably the best pasta dish I've ever eaten!! Others got the pepperoni pizza, shrimp puttanesca linguine, and short rib mafaldine. Not a crumb left! Run, don't walk. read more
10 months ago
Been here several times so I can't believe I haven't left a review. It's a beautiful, large location with lots of seating both inside and outside. They're very friendly as soon as you arrive as well as during the service. Everyone is so pleasant and readily accessible. Everything here is delicious, but we almost always get the branzino since it's our favorite. read more
We came here to celebrate my friend's birthday and we were glad we made a reservation since the place was very busy since it's Christmas season. The ambiance was very lively and felt like a Christmas market set up. The lights are very dim at night so it was hard to read the menu, I had to use my phone as a flashlight. Grilled octopus appetizer was very tasty and seasoning was perfect, a great palette starter. Burrata and Pear salad was very light, refreshing and delicious. Mushroom truffle oil pizza had a lot of umami, it tasted good. rigatoni amatriciana | guanciale + tomato + chili + red onion + pecorino was the only dish we didn't enjoy as much. We didn't really know what the ingredients were but it had this offal taste to it which I'm usually ok with but it tasted a bit too gamey. Lavender lemonade and the strawberry ginger beer drink were very sweet and yummy. Our server gave my friend a little chocolate dessert with a candle to celebrate her birthday which was a delicious treat. Overall the vibe and ambiance were great! read more
3 days ago
The squash blossoms were nicely fried with creamy cheesy filling with a nice sauce to brighten it up. The mushroom pizza was delicious- loved the caramelized onions. The brandt beef brasato mafaldine was excellent, hearty dish. The Brussels sprouts were crispy with delectable dipping sauce. Nice outdoor seating area. Good service. read more
I've eaten here numerous times. The pizza is delicious. I do wish they had more than one salad but at least it's a tasty salad. I took off one star because we chose this spot to celebrate a recent achievement and a toast was in order. Unfortunately it took forever to get our drinks. Our food arrived before our drinks! That was not ideal. The food did not disappoint though. Try the tiramisu-it's great. read more
This is one of my favorite spots at Irvine Spectrum for dining. The restaurant is beautiful inside and out. The outside patio is spacious, covered, and has lots of tables. When you first walk into the interior part, you will find a beautiful display of bottled wine and beyond that is a large dining area with beautiful floral seats. The service is friendly and helpful. I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday and the staff went above and beyond by presenting a hand written birthday card. The food was delicious. We enjoyed the pepperoni pizza, grilled octopus, and a family sized Italian salad. Everything was delicious read more
The service was kindof slow. They were a bit busy but we waiting a bit too long between sitting and getting our drinks order in. We already had decided on entrees by the time the server came back to put in the drinks. The food came out pretty quickly. The ambience for the outdoor seating area was beautiful and romantic. The food is a bit pricey, so I couldn't give 4 stars. But the experience was really great. Much better than my previous review read more
One of my favorite places for business lunches. The service is always outstanding and the food is delicious. I also like the ambiance because it's not too loud inside and you can hear each other talk. I always have to start with the Squash Blossom appetizer and the rest is awesome. read more
10 months ago
Service: our server was great, she was attentive and helpful. Ambiance: it is too dark outside to see the menus!! I actually can't believe I needed my phone screen light to see it . The lighting is intimate with a nice ambiance but it needs to be a little brighter! Food: get the grilled octopus! I don't like stuff like this, but I would come back just for this appetizer. It's not too chewy like you'd expect, it's very good. The linguine pasta was okay, nothing special. My favorites were the pear and burrata salad, and the Italian chopped salad! Those were sooo good. My parents got the half chicken too, and that was incredible. Overall the food is great, definitely pricey, but I would definitely come back here! read more
came on a Saturday night. it was busy but could sit right away. haven't had Italian in a long time but we came to the right place. we ordered 3 dishes and all were great, especially their BIANCA pizza. it had lots of ingredients but they all complimented each other. we also ordered rigatoni amatriciana, a dish featuring a savory, spicy tomato sauce made with guanciale (cured pork cheek) although I didn't see too much of the pork cheek. last dish was tagliatelle bolognese. it contained veal and pork. that sold me already, I forgot the server's name. but he was friendly n awesome read more
Page 1 of 84
More info about CUCINA Enoteca
532 Spectrum Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
Directions
(949) 861-2222
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-enoteca-irvine/
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Services
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
CUCINA Enoteca Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - CUCINA Enoteca
Do they have vegetable noodles? Do they have cauliflower crust?
They have gluten free pasta, but it's not zoodles or anything like that. No gluten free pizza as far as I know.…
When would the spaghetti with squid lnk come back?
Hello Lelang, We currently have the clam + squid ink linguini on our lunch and dinner menu. We hope to see you again soon.
What time and days is the happy hour?
Is there a pasta that's gluten free AND dairy free? No butter or milk product. Eggs ok.
Yes we do!
Is there outdoor seating?
There is a patio on either side of the entrance to the restaurant.
Do you have gluten free options?
Yes we do! We have a gluten free pasta option. We can also modify some of our items to accommodate gluten free needs.
What are your vegan entree options?
We have a Fiorentini pasta and we can also make a vegan pizza.
Do you allow dogs in the patio?
Yes, they do! I went 2 weeks ago and brought 2 dogs.
Can they accommodate large parties or meetings for 50 people?
https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-enoteca-irvine/group-dining/
Does CUCINA enoteca rent out space or restaurant for private events like weddings?
Yes. You can contact the restaurant and ask for the sales manager to discuss options.
What happened to the lasagna? I don't see it on the menu online.
Are they dog friendly?
On the outside patios (there is one on either side of the walkway to the entrance). I just dined there last weekend with our dogs.
Do they have a small menu for dog?
The menu doesn't contain any dog. It's mostly pasta and the like.
Hi! Are you guys open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Hi Hannah! Thank you for reaching out. We are open on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.…
Is there a cake cutting fee, if I bring a birthday cake for a party?
No cake cutting fee.
Can I bring my dog with me to enjoy lunch on your patio?
Yep! They're welcoming of dogs on their patio. I've dined there with some friends who had their dog with them. We asked upon arrival, and they were very gracious about it.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
248 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
15 years ago
8 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
14 years ago
15 years ago
2 years ago
15 years ago
14 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
10 years ago
6 months ago
14 years ago
5 years ago
8 years ago
12 years ago
13 years ago
1 year ago
