Such an absolute vibe. i think it's meant to be like a vinyl bar? I unfortunately did not partake in any beverages but the food alone is incredible. Very dark and moody lighting and great spot for a friend night out or a first date or whatever your heart desires. Service was attentive, patient, and super friendly. Scallop Crudo: 8/10 Bright, refreshing, light, and packed with flavour. Only wish there was more scallop :( Fish Dip: 8/10 I think it had a mixture of three different fish. Probably the best version of a fish dip I've ever had. So many different textures and flavours that paired really well with each other. Only thing that was missing was some kind of vessel to dip into the fish. Tartare: 9/10 One of the best tartares I've ever had too. Again, incredible mixtures of textures and flavours, and the potatoes it came with were honestly so good I could've ordered 10 of them just to munch on to myself. Scrambled Egg Agnolotti: 10/10 Little pillows of goodness. Pasta was al dente, the sauce was divine and honestly wished I had ordered a second serving of this Hangar Steak: 8/10 Wished some slices were a little bit more tender but overall, thought this was a very unique and pleasant dish. The serving size on the steak was huge, especially given the price point, and the sauce and creamed spinach brought everything together wonderfully. I'm usually hesitant to order steaks at restaurants cause it's always a hit-or-miss but this did not disappoint Semifreddo: 7/10 - Super unique and while I'm not a big fan of desserts in general, I found this really interesting and actually enjoyed it. read more

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Been awhile since I've dined here. This time was much better than the last in both food and service. It's hard to make a direct comparison in terms of food because the menu changes so much, but the notables from our visit include: Kanpachi crudo Kolrhabi salad Wagyu tartare Scrambled egg agnolotti Darkroom burger I'd order any of the above again without hesitation. The maitake mushroom that many reviewers raved about was actually my least favorite out of everything we ordered. Potatoes were ok and had a spicy kick to it. Wanderer steak was average. There is a lot going on with each dish. Lots of sauce and lots of different flavors going on. I wouldn't say complex, just a lot haha. Our server checked up on us often and was great. Even the folks that dropped off each dish were kind enough to ask if we needed anything further. This last visit makes me want to return next time they update their menu. read more

Just completely lol'ing at the person below who says they've had better food at Claim Jumper. Like gurl how can anyone take you seriously with that comment? Readers, ignore the--albeit rare--naysayers. Been here 5 times now and can honestly say no restaurant in OC brings me as much joy as Darkroom. Sure, I wouldn't rate every single dish I've had here as 10/10 but my god many of them have been and some have surpassed that. And even the few that weren't were an easy 7.5/10 minimum. They especially do veggies SO WELL. My husband who has been anti-veggie for most of his life just ate an almost entirely vegetarian meal here to tonight, so well done y'all. You've gotten him to eat foods I've struggled with convincing him to eat for years lol. Every time we come he says we need to get the maitake mushrooms. MUSHROOMS y'all. I couldn't get this man to touch mushrooms with a ten foot pole before. Anyway, explore their offerings. Bring a group to share things with so you can try more! No, darkroom is not cheap but the quality aligns with the price, which is absolutely reasonable for what it is. This would be more expensive if they were in Newport or LA so I'm glad this is where they've landed and I hope things don't change. Big hits this evening were the asparagus with whipped piquillo and the scrambled egg agnolotti. Just chef's kiss. And then besides the mushrooms we always get the potatoes and zucchini bread. And hot tip, always get a couple orders of the focaccia to soak up all the sauces on the dishes. They make for nice little side quests. Assume that for a dinner date, a curious foodie pair could be stuffed and happy for $140-$200 depending on appetite. Allows you to try just enough things and you're gonna want to since the menu changes regularly. What's there now may not be back so choose wisely! read more

I was very excited to try this restaurant! Have had it booked marked and was able to make a reservation for a birthday here. Parking: Located in a semi-industrial area. Parking can be scarce. The restaurant will provide you with a parking pass however. Ambiance: Beautiful, cozy, and dark. The waitress informed us that they play all their music on vinyl here so they have to maintain the darkness in the room. Drinks They don't have a full liquor licenses here so no outstanding cocktails sadly. I ordered a No 93 - italian dry vermouth, fennel pollen, tiny bit of caper brine, "martini". It definitely tasted like something was missing. Food - The waitress stated that they curate new menus and switch out items very often. Therefore, some of the items I order may or may not be offered by the time someone else goes. I wanted to try the burger so bad but they only make 10 a night and were out by the time I ordered. - KANPACHI CRUDO 5/5: This was my favorite dish here - TUNA CARPACCIO 3/5: Fish tasted fresh but the strawberry/watermelon through me off a bit. - CAESAR 3.5/5 - Very refreshing but there was something on this dish that tasted a bit bitter. - MAITAKE MUSHROOM 4/5: Another favorite dish of the night. Great char and texture. My only complaint was that it was on the salty side. - POTATOES 4/5: Crispy and flakey! - WANDERER NY STEAK 4/5: Cooked perfectly medium rare. The steak was so tender. Another dish that was very delicious but also a bit on the salty side. - DESSERT - SEMIFREDDO 5/5: This was amazing. Yogurt was perfectly tart and the strawberry granita really set it off. First time I've had anything like it. The items all had a beautiful presentation but not quite sure if I would make a trip back. Most of the items ended up being a little too salty overall. read more

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Food: 3/5 - presentation is great, lacks flavors and substance. We tried their crudo, asparagus lasagna, kohlrabi salad, ricotta donuts and chocolate mousse. Everything was mid. Drinks are all vermouth based,low abv and they're good. Ambience: 3/5 - true to its name, dark. Parking in the lot is covered/free, but need to get a ticket/note from the host. Service: 5/5 - nothing to fault. read more

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First time here on a Wednesday and it was relatively easy to get a table/reservation. Going in the restaurant is pretty dark as noted with their name. There is an urban vibe to it and almost hipster feel from the decor to the staff's outfit. They play music on vinyl and give your receipt in a cd case which was a nice detail. Food: Bay scallops: 3.5/5 overall good flavor although it was a little salty for me also the scallops were pretty small to only have 2 per serving Maitake mushroom: 4.5/5 great texture and smoke and I enjoyed the chimichurri sauce with it Crispy yellowtail: 4.5/5 perfectly fried so it remained crispy with the sauce. Great balance of a creamy chowder like sauce and something tart making it great balance Wander NY steak: 2.5/5 there was something very bitter tasting in this dish ending up thinking it might've been one of the toppings either the sesame seed or the koji which made the dish not as enjoyable Semifreddo: 5/5 great dessert balance between tart and creamy with a nice pandan chocolate shell. It was also compt for my birthday which is even a great plus! Drinks: No 81: 3/5 a little bitter and tart No 91: 4/5 nice flavors but didn't taste the pandan much Overall can definitely see the effort to make a unique carefully thought out menu! I had a great time read more

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So many great things to say about my recent visit, dinner for two. Service is always top notch. Quality ingredients. Fun vibe. Great place to get an atmospheric change from the day to day. You will love their cuisines! read more

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I am a fan of what they're doing at Darkroom. The vibe is sexy and the music is all vinyl. I really hope that they host listening nights here or small DJ events because the setup is begging for it. Everything flowed very well. We were helped by our friendly and attentive main server, but also checked on by another server and served our food with verbal descriptions of each dish by the chef (I think). They don't currently hold a liquor license so they serve beer, wine, and house made vermouth-based cocktails which my friend and I both enjoyed. They were quite refreshing. Most of the items are small plates and meant to be shared. We love a shared moment. The menu changes seasonally I believe, or based on what's available so what we had may not be what you see when you go in but if the burger is on there, GET IT. They only serve 10 per night and it's a must-have. The flavor in the au poivre bath was incredible and because it's a rich dish I do recommend splitting it. After the burger, the scotch olives were my second favorite dish. Quite creative and just a nice pop of flavor. Caesar Salad which you can eat as tacos were fun, and the Wagyu Tartare itself was delicious yet the potatoes it sat on were a tad burnt. Yes, I said potatoes. This iteration was served on crispy potato dauphinette with manchego cheese. A miss for me was the broccolini. It was charred to the point of bitterness and the sauce was overpowering. Don't skip dessert. Both the strawberry granita and vanilla bean ricotta donuts rounded out our meal nicely. The buttered popcorn ice cream under the granita was lovely, although the brown butter mascarpone served with the donuts had a bit of an edge over it for me. read more

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I had the opportunity to dine at Darkroom tonight with a group of fellow entrepreneurs, and the experience exceeded every expectation. We enjoyed a private dining experience featuring a curated five-course meal by Chef Zach, and every course was exceptional. The food was creative, thoughtful, and beautifully executed, but what stood out most to me was the combination of world-class hospitality and incredible cuisine. As both a business owner and a serious foodie, I know how difficult it is to consistently deliver at a high level in both areas. Darkroom does exactly that. The team made us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived, and every interaction reflected genuine care and attention to detail. I also love that the menu changes frequently, creating a unique experience each time you visit. In a market as competitive as Orange County, it's rare to find a restaurant that feels this special. Darkroom has earned a permanent spot on my list of restaurants to revisit with family and friends. I couldn't recommend it more highly. read more

Darkroom - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I heard about Darkroom from a person sitting next to me at a bar in Chicago. He was from Orange County and highly recommended the place to me. The following week I was in Irvine for work and made a reservation for dinner at 5pm on Tuesday. Darkroom was located in an unassuming strip mall. Definitely felt like a local's hidden gem. If you knew, you knew. Darkroom definitely lived up to its name. The windows were blacked out, so I had no idea what to expect the interior to look like. Surprise, surprise... it's also dim inside and probably got darker later in the evening because of its black walls when the sun went down. That said, the restaurant was artsy, particularly showing an affinity for eclectic vinyl and urban artwork. We were greeted by Chante, who was our main server. Appreciated her hospitality and helpfulness. She explained how they had a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients, and she knew the menu like it was the back of her hand. The food came out quickly, which attributed to overall great service. My friend and I shared the broccolini, hanger steak, and Nashville hot swordfish. I enjoyed everything but the swordfish. Let me explain... The broccolini was a nice starter. I liked that they cut the broccolini lengthwise, and they were cooked perfectly al dente. The coconut cream was tasty, but I would've liked it on the side. My favorite thing about the dish was the toasted pine nuts. The hanger steak was the best dish of the three. The meat was fatty and tender, which sat on a bed of creamed spinach. The flavors were fantastic, and the crunch from the chili oil and sesame seeds added fun textures. We ordered a side of focaccia to sop up the sauces on the dish. The Nashville hot swordfish was a disappointment. I thought the swordfish was cooked well, but the sauce overpowered everything and didn't go well with the herbs. In general, the sauce doesn't a hold a candle to Hattie B's and tasted nothing like Nashville hot sauce. The fresh dill and pickled cucumbers were such an odd contrast. read more

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[SERVICE]: The restaurant completely exceeded my expectations. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the owner. That was a surprise, so we immediately knew we were in for something special. Our server/ bartender was also super friendly and funny. But what really stood out were the chefs. They personally brought out each dish and shared the story behind the ingredients and inspiration behind each one. That level of care and passion made the whole experience feel incredibly personal. [AMBIANCE]: Darkroom lives up to its name the moment you walk in--the space is dark, moody, and incredibly intimate. It makes it the perfect spot for a date night. I had read a few reviews mentioning that it could be loud, but that wasn't our experience at all. We sat at the bar and were able to hear each other perfectly fine. [FOOD]: Every dish was carefully crafted and bursting with unique flavors. All served tapas-style for sharing. * CAESAR BITES (5/5)-- a handheld Caesar salad meant to be eaten like a taco. I had never had a salad presented that way before, and now I honestly don't think I ever want it any other way. * MITAKI MUSHROOM (4/5)-- smoked with barbecue dressing and crispy buckwheat for an added crunch * KAMPACHI CRUDO (5/5)-- light, bright, and refreshing and the perfect transition to our main dish * PORK BELLY WITH GREEN CURRY (5/5) -- unbelievably tender and practically melted in your mouth. The green curry complemented it beautifully, balancing the richness of the pork with just the right amount of flavor. * SUGAR DONUTS AND BLUEBERRY MASCARPONE (4/5) -- surprisingly a light dessert and also the perfect sweet ending. On top of that, they surprised me with a birthday miso cake and a glass of prosecco on the house. [OVERALL]: The food was absolutely delicious, but what truly made the night unforgettable was the exceptional hospitality and service. It's clear that everyone there genuinely cares about creating a memorable experience for their guests, and I can't wait to come back!!! read more

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Amazing all around, just like the first time I visited which is a great awesome! Service is always top notch. Scotty at the bar is the best, checked in on us often with the perfect amount of convo and suggestions on the menu. The dishes are all insanely good, we left no crumb behind! Best part of every visit here is the music. I was wanting to out for dinner & drinks and my favorite band, Interpol was playing on vinyl for our entire visit. It was the cherry on top. Hopefully I'll be closer to being a regular soon! :) read more

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Went here for Valentine's Day, and 6 months later from our first time at Darkroom. It is still amazing, and I would highly recommend. Now that we've gotten more experience, here are some MUST tries. Scallop Tostada (so good we ordered two!) Zucchini bread (my mouth is watering just thinking about it) Pork Tomahawk (get the bread that comes with it!) The roasted bay scallops would have been better if there were 4 instead of two, didn't like the value for them. Overall experience was amazing once again, wait staff and music were all on point per usual, and would definitely visit again and again! read more

Darkroom - Focaccia bread - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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We celebrated a friend's birthday here and had excellent service! I will say a little more menu guidance would've been helpful, but truthfully everything on the menu was so good you can't go wrong. My personal favorite dish was the kanpachi crudo! It was sooo flavorful and so soft. It felt like it was melting in my mouth. The cocktails were also pretty good too, although I can't remember the number I got. The steak was also a show stopper because it tasted like a hamburger! So delicious!! The ice cream with the aged strawberry syrup was also to die for! it tasted so sweet and so good. Finally the ambiance was very nice. It did have a very intimate feel and I liked that I didn't have to yell across the table to my friends. It also had some pretty cool art and decor that I liked! I would recommend going and trying it out. Definitely enjoyed our experience here. read more

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Obsessed with this restaurant is honestly an understatement. The vibes are immaculate, the food is out of this world, and the entire staff is incredibly friendly -- you can genuinely tell they love working there. My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, and our waitress, Shawntay, was an absolute rockstar. She was so sweet and gave us amazing recommendations (which we definitely needed because the menu is almost overwhelming because everything sounds incredible!). Our food was paced perfectly, and every dish blew us away. You have to order the burger!!!! they only make a limited number each night, and it's easily one of the best burgers I've ever had. The swordfish was super unique and perfectly prepared. And as a true Caesar salad girl, I have to say their Caesar (served almost like a taco) absolutely blew my mind. We'll definitely be back again and again... mostly because we need to try everything on the menu! read more

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We made a reservation a month in advance to align with a concert at the nearby observatory. Full service sitdown restaurant in a dark (makes sense given the name), loud and vibey atmosphere. Fast and extremely friendly service! You know you're gonna spend a lot here, so if you're price sensitive, not the spot for you. But the food and drinks are super high quality and the service is top notch - we felt like we were at "The Bear" from the TV show - that's how great the service and our order was! They handwrote and signed a card for our anniversary and gave us multiple dishes to try on the house to celebrate. Then we also ordered 4 dishes (they recommend 3-5 for a party of 2). I was stuffed, but loved everything! Tuna tartare, super chokes, burger, lasagna, zucchini bread, and miso cake with semifreddo (I think that's how you spell it)! Burger was far and away the best. They also have limited quantity, so hopefully you're lucky enough to try it. Sorry my photos are poorly lit - it was obviously dark and I didn't want to use my flash constantly and disturb others! read more

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Don't mind me, just glazing this place for the fourth time. Darkroom x Green Cheek Beer Co night was great. Zach and Drew never fail to surprise with dishes are daring and clever while still being grounded in real technique and a deep understanding of gastronomy. Truly such a treat every time. read more

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DARKROOM GETS ALL THE STARS After living in LA for 10 years and moving back to OC, I craved a restaurant like Darkroom. A menu that changes with the season, where each plate is perfectly crafted, where every flavor and texture is considered, where every dish is just as good as the last. FOOD & DRINKS: Definitely come here with the intention of sharing plates. Order a little bit of everything. We personally like ordering a handful of apps, one larger plate and dessert. The drink options are crafty and they offer N/A options as well. Prices are reasonable! *I've posted a photo of all the dishes we've had. Honestly it's too many to write them all here. :) CREW: We had the honor of hanging out with the owner at the bar one night - a cool cat who is deeply committed to his staff, craft and clientele. The service can't be beat - everyone we've encountered has been a gem. AMBIANCE: Dark & cozy. Casual. Great music! We've dined here twice and will be coming back! 100/10 recommend. read more

As a ragged working mom of two who spends most nights eating leftover rice and noodles, getting out for an anniversary dinner felt like stepping into another life. We went to The Darkroom on a Saturday night, and as the name suggests, it's dark -- moody red lighting everywhere, like being inside a photo developing room. It was dramatic, intimate, and exactly the vibe I needed after years of bedtime chaos. Here's what we ordered: -Raw Scallop Tostada ($24) - My absolute favorite of the night. I'm biased because I love scallops, but this was everything -- fresh, delicate, and topped with little edible flowers. Beautiful and delicious. -Kanpachi Crudo ($26) - Light, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with calamansi lemon and chili. Bright and refreshing. -Nashville Hot Swordfish ($46) - Cooked wonderfully, with bold flavors that our server said were inspired by Africa. Unexpected, spicy, and totally intriguing. -Zucchini Toast ($19) - Not my thing. The toast itself was sweet, like French toast, and paired with salty Serrano jamón -- creative, but a miss for me. -Tomahawk Pork Chop ($58) - Sadly, the most disappointing. It came out dry, and the top slices were just fat. But the house focaccia bread (6) saved the day -- I used it to soak up the sauce, and that almost redeemed the dish. Despite the roller coaster ride of a meal, I would totally come back again. The food overall was really good, and the restaurant was incredibly accommodating -- they comped our pork chop after we mentioned it was dry, which I truly appreciated. That gesture alone made me want to give them another chance. Where they lost a star, though, was in service. Our server started off friendly but wasn't very detailed when describing the dishes -- and a few descriptions didn't match what actually came out. When I asked him to describe the swordfish he said it was light fried but never mentioned it was battered. I really didn't realize the "Nashville hot" part was that it was reference to fried chicken. He also ordered us a steak instead of the pork chop, so we had to wait longer for the right dish -- which may explain why it was rushed and dry. By the end of the night, he seemed distracted, maybe because the restaurant had gotten busier, but for a place this expensive, I expected more attentive service. Yes, this place is $$$$, but for a rare night out? Almost worth it. Between the atmosphere, the presentation, and the occasional dish that made me close my eyes and sigh, I'd say it earned its price tag. Still, I left feeling grateful. It was a night away from the chaos, with good food, a few surprises, and the rare joy of eating without cutting someone else's food first. I'd come back again -- hopefully next time with better service and the same great flavors. read more

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I came here on a Saturday evening with some friends. We did not make reservations and luckily they were able to seat us. The concept is pretty cool as you can tell there is a certain vibe going on and with the vinyl soundtracks. It's pretty cool inside with all their decor on the walls too. It is def dark inside and there is a small table light at each table. Service was excellent. As for the food, we shared a lot of dishes. However, I did not love it personally. My favorite was the Prawn Schnitzel - the flavor, texture, crispiness was perfect ! The entrees we got were the pork tomahawk, burger, and swordfish. I think I had higher expectations. The burger has a unique after taste. I'd say it's an acquired taste. The swordfish was recommended and I described it as "an explosion in my mouth.." there were so many diff flavors going on in that dish. Pork tomahawk was fatty and tender. This is one of those places where you gotta try for yourself. For me, it was a nice experience but I wasn't impressed with the dishes. Also, their menu is seasonal and changes. read more

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What a fun place to come on a dinner date or with friends!! I saw a family bring their kids and I would not do that here (my kids literally eat everything so that's not the issue) the issue is more the vibe - this is way more of a date night or hangout with friends restaurant than a family restaurant. The ambiance is a little swanky, the food is super creative....its a fun date spot! Like others have mentioned they don't have a hard alcohol license so I wasn't a fan of their wanna be vermouth drinks. However that doesn't deter me from a 5 star rating since frankly I'd rather eat my calories than drink my calories anyway and the food here is awesome! The bread, the veggies, the salads, the proteins....everything is mega creative and beautifully presented. I can't wait to return with my girlfriends or husband!! read more

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Albert Einstein once said, "I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious." I found this quote particularly fitting as I explored the menu at the Darkroom Restaurant and Wine Bar during a recent visit. Their dishes reflect a spirit of curiosity that were creative with ambitious combinations that bring together ingredients not often paired, yet thoughtfully balanced. I visited mid-week and was fortunate to find a seat at the bar. This is no small feat; I'm told that on weekends, reservations are not just recommended but practically essential given Darkroom's growing popularity. As I settled in, I was warmly greeted by the staff, and Scotty, who took excellent care of me throughout the evening. He was attentive, personable, and knowledgeable. The menu is modest in size but impressively diverse, ensuring that diners of all tastes will find something appealing. For those willing to venture beyond their usual choices, guidance from someone like Scotty is invaluable. His familiarity with the flavor profiles and preparation of each dish, along with his personal favorites, helped narrow my selections with confidence. On his recommendation, I tried the Roasted Bay Scallops, the Smoked Duroc Pork Belly, and the Nashville Hot Swordfish. Each dish showcased inventive pairings and was described perfectly in terms of flavor and accent notes. The Roasted Bay Scallops were beautifully presented, with citrus and chili elements that brightened the hollandaise without overpowering it. Although the flavors were well executed, I a greater ratio of scallops to the amount of sauce would have accentuated this item a bit more. The Duroc Pork Belly, however, was a standout. Expertly prepared, it offered a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by balanced sauces and thoughtful seasoning. The portioning was generous without being excessive and an excellent dish all around. The Nashville Hot Swordfish was equally impressive, both in flavor and in portion size. The fish itself was high-quality and well-cooked, resting atop a lively gribiche sauce and topped with pickled cucumber. While I enjoyed the brightness the cucumber brought, some diners might find the amount a touch assertive. Even so, the swordfish had more than enough character to hold its own, dish seafood enthusiasts should not miss. My experience at Darkroom was thoroughly enjoyable and satisfied every bit of my culinary curiosity. It's proof that a restaurant can be both bold and refined, even in a less traditional setting. With its ever-changing menu and creative approach, it's no wonder Darkroom has earned such a loyal following. While they do not offer a full bar, their selection is curated enough that most guests will find a fitting libation. Enjoy! read more

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Best meal I've eaten this year. As in the past 12 months, not just since January! The execution is all flawless, and the menu is a most fascinating read. Food is in the form of share-plates, and every dish is delicious. Many are also incredibly creative. My favorites include the Tuna Tartare with that perfect tomato dashi and pickled puntarelle. The Kanpachi is a gorgeous plate, and coffee oil and passionfruit are the most amazing combination. The Sugar Snap Peas have a mix of mala and creamy peanut miso that makes you want to lick the bowl. Please sell this stuff in a jar so I can buy a crate! Scotch Olives are little flavor-bombs, and the Lasagne is a crazy mix of sweet leeks and savory roe. I've never seen anything like this - if you try nothing else, have this and the fish! It's not just good food, this place has serious soul. They treat every person like they matter and deliver a passionate, masterful menu that made me excited to eat for the first time in months. read more

The Darkroom is shining a bright light on the OC dining scene. Not since the early days of Social has there been such a creative, bold, and innovative kitchen power cooking in OC, a bastion of culinary mediocrity for the most part, punctuated by some bright stars of which Darkroom is currently the most luminous. Yup, it's dark inside. Dark and loud. But it's not Dear John's dark, so give it a few minutes and your eyes will adjust. The music loop is a tick too loud, but give it a few minutes and your hearing will adjust. A long Bar anchors the room. Two tops and four tops dot the space. By 8:00 the sound will be bouncing off the walls and concrete floor like driving a golf ball in a tile bathroom. No matter. You'll be too busy enjoying the food to care. Enjoy your own dark thoughts while you dine on truly fine food. So, settle into a comfy Bar seat and start trying to decide on what you want to eat....everything. Do what I did. Order with your eyeballs. The Staff: All over making sure you are served well. Scotty tended Bar and tended to his diners like we were all a litter of kitties. He had a firm grip on the quirky food and drink menu. Can't decide? Brother Scotty will curate some excellent choices. The Bar and Wine: Eclectic, electric, eccentric. From the cool to the strange it all seems to work, so be adventuresome. I had a No. 61 which had Ola Sol Agave Wine mixed with Jerk Spices, the nature of which one can only guess, Allspice, Agave Syrup, and Lime Juice. This potent punk was served in a short glass. Good things come in small packages. It was sweet, tart and cold. Order two just for you. Who's in the Dark? Those who dine solo, neighbors in the know, and those of us who fly under the radar and are willing to try the new kitchen on the block. As stated, the din in the dining room ratchets up by 8:00. No matter, I was only faintly aware of the chubster at the end of the Bar who, like Seinfeld's date, laughed like a horse at her own jokes. The Food: The food was glorious from start to take home boxes. The Fried Scotch Olives wrapped with house made Merguez Sausage and an Anchovy was served half emerged in a bath of Sumac laced Yogurt. Crunchy, tasty, meaty, and tart the Olives were a simply delightful Bar nibble to keep my Ola Sol company. Next up came two large roasted and chopped Scallops in their shell drizzled with Beef Fat Hollandaise, Diced Pineapple, a pinch of Habanero Pepper and Black Lime. Think Coquille St. Jacques on a Mexican holiday. Dishes appear as they are completed in the busy kitchen so things come out in no particular order. No big deal as it's all going to the same place. It gives dinner a Tapas feel and it's all part of the cool experience in a hot spot. Smoked Weiser Farm Honeynut Squash joined the party. This is a rare beauty, so if you see it, dive on it. Darkroom's version had Sunchoke Soubise (a velvety Onion Sauce), and Maple Mustard Vinegar. It was more than merely interesting, it was memorable. The kitchen obviously has some classic chops. They are cooking for themselves and trust you'll like it all as much as they do. The Fried Eggplant Parm brought some heat. The Sauce was based on broken down Bianco di Napoli Tomatoes, grown in Northern California in ideal Tomato climate, Whipped Cream Cheese, along with Arbol Chili Pickled Eggplant. This dish was terrific. The Little Gem Salad had fresh Mint, Comte (French Farmer's Cheese crumble), Matcha Tea, Nori (Seaweed) crunchies and finely chopped Pistachios. This Salad lapped the traditional Caesar and I lapped it all up like a Pound Puppy's first meal in it's Forever Home. The Smoked Maitake Mushroom was regal, majestic and fit for any Japanese Emperor with a sophisticated, refined, discerning palate. This dish was spectacular. Finally, The Nashville Hot Swordfish with Sauce Gribiche, (Tartare Sauce's cousin), Pickled Persian Cucumbers and a tasty ersatz Chimichurri with a tangle of Fresh Herbs. The Line Cook rode the brakes and the Fish was cooked perfectly. Cooking fish this well is the measure of an accomplished kitchen. An added plus is that everything I ate was great with Scrambled eggs the next few days. Come to the light at the Darkroom. read more

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Perfect place to celebrate my birthday! With the cool atmosphere/ lighting, the upbeat music and attentive servers, it made for a perfect evening. And the FOOD- incredible! The unique flavors, fresh ingredients and attention to detail- we loved every dish one after the other. The menu changes but if they have the tuna tartar, squash, carrots, and swordfish- you must get it! And thank you for the complimentary birthday dessert! I wish they had lard liquor but their limited aperitifs and vermouth was delish as well. Thank you for a wonderful birthday evening! read more

Darkroom - So thoughtful! And offered complimentary dessert! - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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An exceptional fine dining experience found in the Orange County area. Came here with some coworkers and I was so pleasantly surprised by just about every dish we were served. We had the asparagus, the scallops, scotch olives and focaccia bread, wagyu tartare, brussel sprouts and many more that I cannot remember at the moment. It was all so good though, every single bite felt like that scene in ratatouille where he's eating the cheese and the strawberry together to see what new flavors he gets. The chef at this place certainly knows what he's doing because the place was packed on a Thursday night. It was the most perfect ambiance as it was nice and dark in there with some lovely music playing in the background (some m83 and MGMT to set the mood). It was and overall beautiful experience that I can't say I've had anywhere else. read more

We came here for a date night on Tuesday evening. Even on a weekday, there was really good business and we made reservations in advance. Service was a bit on slower side but nothing too bad, and waiter was incredibly nice. It appears unassuming from outside but inside, it's a very ambient setting with dimly lit red lights. The food here is innovative and incredible! You HAVE to get the watermelon crudo dish (seasoned so well with crunchy bits and perfect amount of sweet and savory - plus it was soo refreshing). We also loved the tomato dish (forgot name) and hanger steak. The steak was prepared medium rare and it had a blast of flavor with all the sauces they used that blended so well together. The scotch fried olives were also delicious. Between two of us, we ordered 6 dishes total (they recommended 4-6) and we were very satisfied at the end (not too full). They also gave us complementary sparking wine for celebrating my husbands career advancement which was sweet! Overall loved the vibe and loved trying new flavors. They're on a rotating menu u so it was difficult for them to give us recommendations as they stated the menu is constantly changing. read more

Darkroom - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

It's hard to quantify my experience. It was my first time so I showed up on time for my 5pm reservation ready to eat. I brought a six pack for the back of house as this has been a great way to meet the team and build rappart but nobody even acknowledged the gesture. When I walked in the staff said well you can bring it to the bar and the bar tender couldn't even turn around to say thank you. Nothing was said. It was awkward to say the least. This beginning experience kinda ruined the whole thing for me. Then it just seemed like everyone else was getting better service than us and they were. I can't say after feeling this way the whole night that I'd ever come back to feel this way again. I've never been given a beer let alone a six pack and just said nothing. I didn't expect freebies or extras but I did expect something. The nothing burger I received left a big whole in my experience. Food was good. Very good at parts. This isn't to say they make bad food at all and this is to say the whole experience matters. read more

Wow!! This restaurant was awesome! Warning it is DARK and loud! We ordered almost everything on the menu and shared it all! My stand out- prawn schnitzel, fennel salad, raw scallop tostada, and the crispy smoked potatoes! Honestly you really can't go wrong with any of the dishes! read more

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Discovering awesome new restaurants close to me is the best, and Darkroom did not disappoint. We originally sat at the bar while waiting for a table but ended up staying there for the whole meal. The bar has these glowing orange lights, so fair warning: your photos will come out orange and skin does not look good under this lighting, so if you're on a first date DO NOT sit at the bar (there's a reason gentlemen clubs use red lighting =p ). We ordered a lineup of dishes, all of which were good, but here's how I'd rank them from absolute LOVE LOVE to just LOVE: Very Secret Spicy Chicken Sandwich - this one stole the show. Braised Cauliflower - unexpectedly delicious and super satisfying. It tasted like I was eating the perfect baked potato. Scallop Tostada - fresh and flavorful. Marinated Watermelon Crudo - light, refreshing, and the crispy shallots were the perfect touch. Grilled & Marinated Jimmy Nardellos - smoky and tasty. I wish it was less charred though because you know, cancer. On the drinks side, we tried the No. 49 and No. 50 cocktails, both were fantastic, and also enjoyed several glasses of red wine. A special shout out to Scotty, our bartender/server, who was great and kept everything moving smoothly. A couple of notes: I'd recommend getting a table if you want better lighting for photos, and it was a little warm inside, so dress accordingly. Overall: fantastic food, great drinks, and a lively vibe. Definitely coming back. read more

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Delicious and beautifully plated dishes - my favorite was the maitake mushroom and zucchini bread with koji butter + jamon serrano. The steak had a really salty crust to it for the end pieces, but it gets less salty when you baste it with the sesame seed & aleppo "salsa macha". It was really loud on a Saturday night at 8 PM, reminiscent of Berlin techno club vibes, but I hear that the music varies on when you dine in. Service was very friendly and interactive, parking was easy in their shared lot, and the bathrooms were clean. read more

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First of all service was excellent our waitress was so sweet :)!! Ambiance is fantastic. Fun classy vibe Food was delicious. Wish I wasn't on a diet or we would have ordered the whole menu Husband loved his burger and mushrooms I tried both also, so yummy My Caesar and scallop tostada were killer delish though. Got zucchini bread to go and it's currently my breakfast. Savory:) Thanks darkroom! We will be back. Only took one picture :( everything was plated so nicely read more

Darkroom - Tostada - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

10/10! Everything has exceptional flavor. We tried quite a bit of the menu and everything was delicious. I'm still craving the zucchini bread. Lowkey might have to go back and try to tap someone for the recipe. This place has all the vibes. The art and vinyls are such a nice touch. I will be back for sure! read more

Darkroom - Vinyls & Art - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Top notch spot! Def a must try! Went in for my wife's birthday and we had such a great evening all around. From the food, mocktails, and their crew/conversations. Zack was awesome, thanks for sharing your vinyl collection with us and shoutout to Jared! Yall are very attentive to detail and I can appreciate all of it! We had the swordfish, smoked potatoes and mushroom. Everything is so flavorful. Def planning to make it back in. Shoutout to the chefs! Keep it DARK! Jason-Old Traditions GP read more

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I've been here 3x and each was special. Amazing food, amazing wine, top notch service, and great tunes and overall vibes. This time though, I came for the caviar and fried chicken set and it was unbelievable. Everything above was still true but this time, knowing that they were serving my favorite food group, I had to come. Quite honestly, the fried chicken was better than expected. This was the moistest white meat I've ever eaten and I'm one to bias towards the dark variety ten out of ten times. But when it's in front of you, you have to eat it and it was the first piece I picked up. Daddy always gets the big piece of chicken (if you know Chris Rock skits). read more

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The perfect date night for foodies What a combination of ambiance (vinyl records playing eclectic, funk music), dim lighting, innovative chefery (my TM word ), mixology, and outstanding/personable service. This is a must try for date night for foodies!!! read more

Darkroom - Bone in, pre-sliced pork chop - Wine Bars Near Me - Santa Ana, California

We loved this place, great food and service. We were convinced by staff to do the omakase like meal which was $100/pp not including drinks because we didn't know what to order. They would just execute dishes out to us, which was totally fine. Until I compared the amount of dishes to prices the next day and realized it was short almost $150+ worth of food. Comparing our pictures of food, it's the same size as everyone elses. We should have just ordered the dishes as is not not this omakase style that the server recommended. We were drinking and having such a great time we didn't think to compare it while we were at the restaurant. But now feel completely taken advantage of unfortunately.... We definitely learned our lesson and will not be doing this again, and actually will not be back because of it. Do not make our same mistake read more

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I don't remember having better service in OC. Chante' was fantastic, and on top of making her service seamless, when we looked at our take home boxes they were all labeled. Who takes care of their clients with that detail? It's as if they're practicing for a Michelin star visit. The food is off the charts. We went to their monthly prix fix Sunday which had a French theme and it was magnificent. Every sauce, texture and taste was perfectly balanced. We will be back. We're really lucky to have this crew in OC. read more

This was our first time at the restaurant but our server, Scotty made us feel like we were regulars. Celebrated a birthday and our table was set with a card signed by the staff. What a sweet gesture!!! Loved the ambience. We ordered olives and wagyu tartare for appetizers. Loved how they incorporated sumac yogurt w fried olives & wagyu tartare was served in crispy potato with Granny Smith slices on top. I'm a big fan of sweet and savory so it hit the mark!! For mains we had swordfish with pickled cucumber and dill and NY steak in miso creamed spinach. Again very bold and flavorful. I'm glad we came here Thanks we enjoyed it a lot read more

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Very romantic spot, would recommend for a food date! Portions are quite small so would recommend a couple sides per person if you are planning to go in on an empty stomach. Great drink selection as well! Waiters were very helpful and gave great recommendations! read more

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