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    The Capital Grille

    4.3 (2.7k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSteakhouses, Seafood, Wine Bars
    Closed • 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    The Capital Grille Photos

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    THE CAPITAL GRILLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Upscale
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - The Capital Grille

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    Wedge with Bleu Cheese and Smoked Bacon
    Desiree P.

    Food, drinks, and service; FABULOUS. From calling for a reservation to our server taking care of us. The BlackBerry Bourbon Sidecar is refreshing and a perfect summer cocktail. And pairs well with the wedge salad. Already planning our next trip.

    Food options for the night
    Benedict A.

    Locsted on the corner on the second floor of the South Coast Plaza. There's plenty of parking near it. When I went theres a lot of construction on the exterior which made it look less then. But once your inside its nothing but opulence and class. You walk in on the first floor. If its your first time there, its kind of confusing as theres just a small room and a stairway to greet you. Go up the stairs and thats where the front desk people will meet you. We were here for a surgical joint infection webinar. So we had the entire back room reserved. Lots of bottles of wine. When you enter the room, the noise of the main dining room melts away. Its a really nice private room!! Customer service here is amazing. Lots of great wait staff. They were so on point with service. Because we were here for a meeting everything including alcohol (wine and cocktails and shots) were included. The food too was also included for attending the webinar. I dont think it was because it was "free" that thr food tasted so good. But oh my gosh the quality and the taste was simply top notch. The breads to begin with were really good. Then the appetizers were so good. We had their calamari, prosciutto wrapped mozzarella and lobster and crab cake. Each dish was decadent without being heavy. Tasted amazing. Really built your anticipation for dinner. Their wedge salad was extremely fresh and crunchy. Never had one before but if this is what salads are meant to taste like, I will be ordering more in the future! Tasted amazing. Almost acted like a palate cleanser. Entrees we had their porcini rubbed bone in ribeye in 15 year aged balsamic sauce and their pan seared sea bass. They were both so good!! Best steak I've had at a restaurant in a very long time. The crust was amazing. The sauce was to die for. The steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and it literally melted in your mouth. The sea bass was cooked perfectly as well. Well seasoned. Flaky. And just so good. The table had shareable sides including mash potatoes, lobster mac n cheese and grilled asparagus. The large chunks of lobster was amazing in the dish. Everything tasted great. They had the drinks flowing. Wines beers, seltzers and cocktails. For dessert it was a trio of different desserts. Beautiful presentation and tasted amazing. Its a very nice restaurant. The quality of food is top tier. The taste is next level. Customer service is amazing. Fortunately for us it was all paid for. But if not be prepared to pony up some Benjamins!!

    Split Caesar Salad
    Zabrina W.

    I have been a long time customer of the capital grille and the generous pour event for years. This year was completely different than the past and sadly will be the last. The limit on the pour was not generous or worth the price. The food was average at best and for a nearly $300 dinner me and my husband were very disappointed. We split a Caesar salad and lobster crab cake. We ordered the bone in ribeye which came with a sauce we didn't order garlic sautéed spinach and potato au gratin. It has changed and it is no longer a fit for me. The service was good although the server kept referencing that it was our anniversary and we were celebrating my husband's birthday. I do not plan to go back especially for a special occasion.

    Soy Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    James J.

    The Capital Grille is always a hit for me. One of my favorite times to visit is during The Wagyu and Wine Pairing. They offer Wagyu burgers paired with a glass of wine for $35. If you appreciate a great burger, and just happen to like wine.. you will be as happy as me. The event happens every April and November. Check it out. As usual, the customer service was always. The ambiance is nice and relaxed.

    Filet Mignon
    Laura S.

    The service is good and the location is nice. The food is overly salted for my taste. From the spinach, potatoes, filet mignon, dry aged NY strip,... it was all exceptionally salty even when I asked for low to no salt each time I've been there. (I prefer different flavors, various seasonings, herbs and sauces). The drinks are good, as well as the flourless chocolate espresso cake.

    Coconut cream pie
    Matt B.

    The Capital Grille is one of my favorite places to go to. The service is the very best. The waiters are so helpful and knowledgeable on everything from wine pairing to food choices. They never rush you. It's classic America food at its best. Always great music playing, Frank, Dean and Bobby Short. We met the Managing Partner Joffrey Reece, he was very nice and asked if you needed anything. The food is out of this world. Always some of the best meat cuts. A great wine choices and the deserts to die for. Thank you to the staff for always making a meal extra special.

    Crisia Mariel P.

    Came for our anniversary and had such a nice time! Our table was decorated with little heart confetti, a rose and a handwritten card. Our server was great and attentive - we were given complimentary amuse bouche. We got truffle fries, mac & cheese and steaks which were all great! To end the night, our server brought out a complimentary dessert (the creme brûlée was our fave!) 10/10 food and service!!!

    Anniversary Dinner at The CAPITAL Grille in Costa Mesa.  Thank you!
    John P.

    By far the best special dining experience we have ever had!! Thank you Cody, Heather and all the staff for making our anniversary dinner to enjoyable.

    Tomahawk
    Dung N.

    We were shopping in this mall, so we decided to stop by for dinner. The decor is dark and moody. It wasn't so busy, so we were seated right away. They brought out a variety of breads and crackers! We weren't too hungry, so we share the Parmesan truffle fries and a tomahawk. The steak was flavorful and fries were nicely seasoned. Service was attentive as well.

    Rebecca C.

    High end sit down restaurant at the South Coast Plaza. Lots of business and more formal meals here. Can here with hubby and baby on a weekend and it was busy, but not packed. The service is top notch: staff constantly checks in to make sure all is good, the lunch menu is simple but efficient: burgers, sandwiches, salads...etc. we order their mini sandwich and classic burger, but we're decent. Truffle fries are a must! Good place to enjoy some nice ambience and good service with classic food.

    The menu
    Delia E.

    We came to The Capital Grille and it never disappoints. It's one of those classic spots you can always count on for a great experience. We ordered the 36oz bone-in ribeye and it was cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and definitely the star of the table. We also tried the lobster mac and cheese. It was good, but personally I would probably skip it next time and try something different. The asparagus was amazing, simple but done right. We also ordered a couple of mocktails that were refreshing and well balanced, which we really enjoyed. Service was great. Derek H. took really good care of us, attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel seamless. We requested a booth and they were able to accommodate us, which made it even better. Overall, this place continues to deliver. Great food, great service, and a classic ambiance that always makes it a solid choice.

    Glass Chandon Brut Imperial
    Angie K.

    First Day Visit To The Capital Grille!! Elegant Steakhouse Restaurant Located Outside Bloomingdale's Wing, South Coast Plaza!! Welcoming Hostess, Host & Friendly Staff!! Made A Resy And Was Seated At Lovely Booth!! Menu Features Appetizers, Soups, Lobster Bisque, Hand Carved Steaks & Chops, Seafood, Desserts & More!! Started With Bread & Butter, Then Ordered The Lunch Course Plates, Tomato Bisque & Seared Salmon With Mediterranean Couscous Paired With Mint Lemonade Beverage!! Ended With Ginger Pear Tea & Celebration Dessert!! Everything Was So Delicious!! Such A Nice & Relax Dining Experience!! Exceptional Service From Kristy, So Helpful, Kind & Courteous!! Also Appreciate Karley, Sales Manager For Stopping By, Greet & Say Hello!! Will Return For Future Visits!! ThankU

    Lobster Mac and cheese
    Marina S.

    Visited for a birthday celebration and I must say, the service is amazing. Our server went above and beyond to make our celebration special. We tried the tomahawk which was extremely juicy and tender. The lobster Mac and Cheese was absolutely delicious and creamy. We also tried their truffle Parmesan fries which had a really nice crunch to them. The passionfruit mojito and Paloma were perfect. Everything was delicious and every single staff member made us feel welcomed. Definitely a nice place for a special celebration, will be going back!

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    Page 1 of 67

    The Capital Grille Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Capital Grille

    We love sitting at bars in most restaurants because for hr vibe. We are going to Capital grille before the symphony. Will be dressed up... trying to decide if the bar seating or standard seating will be better…

    Capital grill wants to also call for a bar reservation. We felt really uncomfortable sitting without one last time we were there because the bartender was not happy with us taking someone else's sit. But we didn't know the new policy. So yea if I… 

    Do they have outdoor dining?

    No, they do not have outdoor dining Megan.

    How much is corkage fee?

    $40.00 corkage fee

    Is it possible to order the creamed corn at lunch time or is it a dinner-only item?

    You can order it at any time

    Is there a dress code?

    No, not a formal written one. But the wait and service staff dress fairly nicely. Semi-formal California casual dress clothes should suffice.

    Are we allowed to order from dinner menu during lunch time? Thank you!

    I don't have an actual answer, but I don't think it matters because the lunch menu is VERY extensive. And fabulous! (I just wish they opened earlier, like 9 or 10am.)

    Is there a dress code?

    Not that I am aware of as king as you pay after the meal service :)... I say, looking sharp is always better in life and life is short so better look good !

    Hi, Do you have happy hour?

    No. And they never will

    Is there a corkage fee?

    Yes it's $40.00

    No one seems to answer or know…what is the corkage fee?

    $25

    Are reservations needed?

    Reservations are highly recommended for dinner service. This place is popular. Arriving early for lunch, you may not need reservations.

    What is the corkage fee per bottle of wine?

    $25

    Do you have a dance floor for parties?

    No dance floor

    Is this joint outdoor seating?

    No, they're on the 2nd floor on top of Seasons 52

    Hello. Is a kids menu offered for dinner service r for children?

    They actually will compliment your child or a special diet. They made my daughter(12) a vegetarian meal and although my son(7) didn't utilize it they offered him a very kid friendly meal. I do agree it's not necessarily a family friendly atmosphere… 

    Is there news on when the location for downtown Los Angeles will open?

    Thank you for the question and excitement, T.B! We hope to open our new Downtown LA location early… 

    Is patio seating or dine in?

    Patio

    Hi this will be our first time dining here what is the attire?

    It's a casual steakhouse, as far as I can tell they do not have a formal dress code. I've seen people in sweats and I've seen people in full suits. So wear whatever gives you more room for steak 😊

    Are you open for dine in?

    Yes, we are, Tamlyn. You may review our up-to-the-minute availability and make a reservation by visiting: https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/reservations… 

    Is porterhouse enough for two?

    Absolutely. My husband and I have shared it many times. They will cut and plate it nicely for you to share on two separate plates. It's both the strip and bone-in filet. They charge the same amount for a bone-in filet, which is the exact same thing… 

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    Knife Pleat

    Knife Pleat

    4.0(438 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    •$$$$

    I accidentally posted on my wrong account!…read more This place is amazing and BEYOND 5 stars. Knife Pleat at South Coast Plaza is one of the three closest I've found to a proper afternoon tea here in Orange County, and as someone born and raised in Britain for 20 years, I hope that's high praise! Haha! I've been at least five or six times now, and every single visit has been wonderful! The afternoon tea is beautifully done. The tiered stands are a feast: delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, exquisite little pastries and macarons, all elegantly presented and genuinely delicious. The tea selection is excellent, and everything tastes as refined as it looks. What keeps me coming back, beyond the quality, is the service. They've consistently and graciously accommodated my allergies every time, which makes such a difference and lets me relax and enjoy the experience fully. The staff are attentive and lovely. If you're looking for an authentic, elegant afternoon tea in Orange County, Knife Pleat is the place. I can't recommend it enough, I'll keep coming back!

    We were really excited to visit Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa for a very special occasion. We chose it…read morein hopes it would be a spacious, comfortable place to celebrate, and the setting felt like it should've been a great experience. However, the experience was unfortunately ruined by our server. Our server, Matt, seemed uncomfortable with, and at times frustrated by the questions we had about the menu. Every time we asked for clarification, he responded in a very short, irritated way, as if we were bothering him rather than simply trying to understand what we were ordering. At one point, Matt made a dismissive comment to the effect of: Well, if you like it, eat it, and if you don't like it, you won't--simple as that. The comment felt rude and unprofessional, especially since our questions were reasonable and we were trying to make informed choices. We left feeling genuinely unpleasant and disappointed, and based on the service we received, we don't recommend the restaurant.

    Photos
    Knife Pleat - An elegant restaurant!

    An elegant restaurant!

    Knife Pleat - Finishing off with miniaturized desserts! The serving plate is perfect for placing a ring in the middle for that special special occasion!

    Finishing off with miniaturized desserts! The serving plate is perfect for placing a ring in the middle for that special special occasion!

    Knife Pleat - My favorite dish of the night, risotto. Probably the best I've ever had! You will love it!

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    My favorite dish of the night, risotto. Probably the best I've ever had! You will love it!

    Antonello Ristorante - Roasted Double Cut Pork Chop, in crusted with mix peppercorns.

    Antonello Ristorante

    4.3(1k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    •$$$

    We were in a group of 7. We made reservations a few hours prior and were ecstatic they were able to…read moreaccommodate our large group. Restaurant was very cozy and romantic. Entrance/host lobby area is a little snug. We were sat at a large round table. They had kids menus for my girls. We ordered Pellegrino and a bottle of wine. Table bread and a delicious pesto butter was given to the table. I'm not a pesto gal, but boy, I'll tell ya. That butter was delectable. We ordered a caprese salad and a beef carpaccio to start. The caprese was really nice and refreshing. Served with arugula on top. They also added I think fried crispy capers on top omg. So good. The carpaccio was. DELICIOUS! Thinly sliced beef, fresh parmigiana, topped with arugula and capers. Probably one of the best I've had. For entrees, my girls both ordered the hello kitty pasta with bolognese sauce, husband ordered fettuccini bolognese, brothers ordered porcini risotto, linguini vongole, and mamas lasagna. I ordered rigatoni with vodka sauce. Everyone enjoyed their dinners. They brought out the giant cheese block for my brother's risotto!! My pasta with vodka sauce was very good. I could've sworn on the description that it was served table side, but it wasn't =0(. Dessert was something else. We shared the cheesecake and tiramisu. Top notch. Service was immaculate. Our server was present without being too overbearing. Our waters were filled and wine glasses stayed full. Very accommodating to our children. Definitely recommend for any occasion.

    If you're looking for delicious pasta and bread, Antonello is the spot. I came here for a birthday…read moreand the food was awesome. The bread was sourdough and focaccia, served perfectly warm and moist with a side of what seemed to be pesto butter. My first time having the spread and it was light and delicious. We ordered the Barrata ravioli and the Pappardelle, both absolutely delicious. The barrata was sweet and creamy and the short rib in the pappardelle was delicious. We also ordered the Branzino which had amazing flavor as well paired with potatoes and broccolini. To finish the night, we ordered the chocolate soufflé which was outstanding paired with chocolate gelato and whipped cream. The wine selection is also good with different wine's starting from $9. The ambiance of this place is nice, with dim lighting, creating a more fancy vibe. The staff is friendly and accommodating as well. The only downside to my experience was that I was sat in a high traffic area near the kitchen, so it was hard to really have good conversation. (I even had a reservation set). Also since it was our first time, I always ask what's recommended. I wish our waiter had actual recommendations as opposed to just telling us to order a salad and pasta to share. Despite these two things, still a great restaurant.

    Photos
    Antonello Ristorante - Grilled Salmon with Calabrese sauce

    Grilled Salmon with Calabrese sauce

    Antonello Ristorante - Antonello Salad

    Antonello Salad

    Antonello Ristorante - Antonello Salad

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    Antonello Salad

    Seasons 52 - Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon served with broccolini, Yukon mash, red wine and mushroom sauce.

    Seasons 52

    4.1(3.6k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    •$$$

    The best TEXT of the week. A concierge meetup with our dear Betty Galzen who left us to work in…read moreArizona. Where to go! Back to Seasons 52. Centrally located, lots of parking, good happy hour menu. A Plus, Plus, Plus for all of us who were coming from both North County and South County. We had 5pm reservations. No problem getting a good table in the bar area big enough for the 7 of us. We arrived at different times , but the handsome Cooper made sure we were always on his radar. He was fun, congenial and never made us feel as if we were an inconvenience, despite the fact our Happy Hour lasted till after 8pm. Susan and I ordered Pesto, chicken and mozzarella and lobster and avocado flatbreads, wood-grilled steak lettuce wraps, cup of butternut squash soup, wine and a flavored margarita. Our friends ordered lump crab cakes, plus wine and cokes. No one left hungry!!! Think we will probably meet here again in five months when our sweet Betty comes back and we celebrate FRIENDSHIP. Thank you to our Heather Dahl Ellis who gets us all together. We love you

    Love this place. We had reservations at 6 PM on Sat. night…read more It was super busy but we were seated on time. The hostess outside, the waitress, and wait staff were very friendly and attentive. We had a wonderful bottle of Cambria Chardonnay with our Lump Crab and Shrimp-Stuffed Mushrooms. As an entree we both had the Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops. Melt in your mouth. We sat outside which we like because it's a little quieter. Love this place!!

    Photos
    Seasons 52 - Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops served with broccolini and mascarpone risotto.

    Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops served with broccolini and mascarpone risotto.

    Seasons 52 - Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, marble potatoes and dill-mustard sauce

    Cedar Plank-roasted Salmon with seasonal vegetables, marble potatoes and dill-mustard sauce

    Seasons 52 - Seasons 52 has a wide selection of varietals on our wine menu

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    Seasons 52 has a wide selection of varietals on our wine menu

    Work in Progress - Blueberry cobbler - excellent  *seasonal. Bummer

    Work in Progress

    4.2(542 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    •$

    Cute!!!!!! & amazing drinks!!! The inside is nice and airy. Lots of seating options, but be mindful…read moresometimes there's big groups. The drinks are SOOOOO GOOD OMG. The best lattes I've ever had. Service was quick, and I enjoy watching them make the drinks. Everything they use is very clean, and the baristas look happy to be there. I love the wine vibe the place has. Kinda reminds me of an island in Greece! I totally recommend! Only downside is there's only one bathroom.. luckily there's some public ones close by!

    Ordered an iced flat white with oat milk and blueberry syrup, as well as the summer sando…read more I have been here in the past and ordered a cortado that was served piping hot which is a big no in my book when checking out a new spot. Thought I would give em another chance. When i grabbed my drink i honestly thought maybe i ordered it wrong or grabbed someone elses drink. But confirmed that it was mine and the ticket sajd my exact order. It looked exactly like an iced americano, with blueberry syrup and maybe one ounce of oat milk. When i asked the barista if this was a flat white he said that the oat milk was at the bottom with the blueberry syrup, which wouldnt make sense because milk should make up 80% of the drink if we are considering standard iced flat white builds of 4oz of milk, and a double shot of espresso. Gave it another try and wont be back. 2 stars because the sandwich looks promising and the barista at the register was kind and attentive.

    Photos
    Work in Progress - Twist. As is, cold. A little dry, but good flavor.

    Twist. As is, cold. A little dry, but good flavor.

    Work in Progress - Breakfast Sando

    Breakfast Sando

    Work in Progress - Vanilla Latte w/seasonal cinnamon cream top

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    Vanilla Latte w/seasonal cinnamon cream top

    Bar Tinto - Pork Belly Taco

    Bar Tinto

    4.6(24 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Bar Tinto is more than a hidden gem. It is a rare find in Orange County. It offers some of the best…read moreMexico City style food items I've had anywhere other than CDMX itself. The chef uses his free range of creativity and offers such unique and amazing ingredients in all of his dishes. He truly cares and has a passion for beautiful food. My wife and I know alot of chefs and restaurants in SoCal and this is some of the best food we can find. Chef Jonathan and his kitchen staff are all one of a kind. They shop for only the freshest ingredients and offer a variety of seasonal dishes throughout the year. The Pork Belly Taco has been a long standing menu item that literally NEVER disappoints. It is incredible. Every tostada the chef creates is amazing. And the Green Goddess dressing on their salad is worthy of bottling and drinking straight. The wine program is also incredible. The range of wine is amazing and everyone on staff is SO knowledgeable about every wine they offer. If you aren't sure about wine or how to pick out you can give them the simplest explanation of what wine you want and they will bring over several bottles to chose from and will give you an in depth and beautiful description of all of them before you decide what you want. Amazing food, wine, music and vibes are all huge perks but what really sets Bar Tinto over the edge is the hospitality and kindness of all the staff. Great for date night, for a night out with friends, a spot to bring the parents too, literally any occasion. We look forward to sitting in tinto and enjoying the food and wine at least twice a week!! Gracias, Bar Tinto! 10/10

    Went to check out the Jazz nights at Bar Tinto and had a nice night out with a girlfriend. Seating…read morewas limited so make sure to come early, managed to grab one in the corner. Staff was really friendly and accommodating. They recommended an orange wine that we liked. The oysters were fresh too and the bread had a nice crunch. Make sure to purchase tickets for the Jazz night in advanced they do sell out!

    Photos
    Bar Tinto
    Bar Tinto - Oysters

    Oysters

    Bar Tinto

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    Darkroom - Smoked tuna, beemster, trout roe, broccoli stem, lemon zest

    Darkroom

    4.6(331 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    •$$$$

    We stopped by Dark Room, a new neighborhood spot, just to check it out and have a quick drink and…read moreapp, and we were so impressed! We had the peppers along with some wine and beer, and everything was great. What really made the experience exceptional was Scotty, our bartender/waiter. He was absolutely amazing, warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the restaurant, the food, and what he does. You can tell he truly cares about the experience he creates. Honestly, some of the best service I've had in a very long time. We only planned to stop in briefly, but Scotty made such a great impression that we're already looking forward to coming back for a full dinner and trying more of the menu. Highly recommend checking out Dark Room and if you get Scotty, you're in very good hands!

    (TLDR: Came here around the beginning of the month; it's the perfect spot for a date night. Great…read moreservice and very unique dishes through which you can tell the chef-owners love their craft. Even for the dishes that weren't a perfect hit, we appreciated their artistry and saw the vision they were trying to implement. Darkroom's concept as a restaurant is hard to find in Orange County: not only does this establishment gather inspiration from various influences, but also has fun with it by producing distinct, original plates.) Located in an unassuming strip mall, Darkroom is a chef-driven restaurant with a dimly lit, moody atmosphere. Reminiscent of its photographic namesake, the restaurant is literally a dark room lit with soft red lights. The bar area looked especially cool and edgy with its unique lighting and design. Another nice touch was the menus, which appeared to be printed daily to reflect the revolving offerings. The vinyls were also changed by hand after each song. Seating was prompt with a reservation on a Saturday night. Service was A+. The staff here are so on top of things that, when I twisted myself to observe the bar behind me, some staff rushed over thinking I was looking for my server (oops). Waters were constantly refilled. I also saw one of the chefs checking in on tables; he told us he was one of the two chef-owners. Now, onto the food. I averaged our ratings and included our separate ratings when we didn't agree: little gem caesar salad // 7 // Pretty tasty. Some pieces were a bit bitter, which brought down the overall taste. The bitterness was masked with enough dressing and parm (would've been nicer w/ more dressing). We did finish the dish and appreciate its unique handheld plating though. wagyu tartare // 2 // 0, 4 // The herbs and shiso leaf concept was unique, but it was a bit plain and dry as a whole. We mixed thoroughly as instructed yet still couldn't detect the sauce at the bottom. Maybe they forgot it or didn't add enough? They kindly took it off the tab without us asking. potatoes // 8.75 // 8.5, 9 // Very good: the potatoes had crispy skin and a fluffy interior while the tobiko added "crunchy" pops. The dish was finished w/ a creamy sauce, and had umami and smoky notes. Pro tip: there is extra sauce at the bottom. My bf didn't like the roe, hence his lower rating. Delicious overall. lasagna // 9 // I'm usually not drawn to pasta, so this was my bf's pick. The pasta was both soft and crispy, paired with a creamy orange Calabrian chili sauce and a heap of parmesan. the wanderer steak // 8 // Sesame chili crisp added crunch, while the sauce complemented shishito peppers and tender steak. We enjoyed it; our server said it's a menu mainstay. pork tomahawk // 9.4 // 9.25, 9.5 // Five words: crispy, fatty, tender, tangy, juicy. Thai-inspired and apparently a recent addition. Perfect ratio of fat to lean meat. Tangy sauce with papaya salad balanced the pork. Personally, I prefer unripened mango over papaya for more tartness/depth; something in the papaya salad felt slightly missing for me. Still our favorite dish of the night. ricotta donuts // 8 // Creamy ricotta balls reminiscent of donut holes. If I were a Food Network contestant, I'd call it a deconstructed jelly donut with ricotta balls, cream, and fig jam. Not mind-blowing but good, and we finished them. drink 108 frosé // 7.5 // A strong, bright, citrusy slushy cocktail. I liked it more when melted, probably because I don't like alcohol. My bf said he "see[s] the vision." We got two free drinks for our anniversary, one non-alcoholic and one wine. Surprisingly, the non-alcoholic drink (a sharp, refreshing herbal tea from China) tasted better to us than the wines. Take that with a grain of salt since we don't like alcohol. Now that I've experienced Darkroom, I plan on booking Chrysalis sometime. Even for anything we didn't find perfectly to our liking, we appreciated the artistic vision and understood what the components were trying to accomplish. I would definitely recommend Darkroom to others -- especially if you want fun, highly creative dishes.

    Photos
    Darkroom - Inside ambiance

    Inside ambiance

    Darkroom - Black truffle risotto

    Black truffle risotto

    Darkroom - Tuna crudo

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    Tuna crudo

    The Capital Grille - steak - Updated October 2026

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