Cucina Enoteca｜Irvine Really Is a Food Desert, Huh 😅

Wanted to have a proper “pretty meal,” but options in Irvine are seriously limited. Ended up choosing the cozy Italian spot Cucina Enoteca. Let’s start with the service: We booked an outdoor table in advance and got a confirmation email ✅ Arrived only to be told the patio was reserved for a private event — indoor only. OK, but why not mention that when we booked?! Starters: 🍤 Tempura-fried appetizer — just okay, pretty greasy overall. Mains: 🍝 Beef pasta — my most anticipated dish! Loved the pasta itself — chewy, ridged, held the sauce well. The beef was tender, portion was huge. Only downside: the sauce was way too salty — after a few bites I was reaching for water. 🐟 Salmon — standard restaurant quality, neither great nor bad. Ordered mainly for the protein. Dessert: 🍰 Tiramisu — worth ordering! Not overly sweet, with mascarpone, ladyfingers, and espresso. The best touch: topping included toasted hazelnut crumbs along with cocoa powder — added a lovely nutty aroma. Very satisfying! Overall, from ambiance to flavor, I’d rate this place average at best. But it has 4.4 stars on Google Maps, and many locals recommend it… So I guess that just confirms: Irvine really is a food desert 🏜️😅 #Foodie #RestaurantRecommendation #ItalianFood #MissFoodBackHome #CaliforniaLiving #Irvine