Griffin's — Restaurant in Brea

Just came home from this place right now... The chef is young and ambitious with a very solid palette for flavors, which we were pleasantly surprised when it came to using fish sauce on oxtails because of its pungent, strong nature. I do worry because usually chefs that talented won't stay that long, and I expect this of most places we've ate at at where they weren't a part or full owner because as with any career -- growth is expected. I would definitely recommend everyone try it sooner than later. The menu may have not been centralized around any particular cuisine at the moment, albeit a bit scattered, it was still highly enjoyable and we were told it can shift every three months to keep ingredients fresh. So still a respectful nod to the chef as she explores her abilities to create these menus. The servers and bartender really knew the menu well and that's very appreciated. She tried to let the owner know we actually enjoyed it but he passed over us and didn't comment or acknowledge and that is ok because appreciate the bartender's recommendations and time especially since I did come to review this place.

For me, the food was there, the rest is getting there. Actual ambience and interior doesn't quite yet fit the level of the food, there is a lack of cohesion, but it can get there with time and work. It's a bit confusing going in as the hostess/host table is outside but if no one is there you have to go in and figure it out from there. It's split off so it feels that there are two separate places initially but it's being re-worked from its previous bones. Bathrooms, that one killed me, it reminded me of living in NYC with its dive bars and being abroad, if the food is high on that level, the bathrooms and funky smell can't be questionable at best.

Otherwise, amongst those 3 factors - it's a great start... I really...

Made reservations for my wife's bday and specifically said it was for her bday. We came on a Saturday night and it was busy! Took about 15min for waiter to help us..immediately told us what his favorite items were and should try, which was ok. We went with the potatoes, and meatball he recommended and we got the Brussels sprouts. I think most of the food he recommended was pre made and not made to order because we got the meatball and potatoes out within 5min! Even before our drinks came! The plate was scorching hot and food was warm which means was sitting under heat lamp or thrown back in the oven to warm up, would make sense why waiter picked those items since it was busy. We also ordered the ribeye which was ok. Our waiter was non existent and to top it off not at anytime did he mention my wife's bday even though someone next to us were celebrating their bday and got a small desert! We didn't order desert as nothing really stood out from the 3 options! Besides with the lack of service and "ok" food it was time to go! Place is nice inside which is the only positive. Overall spent good money on food and drinks and I guess expected better??? I think you could go to brea chop house and spend the same but food and service would be better! If your first time I would just day lower your expectations..mine...

If you haven’t been here yet, you NEED to. The food is incredible - there was not a single dish that I didn’t enjoy. First of all, I didn’t even know they had a full bar but THEY DO!!

We ordered the Caesar salad, ribeye, patatas bravas, cacio e pepe, meatballs and oxtail. Everything was a hit and we cleared our plates. Best caesar salad I’ve ever had hands down. The oxtail was FALL OF THE BONE tender and so flavorful. The star of the show was the perfectly cooked medium rare ribeye paired with fluffy mash potatoes and a savory umami packed tiger chimichurri.

Honestly you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. I’m already ready to go back for the Dino ribs.

The staff is very attentive and has great menu knowledge. The owner Robert was very welcoming and made the experience even better!

There’s plenty of seating since they have two big rooms. I loved that it wasn’t too loud or anything either. The lights and flower at each table set a pleasant mood to dine!

There’s a small parking lot behind the restaurant but there’s also plenty of parking in the structure across the...