Ruscello at Nordstrom — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

The food is amazing. Last time I was here, I had the mushroom burger (no longer available). It was so juicy and perfectly seasoned. I still think about that burger. I’ll have to try adding chopped mushrooms into the ground beef when I make my own. This time I had the salmon and cauliflower. It was good, but unfortunately, I am not fond of the capers in the dish. Next time, I’ll be diligent in ensuring there are no ingredients I particularly dislike before ordering. The rest of the dish was well-made and delicious. Our server Jamie was so attentive and made my group feel very welcome. He gave my mother his recommendation, and she ended up loving the panko chicken salad! It’s a nice restaurant, but the inside is too crowded and noisy for my taste. The outdoor seating area is the best option...

Here is my experience at Ruscello, After shopping at Nordstom my mother and I stopped for lunch at Ruscello, we sat in the little bar area and proceeded to have a nice lunch. We received our bill for 38.64 and I paid cash of 50.00 and gave the bill and cash to our server and told her to keep the change. As we were walking thru the shoe isle, I guess the manager came by and accused me of skipping out on our bill. I told her that I paid cash and gave it to the server, she walked back into the restaurant and asked the server if we paid, the server told her that we indeed paid and at that point the manager gave me some pathetic "I'm sorry". I would give you a better review but after this I don't think I nor my family will be eating at this...

FYI to management. Soooo this visit, Saturday, March 5 at about 11:15 a.m., sat at the bar which is open again yay! Was floored when the waiter/bartender (not a new guy in training but the dark haired regular; wish I had gotten his name) actually had the nerve to add a tip to my bill. How do I know this; I checked my balance at a cashier in the store to see an additional $4 taken off from what I knew was the total. I had used a gift card so he had said no need to sign it. Now I know why. Isn't that stealing??? (I had left some cash as a tip) actually not much thankfully as he was sort of rude as well. Not good all the way around. (Oh the Asian chicken salad very...