The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

Every time we visit the Black Trumpet we are never disappointed. Never mind that the menu is crafted by one of the great chefs here in America, if not beyond, Dino. He's always available and will often come and say hello and shake your hand. That's when you get the opportunity to share with him how perfect his food is and how wonderful are his staff. They don't take reservations and they are open for lunch too. They have an extensive wine list as they are a wine bar and now they will be serving mixed cocktails. We stumbled upon this great Bistro a couple of years ago before it made its move to Seacliff Village. I believe we have been there at least 12 or 15 times. Always a great evening without exception! We always have the clam and mussel appetizer with the smoked French bread that is toasted, it is hard to describe how delicious is this dish. This last visit my husband had the Coltrane which is a filet mignon with french fries and as usual it was flavorful, tender, and a large portion. I tried something new as I was hungry for rotisserie chicken. The Cornish game hen was unbelievably savory tender and with perfect and crispy skin. Served with saffron pilaf and mixed vegetables including asparagus. The handcrafted fair at this restaurant is beyond five stars and consistent. The ambiance in their new location is also like an exciting French bistro. There is an outdoor patio with a fire pit or indoor dining where you feel as if you're in a French nightclub. We love sitting at the bar or at the open kitchen where the chefs are always friendly and love to entertain. I can't say enough about this extraordinary gem in Huntington Beach. Romantic, comfortable, inviting and you always feel like you've arrived at a family home restaurant. Plenty of parking and wheel chair accessible. Don't miss this one for a wonderful occasion or just a...

We tried contacting the owner via email & Facebook with no response for over 3 days...

Here's what we sent: Hello Dino,

My wife, four friends and I ate last night (3/6) at your restaurant. Four of the six of us had been before and had a good experience. Last night was different.

First off, the good. The food and cocktails were all very good and there was little to complain about.

The bad, when we arrived at 6:25, we were quoted 20-30 minutes for a table. We were finally sat at 7:45 with no updates along the way, no apology and no real acknowledgment of the wait. Our server was a bit grumpy which we shook off and proceeded to order (for the 6 of us, our bill totaled $430 so we certainly ordered plenty). Our food came out very slowly but we figured a busy Friday and we weren't in a rush. The next major misstep was about an hour after sitting down when our server came back to the table and said sorry we're out of branzino. Yes, an hour after ordering and we were just asked what we wanted instead. A manager about ten minutes later asked how things were going and when we relayed the branzino issue he just looked dumbfounded, mumbled an apology and walked away. Again, no offer to rectify anything. The final issue, my wife got violently sick to her stomach in the middle of the night. We are certain it was from the chicken piccata as she was the only one at the table to eat it and we both ate the same things yesterday otherwise.

I'm sending you an email versus just posting a bad review because I understand things happen and I also know as an establishment you really take pride in taking care of your guests. I look forward to hearing...

"I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Black Trumpet Restaurant, and it was truly an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance immediately set the stage for a memorable evening. The cozy yet elegant decor and dimmed lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The service was impeccable. The staff was not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They provided excellent recommendations and were attentive throughout the meal, ensuring that everything was perfect.

Now, let's talk about the food. Each dish was a masterpiece. The presentation was stunning, and the taste was even more impressive. I had the pleasure of trying their signature dishes, and I must say, the flavors were exquisite. The ingredients were fresh, and the portions were just right, leaving me perfectly satisfied.

The drink selection was also noteworthy. Their wine list offered a great variety, and the sommelier's suggestions were spot on. It perfectly complemented the meal.

While this level of quality often comes with a high price tag, I found the pricing to be reasonable for the overall experience and the quality of the food and service.

What stood out to me was the attention to detail. The Black Trumpet Restaurant truly goes the extra mile to make every diner feel special. It's an ideal choice for a romantic dinner or any special occasion.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the Black Trumpet Restaurant. It's a place where you can savor not only exceptional cuisine but also a wonderful dining experience. I can't wait to return and explore more of...