Andrei's Restaurant — Restaurant in Irvine

Pommes Frites are hand-cut Kennebec potato fries with a truffle aioli. They were cooked the Belgian way, twice fry – blanching to lock in the flavor and then frying at a higher temperature for a crispy golden brown exterior. The exterior was crispy and had a blister like texture, like kettle chips. The interior was fluffy and tasted like a freshly baked potato. The truffle aioli was fabulous! Rough chopped truffle in a perfectly creamy aioli. Thumbs up, way up!

Octopus Salad is slowly braised & sautéed Moroccan octopus, fingerling potatoes, bell peppers, La Española Chorizo, celery leaves, cilantro, and topped with lemon vinaigrette. This dish was a party for the mouth – so many different flavors and textures. The octopus was the most tender I have ever had. The braising makes it just melts in your mouth. It has a smoky flavor from the grilling process. The chorizo slices were like the best “pepperoni” slices you’ll ever have. It was lean and had all of the robust richness of chorizo. The fingerling potatoes were perfectly cooked – tender but not mushy. The bell peppers were sweet and added a fresh, sweet flavor. The vinaigrette was refreshingly light and tied everything together. Thumbs up, way up!

Beef Short Rib is orange-infused all natural boneless braised beef short rib, Cipollini onion, baby carrots, extra virgin olive oil, served with roasted garlic crushed Yukon gold potatoes and horseradish cream. The short ribs were marinated for a day in a burgundy wine marinade. Chef Yves says that the whole restaurant can smell the aroma when these are being made. No knife was necessary, seriously! The braising process made the short ribs incredibly tender. The aroma and flavor of burgundy wine permeates through your senses as you eat it. The sauce is robust and full of beef flavor. The potatoes were not your run of the mill mashed. They were mixed with garlic and olive oil without any dairy. You can really savor the flavor of true garlic mashed potatoes. They were lighter and tasted fresh. Horseradish sour cream was served on the side if you really need the dairy. It complemented the beef as well. Thumbs up, way up!

Goat Cheese Cheesecake is cheesecake made from goat cheese, balsamic caramel, and orange pecan tuile. This was my first experience having cheesecake made with goat cheese. It was really good! It was creamy but not heavy and dense like your typical cheesecake. The flavor did have a slight gaminess but it was not unpleasant. The balsamic caramel sauce was slightly sweet with a rich caramelized flavor. The pecan tuile was like a thin praline, delicate and delightful....

From the moment I stepped into Andrei's Restaurant, I was swept into a world where culinary artistry meets impeccable service, creating an experience that tantalizes the senses and warms the soul.

Andrei's strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The interior, with its tasteful decor and ambient lighting, creates an inviting atmosphere that's both upscale and welcoming. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a business meeting, the ambiance sets the perfect mood for anybody.

The service at Andrei's is nothing short of exemplary. The staff's attention to detail, from the warm welcome at the door to the knowledgeable recommendations, adds a personal touch that makes the dining experience even more special. The waitstaff, attentive yet unobtrusive, ensures that every need is met with a smile.

Andrei's menu is a masterpiece, showcasing a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors. Each dish, beautifully presented, is a testament to the chef's creativity and mastery.

The appetizers set the stage for the culinary journey ahead. The signature crab cakes, with their perfect blend of crispiness and succulence, are a must-try.

The main courses are where Andrei's truly shines. The seared scallops, tender and flavorful, paired with a delicate sauce, are a delight. The steak, cooked to perfection, melts in the mouth, leaving a lingering taste of sublime seasoning.

No meal at Andrei's is complete without indulging in their desserts. The chocolate lava cake, with its rich, flowing heart, is a decadent end to an exquisite meal.

The wine list at Andrei's is impressive, featuring a curated selection from around the world. The knowledgeable sommelier is always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.

Andrei's Restaurant is more than just a meal; it's an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where every visit guarantees exquisite food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that beckons you to return. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a meal at Andrei's is a culinary journey worth taking.

Andrei's Restaurant – where every dish tells a story, and every visit leaves a...

By far Andrei's is one of my favorite restaurants in the OC. The restaurant is conveniently located right off the 405 on Main & Jamboree. My friend had recommended this place before, so finally made our way down for HH. The atmosphere is business casual, which is nice because it sets the tone. The decor is beautiful, with seating on two levels. This night we sat upstairs at the high tables, close to the bar.

We started off with some drinks; my friend went with a signature drink "Algerian Boulevard" while I stuck with a Malbec. Our server Jesse was kind enough to go over the menu with, gave us suggestions on the restaurants best-sellers and her personal favorites. She was very sweet and patient, which made the night even better.

So on to the food. We had a variety of plates since we were both starved. Here are a few of our selections:

Beef Kabobs: served with fresh red peppers and chipotle aioli, the dish was a success. Beef was tender and the flavors blended well together. Cheese & Charcuterie: friend loves cheese. This was an easy pick. Served with dried fruit and a warm banquette, this was one of the favorites. Mediterranean Tasting: this was my favorite of the dishes we had. So good!

Andrei's is good for anytime of the day. Quick bite for lunch, winding down, HH with friends or even for date night. I...