Bistango in Irvine — Restaurant in Irvine

Paid $185.00 plus tip, tax, and wine (times two) for second seating this NYE. First impression was of chaos, as first seating crowd was bunched up at the door waiting for their cars while the valets were rushing to handle the incoming and outgoing traffic, heroic but undermanned and overwhelmed. We waited patiently while the pretty young ladies of the front desk tried, and eventually got us newcomers seated, that wait due to the busses not able to clear the tables fast enough for a clean turnover.

My wife had to visit the loo. She returned looking pale, apparently having encountered a restroom as dirty as any she had encountered and had cleaned the floor, and wiped the sink.

Michael, our server, was where things started looking up. He didn't rush anything, his pace aimed at our comfort, wants and wishes. Our wine was fine, a good California chardonnay (we both had fish). First course was good, the main course...my wife had sea bass, which was her favorite from past meals here, but this was not the night as the presentation was sloppy, the risotto soggy, as if it had been in the pot too long. I had the divers scallops and they were fine. Dessert was not, although I didn't send it back. Dessert, after all, is still dessert.

Music began at 9:00 pm. The band was terrific, playing 60s and 70s R&R and R&B, which was very danceable and the dance floor was crowded, which was as it should have been.

All things considered, 3 stars going on 4, deductions for cost (last year it was $125.00, so 50% increase seemed steep), their inability to properly handle the first-to-second transition (more bussers and valets would have helped) and not freezing the deserts, then thawing them for too long.

We are regulars here for the dancing, and we wish them well. But we must be honest in our reviews. I overtipped Michael, as he provided excellent service, but management must consider this experience and plan better...

Valentine's Day 2022

We went this evening for Valentine's Day and the food was OK except for my wife's sea bass which was undercooked. She sent it back asking to have it butterflied and reheated in the oven and it was still bad. Yes butterflied but not cooked through. We informed Eddie our server and my wife spoke with the manager yet it is what it is. The appetizers both shrimp cocktail and ahi tuna were superb and so was my filet mignon and shrimp yet they missed the mark on the seabass. I visit many restaurants each month and this one just slipped out of my top 10 even the bread was like a rock. It's a shame I spend $399 on the two of us and have to complain! Well this one will need to earn us back as we have been coming for years and this time the bar has fallen and they are no longer a consideration. The music was good and the wine found a happy place in our hearts. Saddened to see what we got for the evening. Not happy.

Previous Valentine's 2021

What an amazing Valentine's Day dinner. We had Ryan and his team serving us and the food was amazing, atmosphere was quite romantic and the food exquisite. We had a wonderful time and the cocktails and wine choices were spectacular as well. Thank you Bistango for the amazing time and the love we shared. Great food, great people and great food. We are thankful for the experience and Ryan and his team were amazing relative to service. The chef's deserve a kudos and compliments as well. Thanks again. The musicians were excellent as well. Great music choices and love songs. Top shelf and quite reasonable. We will...

Excellent Service. They predicted my Moms drink request by overhearing her mention it to us while Mr. 5 Star Service himself was waiting on another table.

The servers brought our food quickly, always asked for refills, made zero mistakes in any of the orders, and moved about the table effortlessly with none of the traditional nervousness that 90% of restaurant staff suffer from. Service was given a $100 tip on a $236 tax inc bill.

Food:

Wife and Her Dad: King Salmon, thick cut, asparagus with whole grain mustard, Broccolini and potatoes.

Now i say potatoes, but what I mean to say is 1/4" thick potato rounds, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Seasoned like a potato chip. Delicious.

Me: Spinach Salad- Pine Nuts Galore, Cranberry, Balsamic and Tomato. Perfect salad, if a little sweet but I know thats how Vegans love it so, i understand the choice there.

Prime Angus Flat Iron Steak, Sliced and laced with Red Wine Reduction Shallots. Potatoes.

Now I say potatoes but what I meant to say is POTATOES AU GRATIN AU HEAVEN AU GRATIN.

This dish required skill to prepare, as well as premium ingredients and love. Very Thinly Sliced Russets layered with Baked Cotswold Double Cream, Chives, Leeks and Topped with a Sharp English Cheddar. Effing Ridonkulously Tasty.

I would return for the Au Gratin alone.

Birthday Boy Brother in law- Always orders the most expensive things on the menu.... anyway he ordered double potatoes without knowing thats what he was getting.

Prime Ribeye Bone In, looked amazing.

He had roasted potatoes...