Postino Park Place — Restaurant in Irvine

All of the reviews I had read are correct, just most of those reviews fail to accurately portray the experience of this very busy trendy eatery. So why the 3 stars. Because the experience was really 'not all that'.

Carbs and more carbs as everything was served atop bread or bread was included for dipping on each plate. I swear there must be one person's job in the kitchen to ensure all of the bread is grilled to perfection. It was perfect in every application. Yes, a person's Keto diet can eat everything else besides the toast, but the meal would be rather empty since the menu profile supports every method of serving grill-toasted bread.

It seems rather obvious that sharing is the way to enjoy Postino, and be sure to take advantage of the everyday/all-day special's of the happy hour beers menu. I think ours was a $7 picture (32oz) of craft beer. Excellent for sharing during lunch.

So we started off at 4 stars, but the noise level is high and it just got worse. As the crowd inside (neat decore BTW) got fuller, so did the outside patio area that faces the parking lot that sits below the takeoff and approach to, I think, John Wayne airport. We had helicopters, jets, small commercial and private planes overhead about every minute. So each time an aircraft would fly over, the now gathered lunch hour crowd would start talking louder. I think the music level was fine because all of the yelling made it barely audible.

UNTIL, the Sysco restaurant refrigerated delivery truck parked in the lot directly behind my head (maybe not directly), about 40 feet away. One of the guests sitting with us was telling a story and when the truck showed up and parked with the refrigerator running, our story teller began yelling their story. We had mentioned to our server about the loud noise from the truck. His excuse was that the deliveries are supposed to be before the restaurant opening hours for the area, but “sometimes we just have to put up with the it”. The truck was there making our restaurant experience “very uncomfortable”, I told the server.

Maybe these types of ‘trendy’ restaurants like the Shabu thing are just not to my likening. Too much self/customer involvement with the dining experience.

Why do we tip so...

Vibrant Ambiance and Delectable Delights at Postino Park Place

As a devoted food blogger and enthusiastic Google reviewer, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing lunch at Postino Park Place, and it was an absolute delight from start to finish.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by an exuberant host whose energy set the tone for our visit.

🍽️Our table, strategically placed for two, offered a prime location within the vibrant and uniquely styled space. Every corner was adorned with colorful details that beckoned attention, enhancing the overall dining experience.

👍I wholeheartedly recommend Postino Park Place for a friendly hangout or gathering. The atmosphere fosters a sense of warmth and camaraderie, making it an ideal spot for connecting over delicious food and drinks. Speaking of which, the appetizers surpassed expectations, boasting impeccable quality and flavor.

🍕Each bite was a testament to the culinary expertise behind the dishes. And let's talk about the wine and beer—here, you truly experience the essence of each sip, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

💎The service was top-notch, with servers who were not only fluent in the menu but also offered insightful suggestions to enhance our meal. Among the highlights were the fried cauliflower and bruschetta, both bursting with bold flavors and expertly executed.

🍺Our decision to indulge in a pitcher of beer was met with sheer satisfaction—the brew was nothing short of amazing, perfectly complementing the array of flavors on our table. The meatball was a revelation, tender and fresh, while the sweet potato wedges left us craving for more.

💚In conclusion, Postino Park Place exceeded expectations on every front. From the welcoming ambiance to the delectable offerings, it's a culinary destination that warrants repeat visits.

👍Whether you're seeking a casual meal or a memorable gathering with friends, this establishment delivers an unforgettable experience that will leave you coming...

I had such a fun time at this vibey little wine bar that knows how to balance classy and cool. It’s the kind of spot where you feel a little fancy, but not in a “pinkies up” way—more like sip your drink, laugh too loud, and still fit right in kind of fancy.

Let’s start with the star of the show: the bruschetta boards. Oh. My. Goodness. These weren’t your average bread-with-toppings situations—these were mini works of art. You get to choose four out of twelve different creations (yes, twelve). I went with the smoked salmon + pesto, warm artichoke spread, classic tomato-mozzarella-basil, and the sweet & spicy pepper jam with goat cheese. Each bite was a perfect little flavor explosion—familiar but upgraded, comforting yet exciting. Honestly, it felt less like eating and more like a tasting adventure.

Now, I’ll admit—I’m not a wine girlie. But this place clearly takes its vino seriously. The selection was deep enough to impress a sommelier, while I stuck with a cocktail: a margarita with a black salt rim that was equal parts dramatic and delicious.

The vibe itself sealed the deal for me. The decor leaned retro-cool with a wall covered in old radios, stereos, and boomboxes—like a hip time capsule with great lighting. Add in the mix of indoor, outdoor, and bar seating, plus the crowd (lots of young, energetic people, but not in an overwhelming way), and the whole place felt buzzy and alive.

One note: this isn’t the place to come for giant entrées, but honestly? That bruschetta board was plenty filling, especially if you’re into the idea of grazing, chatting, and sipping instead of tackling a steak the size of your head.

All in all, I’m so glad my friend dragged me here post-breakup—it turned out to be exactly the kind of night I needed: fun, delicious, and a little bit glamorous with just the right edge. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a spot that’s part wine bar, part hangout, and...