Modo Mio Rustic Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Newport Beach

Been here twice and food was good and in large serving portions. Unfortunately, the service was a huge letdown both times. The waiter and waitress both times were rushed and doing just the minimum. They rarely checked on us once they took the order and delivered the dish. Both times, they couldn't wait to clear our tables. The 2nd time, we waited for almost an hour after we placed the order for our food to arrive. During the wait time, the waitress only came once, never refilled our drinks or asked if she could bring something else. I got fed up with the wait as my kids were also complaining about being hungry, I went up to the manager. Then a staff member from the kitchen came to our table telling us off for ordering ribs that needed to cook for much longer time 'especially we wanted it well done'. No apologies at all. She claimed it was only 35 mins. When I corrected her that we had waited for at least 45 mins, she got even more angry and said she had the time on her order ticket to prove it. So, our waitress didn't put in our order in time? In any case, we should've been notified that this specific dish would take a much longer time to prepare and the waitress could've asked if she could bring the kid's food out first. Like I said, they just do the bare minimum.

Maybe because both times we were in larger groups, 10 people the first time, and 5 people the 2nd time, we were put to the same table in the back end of the restaurant right by the kitchen. It is dark, noisy and cramped. They didn't turn the lights on until after the sunset. So, for a while, we were almost sitting in the dark with only lights from the kitchen. It was just not pleasant. I also couldn't help but notice that Asians were always given the two tables right by the kitchen and in the back of the dining area. So, was it just a coincidence? I questioned it particularly because not many Asian customers come to this restaurant due to the location based on the observation from my two visits.

I'm sure there is another Italian restaurant that provides the same quality of food at this price range with better service and experience in the area. If you could get a table outside, you do get a nice ocean and sunset view at dinner, although next to a parking lot. You do need to reserve your table in advance to get that sort of luxury. Otherwise, go...

This restaurant has gone from one of my favorites to a total zero. Tonight 6 of us dined at Modo Mio. I knew we were in trouble when I saw our waiter- he was our waiter for our anniversary dinner and gave us very poor service.

He was not welcoming but took our orders. That was basically the last time we saw him until our plates had been cleared by the table staff. When our dinners were served we asked for grated cheese. We had to ask 3 more times and we’re always told our waiter would be coming back but he never did. Our ice tea and water were never refilled. We were never asked if we wanted another glass of wine. We were never asked if we were enjoying our meals and if we needed anything at all.

The food had some additional problems. One person ordered the striped sea bass special. By the way, we had to ask if they had any specials. When his order came he was told they had run out of the striped bass and sea bass had been substituted. I thought that if there were changes to a food order, the customer was asked to approve the change or given a chance to reorder. Next the Bolognese came with angel hair pasta and not the flat noodles that were on the menu. Two in our party ordered the lemon chicken with potatoes and vegetables. Their plates came with vegetables but no potatoes which disappointed both of them. My shrimp scampi with pasta came cold, but the other dishes were hot. Our plates had been cleared and we had not seen our waiter since ordering. One of the hostesses came over and asked how we were enjoying our dinners. We told her there were a few problems- mainly the lack of any service, but also a couple of menu glitches. She asked if we wanted dessert and 2 of us said yes and she said they would be comped.

I can say after my last 2 experiences, I will never return, I believe they are very. understaffed. If you cannot provide a great dining experience for your guests, perhaps you should cut back in the number of reservations you take. After 2 bad experiences we will not...

If you are looking for a fine dining experience without breaking the bank in one of the nicest parts of Newport Beach, then try this restaurant.

Ambiance and Location: The ambiance is energetic, elevated and welcoming. Upon entrance, we were greeted by Marissa and George, who were both attentive and courteous. Marissa quickly located an available table by the window and wall art which was perfect. George seated us and warmly let us know to let the staff know if we needed anything. Our waiter John, was an excellent communicator with a wonderful disposition. John was an excellent guide during our dining experience. Finally, Enrique, who also assisted with service and took our photo, was warm and friendly - when he introduced himself as Enrique, and then added some slight movement in his body as he said "you know, like Enrique Iglesias", took the experience to a new level. We greatly enjoyed each and every interaction with John and Enrique during our dining experience. There was another gentleman who was attentive but I did not ask his name.

Food: Food portions are generous at this restaurant. We started with the burrata, which was delicious. Then, for entrees, we ordered the special of the evening, grilled swordfish, which was a nice thick cut cooked to perfection, the penne pasta with marinara, and the Battuta with roasted potatoes and vegetables, which is an excellent go-to option. Even though we were completely satisfied, we could not leave without trying the tiramisu. It was the perfect way to end the meal, as it was fresh, made daily, and not on the super sweet side.

Parking: Option to valet or self-park. This restaurant is in a shopping center with plenty of free parking, too.

Overall, I had a fine dining experience, enjoyed delicious food at a reasonable price, and received excellent service. Therefore, I highly recommend this restaurant, and a special thank-you to John and Enrique for making our experience...