01/07/09

Exceptional

by CSMobileUser

The wine expert was Fantastic, mario

Mario the some expert was fantastic

The wine expert was Fantastic, mario

Mario the some expert was fantastic

05/16/08

Best restaurant for amazing food, ambiance, and overall dining experience!

by jmandel

This is the coolest and most delicious restaurant I've been to in OC in years. It's intimate without being crowded, hip without being pretentious and the food is legitimately wonderful. You can taste the fresh ingredients in everything and the original spin the chef puts on classics like mac and cheese and paninis are really cool. I'm going to go back once a week until I've tried everything on the menu.

02/18/08

Terrible service, what a waste

by jswanson1

I came with a business client hoping for a classy and unique dinner experience. Unfortunately, I left feeling embarrassed to have taken him here. The service is borderline rude and absentee and starts off with a pitch for the tasting menu that is reminiscent of a used-car salesman in how aggressively it is promoted.

Rather than describe the menu's ingredients and flavors, our waiter went on and on about it being the best value (perhaps attempting to counter the fact that it is also the most expensive at $ 60 per person) and how they pour you more wine than in their regular glasses, etc. etc. Then he set off to repeat the same aggressive pitch to every table around us, so we heard it several more times. It immediately set the tone for what turned out to be a night of tacky and amateurish service in a TINY place that is more reminiscent of a stuffy closet than a restaurant. I had looked at the website and assumed the decor would be interesting and the service attentive, but I was sorely disappointed. The place was cramped and bland and, though the food looked good on paper, the preparation was sub-par to say the least. This place was regrettable through and through.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Terrible service, cramped space, average food

09/16/07

Best wine selection at excellent prices anywhere!

by gpetrak

The Old Vine Cafe is truly a Local's Cafe. The day begins with absolutely the best breakfast in town. Their lunch experience features a collection of fine casual recipes in a friedly atmosphere with excellent beers and wines. Dinner is intimate with a personal touch and a cuisine not matched by many restaurants in the OC.

But the wines are absolutly outstanding. General Manager Brandon takes great effort to stock only delicious wine selections from around the world. With only a modest mark-up, he allows everyone to taste and appreciate wines that would normally be out of reach cost wise for most diners. He also sells all of his wines right there at the reastaurant. Also, try the Monday wine and cheese tasting. The best I have ever had.

Old Vine Cafe is a must for all who love fine cuisine and appreciate the personal touch in service, selection, and dining pleasure.

• Pros: Wines and cheeses
• Cons: None

Editorial Review by Christy buena

by Contributor

Restaurant features organic cuisines including tapas style platters, soups and salads at reasonable prices at The Camp in Costa Mesa.