Benny and Mary's

My wife and I just enjoyed one of the absolute best high-quality breakfasts we have ever had in Orange County. If you are looking for a first-class dining experience in Irvine, this is it. The Atmosphere: The interior is stunning. The space is expansive with high ceilings, whimsical artwork, and distinct "posh" vibes thanks to the beautiful velvet seating and eclectic decor. It features a large full bar that acts as a centerpiece, and there is a lovely outdoor patio if you prefer fresh air. It feels upscale but very welcoming. The Food: The quality here is undeniable. We ordered the Ribeye Chilaquiles (highly recommended), and it was spectacular—the steak was a generous, high-quality cut cooked perfectly, sitting atop flavorful chilaquiles and eggs. We also had the Eggs Benedict, which was plated beautifully with crispy country potatoes. Everything was delicious and fresh. The Service: Top-notch. The staff was attentive, professional, and added to the overall first-class feel of the morning. As a Local Guide who has seen many spots in OC, Benny and Mary's stands out as a clear winner. We will definitely be back and look forward to dining here soon.

This restaurant is on the middle of an office park, so very unexpected. The dining room was really cool, anchored with a library. Great food. For starters, the drinks were great and unique. All food was very flavorful. The fish main dish was made perfectly. Service was fine. Some of our order was showing up out of order or delayed. One of the desserts didn't show up till after we paid for the bill :-/

The interior of Benny and Mary's is very quaint and unique. It has a nice vibe and they even have a private room hidden behind the bookshelf. The food here was good, but nothing really wowed me. For appetizers we ordered the Grill Cheese Dumplings and Garlic Shrimp. The Grill Cheese Dumplings were a cool take on Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque. The soup was tasty. The Garlic Shrimp was okay. Not a lot of garlic flavor. For my entree I ordered the Chicken Milanesa. The cutlet was lightly breaded and reminded me of a Chicken Katsu. The whipped feta was a nice touch and paired well with the chicken. My friends ordered the Short Rib Stroganoff and the Black Sheep Smash Burger. The burger was good, but the patties weren't really smashed down enough to get a nice crust. The stroganoff lacked the creaminess youd expect. I might consider coming back, but definitely not in a rush to do so.

The food was great! I had the Sea Bass and it melted in my mouth. I had a signature drink a smores old fashion that makes a great dessert. Server was very attentive which is something I always like. We'll be back!

The bartenders were super nice, but the manager kept arguing with them about a broken blender and cleaning an extra shelf instead of helping, which made them ignore the only four customers in the place. The happy hour isn’t worth it — two drinks and a flatbread cost me $53. The flatbread had a lot of cheese, but some of the lower layers were still cold. It’s sad because the place itself is beautiful, but it’s easy to see why so many staff members have left and why it seems to be going downhill. This was my ninth — and last — visit.

Jake was connected with all the guests. Present, personable, and smoothly in control behind the bar. The Delahunt Overcast IPA poured a cloudy bronze with a lemony, lightly hopped kick. The Karl Strauss Tower X was my favorite. Golden, smooth, not too carbonated, with a crisp bitter finish that sparked something young and sharp. The crispy pork belly came in huge perfect chunks. Crackling outside, tender inside. Paired with broccolini, a poached egg, and my first take on polenta, every bite was sweet, savory, spicy. An adventure in flavors and textures. The space is beautiful and stylish. Lamps and lighting add their own charm. The hockey game is on, and if you know where to look, there's a private event room that just might transform into a speakeasy. Plenty of parking right out front free with validation, being your ticket.

We went in for happy hour and ended up having dinner. Everything was excellent- Truffle Parm Fries, Blistered green beans, Chicken Picatta and Rib-Eye Sandwich. Mashed Potatoes were to die for!! High quality and reasonable prices. Our waitress was very helpful & attentive. Will be back! I love their decor and outdoor dining. Perfect for that Special Occasion, or regular spot.

The food was really good here! Everything we tried was very tasty! We, especially, liked the Cheese Dumplings and the Goat Cheese Crostini! The Lobster Ravioli was very good too! However, everything was a little heavy handed on the salt. If the chefs could ease up on the salt, it would be perfect!

I came in tonight with a group to celebrate a birthday and we all had a great experience. Our waitress Jessica was awesome, super personable and on top of everything. It's a very dark moody vibe in the restaurant with beautiful chandeliers and a huge bookcase adding to the overall experience. We started with some cocktails. I had the rum cannonballs which was fruity and refreshing. We then shared the cheese dumplings in tomato soup, ugh, it was so good. For my entree I enjoyed the Chilean sea bass. We were so full but decided to get a cheesecake to share around and they brought out a brownie with a candle for our birthday girl. Overall we had an awesome experience tonight, thank you so much for hosting our group, and special thanks to Jessica.

Everything we tried was delicious! We were surprised at how quickly the food came out, yet how good it was. The cheese dumplings are a MUST- so yummy and loved the presentation too! We also got the caesar salad, which you can never go wrong with and the poke that had a nice kick to it. For my entree, I got the chicken piccata, which was a generous portion. I definitely recommend sharing! Their drink menu is pretty unique, and nothing appealed to me so I just requested a lemon drop martini.

Both the taste and presentation of the food are excellent. No matter what you order, the flavor and portion size never disappoint. The service was kind and attentive from everyone. The location and interior were also very nice.

Wow, this place is beautiful! The yelp photos made it seem much smaller than what it turned out to be. It was a vibrant and luxurious ambiance that I absolutely loved. The service, thanks to our server Max, was 10/10. We got the pappardelle pasta, the fillet, and a Caesar salad to share. The pappardelle: I enjoyed this dish. I am biased to think it was under-seasoned because I love salt. It tasted great with a few extra sprinkles. I would've liked to have more mushrooms. The filler: My Fiance loved this dish. He was finished before I could get more information. The Caesar: yummy, but had no croutons. I still enjoyed it. They have this cool option to select your liquor and sweetness, then have the bartender concoct something for you. I really took advantage of this drink order format and added cucumber and strawberries to my two drinks. They turned out amazing! *there's a speakeasy behind the bookshelf that was reserved for a party. It looks like a great event space or somewhere fun to go on a night out.

Benny and Mary's is located on the corner of Von Karman Ave and Michelson Drive in Irvine. There is a paid parking lot right across from the restaurant, and they will validate your parking stub at the host stand. We were in the area for another activity and happened to arrive around 3:30pm, so we sat in the bar area to take advantage of their happy hour which runs from 2pm to 6pm. The bar area is bright with a lot of windows, and we had a nice sunny view of palm trees and the fountain outside. There is also patio seating outside. The main dining room is spacious with high ceilings, and there is a lot of light from windows on the walls and skylights above. We started out with an appetizer and a round of cocktails. The Goat Cheese Tomato Crostini ($12 during happy hour, normally $17) comes with a good sized scoop of goat cheese and had a good tang. The tomato pesto sauce was good, but this appetizer definitely needs to come with more bread. Our server was happy to bring us another plate of toasted bread. I had the Adult Green Juice cocktail (Gin, Mezcal, Lime, Lemon, Pineapple, Cucumber, Ginger, Dill, Celery Bitters, Angostura Bitters, $16). It is served old-fashioned style with a large ice cube. The smokiness of the mezcal was at a good light to medium level. It was light and refreshing with some complexity. The cucumber and ginger flavors stood out to me. She had the Hibis-Kiss cocktail (Citrus Vodka, Framboise, Hibiscus, Strawberry, Pineapple, Lemon, topped with Brut Rose, $16). It was refreshing with a light sweetness and we mostly tasted strawberry and a little pineapple. It has a light bubbly finish. Next came entrees and a final round of cocktails. I had the Ribeye sandwich ($23). The meat was cooked medium and thin sliced. It had good flavor and wasn't chewy at all. The added cheese, mushrooms, onion strings, and arugula made it a very tasty sandwich. It was also very filling as I only ate half and took the rest home. The fries were hot and crispy the way I love them. I would definitely order this again in lieu of a regular dinner entrée. She ordered the Mediterranean Chopped Salad and added shrimp ($15 + $12). It looked good, but as soon as the bowl was set down, we smelled a strong fishy odor coming from the shrimp. She cut one of the shrimp in half and it was undercooked. She sent it back, and they took it off the bill. She didn't care to order anything else. My final cocktail was their off-menu take on a gimlet with cucumber ($16). It was light and refreshing and had some unexpected sweetness. The bartender said the sweetness was coming from the house made cucumber syrup. It was good, but a little too similar to my first drink, and I probably should have ordered something else. Her last cocktail was the Snake Oil (Blanco Tequila, Lillet Blanc, Lime, Grapefruit, Spicy Grapefruit Cordial, $16). It had a nice grapefruit flavor, but we didn't get any of the spiciness. Jamie was our bartender and server. He was friendly and provided good service. The shrimp on the salad was a big miss, but everything else was good. We will probably return again to try some other menu items.

Met up with my girlfriends during the weekend for an early lunch. It was not crowded at all on this Saturday early afternoon. We had reservations through open table, but that wasn't necessary at all. But it was better to be safe because you never know. Parking was simple and did not require validation on this particular weekend. The gate lifted automatically and no parking ticket was needed. It was our first time here and we enjoyed every minute of it. This is a spacious, elegant and modern space. Their kitchen is open as well. High ceilings provide a grand palatial experience. Dark and rich colors boasts throughout the interior decor. There's a speakeasy private dining room. You'll need a reservation to enjoy a table inside there. Dylan provided our service this afternoon and he did a splendid job. He had an upbeat positive demeanor. We decided to select items from the shareable section of the menu. He gave us some of his favorites and recommendations. Everything tasted delicious and was seasoned nicely. The one appetizer I would skip next time is be the tuna poke. It was just ok but nothing spectacular. I'd love to return to try other dishes and drinks.

My husband's work had their Christmas party here in the private speakeasy room. Everything was wonderful. The service was great and the wine kept flowing. The braised short rib was so tender, no knife was needed. The chicken milanese was coated perfectly and full of flavor. The tomato soup was delicious as well as the cheesecake. Everyone enjoyed their time. The ambiance is upscale with a vintage twist. The speakeasy room is perfect for a large party. I would love it if they had their party here again.

If comfort, charm, and a little touch of glamour had a love child, it would be Benny & Mary's. Let's start with the drinks: the Mexican "Abuelita" Mocha instantly transported me back to my childhood. It's rich, nostalgic, and tastes exactly like something your grandma would make with love on a chilly morning. Easily one of the best specialty mochas I've had in a long time. Brunch is king here -- served every day until 2pm (and until 3pm on weekends) -- so there's no excuse not to indulge. The short ribs chilaquiles were perfection: eggs cooked just right, tender short ribs, and a flavor profile that delivers depth without being overly spicy. It has a little bite, but the richness and seasoning truly shine through. On the sweeter side, Mary's French Toast is a dream with fresh berries and toasted coconut -- decadent without being over the top. Absolute sweet-tooth heaven. The ambiance is just as memorable as the food. Two separate private, intimate dining rooms make it perfect for date nights, celebrations, or a tucked-away experience. The spacious bar flows beautifully into an outdoor patio, and the velvet-like chairs and booths make you want to linger. The unique candle-like chandeliers add a warm, romantic glow that makes the whole place feel elevated yet cozy. A special shoutout to Brian Coleman, the General Manager, who shared that there are big things coming in 2026 -- possibly a DJ, live music, and specialty events on select days. This place is already impressive, so I can only imagine what's on the horizon. And don't forget Wine Wednesdays -- a reason to break up the week in the best way possible. Lastly, service: Lynelle was warm, courteous, and absolutely top-notch. Attentive without hovering and made the experience even better. Benny & Mary's isn't just a brunch spot... it's a whole vibe. Can't wait to go back and try their full menu!

Benny and Mary's is a fusion food spot with unique decor. Came here with some friends for brunch on a Saturday. We made reservations, but we probably didn't need to because it wasn't busy. Seems like brunch is a collaboration with Toast, which we have enjoyed visiting in the past, so we were looking forward to dining here. Upon entering, we waited for a few minutes before checking in and being seated. There is a large bar with seating at the front. We were seated at the library which had dark floral curtains around large windows and velvet seating. There is also a hidden room in the library which seems good for private events. Ceilings are high, making the space feel very spacious. We only ordered food, no drinks. We ordered Mary's French Toast to share, a Veggie Scramble, Biscuits and Gravy, Chilaquiles, and a Florentine Benedict. The French Toast came out first. It was very good. The toast had crispy edges but was soft and fluffy in the middle. It was supposed to come with stone fruit, but came with berries instead. We asked for the Mango Lassi sauce on the side. It was very cardamom-heavy. I ordered the Florentine Benedict. Eggs were slightly undercooked (some of the white part was runny). The English Muffin was perfectly toasted and there was a good amount of spinach and tomatoes. The Hollandaise sauce was a bit too tart for my taste. My friends enjoyed their dishes and we all felt that the portion sizes were great. We did mention that we were celebrating birthdays and we were given complimentary brownies with candles. This was an unexpected, but very pleasant surprise, and much appreciated. Overall, giving Benny and Mary's a 4.5/5. Ambiance is amazing. Service is good, although a bit slow at times (we were waiting for ~10 minutes for our order to be taken and to get the check). Food came out quickly though. Food seems good quality. Staff are friendly. Would recommend others to visit and would come back to try the drinks and other menu items.

The restaurant was surprisingly quiet for a Sunday evening around 5 p.m., and it stayed that way for most of our visit. The interior design definitely caught my attention. It was a mix of carefully curated decor that felt like 2010s art pop collided with the Gilded Age. We were seated in the "library" section, though the upbeat 2010s pop music playing over the speakers clashed a bit with the setting. Where Benny & Mary's really shined was the service. Our server was incredibly attentive and energetic. She knew the menu gave some great, descriptive explanations and recommendations. Drink-wise, the Punch Me cocktail tasted like a spicy fruit punch, while the Snake Oil had a strong smoky flavor. For food, I landed on the chicken Milanese after some deliberation. I'll admit, I cleaned my plate because I was hungry. But overall, it left me a bit underwhelmed. The couscous was tasty. It got brightness from the grape tomatoes and umami from the parmesan. But the sauce on the chicken was too mild and even had a few chunks of raw garlic. It was not bad enough to send back but lacking any flavor I was hoping for. The short rib with demi-glace I sampled from across the table, though, was deeply flavorful and perfectly cooked. For dessert, the berry ricotta cheesecake was beautifully balanced. It was light yet decadent, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Was looking for a restaurant my friend hasn't been to for her birthday and found this gem! The vibes are there--dark, upscale academia. Dress up for dinner is a must in my opinion, Decor was grand and intentional with their color scheme. We both ordered their Chilean Sea Bass; it was incredible. Presentation looked inviting. Flavors were robust, creamy, and balanced with the various textures. Sea Bass cooked perfectly, not overdone or under, just perfectly tender and pairs so well with the couscous. We also ordered the Spicy Thai Salad to share. It was refreshing and simply a good salad. Looked fresh and crisp. As a spicy lover, it wasn't spicy IMO. My only critique would be to go a bit lighter on the salt for the Chilean Sea Bass dish. There's a lot of parking and they will validate for you. Easy to find once you see it. haha Can be easily missed since it does blend in with surrounding buildings. Staff were nice and attentive. This is my top places to take out friends and family for sure!

My girlfriends and I came here on a Sunday for brunch for our first time. The food was pretty good! I got the Mary's French toast and a side of biscuits and gravy. Also tried the short rib chilaquiles which was really good as well. We did wish they had the option of red sauce as well but it was only green sauce (tomatillo). Service was great. The servers kept coming back to refill our waters and check in on us. The inside was really cute and aesthetically pleasing with nice velvet chairs. Music was great too! Definitely would come back!

The service by Felton was ***** five star. The food was excellent, the Chicken and Waffles with Bacon was a $20 breakfast menu item that was cooked fresh to order and delicious. The portions and price were well worth it. If you break down the food, it's perfectly priced.

Wow Benny & Mary's has an amazing HH spread. The food here is delicious! The shrimp on the HH menu has amazing flavors. The truffle fries are also to die for! But the best item yet (not on HH menu) is their grilled cheese dumplings. This item is a must get - you won't regret it! HH is only in the bar area but they have plenty of seating along with a few high top tables. Can't wait to come back to try their menu items.

Inviting atmosphere, delicious food, comfortable seating, excellent service, and reasonable prices! Definitely a spot you don't want to miss in the middle of a corporate plaza.

I've always wanted to try this restaurant so I finally made a weekend reservation. The moment I walked in, I noticed how beautiful the space was with velvet seats, warm lighting, and a cozy library inspired decor. Surprisingly it wasn't crowded which made for a relaxed atmosphere. I was hoping for a lunch menu, but they were only serving brunch which was fine. I ordered the multi-grain avocado toast with smoked salmon and my friend got the pancakes with strawberries. The food came out quickly and was beautifully presented. Everything was delicious especially the breakfast potatoes. Both entrees were flavorful and satisfying. Overall I had a great experience and would love to try their dinner menu next time.

I've seen Benny and Mary's quite often driving around her bike. And it has piqued my interest. And I was curious and decided to check it out today. When I entered it had a very beautiful ambiance. And was surprised that they had a brunch menu. The host quickly sent me. And the server greeted me very quickly. Everyone was very knowledgeable about the menu. And I made my order. After a short debate about what I should get, I ordered the short ribs. Benedict. Because it was not too heavy. And I thought it would be a great way to get a sample of their dish. I want to start off with a mocktail. And they informed me that there was a mixologist here. So I decided to order. Something citrus and sweet. Leaving it up to. The mixologist judgments. And it came out to be this wonderful tart. Drink that you see in the pictures. When the short ribs Benedict arrived, it was beautiful. However, I. I thought that the hollandaise sauce was a little bit mild. But I think it was a. Smart choice. To have it a little bit more mild so that it highlighted the flavor of the short ribs. It was also not too salty. So that it would overpower everything. The potatoes were OK. Well seasoned. For dessert, I ordered the banana pudding. Cookie butter pie. The chocolate spread that was on the plate. Strikingly reminds me of Hershey's chocolate syrup. Each section. Was OK. I did not get a sense of the cookie butter that I was expecting. However, when I eat it as a whole, there is a slight cookie butter after taste. But I thought that it was way too sweet for my preference. Other than that, I thought it was a delightful dessert. Overall, I would come back to try the main dishes. I would prefer a saltier. Holidays for the eggs Benedict. Other than that, it was a pretty good experience. Everybody was nice and It was tasty.

Wow. The service here is amazing--if you're into waiting around like it's a hobby. First, it took forever to get seated. I had to actually flag someone down just to get their attention. Then, after we finally sat down, it still took a while for anyone to bring us water. When someone did drop off water, they asked if we needed a server... which, yes, obviously--we'd already been waiting over ten minutes just to get water. Eventually, a server showed up, but at that point we just left. And the best part? The place wasn't even busy. You'd think with the economy the way it is, they'd want all the business they can get, but I guess not. No acknowledgment, no apology, no "we're understaffed," nothing. Just vibes--and not the good kind.

I like the classy restaurant style, but the food is just alright The service was fine, though it wasn't enough to bring me back

Hidden gem with amazing service I went to Benny & Mary's twice in two days -- my first visit was so good I came back with another friend. That first afternoon visit really stood out, thanks to everyone we interacted with -- from the hostess Valeria, to the manager on duty Aixa, to Felton, who truly made the experience. Felton's personality was over-the-moon fun, warm, and engaging, and he went above and beyond, even showing us the hidden speakeasy room, which was such a cool surprise and made the visit feel extra special. Happy hour was fantastic -- wine, the green beans, and the Yum Yum shrimp were all delicious. A couple days later I returned and Mel took great care of us -- friendly, attentive, and professional. The ribeye was awesome, and everything we ordered (including dessert and a divine espresso martini) was excellent. Of course,I had to order the incredible green beans again as well as more Yum Yum shrimp. A true hidden gem with great food, great ambience, and standout service. I'll definitely be back.

I've been longing to come here for a while now. The restaurant is truly beautiful and elegant with classy chandeliers, plush, blue chairs, and white tablecloths on their main dining room tables -- ideal for a celebration destination. Their Garlic Shrimp ($17) was a tasty, savory starter. While their Spicy Thai salad ($16, with Chicken + $5) had nice colors and textures, and a good amount of spiciness, its flavors didn't have me savoring each bite, longing for more. Their Dulce de Leche cake ($16) was moist and delicious -- as well as pretty -- a beautiful finish to lunch. Service was comfortably attentive and appreciatively completely unrushed; however, not warm or friendly. No small talk; in addition, with presents visible, it was obvious we were there celebrating an occasion; however, our server never acknowledged or even asked. Outside of our server, I'd be interested in returning to experience some of their interesting cocktails and other items off their menu. Complimentary parking in the 2 lots closest to their entrance door.

This has been on my list of restaurants to try out for some time now and the experience did not disappoint. From its dark academia design theme evoking a sense of romance and introspection, to its mysterious velvet ropes directing foot traffic to a bookshelf (spoiler alert, it's a hidden door leading into a speakeasy tasting room), Benny & Mary's crafts an atmosphere that feels as theatrical as it is inviting. THE FOOD. - Cheese Dumplings. Crispy wonton shells give way to its melted cheese center as it sits partially submerged in a thick, spicy tomato bisque. The bacon garnish adds smokiness and salty savoriness. Everyone talks about this and yes, I highly recommend ordering it too. - The Black Sheep Smashburger. Twin patties layered with bourbon bacon jam, garlic aioli, white cheddar, and arugula, all neatly enclosed in a brioche bun. It's fancy indulgence in burger form and worth trying out. - Ribeye. A thinner cut, cooked medium-rare per the chef's recommendation -- and rightly so. Each bite is juicy and brimming with flavor; the marbling adding a buttery richness to it. Beneath the ribeye lies a hearty layer of mashed potatoes and crisp, vibrant asparagus that balances the dish with freshness. Highly recommend. - Bananas Foster. The boozy flambéed bananas bring drama and flavor, while the scoop of vanilla gelato adds a creamy coolness to this delicious dessert. The chocolate banana bread is moist with subtle banana and cocoa flavors. If you have room and don't mind some kick in your dessert, this is a good one to try out. THE DRINKS. - Konge. Nutty walnut flavor with banana bread spices, and a whisper of Christmas nostalgia. - S'more S'more. Essentially a White Russian reimagined with whiskey and garnished with a couple of roasted marshmallows. THE PARKING. A nearby surface lot offers parking for a fee. However, the restaurant validates parking (remember to bring your ticket). Plenty of spaces were open when we dined there on a Sunday evening. THE VERDICT. Great food, service is prompt, and the ambiance is enchantingly warm and inviting. Definitely coming back for another fantastic dining experience!

What a fun find! Tucked into a plaza near office buildings, this spot has great menu options, rich decor, and a friendly staff. We had some Brussels sprouts and the famous cheese dumplings (just eat 'em with your fingers). Then, I got the short rib ossobucco and my wife got a poke bowl. Both were flavorful and not overpriced. Our server was attentive and friendly. We will be back! Also, there is a secret back room just for private events you should totally check out!

pretty good! the ambience is really nice and our server was great. the cheese dumplings were really good. it kinda tastes like cheesy slight spicy tomato bisque with a crunchy dumpling. drinks & entree were good to we had the black sheep burger & the ribeye steak! pretty flavorful & cooked well (medium rare).

Came for their Happy Hour and really enjoyed their food and drink selections. Ordered their old fashion and some bites to go with it and it just hit the spot after work! Happy Hour is bar and patio only, but it wasn't too crowded, they even had TVs for sports games, so it was really nice way to spend the evening after work. Interior was really pretty and it's conveniently located around businesses. Parking is validated at the front, and service was friendly and attentive. Would love to come back for happy hour again

Went in for a weekday happy hour with some friends after work! Highlights: - The regular menu drinks we ordered were delicious! My favorite was the adult green juice (gin, mezcal, lime, pineapple, cucumber, ginger, dill, celery bitters, and angostura bitters). Very unique, refreshing, and strong! Would order it again. My friends enjoyed their Pear Martini and Punch Me cocktails - Good selection for the happy hour food! Would order the fries (huge portion!) and chicken wings again. Didn't get to try the pork belly bites - Such a cute spot! Very instagrammy. Lots of seating inside and outside - They offer free validated parking We didn't have the best service experience, it seemed like we went in at a busy time while they may have been understaffed at the bar and had a large private event on the patio. There was only one person taking orders and making drinks. One of our food items didn't make it to our table. Not sure if the kitchen was backed up or the order was forgotten. We were hoping to order more from the happy hour menu but we weren't able to get someone in time. Despite the above, would still give it another try because that adult green juice was DELICIOUS!

We just had lunch here, my wife had the French toast and I had the ribeye sandwich we were pleased with both our meals. The only problem was that our server seemed to be responsible for half the restaurant. He literally took our order and then handed us the bill, after flagging him down for that. He never once checked in on how our food was, the busser had to refill our drinks and the runners gave us our food. So to say the least the service was lacking.. With all the other options in the area we most likely would not return.

I came on a weekday for lunch. It wasn't busy and I got seated right away. The decor here is posh and it feels really cool with the bar and speakeasy concept. My group ordered brussel sprouts and yum yum shrimp to share. And it was so tasty! The brussel sprouts were perfectly done in this sweet sauce that complimented the sprouts perfectly with some kind of cheese to mellow it out. And the shrimp was cooked perfectly with a sauce that wasn't overwhelming. I got the shortrib Oso bucco. The portion was a bit smaller than I was expecting for the price but everything was delicious. The shortrib fell right off the bone but felt slightly dry. And the sauce was really good. Overall, the food was good but on the pricey side.

I was looking forward to trying Benny and Mary's and was really hoping I would love it and be able to tell people about a hidden gem, but sadly that wasn't the case. No doubt about it the space is stunning and the interior decor alone earns this place a few stars itself. I would give this place another try for after work drinks and appetizers, but the regular menu left a lot to be desired and even though we ordered our food and tried to keep an open mind the food was just not impressive. Service was top notch. We had made a reservation and when we arrived our table was set and ready for us in a way other places don't set and prepare the tables for reservations. Overall, the front of house operations were on point, but the food is just lack luster.

The interior of Benny and Mary's is very quaint and unique. It has a nice vibe and they even have a private room hidden behind the bookshelf. It was pretty busy for a Tuesday night. The server taking care of us was on his third day of training and his trainer never stopped by to check on us. He did a good job though so no complaints. The food here was good, but nothing really wowed me. For appetizers we ordered the Grill Cheese Dumplings and Garlic Shrimp. The Grill Cheese Dumplings were a cool take on Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque. The soup was tasty. The Garlic Shrimp was okay. Not a lot of garlic flavor. For my entree I ordered the Chicken Milanesa. The cutlet was lightly breaded and reminded me of a Chicken Katsu. The whipped feta was a nice touch and paired well with the chicken. My friends ordered the Short Rib Stroganoff and the Black Sheep Smash Burger. The burger was good, but the patties weren't really smashed down enough to get a nice crust. The stroganoff lacked the creaminess youd expect. I might consider coming back, but definitely not in a rush to do so.

Benny and Mary's located in Irvine offers an upscale dining experience. The interior consists of velvet drapes, beautiful chandeliers, large bookshelves, all contributing to a fine dining experience. Some friends and I celebrated a birthday dinner here and shared several dishes. Bulgogi on Bao ($17) - This appetizer came with 3 bao buns with beef bulgogi, pickled sweet cucumbers, kimchi and yum yum sauce. It tasted great and was the perfect way to start the meal. Osso Bucco ($35) - The osso bucco consisted of braised short ribs served atop pomme puree, charred asparagus and finished with a gremolata. This was a popular dish amongst my group as the beef was so tender and falling apart. Ribeye ($47) - I asked for this 16 oz ribeye to be prepared medium rare, but it seemed to be more on the rare side. Served with pommes puree and asparagus it was a bit chewy and I would pass on this next time. Seabass ($48) - This dish consisted of 8 oz of miso glazed sea bass, ginger carrot puree, wasabi spinach pearl couscous and was perfectly executed. The fish was buttery, moist and tasted great. Lobster ravioli - The ravioli was filled with lobster, ricotta, mozzarella cheeses, leeks all wrapped in a black squid ink and egg pasta. Served in a saffron cream sauce, heirloom tomatoes and corn, I wasn't impressed with this dish and would pass on it next time. Of the 2 desserts my group tried, cherry ricotta cheesecake ($12) and the coffee cake ($12), we all agreed the cheesecake was the better choice. It was rich, creamy, and little less dense than a traditional cheesecake. Overall my group really enjoyed the ambiance here as well as several dishes. While there were some misses we would definitely be back to celebrate a special occasion here.

This morning was the first time I went to Benny and Mary's. My wife (who accompanied me) had a gift certificate from her work. We both had the Steak and Eggs. The Ribeye was perfectly seasons and was accompanied by a large portion of homestyle potatoes. The motif is a library room type setting. The bookshelf has a hidden door that opens to a speakeasy. Excellent wait staff. Our coffees were constantly refilled and the server constantly (but not too much) checked in on us. Highly recommend.

We just left the restaurant. Ryan our server was awesome! The food and ambiance was too. We highly recommend!!!!

Came for Friday Happy Hour (which is only at the bar btw!) Restaurant is in this business complex which can be confusing because there's ticketed parking. But we later found out parking is free! The restaurant wasn't too busy, and has a snazzy cool velvety vibe. We sat at the bar area which has seats around the bar and high top tables off to the side which we opted for. It's definitely more of a lively feel there. We ordered a few items from the happy hour menu: the flatbread, the pork belly, parmesan truffle fries, and then separately the lobster ravioli and tomato soup and cheese bites. For happy hour, the portions we received for the food were VERY generous. I thought the pork belly was going to be a few pieces, but it was a few pieces with broccolini over some polenta mixture, making it the size of an entree for only $8! I would pass on the flatbread and lobster ravioli next time but the fries were amazingly crispy and satisfying, along with the drinks! If I'm in the area again I would return!

Such yummy food! I just got back from Benny & Mary's. Easy parking with validation in same level lot. We were greeted & seated in the lush velvet chairs. It was Happy Hour, so we looked at that menu & the reg menu. We got their Famous parm fries, which could feed a table of 5. The Yum Yum shrimp went way beyond our dreams & the 3 short rib tacos were divine. The dessert menu does not disappoint. The place is stunning, the dining room looked a little like a fine Parisian palace. For Irvine,That's amazing. A little culture. I must say our wait staff was attentive & came by at the right times. If you're looking for a different experience in Irvine, you must try Benny and Mary's asap. You won't be sorry

Perfect place for brunch! The interior is beautiful. Left side is velour and floral decor. Right side has booth seating available. Bar area to the far right where you can eat too. Some additional bar seating in the middle as well. We got seated in the floral room. We ordered 1. Breakfast plate 2. Pork belly sandwich ( highly recommend) 3. Salmon Benedict All dishes were fantastic! I especially liked the unusual bread which I think was a pumpernickel and sourdough mix. The ambience was very pleasing overall. Eating here was enjoyable, ( even though the Hostess was inhospitable. She didn't really acknowledge us or the party before us. We all stood awkwardly at the front wondering where she went. She seemed unwilling to help and reappeared after 10 minutes without an explanation or smilie to finally seat us.) * There's a speak easy hidden in the floral room behind the book case. ( It was not open for customers when we visited at brunch time .) We did get to peek inside though ...

Ryan was the best! Great food recommendations. The banana pie dessert was one of the best I've ever had.

Great steak, short rib options, we had a wonderful time. Bring your dog and enjoy a drink on the patio. I want to come back to try brunch

What a gem! My wife and I wanted to try new drinks some place and chose Benny and Mary's based on all the pics in Yelp! The inside is so chic and fancy. The bar is beautiful and tucked away in the back. Open kitchen, beautiful decor all around. I felt underdressed for brunch, this def gave luxe vibes. Danny was our server and he was so helpful and amazing. He suggested the chilaquiles, which I got and my wife order the smoked salmon Benedict. Of course we had to get a table waffle, so we also ordered the açaí waffle. We ordered drinks too - and they were fantastic! Amazing -- if drinking at 10am is a crime then lock me up because these are worth it. I ordered the Konge; which was like an old fashioned drink, super delicious - loved the purified ice cube in the glass. My wife got a gin drink that also had dill and mezcal. Man, what a well balance drink -- it was perfectly mixed. Not too overpowering of the dill or even mezcal or gin. Just -- chefs kiss! No notes! The food was S-tier!!! Wow, we are all those dishes up. No room for desserts or another drink. We loved our stay here. Thank you Danny for all your recommendations. We can't wait to come here for dinner!

I made a same-day reservation for one on a Thursday night and was seated right away. They initially suggested the bar, but I requested a table, and the staff was more than accommodating. I started off with the Pear-a-tini, which was perfectly balanced and refreshing, followed by the cheese dumpling appetizer, absolutely delicious. For my main, the Chilean sea bass was cooked beautifully, melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor. I ended on a high note with the Banana Cookie Butter Pie, which was the perfect indulgent finish. The atmosphere is fun, unique, and slightly dim, great for a night out with friends or a cozy solo dinner. They do offer valet for $10, but I appreciated that they also have self-parking with validation, which makes things convenient. Overall, a fantastic dining experience from start to finish. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Brunch is just as amazing as dinner! We came to celebrate Mother's Day, and enjoyed our brunch celebration. I had their chicken & waffles, and it was SO GOOD! My husband was so excited that they offered Shakshuka, and it was very tasty as well. My daughter had their chilaquiles, and it got her approval (she is a chilaquiles connoisseur). We ended the brunch with banana foster (it is topped with alcohol), which we enjoyed Benny & Mary's is quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants. The vibe is just so sexy and sophisticated, and their price is not ridiculous. Can't wait to come back next time. See you again soon, Benny & Mary's!

Wanted to revisit Benny and Mary's as it has been a while. The last time I came in, was shortly after they opened. I was attending with my wife, 2 year old daughter, my manager and his fiancée. We arrived around 5 pm, so dinner service was just beginning. Plenty of parking. The interior is as it was when they first opened, clean, attractive, has a Great Gatsby type vibe. Jessica was our server. She was super sweet, knowledgeable, and attentive. She was also super patient as it can be tough dining with a toddler. We tried some of the shareables so that we could get a grasp of the range of their chef. One dish that was not on the menu yet, an octopus with pork belly on humus. I felt it was missing a starch to balance out the dish, as it sat on the saltier side. The octopus, was masterfully cooked. Tender without being rubbery. The yellowfin tuna poke as simple. Nothing spectacular. It's a solid go-to item in my opinion and I would order again. The cheese dumplings were fun. I felt the tomato soup they come out in were a bit too salty and acidic. However, I can understand why it is a very popular item on the menu and would not change it. Bone Marrow with a sirloin. The bone marrow itself was ok-good. The sirloin...BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED. Beautiful sear, well flavored (slightly salty), and extremely tender. Again, highlighting the skill and talent of the chef who cooked it. The raw oysters. Probably in the top 3 of the best oysters I ever had. Very fresh with a slight tinge of sweetness to them. Whoever was responsible for sourcing and handling these did an excellent job. 100% would come back just for these again. 5/5 One thing that did irk us. We asked for Tabasco sauce, and were handed sauce told it was Tabasco. It wasn't Tabasco. It tasted more like Frank's hot sauce. This is an irk, because it is like asking for Coca Cola, being handed Pepsi and being told it's Coca Cola. I ordered the prime rib. It was good, 3.5/5. Medium rare, leaning on the rare side as I wanted. A bit on the bland side of flavor though. My manager and his fiancée ordered the lobster ravioli and ribeye. I got to try both. The lobster ravioli was OUTSTANDING. 5/5, I would order that next time. Usually this dish is underwhelming at most restaurants, not here. Easily the best main entree at our table. The ribeye - good thickness, beautifully seared and rare-medium-rare doneness as my manager ordered. However, both he and I felt it was too salty. 3/5. All in all, the meal was good. I would come back, if I lived closer, I could see myself dining here at least once a month.

I love the look of this restaurant with its color scheme and decor. Very spacious! Staff was quick to refill drinks and answered questions. Parking is easy. Says they validate but there wasn't a need since the restaurant was not busy. I came here for brunch and another time for dinner. I was disappointed that they didn't have a lunch menu on the weekend so we had to settle for the brunch menu. However the brunch menu did not disappoint. The French toast was delicious! Highly recommend!And I had the best potatoes for brunch as well. As for dinner, I loved the pork belly with polenta. I could have just had that for a meal. Everything was delicious! Hope to come back soon.

First time at Benny and Mary's for a work dinner. The vibe was fun, lots of holiday parties and the food was great. I started the night with the Snake Oil - tequila based cocktail. For appetizers I recommend the Yum Yum Shrimp - crispy shrimp. For my main dish I enjoyed the Short Rib. And for dessert - I liked the cheesecake. Ryan the waiter took great care of the table.

I'd been eyeing this restaurant for a while, and I'm glad we finally got to try it. It's located where the old Prego restaurant used to be. They offer valet service, and the ambiance is dark, cozy, and intimate. I'm a sucker for that library aesthetic, and this place definitely delivered on that vibe. Here's what we ordered: Cheese Dumplings in Tomato Bisque - I'm still unsure how I feel about this one. It was a bit unusual, but somehow I found myself enjoying it. Brussels Sprouts - Light, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with goat cheese. I really liked this dish. Thai Salad with Ahi Tuna - The Ahi Tuna was cooked exactly to my liking. Short Rib Ossobuco - My boyfriend ordered this and really enjoyed it. We also tried a couple of cocktails: the Konge, which was more spirit-forward but very well-balanced, and the Adult Green Juice, which was lighter and refreshing. Both were enjoyable to say the least. Service was okay. We had to flag someone down a few times, but thankfully we never had to wait too long. Overall, we were pretty satisfied and would likely come back. I'd definitely recommend this place for a date night.

This is such a super fun restaurant. We came for brunch on a Sunday and sat way in the back over by all the windows our wonderful waitress angel took such great care of us. She was probably the best waitress ever. We had everything from steak and eggs to the whole California breakfast to the delicious double burger with grilled onions. Everything was so yummy right down to the Bellini. We will definitely be back and we will bring all of our friends. Parking was free.

The food here was OUTSTANDING!!! We came for a girls night out and got the cheese dumplings in tomato bisque, the bao buns, and the crispy shrimp to start... they were all delicious! Then we split the ribeye which was cooked to perfection and came with mashed potatoes that were amazing! The only downside was that the service was pretty slow. They had a big party in the "speakeasy" so maybe that was why, but I'll definitely give them the benefit of the doubt there and be going back to try some other menu items.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very sweet gal. She sat us in front of a window which we weren't comfortable with and asked to move. We proceeded to order our food & our female server was overly friendly while using inappropriate terms like; baby, love and hunny. It is advised that one should use "sir" or "ma'am" while addressing clientele. Furthermore his coffee cup had visual lipstick on the rim and his food order was incorrect. Not to mention the food was excessively salty. Lastly, our waitress never returned to close our order. This is a very bad reflection of the lack of accountability for her flighty composure and lack of couth on her part. Our experience 5/10.

It's giving 1920s Gatsby vibes here and I love it! Elegant, decadent old charm. Only in Irvine do they have a random restaurant tucked inside business complexes. We came here today on a Sunday for weekend brunch so parking was easy. It wasn't as busy as expected. Menu was simple, your usual Benedict's, toasts, and French toasty things. It was my first time trying the shakshuka, which is an African dish of tomato sauce with poached eggs and naan for dipping. It was different in a good way. Drinks were tasty too, and I'm surprised they were able to whip up a lychee martini for me, minus the lychee fruit which was a bummer. Service was a bit slow but we didn't mind too much since we were busy chitchatting.