Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar

I had such a wonderful day enjoying delicious food with great company in a modern and clean atmosphere. Since it’s an open kitchen, you can see the cooking area clearly, and the spotless and well-organized space made the whole experience feel even more trustworthy. They mentioned that the menu changes with the seasons, offering new dishes depending on the time of year. Being able to try different flavors every season is quite impressive. We ordered the Iceberg Wedge, Steak Frites, and Roasted Half Chicken, and everything was truly enjoyable. The Parker House Rolls, served warm and freshly baked, and the Churro Spiced Ricotta Doughnuts with chocolate and salted caramel sauce were especially delicious. The food was so good that I ended up enjoying everything without taking as many photos as I planned—such a shame! The staff were very friendly, and the building offers two hours of free parking, which made the whole experience even more comfortable. Just bring your parking ticket, and the restaurant will validate it after your meal.

An overall nice date night experience in Irvine, although a few of the menu items fell flat. Service and Vibes: Our service was great, however being at a table for two we felt crammed being so close to a table for four next to us. Vibes are great and it feels like a rooftop bar experience. Food Quality: Meh for some dishes, although the Roasted Chicken with mole sauces was amazing. The Parker House Rolls were mid, as was the Fru-Tiki (a Dry January mocktail). I wanted to try the burger but they were out. Price: Cocktails are around $18 and entrees are around $39-50, so with appetizers it can easily come out to $100-150+ for a party of 2 Hidden Fees/Surcharges: They charge a card fee, AKA it’s more expensive to pay card than cash. It came out to about 3% card fee, which was annoying as it was not disclosed on the menu that there is a card fee/surcharge, it only states that there are different cash and card prices, which is not apparent enough for a surcharge. Parking: Parking structure attached, can park and walk in and they fully validate your ticket (otherwise the structure is $2/15 min or $24/max)

We were here yesterday for a wonderful birthday dinner with friends. We were seated outside in the patio, which was really nice with the lights and the breeze. I noticed there's a fireplace that can be turned on if the temperature drops. We had a big group 13, but Sherry took care of us so well, very thoughtful when to take the orders for drinks, apps, entrée and fill up our water. It's next to a parking garage which is convenient to walk, however I'm not sure what the noise level from the traffic is during lunch weekdays. The food is very good, especially the Malbec braised short rib. The Solstice salad is fresh, the watermelon & feta salad is excellent although I'm partial to halumi cheese when it comes to watermelon salad. The short rib croquettes is also a delicious appetizer, which is good to get a taste of the short rib before you commit to the entrée. The Yuzu Breeze is refreshing if you like yuzu liqueur and midori.

The food, service and ambience were all top-notch. One of the best braised short ribs I’ve ever eaten. Creative, delicious desserts. Wine by the glass is not overpriced. I recommend this place for discriminating foodies

Tucked between a row of office buildings, this place feels like a little hidden spot you’d only discover if you worked nearby. Most of the lunchtime crowd seemed to be people stepping out from work, which gave the restaurant a relaxed, professional atmosphere. The food was genuinely excellent. The prices are on the higher side, but the flavor and quality make it completely worth it. I left really impressed and would gladly come back again.

Always a nice restaurant to go to whenever you have people visiting from out of town! Solstice is a charming spot that consistently puts out quality dishes based off of the season. It gives a modern twist to some classic dishes, and the presentation is solid as well. I’ve been here a couple of times, and it’s always been a hit! Their malbec braised short rib never fails to impress, and this time around their seafood risotto was delicious as well. The kiwi sour cocktail was also tasty! Solstice is also conveniently located close to John Wayne airport, so if you have any visitors, it’s easy to go to! If you’re looking for a new place to try, with a modern, charming atmosphere, then check them out!

I’m incredibly grateful that my friend recommended Solstice for dinner—it turned out to be an exceptional dining experience! I was thoroughly impressed with the food, service, and overall atmosphere, but the highlight was definitely the food. I indulged in the tuna salad, which was absolutely delicious, perfectly complemented by the rich garlic sauce. The short ribs were equally mouthwatering, showcasing the kitchen’s talent for flavor and presentation. And let’s not forget the bread—it was simply mouthwatering, making every bite even more enjoyable! The entire menu is a culinary delight that will leave your taste buds dancing! I highly recommend Solstice for any occasion; it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a memorable meal with friends or loved ones.

A gastronomic star. A culinary delight. My husband and I came here for a Sunday evening late Valentine’s date, and wow. Everything was so delicious. We split a couple of starters: the white bean hummus, and Parker House rolls with apple butter are perfect to share. The hummus had really lovely juicy confit tomatoes, and sumac was sprinkled throughout. The Parker house rolls were fluffy and warm and slightly sweet. For my entrée, I ordered the roasted beet salad and added avocado and chicken. He got the braised short rib pappardelle. I’m not a drinker, so I just opted for hot water with lemon. The food was delightful. I felt very full after finishing my salad, despite the lightness and brightness of ingredients— the depth of flavor and quantity of protein was enhanced by adding the avocado and chicken. The zaa’tar lebneh made the whole dish, in my opinion. Husband devoured his pasta, he said it was perfectly cooked al dente. we thought we would take some of the food home. We were wrong. We devoured every bite. We wanted to lick the plate. Specifically, I wanted to lick my plate clean. He had a special seasonal cocktail, something with beets and whiskey, it was pretty. For dessert, we split the flourless chocolate fudge cake. Oh my God, that was amazing. We were not expecting tiny bits of raspberry coulis. The sprinkling of cocoa nibs were crunchy and delightful. The gelato was so, so good—creamy and cold. I love seeing little vanilla bits studded throughout. It was decadent, it was delightful, it was the perfect size for two. I’m extremely full, and I’m going on a very long run. But everything was worth it. We were so pleasantly surprised— the restaurant is huge, bright and airy, and the tables are comfortable. They certainly thought long and hard about placement. The tables are different sizes, so as to accommodate dates, or large groups. The clientele were of a variety of backgrounds, and seated next to us was a super cute family with their high school aged kids. On the other side, we saw couples on first dates. I don’t think this is a good place to bring newborns or toddlers. I would definitely go back. Our server, Cameron, was a sweetheart. He was very polite, attentive, and answered all our questions. I love that they validate parking. This is such a delightful find, and I bet their brunch is amazing.

This restaurant is walking distance from my home. It truly is a hidden gem that I found when taking a walk in the area. I have been there about five times in last two months. I have tried several dishes and found chicken, salmon, and branzino very delicious and flavorful. The burger was little too sweet for my taste. I will ask for less jam if I try it next time. Mushroom risotto was good but I have tasted better ones. Apple butter cake was very yummy but again little too sweet for my taste. I love their donuts. They are so so good. My favorite things are their beet salad and shrimp spring rolls. I order them every time I'm there. The ambiance and service is great and I always find a spot there without any reservation. I can't say enough good things about this place. In future, I can see myself going there again and again.

A gastronomic star. A culinary delight. My husband and I came here for a Sunday evening late Valentine's date, and wow. Everything was so delicious. We split a couple of starters: the white bean hummus, and Parker House rolls with apple butter are perfect to share. The hummus had really lovely juicy confit tomatoes, and sumac was sprinkled throughout. The Parker house rolls were fluffy and warm and slightly sweet. For my entrée, I ordered the roasted beet salad and added avocado and chicken. He got the braised short rib pappardelle. I'm not a drinker, so I just opted for hot water with lemon. The food was delightful. I felt very full after finishing my salad, despite the lightness and brightness of ingredients-- the depth of flavor and quantity of protein was enhanced by adding the avocado and chicken. The zaa'tar lebneh made the whole dish, in my opinion. Husband devoured his pasta, he said it was perfectly cooked al dente. we thought we would take some of the food home. We were wrong. We devoured every bite. We wanted to lick the plate. Specifically, I wanted to lick my plate clean. He had a special seasonal cocktail, something with beets and whiskey, it was pretty. For dessert, we split the flourless chocolate fudge cake. Oh my God, that was amazing. We were not expecting tiny bits of raspberry coulis. The sprinkling of cocoa nibs were crunchy and delightful. The gelato was so, so good--creamy and cold. I love seeing little vanilla bits studded throughout. It was decadent, it was delightful, it was the perfect size for two. I'm extremely full, and I'm going on a very long run. But everything was worth it. We were so pleasantly surprised-- the restaurant is huge, bright and airy, and the tables are comfortable. They certainly thought long and hard about placement. The tables are different sizes, so as to accommodate dates, or large groups. The clientele were of a variety of backgrounds, and seated next to us was a super cute family with their high school aged kids. On the other side, we saw couples on first dates. I don't think this is a good place to bring newborns or toddlers. I would definitely go back. Our server, Cameron, was a sweetheart. He was very polite, attentive, and answered all our questions. I love that they validate parking. This is such a delightful find, and I bet their brunch is amazing.

Interesting location tucked away in a plaza made of corporate-glass-buildings, with a bright, airy, glam interior to match -- soaring ceilings, drop pendant lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows with views into the kitchen -- yet the tables themselves still feel intimate. We had a birthday brunch reservation and our party of 6 was seated immediately. Our server, Giancarlo, was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. The hostess also helped us take a group photo outside afterwards. The donuts were surprisingly good. Both sauces were lovely, but the caramel in particular was almost divine. We were told that the donuts came in sets of five, however, Giancarlo was able to throw in an extra one for the six of us. It's the little things. The salmon in the crudo was fatty and buttery which was nicely offset by the tartness of the jalapeño vinegar. I am seeing photos of the salads and am now realizing I did not eat a single vegetable this meal. (Oops.) Both salads joined the clean plate club. PBLT -- it was there one minute and gone the next, like before I could even try it, so I assume it was good. Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Benedict was good. The crab cakes were slightly on the salty side, but the spinach and egg balanced it out nicely. And as other reviewers mentioned, the butter cake was fantastic. Not too sweet, plenty of cinnamon and the candied dehydrated apple (peel?) leather number was a hit for the table as well.

Is this place fancy or not fancy? This was the debate my wife and I had as we dined. I lean fancy. She was undecided. The short rib croquettes as an appetizer were a great choice. Really flavorful - but I could do without the onions. I had the salmon and my wife had the scallops. We both enjoyed our seafood. Light and tasty. With a great veggie mix alongside the salmon and a risotto to accompany the scallops. We had a bottle of wine with dinner. Chilled and set off to the side in a freestanding ice bucket--which I referred to as fancy. We finished with a brown butter mocha flourless cake. Divine! Perfect to share with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. My verdict: fancy. They are popular at lunch. Local businesses bust down their doors from 11:30 to 1:00. They close a bit early for dinner. 8pm on a Sunday. But this cute spot is worth a trek. Don't forget to get your parking validated.

This restaurant's menu is seasonal so, it changes 4 times a year which is pretty cool! We came during the Winter season. We started with the Short Rib croquettes. It came with 3 croquettes. It was ok. The short rib thy it was topped with was tender and soft. I order the pan seared salmon which was very moist, but unfortunately it literally had no taste. It was so bad that I had to ask for salt and extra cider emulsion. The skin was nice and crunchy tho. My husband got the Seared Sea Scallops (in the premium selection box on the menu). It came with 4 good sized scallops. This was actually pretty good. The lemon risotto was really good too! My kids got a filet mignon which was soft and tender. The short ribs which was also soft and tender. And the Solstice burger which was juicy. It didn't taste like a fast food burger. But it was all just ok. It wasn't like, "oooh! That's super tasty and flavorful!". Lastly for dessert, we got the Apple Butter cake which was warm and just enough sweet. This is a must-try. All-in-all, I'm not very impressed with this place. The food was cooked very good, but the flavor was not quite there. Unfortunately, I don't have plans to be returning in the foreseeable future.

Wow this place is really good! We came for lunch and couldn't believe how busy it was in matter of minutes. Set among office buildings in Irvine, it's a beautiful oasis inside. The Brussel sprouts were so good paired with the Parker house rolls. We choice the beat salad with salmon and a lemon vinaigrette and it was just delicious. We finished our meal with the mini donuts served piping hot with caramel and chocolate sauce. Our server was so sweet. She was working super hard as both hostess and server and didn't miss a beat.

Love love love this place - can't believe it existed for almost 4 years! Came with my girlfriends today and it happened to be their anniversary, so they honored their happy hour menu for a tad later! We pretty much ordered everything off the HH MENU and added a couple of salads, skipping mains altogether (+drinks). My girlfriends loved their cocktails! Food was amazing! Flavorful, good combinations, I could tell that ingredients were high quality, ambiance reminded me of a cool place in SoHo (in the best way possible). Service was attentive and they even validate parking! Highly recommend this place & will definitely be coming back!

We went here to celebrate NYE this year as it was one of the places that did not have a prefix menu. They did have a special menu for NYE that you could order. Plenty of parking in the structure that the restaurant will validate. The restaurant is in a business plaza but easy to find. Inside is very open with a bar separating two different dining areas. Service throughout the night was excellent even though it was pretty busy. The menu changes one a season and we just got there when they had a new menu. Some popular items carry over though depending on how it does. Drinks were excellent. They had bottle water already on the table, but if requested they will switch to tap water. For appetizer, we started with the Parker House Rolls and wow they were delicious. They were nice and fluffy and pulled apart easily. The butter that came with it also tasted wonderful. This one carries over most menus. For entrees, I got the filet with chimichurri sauce and mash potatoes. The steak was cooked perfectly (rare) and the chinichurri sauce was nice. Mash potatoes was nice and creamy. My wife got the short ribs which came in a nice presentation with a cover removed when served to release the smoke. Flavors on the dish was also good. For dessert we had the apple butter cake and honestly that is the one item we thought was ok. Taste fine but not the best butter cake we've had. Overall we would definitely come again to try the other seasonal menus.

Beautiful and elevated venue. Great for events and office get togethers. Food was mediocre; cocktails were good. Here's what we tried. Btw they close for parking. 1. Paper Airplane-Bourbon and aperol with lemon juice. Was ok. 2. French 75- Gin and Prosecco with pear and lemon juice. Good 3. Parker house rolls-freshly baked soft and buttery rolls with herbs. Delicious. Must order 4. Spicy tun tartare-Spicy tuna with cucumber avocado served on tortillas. Nothing special 5. Braised short ribs Papperdelle- dry tender beef strips served in a rich sauce and papperdelle pasta. Was averaged. Little salty for my taste. 6. Malbec Braised short ribs: stunning presentation served in bell jar that gave it Smokey flavor. Meat was tender short rib served with side of buttery soft whipped potatoes and spinach/kale. Was good 7. Branzino-whole fish grilled with walnut cream)tasted my friends and it was good). 8. Filet mignon-medium steak with side of whipped potatoes. Good 9. Pistachio tres Leches-milky and good.

If you enjoy new tastes and ordering items that are off menu, Tyler and Arian. Most of the dishes on the menu feel like they were specially curated as off-menu items. The flavor profiles complement each other very well. The beet and goat cheese appetizer, along with the short rib, pappardelle are among the best options available. The seats are comfortable and cozy. Ambience is fantastic in the evening with the full wall windows that overlook the boardwalk. Especially nice are the heavy dinnerware that they use. We loved how the white staff came to check on us and provided suggestions on cocktails as well as menu items.

Located at the Boardwalk, Solstice offers a variety of Californian cuisine in a relaxed yet upscale ambiance. Izzy offered us excellent service and was super attentive and friendly. They have an expansive bar area, perfect to get work done or grab a happy hour drink. Food was done well, flavorful and uncomplicated, plated nicely. Would def pay them a visit for dinner. Validated parking in the covered lot.

Located not far off the 405 this place is truly a gem. Interior is bright and clean with great service, a bar to sit at if that is your preference, plenty of tables inside and out and food that is truly fantastic! I went for the carne asada salad and was blown away at how well it was created. Plenty of dressing with steak cooked perfectly and don't miss out on the Parker house rolls as an appetizer... that rosemary thyme butter is perfect. Definitely coming back to try more menu items.

Excellent service from Sherry and the manager! They were so friendly and accommodating. Despite there being some large groups before us, we didn't have to wait long for our food to come out. It's a beautiful, modern interior design with great lighting for photos. Right now is their winter solstice menu. We enjoyed our dinner, especially the cremini mushroom soup (seasonal item). The pan-seared salmon was delicious and filling. I also got a great seasonal cocktail that Sherry recommended which was the Royal Kesar. Lastly, Sherry brought out donuts with chocolate and caramel sauce on the house for my birthday! Once again, excellent dining experience all around. Highly recommend!

Loved the experience at Solstice! The ingredients are fresh, the dishes are beautifully presented, and the ambiance is stunning--you just feel so bougie eating here. Perfect spot for a nice night out or a special occasion. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Solstice was a really wonderful place to celebrate my boyfriend and my's anniversary, and treat each other to a nicer meal. Their selection of seasonal dishes was really what stood out to me, because they did an amaznig job highlighting fresh, in-season ingredients like with the absolutely to-die-for beet salad. There were so many interesting flavor combos/touches, like the fried olives in the beat salad, or the citrus honey and hazelnuts with the whipped ricotta, that works beautifully together, and made the meal really one of a kind. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with the glass windows, the soft lighting, and the beautifully minamalistic little plants and decorations dispersed around the area. Our server was also very sweet, checked in on us throughout the meal, and always kept our water glasses full! We made our reservation online, which was a really easy system, including a reminder text the day before. I saw in some other comments that sometimes they celebrate special occasions with a card or something, and while I did indicate it was our anniversary, it was not aknowledged during our time there at all. Not a big deal, but if it matters to you, definetly tell the server directly! Overall, dinner at Solstice was a really special treat, and made for a lovely anniversary date. I would highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a higher-end dining experience, and especially would suggest you take a look at the seasonal dishes (indicated by the leaf on the menu!)

A Hidden Gem in Irvine Solstice Kitchen & Bar is an incredible farm-to-table spot that feels like a hidden gem, but once you find it, you'll keep coming back. I always go for their Solstice Salad with double salmon--fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Their cocktails are next level, especially the Paper Plane and Last Word (a must-try if you're into Green Chartreuse). Desserts here are fantastic. The Tres Leches is warm and comforting, while the seasonal butter cake (apple when I visited) with gelato is rich but lighter than similar versions, making it easy to enjoy regularly. The hummus is fresh and delicious, and my kids love the burger and fries (adult-sized portions) and the fresh butter pasta, which is made in-house daily. Beyond the food, the ambiance is inviting, service is consistently great, and I love that you can see the open kitchen in action. Surprisingly, they're quite busy even on weekdays. Parking is validated, and while access may not feel obvious at first, it's actually quite easy. They also have a decent rewards program, which is a nice perk for frequent visits. If you're looking for a spot with fresh ingredients, great cocktails, and a well-executed menu, Solstice Kitchen & Bar is absolutely worth a visit!

Fantastic evening with coworkers here. Our server Brandon was a rock star. He took great care of the five of us making our dinner a great experience. The food was excellent and the vibe was very upbeat. Highly recommend it! Only picture I took was of a vodka Brandon recommended.

We went for dinner nearby after work and were seated on the patio, perfect for enjoying some fresh air. The food, service, and drinks were all spot on. The dishes were delicious, creative, and beautifully presented, and the service was excellent. There's plenty of parking since the restaurant shares a structure with other businesses in the Boardwalk area--just remember to bring your ticket inside for validation after your meal!

Beautiful spot for a small group or even a date night! Food was amazingggg! We've been here before for brunch and wanted to try the dinner. Our waiter Silvia was so sweet and had the best spirit. One of the best servers we've ever had! We ordered the wild mushroom risotto, grilled branzino, crispy Brussels sprouts, Parker house rolls, Ricotta & Nduja Dip, and Short Rib Croquettes. For drinks, we had the fall-tini, Sesame Daiquiri, and Solstice slide!

Overall, Solstice is a great date spot & the drinks/desserts were noteworthy. I'd give it 3.7 stars because it felt like most things were so close to hitting the mark. We both got seasonal drinks. His was a tequila seasonal drink with salt foam. It was good but not super flavorful. I loved my pear French 75. The Parker rolls were one of the stars of the show! It was warm, incredibly fluffy & the apple butter was something you couldn't get enough of. I wanted to try the mushroom soup because it was a popular item and I love mushrooms. Sadly, I had to send it back because I could not eat it. It tasted like just puréed mushrooms with no other flavor and minimal salt. I got the wedge salad & someone on reviews said if you didn't want it sweet then take off the tomato jam which I did. The bacon jam tasted like bacon & BBQ sauce. So I'd say it tasted like a BBQ wedge salad and it was pretty good. I wanted it to be more traditional in flavor but it was different. We also got the salmon crudo which was light & refreshing with the raw fish and pomegranates. The sauce under tasted like guacamole so I wouldn't in love with this dish. I think if the sauce under was more like an aji verde sauce it would elevate it more. I got the short rib parpadelle and the short rib was very tender! The sauce was flavorful & the noodles were cooked to perfection. It's a large portion too! The braised short rib is what my partner got. It was on the sweet side in my opinion. I'd have liked it more savory. It was very tender and fell apart. There was more flavor in the sauce than there was in the meat. It paired well with the potatoes. The apple butter cake was DIVINEEEEE! It was flaky, sweet, creamy, crunchy. The ice cream on it was so delicious. I wanted more and more of it. Definitely get this! The mochaccino we had at the end after dessert was soooooo tasty. It was like a hot chocolate mixed with an espresso martini with whipped cream. The best night cap at the end of your meal.

A great place to brunch and to have celebrations i.e. birthdays, bridal shower brunches, family celebrations. I was surprised at how well the layout was in order to seat the above types of gatherings. They're great for the 2-3 people seating as well but just giving awareness that they have great pockets of seating for a few larger parties as well I.e. around 10-15 people We would have been here at a sooner date for brunch but they do not offer brunch on Saturdays. It's only on Sundays. I wish they were open for brunch on Saturdays because the restaurant is really cute and a great ambiance for brunch and think they'd do well if so. Aesthetic is simple, semi-neutral and earthy tones with pops of color and a few unique items that catch your eye. Pretty and warm with a touch of sophistication The food was really good. I ordered something very simple this time just because I was not in the mood for anything heavy. I do wish they had a little more variety on breakfast menu items but they did have a couple of unique items breakfast wise. With them only being open for brunch on Sundays, I wouldn't expect them to have a huge menu list so that's fine. With what I ordered, the eggs were perfectly cooked (some restaurants overcook the eggs) and the potatoes were really well seasoned and the right amount of salt. I only could finish a portion of the biscuit but what made the biscuit was its softness and salt on the outside of it. Service was great in the sense that our server always made sure our drinks were filled and we had everything we needed at all times.

I finally got to experience Solstice Seasonal Kitchen and Bar on Thursday, December 26, 2024. I dined here for lunch with a friend. It's an upscale, trendy spot with a modern design and floor to ceiling glass windows located in The Boardwalk, at the intersection of Jamboree and Dupont in Irvine. There's an adjacent parking garage and they will validate. What I love about Solstice is that the concept and menus is built around the practice of eating according to the seasons. We started off with the Short Rib Croquettes and then followed with the Grilled Chicken Cobb salad and Solstice Burger. The 3 croquettes (aji amarillo aioli, pickled red onion) were flavorful. The Cobb salad and burger were good, but honestly I didn't find them to be anything special. The vibe and ambiance are really what you're paying for. It's a cute spot for a date, lunch meeting or just to meet up with friends. The service is professional and attentive.

Stumbled upon this gem for lunch on a random Monday - and was very pleased with our choice! They were just opening, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Validated our parking in the on-site structure as well. Located on the ground floor of an office building, in a pretty big sort of office complex - there's actually a cute little courtyard we walked through a bit first. Somewhat accidentally but very nice to enjoy the property. Other small eateries/cafes on site, outdoor meeting spaces, even some bbq areas. Cool spot to work. I ordered the grilled chicken Cobb, it was good - chicken was on the saltier end but lots of great flavors/textures otherwise. They do a Social Hour at the bar I'd love to check out if in the area again. Thanks Izzy for the great service!

We came here randomly, it's tucked into all these businesses. Parking can be validated for the parking garage though. Wasn't busy but it did get busy at the end of our dinner. You can choose to sit outside or inside, they have a nice bar too. Service was great, they always checked up on us. Seemed like upscale service at a laid back environment (but perfect for date night). DO NOT SKIP on the MUSSELS! It was so good! I got the bolognese which was good and my husband got the lobster bisque? We don't remember but he was not a fan. We would come back because we enjoyed the ambiance and want to see the rotating menu.

We recently visited Solstice in Irvine for our company Christmas luncheon, which we had booked several weeks in advance for a party of eight. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing due to poor communication and unprofessional service. When we arrived, we were informed that the restaurant would be closing early for a private company holiday party. This crucial detail was never mentioned when we made the reservation or during the confirmation call a few days prior. To make matters worse, the hostess was incredibly rude, speaking to us with a dismissive and condescending tone. She bluntly told us we would only have two hours for our lunch, making the entire experience feel rushed and unpleasant. Had we known, we could have adjusted our reservation to an earlier time to avoid feeling rushed. During the meal, we felt pressured as staff started cleaning and setting up for the evening party while we were still eating. The uncomfortable atmosphere prevented us from ordering additional food or drinks, as it was clear they wanted us to leave. This lack of courtesy completely overshadowed our experience. We had looked forward to dining at Solstice and were eager to support a place we had previously enjoyed, but this experience was absolutely horrible. There were multiple opportunities for the staff to notify us about the early closure, yet they failed to do so, leaving us with an unpleasant and rushed holiday luncheon. We will seriously reconsider visiting Solstice again in the future.

First time visitor Located in the broadwalk Parking structure available with validation for dinner Upscale dining: group outing and date night - easily shareable dishes for multiple options Indoor and outdoor dining available Reservations might be recommended Wine beer seasonal drinks available Impeccable service from all the servers and food runners attending to our table of 14 Parker roll warm and fluffy with some Type of honey butter Short rib croquette little pillow mound Malbec short rib soft tender flaky with whip potato and the mushroom risotto rich with micro green spinach and other texture item tender buttery cooked perfectly Overall service was wonderful, environment was engaging, and quality of food was memorable.

My go to place for business/lunch meetings; it's conveniently located in the plaza my firm is at and the service and food is dependable. Also helpful that they have a reward app as incentive to return. Service is always top notch - Brandon's exceptional and deserved a raise for his hard work. They do a great job of rotating in and out seasonal items and using produce that's in season. Ambiance always impresses my clients. Tip: there's complimentary valet, or you can park in the structure and get your ticket validated. If no ticket is dispensed or your ticket gets mangled, you can just hit the assistance button and they'll let you out.

1st time here! Great service! Ah all cocktails are house made from scratch. Details and quality of food is spectacular! I would totally recommend this place for hit dates and important celebrations! Make sure to try their mezcal drinks!

Great food, drink and atmosphere. Great find in Irvine. Highly recommended for a small to a large group. They offer a free parking validation.

My wife and I had a late valentines dinner at Solstice this evening. This was probably the 20th or so time we've been there and as usual the food was excellent. However, I was not impressed with the lack of transparency between paying with cash and using a credit card. Don't remember this being the case in past visits. Payed an extra 3% because I used a credit card. Just found that to be somewhat annoying. Again, great food and awesome waitress.

Who would have guessed yet another random side street in Irvine had such a chic and modern spot as solstice? That said, the location is a bit tricky in that's it's easy to drive past. But easy validated parking and free valet! The lunch vibe was the "fun" office crowd. My old fashioned was the perfect elevated lunch cocktail with garrison brothers whiskey that's blended and further aged in house. My mushroom soup was almost the perfect amount of fungi- I wish there were some more crunchy mushroom "bacon" bits. The avocado melt was good, and fries were well made. Brandon on service was amazing- he was a Jedi mind reader and basically already knew what I wanted.

Came by for my grad dinner, pretty close to UCI. They gave us complementary champagne and carrot purée for my grad! Service was great and friendly. They managed to squeeze us in without a reservation (party of 3). Food was delicious, definitely felt the care put into making them. I will say it was a little more pricey than I was expecting for the portion size and taste. Overall, I had a lovely grad dinner at Solstice :)

Had my birthday dinner here and I gotta say it was the best place to celebrate my birthday. So glad my best friends chose to have my celebration here. The food was sooo delicious and amazing. I ordered their scallops and it was perfect!!!!! Their food presentation was immaculate, service was amazing, so quick to all my needs, and ambiance was super vibey. I will definitely come back here to grab another meal for dinner. Would 1000% recommend this place the only sad thing is that they change out their menus and add different dishes!! Would def be back here. Thank you Solstice for going above and beyond with every aspect in providing the best customer service.

I went here in September 2023 and it was one of the highlights of that year. We made a reservation for dinner at around 7:30. It was every impressive the moment I stepped in. The restaurant felt very modern and classy and it had an open kitchen that we can look into. This reminded me a lot of the movie "The Menu" (just the fancy food part). Our waiter was Emilio, who just started working here when we ate. He was extremely professional and was knowledgeable about the menu. The physical menu itself was excessive (in a good, justified way) in its presentation. We were started off with a drink menu and I ordered the Un French 75. In the normal menu, we had malec braised wagyu short rib, cremini mushroom soup, ricotta gnocchi. and cheese, and a flourless brown butter fudge cake with a blood orange sorbet for dessert. The Un French 75 is a mocktail and it tasted pretty good. I don't remember for sure but I think it used lychee juice as its base. Before our food came, we got a sample of sweet potato with coffee that came in a pair of spoons. I was skeptical, but it worked and was delicious. The cremini mushroom soup is one of the best soups I've had in my lifetime. It's really good. It's rich, flavorful, and has a hint of sourness. Somehow it's both thick and thin at the same time. The gnocchi dish had a good texture and felt like a glorified mac and cheese. Somehow, it was both rich and light at the same time. The wagyu short rib same arrived with a table side smoke show. The meat was super tender. The vegetables were crisp, and the potatoes were good. It's so tender that I didn't even need to use my knife. It was very filling. Finally, the flourless fudge cake was delicious. It was very thick and dense, like most flourless chocolate cakes. The blood orange sorbet was very refreshing and helped balance the richness of the cake. Overall I had a fantastic dining experience and I encourage anybody who is looking at this restaurant to try it at least once. I also feel like sitting inside is a better experience than on the patio.

Great service, delicious food, and beautiful restaurant. You can park at the Boardwalk and they validate. It's kind of in a business plaza with some lounge areas outside too.

Came here to catch up with my friend. Our waiter explained their menus change every three months as their stuff is seasonal and use fresh ingredients. I decided to try the Braised wagyu pappardelle. Pasta was cooked al dente just like how it should be. Flavors was delicious that I would get it again. My friend got the roasted half chicken. I tried a piece and the chicken was delicious and juicy!! The restaurant was cute and simple. I saw a big group that was in this open yet private section of the restaurant which I pictured having a nice dinner with a group of my friends there one night lol! Definitely a place to check out.

Solstice is tucked in a plaza with a bunch of corporate offices and event spaces. We made reservations for a Friday night and were seated immediately when we arrived. They have indoor and outdoor tables with heated lamps, and they also do parking validation. MUSSELS ROCKEFELLER ($18) - the broth was so good that we asked for a spoon to finish it. I also liked the additions of the lardon and the pickled shallots. 5/5 BRAISED WAGYU PAPPARDELLE ($36) - they make their pasta fresh daily and you can really tell. The noodles were great and the meat sauce was good. 4/5 MALBEC BRAISED WAGYU SHORT RIB ($40) - I thought the short rib was a little dry and could've used more seasoning. The portion size could've been bigger as well. 3/5 For drinks I got the whiskey cocktail 5 ($20) which was really good and smooth. It came out smokey and was really nice to drink. My second drink was the spring barrel aged cocktail ($23) which was okay and a little bitter. Our service was phenomenal from the moment we walked in. From the front of house staff seeing our special occasion note on the reservation and even giving a handwritten note for us, to our server giving us recommendations and making us feel welcomed, everything from start to finish was great.

The food and vibes were great. It is good for drinks and the service is great. I love their desserts as well. I would not go for dinner but they have great options if you are hungry. it was my friends birthday and we got handwritten card and ice cream from the restaurant. I would go back for a cute girls night or date.

Very late review...but my shout out goes to Dylan! He made my mom & I's birthday so memorable & we will definitely never forget it. The ambiance at solstice is such a vibe, so new, so refreshing...the chefs/servers/hostess' don't play around! They all love what they do & want you to bask in the best dining experience that you can't find anywhere else. The entire staff wrote out a birthday card for us that was very much personalized, we felt so seen & special. Food wise, so worth it. For the price? The way it tasted? The way it was presented? This is a very cute aesthetic date night, girls night, lunch, dinner spot...you name it.

Holy moly! One of the best meals I have had. The cremini mushroom soup was unbelievably flavorful, the beet salad brought actual tears to my eyes.

BRING CASH! If you want to avoid an additional 3% fee. They call it "technology tax" so if you use credit OR debit card. Luckily we were able to scramble $520 cash amongst us for the bill. Nice spot for dinner. We had 7 girls and they could only give us a table for 6, and added extra place setting on one side... we had to ask to sit on patio instead. Hugo our server was amazing. He was accommodating to move the tables around on the patio and turned off the heat lamp that was way too hot for a 6pm 75 degrees weather dinner. Drinks were only ok, pricy $16-21 range. We had a bottle of white wine $45, market value $25. $20 up charge wasn't bad. The branzino was yummy, mushroom risotto, tomohwak steak was cooked well as well. Appetizers, hummus was ok, salmon carpaccio was very thin and tiny portions. Dessert was good, the apple butter cake was the winner

Was ok. Cool interior but veg options could have been a little more substantial I got a farro quinoa salad. It was ok. Got fries too. Also ok Not sure I would come back Parking is a challenge. It's in a structure but at the time no tickets were dispensed. Exiting was interesting...

The lobster and shrimp roll is very good, it should be for like $28.00, the appetizers and butter cake for dessert very good as well. Open, big restaurant, farm to tale concept. Why not 5 stars? Because they had items on the menu that were not available. We went here for lunch, they just opened, how can they run out of food? I wanted the tuna salad and they didn't have tuna. Take it off the menu then. It is close to work so I will go back

The service and atmosphere were great. Our server was helpful with recommendations and friendly. The food was amazing! Everything we ordered was delicious and had lots of flavor. We got the Salmon Crudo and the sauce was very tasty. The Wild Mushroon Rissoto was so good I was debating whether to get another one instead of dessert. It was very creamy and flavorful. The Malbec Braised Short rib was so tender it peeled apart with a fork and the sauce on the mashed potatoes was very tasty. The Apple Butter Cake was moist and had lots of flavors. I'm glad we got the dessert even though the Rissoto was amazing. Overall a great place with a great atmosphere, great staff, and amazing food.

Over the top excellent! We met with friends and celebrated my daughter's birthday. The food, the service were exceptional. They even gave my daughter this hand drawn card which was perfect and such a lovely extra touch. Still the best place in the OC!

Entire experience 10/10. I live about 5 hours away and found the most amazing hidden gem in Orange County. The food most definitely gave me high end fine dining flavor and uniqueness but the atmosphere was just so vibey. I came alone but I saw plenty of families. Also saw people dressed up but also super casual. The service was absolutely phenomenal and everyone was so friendly. No reservation necessary but I definitely recommend making one online! I can't wait to come back when I visit again! Every single item I ordered was absolutely phenomenal. ZERO COMPLAINTS, you can tell a lot of time goes into their menu. Best Item: Short Rib Pappardelle Pasta Best Dessert: Apple Butter Cake Parking: the Broadway parking garage is right behind the restaurant, super easy to navigate and you can get your ticket validated so it's free.

Luxury cool yet casual vibe. Very So Cal. Our server was very knowledgeable and made awesome recommendations. The food was way better than expected and we really had a pleasant experience

::3.5 Stars:: Parking: inside of Boardwalk structure. Parking is validated. Service: the host and hostess seemed a little disorganized when we arrived for our 8pm reservation. First we were told we would be seated at a high tablet then were taken to a regular booth table. However, our server was great! I didn't catch his name but he has a Spanish accent. He was enthusiastic, lively, and friendly! He made good recommendations. Food: Complimentary squash purée: light and palate cleansing Strawberry arugula salad: very refreshing specially with the pesto purée and elderberry vinaigrette. There was an ant crawling out from there... hubby stopped eating. The portion was super small! Roasted cauliflower: very flavorful but a little heavy with the olive oil. Pesto purée was a nice touch Waygu short rib: short rib was very tender but the meat was on the saltier side. The sauce was a little sweet by contrast. The mashed potato was quite rich and velvety Braised waygu pappardelle: pappardelle was quite fresh and red sauce wasn't too overwhelming. Definitely tasted homemade. Butter cake: I'd call this a "cookie cake." Not the best butter cake I've had. The cake was too dense and tasted like a thick cookie. I'd save the calories and skip this. The restaurant is esthetically pleasing. The bar and kitchen are open. Plenty of tables! It was pretty loud where we sat as we were placed next to a large party. The cocktail menu looked interesting at a steep price of $24/drink! This is a nice place to for a date or even girls night out but I wouldn't say the food is spectacular especially for the price. A 2 person meal will cost ya $126 before tip.

WOW! My husband found solstice on yelp and made reservations for a monday night for our anniversary. It was our first time here and our server brandon seated us right away. He handed me a card signed from the staff wishing us a happy anniversary which was such a thoughtful, extra-mile touch. What we ordered: (Appetizer) ricotta and 'nduja dip - brandon saw that we dropped a piece of bread and came back with an entire plate of bread in its stead. So astute of him and beyond our expectations. This totally caught us by surprise especially because there was way more dip than bread given. - it was a flavor that was new to both of us; sweet, creamy, slight heat. Delicious with the pickled onions and olives. (Main) whole branzino - husband loved it and the mexican flair it had with the spices and mole. - im not a huge fan of fish but the crispy skin was such a plus! I had multiple bites :) (Main) mushroom risotto - i expected "cream of mushroom" flavor and savory-ness, but it had a sweetness that was indulgent and still earthy from the mushrooms. Pleasant surprise. - such a big portion!! (Side) brussel sprouts - dollops of ricotta paired so well with the crispy bits of brussel - loved the sweetness from the apple/pear on top. (Dessert) apple butter cake with cinnamon ice cream - took me back to elementary school in virginia when a classmate would share her homemade applebutter and apple jam sandwich with me. Wow. - cake was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside - neither cake nor ice cream was too sweet or overpowering - the apple compote was deliciously seasoned, and held more flavor profile than just cinnamon. - apple peel crisps as a garnish was such a fun way of using up the entire fruit. Props on this. Complimentary dessert this blew my mind???? It was granny smith apple slices with a cacao nib crumb, piped chocolate pudding, and a little dab of some wine reduction preserve or something. It all went so well together and the textures and tartness and bitterness was entirely complimentary to one another. I would pay to eat that. It left such an impression and i know i wont stop thinking about its simplicity and complexity. My favorite of the night! Brandon always stopped by to check on us and also silently filled our waters in stealth lol. He constantly wished us a happy anniversary, showing he was mindful of his customers. It was one of the best meals we've had in a while and theres no doubt it was because of both the food and experience! Definitely now our go-to place for special occasions and we recommend it to our friends and family.