Best Historic Restaurants in Irvine

Once again the Beachcomber did not disappoint. You can’t beat the view from anywhere you sit. The beignet’s are a must. Our food order arrived quickly. The crashing waves in the background is a great part of the ambiance. Our waitress Amber was very attentive and thorough. A waiter Hector from previous visits remembered us and stopped by to say hello. Can’t wait to visit again.

We enjoyed a wonderful Valentine’s Day lunch of freshly made guacamole and chips along with ribs for appetizers. The main course was a delicious grilled chicken plate featuring fingerling potatoes with an amazing cream dressing! Our server was very attentive and helpful, providing us with all the modifications requested of our meal. The ambiance was great, the view spectacular, and overall feel of warmth in all of the staff we encountered! A perfect place to celebrate the occasion, and we will definitely return in the future!

Hostess named Sam acknowledged us as soon as we walked in out of the pouring rain. She got us seated earlier than I expected and she was friendly. The rest was amazing, but just the small things entering for the first time mean a lot.

It was a rainy night. We were met at the door by several members of staff, who handled everyone's coats and hats efficiently. This staff is excellent on every visit, and tonight was no exception. Do you avoid dining out on Valentine's day or near the 14th? Are the restuarants generally overburdened? Forget about that and dine at the Hobbit. Their routine for Valentine's day, while offering a slightly different menu, remains the same. They are not overwhelmed, because they only handle as many people as will attend one seating. The experience is preceded by a cocktail hour - then to table at 7 p.m. An amuse bouche of "three perfect bites", which are accompanied by a complimentary glass of champagne. The opening this time was a Hamachi crudo, that was plated perfectly, and delivered a wonderful amalgam of green apple, cucumber, tangerine and a tarragon oil opening. The second course, a crepe a la duck confit, worried my partner who does not favor duck. She loved the crepe and the duck confit! Very smooth and subtle. My filet with a bone marrow bordelaise was perfect, rare, as I love good beef. We accompanied our meal with an excellent 2005 Bordeau from Pauillac purchased from the well stocked wine cellar. The service was impeccable, and the entire serving staff assisted at one time or another to insure prompt service without hovering. I have been here many times, and you cannot go wrong dining at the Hobbit on any occasion.

So Happy to have this restaurant in my neighborhood. Great food and Cocktails!