The Goldfinch Restaurant

Hazel Venezia

I first discovered The Goldfinch after seeing a post from sibling duo @Brooke.and.Ben on Instagram, and I’m so glad I did. The restaurant is elegant and has such a welcoming vibe. The food was absolutely delicious, the cocktails were not only unique but also beautifully crafted, and the desserts were pure indulgence. This is definitely a spot I’d bring my clients for a business lunch, or come back to enjoy with friends and family. A great find in Irvine!

Eric Hurtado

I’ve driven past them countless times on my way home from work, and I’m glad I finally stopped in for brunch. The experience was excellent from start to finish. The service was great,our server checked on us often and made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing. The entire staff was warm and welcoming, which added to the relaxed vibe. My wife had the classic breakfast with a pancake and loved it. I went with the chilaquiles, and while they were good, I probably wouldn’t order them again, not because of the quality, but just because I’m picky when it comes to that dish. The coffee was a nice surprise. They bring you a full French press, which was a great touch. To top it all off, our server surprised us with a free dessert at the end of the meal, saying he got the okay from the manager since it was our first visit. It was such a thoughtful gesture that really left a lasting impression. Parking was easy too, and they validate. I’d definitely recommend them to friends, and I could see this becoming a go to spot for me.

Mark Lenox

I have eaten here a few times and have always been impressed. Katey and I stopped in for a quick light lunch today and it was excellent. We both sampled the seasonal menu salads and really enjoyed it. I had the Shrimp/Lobster/melon salad and I’ve got to say I thought I was taking some risk but it was perfect. It’s a very nice, pleasant space with an excellent patio. Service is super. I’ll be back many more times I’m sure.

Andrew

We loved our dining experience. The staff was gracious and welcoming. The interior was modern and well-appointed. The elevated menu of culinary delights contained options for palates of all types.

Juan Serrano

We Celebrate My Wife Birthday at this Place Food and Service By Giovanni exelent they variety of plates to choose look for pictures I submitted

Kat B

We had a lovely meal and everything exceeded expectations. I tried a seasonal strawberry cocktail which was fresh and well balanced. We shared the poke tacos which were a nice small starter. The star was my lobster roll! I was impressed with the large full pieces of perfectly prepared lobster. The bun was also done very well as they cut off the sides of the bun and grilled it. This was such a great riff as it improved the balance of the sandwich to filling and added flavor. We finished with some lovely desserts and I really enjoyed the pistachio tiramisu. Our server was excellent and we had a lovely evening. First visit tonight but we will definitely be back to try brunch.

Mike Jones

Came in on a Wednesday and stayed for happy hour. Best bartender in all of Irvine. We had almost every cocktail on the menu. Superb quality and it was just right in every way. The food was also excellent. Had a great time here and service , atmosphere , decor was classy. Thank you all at the Goldfinch. See you again soon!

Mrs. HeatherC

Where do I start. First, the restaurant is gorgeous. The lighting, the beautiful colors & the open roll-up door with a large fire pit at the back of the restaurant. Next, our server, BEN. Ben was fun, engaging, absolutely amazing & when we go back we will be asking to have him, if it's possible. The food. Stop it right now. Delicious. Absolutely delicious. 5 stars is not enough for the experience we had today. I spoke with the manager, Shane, just to share how awesome every single thing was & to thank him for a great time. We will be back & bringing friends. ❤️❤️ Goldfinch is a must must must.

Cheryl Nasser

Good variety of options on their menu including seasonal options. Enjoyed the poached shrimp and lobster melon salad. It was light and fresh. The artichoke spinach dip appetizer was the best that I have enjoyed with fresh homemade chips. Good size portion of their lobster roll. They chocolate cake was light and had the right amount of frosting. Modern and comfy decor, they are located in a business park right off the 405 freeway. Chose this place looking for an early dinner option before going to the Segerstrom Center theater. This was a great option with a mid price point and only eight minutes away by streets or freeway. They also have a weekend brunch.

Brandon

Great spot all around. Food was cooked perfectly and arrived surprisingly quick, service was prompt and subtle (not disruptive which I personally appreciate) and the prices are very reasonable given the atmosphere and location. We had the ribeye and prime rib and they were both fantastic. Just know that you do have to pay for parking.

I’ve been to Goldfinch in Irvine twice now for brunch, and I’m already hooked. The first time we sat at the bar and Xavier took care of us — super friendly, great energy, and really solid recommendations. The food was so good we came back again, this time with friends, and they loved it just as much. Our server on the second visit, Haley, was amazing — really sweet and attentive. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, easy to find, and parking is simple, which is always a plus. This spot has definitely become one of my new favorites, and I’m already excited to come back for dinner.

If you’re looking for a delicious brunch spot, this place is great!! I enjoy their brunch menu and you can also order from their regular menu if you aren’t feeling breakfast in the morning, the atmosphere is great and have a full bar, they have plenty of parking in the parking structure and offer parking validation which makes it convenient when dining here.

A place I will always recommend—even though I’ve only been here once, that’s how good it was. This is the spot to come for brunch or dinner. They offer bottomless mimosas, and hands down some of the best champagne I’ve had. Ryan was absolutely amazing and made us feel extremely welcomed from the moment we sat down. He answered all of our questions and gave the best recommendations—from the food all the way to dessert. We ordered so much food and left nothing behind because everything was seriously finger-licking good. A lot of us ordered steaks and they were cooked to perfection, full of flavor and done exactly right. We also ordered a burger—didn’t get a bite, but it looked insanely juicy. I personally ordered the lobster and shrimp pasta, and it was delicious (I only wished it was a little more saucy), but honestly… zero complaints. The inside of the restaurant is super cute, perfect if you love taking pictures. And can we talk about the bathroom mirrors? Loved them 😌✨

Mitch Service

The atmosphere was amazing, even with our very large group of people the waiter did an amazing job and making sure everyone was taken care of. The food was amazing as well. My filet was cooked perfectly where I wanted it.

karen jimenez

A place I will always recommend—even though I’ve only been here once, that’s how good it was. This is the spot to come for brunch or dinner. They offer bottomless mimosas, and hands down some of the best champagne I’ve had. Ryan was absolutely amazing and made us feel extremely welcomed from the moment we sat down. He answered all of our questions and gave the best recommendations—from the food all the way to dessert. We ordered so much food and left nothing behind because everything was seriously finger-licking good. A lot of us ordered steaks and they were cooked to perfection, full of flavor and done exactly right. We also ordered a burger—didn’t get a bite, but it looked insanely juicy. I personally ordered the lobster and shrimp pasta, and it was delicious (I only wished it was a little more saucy), but honestly… zero complaints. The inside of the restaurant is super cute, perfect if you love taking pictures. And can we talk about the bathroom mirrors? Loved them 😌✨

LINDA WARNER

We just stopped in. We had appetizers and wine Everthing was excellent. Highly recommend the ahi poke wraps and stuffed artichoke. Our waiter GiGi was very attentive, prompt and funny. We will come back!

Rekea Simmons

I’ve been to Goldfinch in Irvine twice now for brunch, and I’m already hooked. The first time we sat at the bar and Xavier took care of us — super friendly, great energy, and really solid recommendations. The food was so good we came back again, this time with friends, and they loved it just as much. Our server on the second visit, Haley, was amazing — really sweet and attentive. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, easy to find, and parking is simple, which is always a plus. This spot has definitely become one of my new favorites, and I’m already excited to come back for dinner.

This spot has a great vibe that strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale. I grabbed a seat at the bar for a drink and a meal, and the bartender couldn’t have been more helpful or friendly—definitely added to the welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating looked inviting and would be a great option on a nice day. As for the food, the calamari was generously portioned and well-prepared. The New York strip was cooked to perfection, with excellent flavor, even if it leaned a bit on the dry side. Their spirit selection is solid, offering a decent variety to pair with your meal. Whether you're stopping by for a laid-back evening or something a little more refined, this place delivers. I’ll definitely be back.

The Goldfinch has a beautiful atmosphere that creates a pleasant dining experience. However, in my opinion, the number of tables in the space is more than usual, making it feel a bit crowded. I believe reducing the number of tables would improve the comfort of guests. That being said, the quality of the food was good, and the management was also well-organized. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience!

It was Mother's day for lunch. Very crowded, and I strongly recommend a reservation. As it was, we waited 1/2 hrs. to be seated. The calamari starter and pitaschio tiramisu were the best. The rest of our food was just OK. Service was okay.

I was really looking forward to dining here. Love the look and feel of this restaurant. The menu and drink selection is really good. Great service from Jeff and I really appreciated his knowledge about the dishes. They make all they syrups for the cocktails in-house and the blueberry watermelon margarita was 👌🏼 the appetizers did not disappoint either! I ordered the halibut for dinner and while the flavors were great my dinner was lent served hot. Kind of a bummer.

Upscale restaurant near John Wayne airport with good food, service, and decor. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s nothing unexpected given the location and menu. My husband and I went for lunch around 11:30 on a Friday without a reservation. They promptly seated us and only a handful of patrons were there, although things picked up around noon. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer. It was on the smaller side (5 pieces) but pretty flavorful. I ordered the crab cake, which was excellent — succulent and flavorful, especially with the sauce. The fennel salad was interesting. I’m not usually a fan of fennel, but it paired nicely with the crab cake and had a nice, firm texture. My husband ordered the prime rib (medium rare, on the rarer side), which was juicy and flavorful. The accompanying mashed potatoes were also tasty. Other things to note: The service was great. My husband drinks frequently and our server was quick to come by for refills. In addition, they validated for 90 min parking at the adjacent parking garage.

Terry Jones

This spot has a great vibe that strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale. I grabbed a seat at the bar for a drink and a meal, and the bartender couldn’t have been more helpful or friendly—definitely added to the welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor seating looked inviting and would be a great option on a nice day. As for the food, the calamari was generously portioned and well-prepared. The New York strip was cooked to perfection, with excellent flavor, even if it leaned a bit on the dry side. Their spirit selection is solid, offering a decent variety to pair with your meal. Whether you're stopping by for a laid-back evening or something a little more refined, this place delivers. I’ll definitely be back.

Sina Sadeghi

The Goldfinch has a beautiful atmosphere that creates a pleasant dining experience. However, in my opinion, the number of tables in the space is more than usual, making it feel a bit crowded. I believe reducing the number of tables would improve the comfort of guests. That being said, the quality of the food was good, and the management was also well-organized. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience!

Bonnie Carawan

It was Mother's day for lunch. Very crowded, and I strongly recommend a reservation. As it was, we waited 1/2 hrs. to be seated. The calamari starter and pitaschio tiramisu were the best. The rest of our food was just OK. Service was okay.

Simone Dadsetan

I was really looking forward to dining here. Love the look and feel of this restaurant. The menu and drink selection is really good. Great service from Jeff and I really appreciated his knowledge about the dishes. They make all they syrups for the cocktails in-house and the blueberry watermelon margarita was 👌🏼 the appetizers did not disappoint either! I ordered the halibut for dinner and while the flavors were great my dinner was lent served hot. Kind of a bummer.

Deborah S

Upscale restaurant near John Wayne airport with good food, service, and decor. It’s on the pricier side, but it’s nothing unexpected given the location and menu. My husband and I went for lunch around 11:30 on a Friday without a reservation. They promptly seated us and only a handful of patrons were there, although things picked up around noon. We started with the goat cheese and artichoke appetizer. It was on the smaller side (5 pieces) but pretty flavorful. I ordered the crab cake, which was excellent — succulent and flavorful, especially with the sauce. The fennel salad was interesting. I’m not usually a fan of fennel, but it paired nicely with the crab cake and had a nice, firm texture. My husband ordered the prime rib (medium rare, on the rarer side), which was juicy and flavorful. The accompanying mashed potatoes were also tasty. Other things to note: The service was great. My husband drinks frequently and our server was quick to come by for refills. In addition, they validated for 90 min parking at the adjacent parking garage.

Josh Lewis

My wife and I came here for a date night and we enjoyed this place. The ambiance is very nice, the patio has a nice street view and they do a decent job of keeping it warm. Our waitress was attentive and checked in with us multiple times during our meal. The drinks we got were good, nothing amazing but definitely decent drinks. They're a little spendy but you're paying for the nice atmosphere. We got the spinach and artichoke dip as our appetizer and it was delicious. Highly recommend it. For our entrees I got the prime rib and she got the rib eye. The horseradish dip that came with mine was too strong, needed to be cut with some cream or something because it was straight horseradish. My prime rib was actually very good, though I think it needs a bit more seasoning. Her rib eye was also very good, the butter they serve with it is a little much. The only real issue we had was with the side dishes. They give you a small ice cream scoop of potatoes, and they're not very creamy. It reminded me of the old instant potatoes I used to make myself, and you get maybe 4 stalks of asparagus. Aside from that, our meal was enjoyable and the drinks were good. We'll come back, though we'll probably try some different side dishes next time.

I’d give this restaurant a weak four stars. The food was pretty mediocre. We had the ribeye and the halibut—quality was okay, but nothing special. The ambiance was nice, and the waiter was friendly and attentive. It was a bit of a red flag that the restaurant was almost empty on a Friday night. That usually says something. Overall, good service and atmosphere, but I wish the food had been better.

Atmosphere: 8/10 Food: 7/10 Service: 3/10 My wife and I came here for our anniversary and Valentine’s Day. The atmosphere was nice and the food was solid, but unfortunately the service really detracted from the experience. My wife ordered a sparkling wine that was served room temperature in a warm glass with visible powder residue at the bottom. When we flagged it, the server responded “it’s salt” as if that was normal to serve sparking wine room temp, in a warm glass with salt, and followed it with “I’m sorry you don’t like it.” There wasn’t much acknowledgment that something was off. He then walked back and discussed the situation with what appeared to be a manager directly in front of us. The manager came out and said, “Sorry you didn’t like it,” and asked if she wanted something else. Again, the phrasing felt more like we were being difficult rather than the drink being improperly served. A simple “I’m so sorry, that shouldn’t have come out like that” would have gone a long way. Even small gestures of ownership or hospitality can change the tone entirely, especially on a special occasion. Overall, a decent restaurant with a nice ambiance and good food, but the service left a lot to be desired; which is disappointing on an anniversary dinner.