Cucina Enoteca | Where to Eat in Orange County, California

On the hunt for delicious and innovative pizzas? Something a little different than the traditional selection?

Or maybe you’d enjoy craft cocktails with infused liquors made in-house, often with herbs and fruits from the restaurant’s own gardens.

Or maybe still, you’re appreciative of wine and looking for a diverse, well-curated selection.

Cucina Enoteca offers all these things and more.

We’ve been coming to Cucina Enoteca since it first opened in 2011 at the Irvine Spectrum. They have a number of standout items on the menu, but their pizza and wine selection are what keep us coming back.

Cucina Enoteca is a modern Italian restaurant and wine shop located in Irvine, California. It’s a part of the Urban Kitchen Group.

Our love for Cucina Enoteca started back when they offered a pizza that featured fig, Gorgonzola, and pecans. It was delicious and unique but is no longer on the current menu. So instead, our go-to pizza has become the mushroom + goat cheese + caramelized onion + truffle oil + fresh herb pizza. Pro-tip: add protein to it. The addition of egg and/or prosciutto makes this delicious menu item even better.

Another standout menu item is the short rib pappardelle. It’s a delicious dish prepared with cremini mushroom, carrots, and parmesan.

But if you’re looking for lighter fare. In that case, the Italian chopped salad is a must. It’s put together with escarole + radicchio + green bean + cherry tomato + cucumber provolone pepperoncini + ceci bean + almond + dill + oregano vinaigrette + rosemary breadcrumbs.

Of course, whatever you may order, it pairs quite nicely with a glass of wine (or a bottle to share). The selection changes regularly, so it’s a matter of when you visit, but the staff knows the menu well and does a great job making recommendations.

If you’re visiting as a family, Cucina Enoteca is kid-friendly. They have a nice selection of options for kids including spaghetti, mac n’ cheese, or pizza.

Cucina Enoteca and its sibling restaurants also regularly host events. During the holidays, they have special menus and they also host wine events where you’re able to enjoy buffet-style food and wine.

They also have a store where you can purchase decor and bottles of wine.

Overall, it’s a great restaurant with nice ambiance and excellent food. 5/5