Originally published in the Sept. 22, 2010 issue of the Coast Report
By Priya Gupta, Staff Writer
When occasions that warrant a formal dinner come around — be they big celebrations or just a thank God it’s Friday moment — most people will head over to one of the many big name chain restaurants in the area.
Sometimes, however, there are hidden gems to be found right in one’s own backyard. Costa Mesa’s own Onotria Wine Country Cuisine is certainly one of those gems.
I was lucky enough to have dinner at the cozy, rustically-decorated restaurant recently with a friend and must say that I was pleasantly surprised.
Though it is tucked away discreetly on the corner of Bristol and Bear streets and is rather unassuming from the outside, the restaurant provides a truly enjoyable dining experience.
The menu consists of an eclectic mix of dishes which can be roughly categorized as Mediterranean.
There are a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available at Onotria and many of the dining options are made with natural and organic ingredients.
The golden beet, Belgian endive and micro-greens salad with the Vin Santo vinaigrette was a perfect mix with the sweetness of the beets balanced out by the slightly sour undertones of the vinaigrette dressing. The beets and dressing were supported beautifully by the mild flavored micro-greens, which are essentially tiny edible leaves produced from the seeds of vegetables and herbs.
The agnolotti pasta with goat cheese and white truffles in a mascarpone sauce was a simple dish that served as a good palate cleanser after the strong flavors of the salad. The dish was gentle in flavor but surprisingly light considering its cheese base.
The lemon, garlic and herb-seasoned chicken, on the other hand, was very flavorful in addition to being extremely succulent and tender.
Espresso crème brulee served as a sweet and rich finish to the meal.
Prices at Onotria range from $8 to $12 for first courses, mid-teens to high $20s for entrées, and $8 to $14 for dessert.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine selection and complimentary valet parking for all diners. It is located at 2831 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.
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