Bistro Provincia - Newport Beach

While I was deeply saddened by their absence from Downtown Covina, I am pleased to say that Bistro is back and better than ever in Dana Point (Southern Orange County). Location: absolutely perfect!! Great area pretty close to the beach and within walking distance to plenty of other restaurants and shops. Parking is free easy. Decor/ambiance: the space is gorgeous. The exposed stone of the bar gives a rustic feel that is blended beautifully with the tables/chairs. Lighting at night is perfect and gives a slightly romantic vibe. Drinks: well crafted artisanal cocktails and a fabulous selection of wine and beers. Food: the menu had been changed from the Covina location but for the better in every way. Classic favorites are there from before but now there are even more options which blend the French, Asian, and American cuisines. Chef Manny is truly a master chef and takes the utmost pride in each dish that comes out of his kitchen. Moreover, the artistry and creativity that he manages to bring to the menu is nothing short of incredible. Service: I mean...truly exceptional. Short wait time for table, wonderful welcome from our server in addition to fantastic recommendations, and overall a great experience. Can't wait to go again!!!

Love Chef Manny and his Wife for opening a new restaurant in Dana Point. We enjoyed a Prix Fixe dinner with Wine Pairing for each course. You can opt out of the wine for a reduced price. Pre-Dinner Cocktail: Put the Lime on the Coconut made with Bacardi Rum, lime juice, topped with coconut water and garnished with blueberries and a mint sprig. You may want to try the French Watermelon Martini or spicy Watermelon (sandia) Margarita. First Course is Spinach Salad with Bacon or Soup of the day, which was Butternut Squash topped with Pumpkin Seeds. Second Course: Filet Mignon with port mushrooms and roasted vegetables or Scallops on a bed of Cauliflower-Harissa Puree. Third Course: Dessert was Myers Rum Banana Flambe, Creme Brulee, Bread Pudding or fresh seasonal berries. We will return to have the Short Ribs, Seabass, or Lobster Ravioli.

First time in after seeing it for a few months. First, it's right next to Hennessys but its not associated with it (I asked). We enjoy discovering new restaurants in our neighborhood, if we like them, we become regulars. This is one of those that has that potential. The food was amazing! The service warm and friendly. I love soups, so I asked for the French onion soup. first thing I noticed was that the broth was not salty. An indication that it was made from scratch and not from a broth base. Sure enough, the Chef told us it takes hours and hours to prepare the bone broth. For the entree, I ordered the blackened buttered scallops (I think that's the name) and it just melted in my mouth at first bite. I got more pieces that what I bargained for. The baby vegetables and the cauliflower base that accompanied the scallops had a barely-there hint of spicy which made me crave for more. I'm not a food critic, but I love good food and this restaurant has it! I can see myself coming back again and again.

My husband and I had such a great experience at Bistro Provincia! We stopped by for their Tapas Hour and stayed for dinner. The food is totally unlike anything else in the area. Fresh ingredients, unique pairings and generous portions filled the menu. We loved the croquets!! So delicious. The restaurant has a great outdoor seating area with heat lamps. It's owned by a sweet couple who were so welcoming. It was so cool to support a local business. We will be back!

This is my favorite restaurant hands down!! Everything from my experience this weekend surpassed my expectations; from the decor, to the service, and most definitely every thing we ate/drank over the weekend. I was in town with my boyfriend for the long weekend and ended up dining at Bistro Provincia 3 times!! Twice for dinner once for brunch. THAT'S how delicious it is. It is obvious that Chef Manny perfects every dish before it ends up on the menu, that goes for the drinks as well. You can tell that he really does care about his customers loves what he does. Attached are a few of our incredible meals from the weekend. Sorry some are not the best quality, as we were so excited to eat! Not in pictures but also to die for were: 1. The short beef hash for brunch 2. Salmon Benedict 3. Our drinks! (Amigos Paloma, spicy watermelon Paloma, blackberry bourbon iced tea, rosemary takes flight)