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Orange County - Nova Kitchen & Bar restaurant
6.6

Nova Kitchen & Bar

  • Orange County
  • $$
  • Elevated
  • Food
    great
  • Vibe
    great
  • Perks
    great

Food: Innovative dishes but underwhelming

Nova Kitchen presents a love-hate relationship with its vibrant menu. The double hamachi roll, Brussels sprouts, and pork belly baos court the palate with rich flavors and textures, a testament to the creativity at play here. However, other dishes fail at flavor, often appearing stale or fresh, a matter further complicated by the limited variety and steep prices for small portions.

  • Great Creativity

    Unique, innovative floating noodles dish noted as a must-try experience.

  • Okay Taste

    Experience varies; some outstanding meals, others mediocre and bland.

  • Variety

    Limited menu options available, leading to repeated disappointment in variety.

Top 3 dishes at Nova Kitchen & Bar

  1. 1

    Double Hamachi Roll 🏆

    Buttery yellowtail delights the palate; melts in your mouth delicately.

    Double Hamachi Roll dish
  2. 2

    Brussel Sprouts

    Perfectly roasted, nicely crisp, and seasoned; a must-have appetizer.

    Brussel Sprouts dish
  3. 3

    Pork Belly Baos

    Bao soft, savory, perfectly seasoned; pork belly tender, juicy, flavorful.

    Pork Belly Baos dish

Vibe: Stunning ambiance dulled by noise

The restaurant excels in setting the mood, its ambiance chic, cozy, and elegant in equal measure. It's the perfect spot for a date night, complete with an extensive cocktail menu and a trendy, photogenic vibe. Still, the environment takes a hit from the loud music, turning conversations into battles and tarnishing the otherwise grand view.

  • Great Buzz

    Restaurant's trendy vibe, photogenic spaces are highly praised for social media.

  • Bad To Entertain

    DJ's loud music hinders conversation, overshadowing food and service.

Perks: Service woes overshadow perks

The perks of Nova Kitchen swing like a pendulum. The validated parking and spacious areas for groups are brilliant, and their receptiveness towards dietary preferences is commendable. Yet, annoying noises, long waiting times, and a neglected patio area make for a not-so-smooth dining experience amplified by slow, inattentive service.

  • Great for Groups

    Accommodates large groups well with private rooms and spacious areas.

  • Bad Service

    Slow service with delays, inattentive, and long waits for diners.