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Tustin
RESTAURANTS
Caffe Piemonte / 2.5*
498 E 1ST ST. TUSTIN; 714/544-8072
Even though Orange County has a surplus of notable Italian restaurants,
this unassuming shop-ping center trattoria stands out. Hard-working siblings
Giovanni and Luigi Ravetto and Luigi's wife, Amy, have garnered both awards
and a devout clientele by presenting a polished range of
Northern Italian dishes that stress quality over quantity. (Purists might
note that the menu doesn't truly concentrate on the earthy flavors of
Italy's Piemonte region, but no matter.) Every menu item is deftly prepared,
with top ingredients and perfect balance. The divine lobster ravioli is
perhaps the most popular offering, but regulars who order nothing else
are missing out on other superb pastas and meats, such as the classic
creamy polenta with fontina or the crisp veal schnitzel. The simple quarters
are just a tad above basic (opt for a booth if you can), with glass-topped
tables and white plantation shutters that add intimacy and shield diners
from a mun-
dane view of the parking lot. Service is polite (if brusque). The wine
list needs more depth, though such quibbles don't deter loyalists. $$$;
AE, MC, V; no checks; lunch Tues-Fri, dinner Tues-Sun; beer and wine;
between Prospect Ave and Centennial St.
Zov's Bistro / 2.5*
Zov's Bakery / 2.5*
17440 E I 7TH ST, TUST1N; 714/838-8855
What began as a first-timer's attempt at unpretentious bistro cooking
has steadily evolved into a thriving culinary enterprise, carefully nurtured
by quality-obsessed Zov Karamardian and her family. The contemporary bistro
grows more stylish with each facelift and currently sports curved pillars,
oversized floral arrangements, and dramatic gold and purple lighting.
It still serves a pleasing (and ever-changing) selection of contemporary
continental fare, often with authentic Mediterranean overtones. The main
room is a bustling scene at both lunch and dinner, so many diners opt
for the tented patio, where they enjoy favorites like rack of lamb, fresh
seafood, and inventive pastas in relative calm. Zov's Bakery (around in
back) offers
slightly more casual all-day dining from an ample menu of salads, sandwiches,
and entrees that includes a revered rotisserie chicken. Although the patio
is inviting, many of the dishes travel well and make for great picnic
fixings. The bakery side also does a brisk business in sublime artisan
breads and scrumptious, sinful desserts. $$; AE, DC, MC, V; no checks;
Bistro: lunch Mon-Sat, dinner Tues-Sat; Bakery: breakfast, lunch Mon-Sat,
dinner Tues-Sat; beer and wine; reservations recommended for the Bistro;
www.zovs.com; at the east end of Enderle Center. |