Opah - Tustin

As the previous reviewer mentioned, Opah has a trendy yet relaxing ambiance, featuring glass interiors, sea green and blue tones, and sleek dark wooden tables. The first impression is truly impressive. In terms of food, the dishes are beautifully presented and taste just as good as they look. I enjoyed my meal here, but the only downside that might prevent me from returning is the high price—it can be quite expensive! Additionally, the service was lacking and the atmosphere was quite noisy. However, if you're willing to spend a little extra, dining here for the food is definitely worth considering.

While the prices are on the higher side, there are more affordable options like their Kobe burger for lunch. Unfortunately, the service left something to be desired. At times, it was difficult to locate our waiter, and he did forget one of our orders, though he rectified it quickly after we mentioned it. We celebrated a birthday during our visit, and they were accommodating enough to store our cake, present it with a song, and serve it to us in take-home bags. However, it was a bit awkward when our waiter forgot our cake was already there and tried to upsell us on dessert. Overall, if I’m looking for a nice meal in Irvine, I would likely return to Opah, but next time, I might opt for a sandwich instead.

My first impression of Opah was that it brilliantly combines a zen aesthetic with a vibrant NYC vibe. The interior features glass tables, small zen stones on each napkin, and an open firebox, all complemented by a fully stocked bar. The young, trendy crowd adds to the atmosphere in this city. I really enjoyed the warm, fresh bread they serve, arriving perfectly toasted in individual sandwich bags. However, my experience took a turn with the hostess, who came across as a bit snobby. The presentation of all the dishes was impressive, though. I ordered a special for the evening—a lamb dish served over potatoes. Unfortunately, my expectations may have been too high. The waiter initially didn’t ask how I preferred my meat cooked, and I was disappointed to find a pool of blood in the middle of the rack. Typically, I order my meat well done. Additionally, the lamb was quite tough, making it a struggle to cut through; I felt like I was wrestling with my fork. On a more positive note, I tasted my cousin's Lake Bass and my grandfather's dish, both of which were fantastic. I especially loved the sea bass—it literally melted in my mouth—and the "bang bang shrimp" was delightful! I would definitely return for an after-work cocktail. Ultimately, a touch of snobbery in Orange County is not a deal-breaker, right?