The Wicked Garden

This is a post-​mortem review of what I thought was one of the most eccentric, but definitely hippest, coolest Restaurant/​Bars in OC.

Did this place close anyone? Phone is disconnected…

This place will forever hold a treasured spot inside my heart as being the setting for the first (and only) time I was ever offered cocaine! (For those of you playing at home… I said no).
I feel like most of the time, this place is trying to be LA or Vegas. A little too dark… trying to be elite… lots of older guys hitting on younger girls.etc. Basically? Doucheville.
The only saving graces? The bartenders who work here are super nice, and the music is pretty good. I’ve been dancing here with friends a few times, and always had a great time; however, that was only because I was with a large group of people and I only talked to them. The food is good but very pricey… if you’re going to pay this much, go to Stonehill Tavern.
There is usually a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. Come to get trashed and get your groove on… that’s about it.

Sadly they closed…
I went here and passed out and woke up with bite marks… just kidding!
Very trippy place that has excellent food and gothic themed styled décor like something you would see in Vegas if they had «Gothic Island»…
Feels out of place in DP… more like downtown LA or SF… but it’s a great break from chain dinning in OC…

wow this place is awsome!!! the waiters have friendly sexy personalities, the food is amazing, the atmosphere is dark, sexy, and romantic. it is a bit pricy but it is worth it!!!

After hearing about new ownership, menu etc. Called for interest in happy hour and/​or reservations. Recording and no space on their answering machine at 6 PM. I stand by my previous review. This place blows.

*********New revised concept and menu******
This place’s happy hour rocks!!! No joke…$ 0.50 well drinks, house wine and beer from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tues thru Sat. All other drinks are 50% off from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. And there are like five or six appetizer specials from $ 2 to $ 5 bucks including sausage skewers and french bread pizza.
All the rest of the menu is completely revamped with nothing over $ 15. A drastic change from what the prices used to be. Wicked Garden now features many small plates, great for trying and sharing.
And the ambiance is amazing. It gives off a Gothic vampire feel, very unusual for bland South OC! Totally worth checking out!
Make sure you check out the lounge in the front and private RED dining room…

The best Fillet ever!!! This place has great food and an awesome ambiance! Very goth like but very nice.
it is very pricey and the drinks start @ $ 15 dollars for something as simple as a captain and coke … they do double pour in each drink … so be careful these drinks can get you wasted …

The ambiance of this place is top-​notch. Unfortunately, the prices are way high for what they are serving. The crowd here is an older, yuppier bunch. The bartender that served us was really cool, and seemed to have quite a bit of scotch knowledge. There is a really swanky little lounge that has a gypsy vibe to it with pillows and cushy couches and carpets.
It wasn’t very busy on the Friday night that I went there, but it might have been an off night or something. It’s in a shopping center that almost brings down the class of the place. From the outside, it doesn’t look like it would be nice inside, but then you walk in, and realize you’re way under dressed.
If you’ve got some extra money and are looking for a new spot, check it out. It’s worth visiting at least once to see if you like it or not.

The inside of this place does in fact look WICKED. it was quite dark. There was evil music playing as well. We though the ambiance was cool. Reminds me a little of Sutra Lounge. but darker. The place was DEAD in the dining room when were came late evening around 10pm or so. We came casually dressed, and so were the other guests we saw.
Came to try the chocolate molten cake. bleh. yuck!!! It was the worst we’ve ever had! There was no taste of sweetness at all in it. It was nasty! It was so bitter, we brought it to the attention of the waiter. We thought they must have made a mistake when making it. He tried to say it was dark chocolate, and was fine. .He didn’t offer to replace or anything. We also tried the Vanilla Soufflé and it was OK.
There was one other dessert in the trio we ordered, but I can’t really remember it. We like molten cakes, and wanted to like it, but it was a huge letdown.
We thought the molten cake was terrible. and would rate this 1 star.
It was so awful I hope they really don’t make it like that, and it was an accident.
We didn’t try any meat dishes, but they do have imported Wagyu. I think after our dessert experience we’ll stick with CUT for Wagyu. and Flemings or Morton’s for Molten Cakes.
Overall we were sad, and wanted to like this place. but haven’t been back since.

I ADORE the Wicked Garden. Yes it is VERY pricey and NOT for people looking for a quick in and out meal. It is set up for an intimate dinner and a steamy drink. The food is amazing. The style of this place is more «european» where the wait staff doesn’t bother you five million times throughout your meal (which I hate). They allow you to enjoy your food. The Chef always prepares an amuse bouche that is ALWAYS stellar. The drinks are pricey, the food is pricey but the cost completely matches the quality. This place is NOT for people who do not understand fine dining, fine booze, wait staff who is there for the food, not you, and the bizzarre renaissance elegance that is the Wicked Garden.
By the way, kids are not very welcome here, another reason it holds a place in my heart.

My boyfriend turned another year older, this past Sunday, and I thought that this would be the perfect place to take him at midnight. I was right!
When we first met, his condo was covered with long swords and gargoyles and draped with velvet curtains. (You get the idea.) He’s let go of the dragon-​fetish since. However, deep inside, I know he still fancies that ren-​era.
And, for the D&D geek in many, this is a perfect place to take them. The setting is dark and cathedrally, if that’s a word. To really get you in the mood, I recommend going at night and having a seat at one of their spacious booths (for a full dinner) or their flirty «red room» (for appetizer and drinks). Like many reviews before me, I agree. They could probably sit half a dozen people comfortably in those booths, but the table is only set for two to give you some intimacy. And, I don’t recommend a window table. Oddly, it overlooks are well lit Inn parking lot, weird! Nonetheless, they offer a full bar, a great wine list, and a late night menu with plenty of yummy dishes.
On the night we went, we had reservations for 10pm and easily found parking on Green Lantern. The dish that they offered, even before we made our selection off the menu, was the amuse bouche, chowder with foam. (Yum! I wish it were a full dish, it was so good.) This was accompanied by two GIGANTIC smoky martini that we ordered. The second dish that I had was the escargot (very yummy over a bruschetta style presentation). My last dish was the petite (yum, as always. But, a bit larger than usual. Which is good, I suppose. However, I only had half an took the rest back to my American Eskimo. Or, perhaps, it was the massive consumption of Silver Oak with dinner… hmmm?). My boyfriend had the sea scallops (which he really liked, but we’ve had better) and the New York strip (which must have been good because he cleaned the plate).
Overall, it was great experience as they allowed us to get out of our massive booths and join a bit of the night/​club atmosphere in their Moroccan themed room adjoining it. There, we had a couple of Habanos and a dessert trio of crème brûlée, chocolate molten lava fudge cake, and cannoli (all de-​lish!)
Thanks for the suggestion, Jamie!

This was the first of my weekend with the Ex – it started out with dinner here.
We arrive, and the first thing I notice is that it smells like eggs. ?? Minus one star, I thought, until the smell finally went away.
The décor was… GIGANTIC. Obnoxious, almost. We were almost seated in these giant chairs I took pictures of, and the entire meal we were just laughing and making fun of them. I mean, come ON! That’s *hardly* romantic. Instead we were seating in a large circular booth, that could easily hold 10 people. It held 2. COME ON.
First course: Salmon tartar on a piece of grilled challah bread and sweet potatoe purée. You’re right – it IS as good as it sounds.
Second course: Oysters Rockefeller. I can’t pass up oysters anymore, and baked ones are of no exception. They were…4 stars. No huge oysters – all small, which was good. Tasty. Nomnom.
Third course: King crab and gorgonzola beignets. These were AMAZING, but nothing like Triptych’s. What can I say, I’m a fan of the orginals. But worth ordering again.
Fourth course: Tahitian Vanilla Green Salad. I just wasn’t a fan of the dressing, but Cody devoured it. The strawberries were a good compliment, but… meh. I won’t be ordering this again.
Fifth Course: We shared the NY Strip Steak, because they didn’t have Kobe beef. But the meat was succulent and juicy, perfectly cooked and the accompanying mashed potoatoes were spectacular. There were also these phyllo wrapped aspargus thingies that were MARVELOUS.
Sixth course: Dessert. Chocolate trio of a molten chocolate cake, crème brûlée with chocolate bottom, and a strawberry gelato cannoli. Simply. Amazing. Except the molten chocolate cake – it *lacked* something.
Seventh course: Cigar. To go, since Cody doesn’t like me smoking. But I ended up having it in my bag for months, and gave it to my brother’s best friend for his birthday.
Drinks: They have a drink here called The Rich Bitch. It’s 300 dollars and Cody put his foot down, but said I could get whatever else I wanted. Instead I got a passion fruit mojito and a champagne mixture I’ve already forgotten what it was called. But the bartender kept thinking I wanted something else, and came over at least 4 times to ask me if the mojito was to my liking. YES, now PLEASE STOP ASKING. I love you, Mr. Bartender.
The food wasn’t 5 stars, but rather 4. It was definitely the service that bumped it up. They were very attentive and nice. And Cody didn’t stop staring at the 19 year old tan, attractive young females. Where are all the Calvin Klein models working because they’re part time models for me to look at?
Sexist!

What’s this amazing restaurant doing in this mini mall?!
So Dana Point… it’s that space somewhere in the middle between Los Angeles and San Diego. You usually see it slightly before San Clemente which you know as the end of the OC. Among the many fine eateries in that county… there is this one
First off, this place is expensive… expensive because the service is excellent, food is amazing, and the atmosphere matches. I did not go there for a full meal yet… I had gone there for drinks, appetizers, and desserts. We shared everything, but each item was really well prepared. The friend who had gone there before did most of the ordering. We got the Prime Beef Bruscetta and the Flirty Cheese Fondue. These appetizers were really well made and super rich. High quality beef, the sauce was sensible… not too saucy or salty… just superb… man…i salivate just thinking about it. The fondue was good too… but i don’t have that taste of cheese yet to tell you if it’s any better than other cheeses. I mean of course it’s gonna be better cheese, just at the PRICE! but twas good.
We also ordered some of those fruity champagne/​wine mixtures they have available… those were good too, but I didn’t want to drink too much because of the drive to san diego, and it seemed like the rest of my party already had enough to drink. Afterwards, we moved out to the fire area… it’s pretty isolated… so if you wanna just chill, I highly recommend it.
There we ordered our desserts. CHOCOLATE TROIS
Molten Chocolate Cake, Black Bottom Crème Brulee, «Chocolate And Peanut Butter». is how they describe this dish… but i call it chocolatey heaven. that black bottom crème brûlée.
one word described that dish… damn (the good kind)

Great food — French/​European fusion?
A bit expensive, but worth it. We started with the Foie gras and Scallop appetizers. A burst of flavors — simply outstanding. The entrees were also excellent. My wife had fish and I had the lamb, which was accompanied by some wonderful scalloped potatoes. We capped it all off with one of their deserts which was wonderful as well.

I have to admit, when I first heard of this place in Dana Point I was a bit skeptical — a «La Boheme”-like gothy place in South Orange county… really? no seriously? Well — surprise, surprise!
Great food (only one veggie entrée but several veggie firsts). The hand folded pasta is quite tasty and well prepared. My guests indicate that the lamb was not the greatest but the pork was succulent and tender. The fondue starter is great and has a non-​kirsched cheese that makes dipping a delight.
Food aside, a great wine and cocktails list as well as great desserts.
The décor is fun, very dark and velvety — not the best of a light fun dinner but great for a night out. There is a little bar/​patio area outside but its right next to the car park… not sure how that would play when there are cars about. There is a little red-​lit room behind velvet curtains — I’ll let you Unilocalers run wild with that one…

Fantastic food! I had the squash and spinich lasagna — the freshest ingredients and so many flavors melded together so beautifully. The plating was incredible — works of art really. The ambience is nice — dark with candles everywhere and huge leather booths. However, the techno music from the bar was a little loud. Prices can be expensive for some items but there are several things on the menu that are affordable. The brie fondue is out of this world! Great date place!

Fantastic high end food! Started off with the escargot (a MUST). Then had Chilean sea bass, which was crispy on the outside and buttery in the inside. My boyfriend had the lamb which tasted so fresh! It wasn’t like lamb I buy at the store. The thing I liked about wicked garden is that the food is so complex, yet the flavor is not overwhelming. Perfect french food, for that special someone you want to impress. (I was)
I didn’t have any cocktails, but my impression is that they have good drinks. I’m planning on coming back to the bar, as well as the restaurant.