Restaurants

Il Girasole

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

3321 Hyland Ave ste e, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States $50–100
4.7
104 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Costa Mesa, Il Girasole offers an exceptional journey into modern Italian cuisine that is both comforting and innovative. This restaurant channels the spirit of Italy with a contemporary twist, inviting diners to indulge in thoughtfully crafted dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

The menu at Il Girasole is a celebration of refined flavors and textures, featuring standout dishes like the Gnocchetti Sardi, tender and perfectly al dente, and the Risotto Asparagi, boasting creamy richness balanced with fresh asparagus notes. The Costata steak is another highlight, expertly prepared to a succulent medium-rare that simply melts in your mouth, often crowned with a delicate raviolo that customers rave about—an unforgettable culinary accent that elevates the entire plate.

For dessert lovers, Il Girasole's offerings promise a decadent finale. The Baba Al Rum delivers a moist, boozy sweetness that lingers, while the Tiramisu captures the classic Italian indulgence with a modern finesse. The flourless chocolate cake is a must-try, rich and intensely chocolaty, leaving a lasting impression that many patrons declare “insanely good.” Other favorites include the airy Pavlova and the lush Torta Al Cioccolato, both perfect for ending your meal on a sublime note.

The ambiance here perfectly matches the elevated cuisine—sleek and modern yet warmly inviting, Il Girasole is ideal for intimate dinners, celebrations, or simply a night out to savor authentic Italian flavors reimagined. Guests repeatedly highlight the attentive, polished service and the thoughtfully curated wine list, enhancing the overall dining experience and showing the care poured into every detail.

With glowing testimonials praising dishes like the zesty Arancini, the fresh Crudo featuring fish flown in from Japan, and the delicately flavored Spanish Octopus, Il Girasole proves to be a gem that delights even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or seeking a memorable meal, this restaurant’s blend of creativity, quality ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality promises a truly special experience.

In summation, Il Girasole stands out as a must-visit culinary destination in Costa Mesa—where traditional Italian soul meets modern artistry, leaving patrons eager to return and explore more of its innovative flavors and masterful dishes.

03 Notes from regulars

104 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.7
Based on 104 verified notes
5 110
4 11
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All Flourless Chocolate Cake Arancini Duck Pavlova Tiramisu Octopus Gnocchi Burrata Insalata Patio Seating
Maryam Fallatah.
4 month ago
Such a delicious experience! The fettuccine was good, but the raviolo on top of the steak was incredible — definitely the highlight of the meal. The flourless chocolate cake was insanely good, highly recommend it! The service was excellent and the steak was tender, juicy, and perfectly medium-rare… it literally melted in my mouth. The Spanish Octopus was surprisingly delicious — tender, flavorful, and beautifully done! A dish I didn’t expect to love, but I absolutely did. My only note is that the steak was very small for the price ($69) — I expected a bigger portion. Other than that, everything tasted amazing.
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Taylor Smith.
5 month ago
We had an absolutely amazing dinner at Il Girasole! The owner/chef is incredible and all the dishes really blew us away. The appetizers were delicious, the pastas were incredible, and the steak we ordered was divine! All desserts were delicious as well. I can’t wait to come back! Great wine & great prices too.
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Brian Sakaeda.
5 month ago
Il Girasole was the perfect spot for our anniversary—it absolutely did not disappoint! The service was top-notch, and the wine list was excellent. The appetizers were not only delicious, but they were works of art! We started with the zesty, lemon-flavored Arancini, the incredibly fresh Crudo (made with fish flown in from Japan!), and the unique Polipo with its delicate squid ink crisps. Our entrées were the highlights: a deeply satisfying Pappardella Ripiena Di Anatra that featured perfect crispy duck confit, and the must-try Filetto Cacio E Pepe—a tender filet brilliantly wrapped in a cacio e pepe ravioli. For dessert, we indulged in the peach cheesecake and the beautifully presented Pavlova with dragon fruit.
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Joseph G.
5 month ago
Had the beef filet and the duck for entrees. The filet was missing some seasoning like salt however it was cooked perfectly. The ravioli on top was delicious. The duck was cooked well however the flavors are so overpowering and didn't compliment each other. Would not recommend. Desert was a chef's kiss. Not sure what the name was but it was divine. I would come back for dessert and wine anytime.
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timothy marfori.
5 month ago
10/10 amazing! My wife and I decided to come here to celebrate our anniversary and we were pleasantly surprised. It is modern Italian so don’t expect normal Olive Garden entrees haha. The visionary behind the restaurant has taken his take on Italian food where he grew up and elevated it with a modern twist. The food still comforts you like Italian food does but the modern take on it delights your taste buds and keeps you wanting more. The duck parpadelle was so incredible, arancini was delicious, lasagna was rich and decadent and the tiramisu was excellent. The owner himself brought us a Limoncello shot to celebrate. Thank you so much we will be back! If you are looking for a new date night spot and want a creative fresh take on Italian please go here you will not be disappointed!
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Kim Graeber.
6 month ago
So glad we finally made it down to so co to try this restaurant. I enjoyed everything we ordered, you can tell that a lot of thought went into each dish. The staff was amazing and attentive and the space is lively but I found our table welcoming and intimate. I’m so excited to have a modern Italian restaurant of this caliber in Orange County and can’t wait to go back for the other menus. Keep in mind that this is not tomato and meatball Italian fare, it’s inventive and refined. They definitely know their way around meat, the elk and duck that I ordered was so tender and cooked to perfection.
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Minnie Vu.
6 month ago
We had the best experience at Il Girasole today. Both their brunch & lunch/dinner have amazing options. The Duck Pappardella was a work of art and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to return again and again.
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Joe V.
6 month ago
OC is blessed with some of the best Italian restaurants in California, and this place stands out as one of the strongest examples of modern, innovative Italian cuisine in the area. This is not a red-sauce, old-school Italian spot. If you’re looking for oversized portions and classic comfort dishes, this probably isn’t your place. If you enjoy Italian flavors reimagined with modern techniques and presentation, you’ll feel right at home. Several dishes highlight that approach. Instead of traditional risotto, fragola is used as a base in some plates, offering a lighter but still rich alternative. The bison short rib appetizer delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor and is a great way to start the meal. One standout dish paired cacio e pepe ravioli served directly atop a filet, allowing the cheese sauce to melt and drip down onto the steak—indulgent, creative, and surprisingly balanced. Even elements like parmesan foam feel intentional rather than gimmicky. This is an excellent choice for a date night, special occasion, or dinner with people who appreciate elevated takes on familiar dishes. If you enjoy Italian cuisine but want to experience it pushed forward in thoughtful, delicious ways, this spot is an easy recommendation.
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday (today) 11:30 AM - 09:00 PM
Finding the door

3321 Hyland Ave ste e, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Parking
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside
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