Luc Sam
A Mediterranean restaurant which has become quite popular in a short time. While names of dishes may sound familiar, there is a lot of creativity at play. I began with a fennel hummus topped with fried fennel and served with warm soft pita bread. Since I love fennel, this was a great start. I continued with the barley and mushroom risotto topped with grilled lamb chops. The risotto was great and had an al-dente texture, though a bit salty. The lamb chops were marinated and grilled which proved soft and delicious. An accompanying Stone IPA was just perfect. I will go back to try the spicy cocktail with agave vodka (sounds exciting). Finally the server was attentive and knowledgeable. Thank you.
… moreShahram Mehraban
We went to this restaurant with two other couples on a Friday night. We had reservations and they had a table for us promptly. My wife didn’t like the spot and asked for a different table out in the patio but we were told that the other table was reserved which was kinalda funny since we also had a reservation. Anyhow we sat down and was greater by friendly Lauren. She took or drinks orders and we also ordered the appetizer trio with the fennel and pesto hummus and the eggplant dip ($18) and the cauliflower and date $13. The presentation was great and all tasted good except the pesto hummus that was very oily and tasted bland. The cauliflower and dates appy was tasty until something hard and burnt almost broke my tooth. I took it out and it was very had and looked like a black rock. I asked Lauren and she was a bit casual about it. She talked to the manager who came to our table and told us that it was a candied pecan tha must have fallen into the oil and hardened. He was very apologetic and offered to write up an incident report (not something that I was looking for). He then told us that he comp’d us that dish. For dinner I had the caluflower and cheap peas bowl with added chicken ($18) with chicken added to it ($7). There was only 4 small pirates of chicken that was a bit disappointing. It also felt like that there was too much quinoa in the dish and not enough cauliflower and garbanzo. Unfortunately they didn’t have sriracha as I think it would have complimented this dish well. They only had chalua which didn’t make the trick. My wife had the barg kabab with and extra skewer of koobideh. She thought it was average. When we sat down, we asked if we could three separate checks since one of the couples didn’t order alcoholic drinks but we were told that they are explicitly told not to do this for parties of 6 or more. Not sure if it is because they are worried that people won’t pay the 20% tip that is automatically added to the bill for parties of 6 or more. We for sure would have honored that as not doing this simple ask was a nuisance for us. Won’t be going here again.
… moreYassi Sadri
OMG Mediterranean and Persian cuisine just got upgraded a million times. I can’t rave about this place enough. First off the interior is so cozy and modern, the ambiance is great! The service was fantastic from the moment we arrived till the minute we left. We tried the pesto hummus which was beyond creamy and delicious, their koobideh kabob was so juicy served with the butteriest authentic basmati rice, and their tasty cheesy steak sandwich served on a great ciabatta bread was a must have. Whether you’re looking for a place to gather family, or go on a casual romantic dinner, or simply looking for good Persian food look no further! Can’t wait to go back and try more of their menu items.
… moreCaleb Earnshaw
Great food! The salmon bowl was delicious and a lot of colors and overall very filling. We had some very good appetizers as well. Loved the food short wait and overall great atmosphere. Not to loud and great service
… morePhillip Bryant
Looking for a great Mediterranean meal this is a good place for it. I stopped by Fennel kitchen for lunch just on a whim and I did not regret it. They have some really great entrées. The chicken kabobs were amazing and the salmon bowl was delicious and the service was awesome(Quick and friendly). I will have to visit again when I’m back in the area. If you’re visiting Aliso Viejo or the surrounding cities give them a try. You won’t regret it.
… moreJeannette Monserratte
I really liked Fennel! It was my first time there and the service was wonderful.Really enjoyed the food! I would recommend it! My dessert was enjoyable and I have been there 4 times in August and celebrated a birthday on Labor Day. Also, the children’s menu is delicious!Claudia one of the waiters was a great hostess! Lots of great memories for my family and friends!
… moreJen Y.
One of the best newer restaurants in South OC. The restaurant is very pretty, ambiance is great, and the food is very good and also healthy (but still tasty). It’s like a California take on middle eastern food. The salmon bowl is great, though the lentil rice flavor has evolved over time and seems a bit less flavorful than early days. Still a great restaurant that is a regular spot for me.
… morerated by maryam • food critic
Finally found a spot that can keep the entire family happy…from apps, to drinks to main course and dessert. Oh and the vibe!
The moment we walked in, I knew this place was going to be a hit. Much bigger than it looks from the outside—modern, stylish, and still cozy in all the best ways. It’s got that inviting, energetic buzz that makes you want to linger.
Jacob, our server, was incredible—he literally read my mind. I barely had to say a word and he nailed every single part of my order. That kind of thoughtful, intuitive service is so rare and really made the experience stand out.
We kicked things off with the hummus and pita, served with crisp, fresh-cut cucumbers and carrots. It was the kind of simple, clean starter that hits all the right notes—cool, creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The grilled Serrano chili added the perfect smoky heat—SO good.
The Caesar salad was tossed in a punchy house-made dressing and topped with the most delicious grilled, butterfly-cut chicken filet—charred, juicy, and cooked to perfection. My husband swapped the salmon for chicken in his bowl and didn’t miss the fish for a second.
What sealed the deal? Jacob told us the owners treat their staff like family—people want to work here, and it shows. Everyone was warm, dialed-in, and genuinely happy to be there.
Almost all the desserts are made in-house, and their ice cream comes from the best local spot in town. I didn’t have room this time—but I’m already planning to come back for brunch (I hear it’s packed for a reason).
Amazing food, impeccable service, and the kind of vibe that just feels good. This place gets it right.
… moreBrian Hoggard
Best date night in a while! I am not much into Persian style food but this place started to change my mind. Service was great, lamb was so tender and moist, the white and yellow rice was a great touch too. We were blessed with a table off in the corner by ourselves which made the date night all the more special. Big win, highly recommend. I have now started eating more food like this and have found the family style and tastes to much more fun.
… moreAdib Mazloom
Came in without a reservation, so there was a short wait to be seated, which was completely understandable. Once seated, the staff was excellent and very welcoming. The food was outstanding—some of the best Persian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine I’ve had. The portion sizes were generous; I can usually finish an entire kabob plate, but this time I had more than enough. I’ll definitely be coming back again.
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