Although we visit The Capital Grille many times a year, I haven’t written anything about them in a while. My last visit here for lunch with my girl friends prompted me to post something about some of the new items on their “Plates” menu. The “Plates” menu is a very reasonable lunch-time offering with three items for $18 and there are various items to choose from. We always start with one of their soups and the “Plates” menu offers either the classic Clam Chowder, or the new Porcini Bisque.
Clam Chowder is always a favorite. My son loves it and so do I. Thick and hearty, they never skimp on ingredients and you’ll find plump clams dotted throughout this flavorful soup.
I loved the new Porcini Bisque, a creamy soup with an earthy mushroom finish with a drizzle of chive oil. It adds just a little zing to the aromatic composition — not needed, but much appreciated.
The Lobster Bisque ($13 cup/$15 bowl) is not on the menu, but know it is always available — just ask! This is something one of us always order because not only is the soup portion of it delightful, but the large chunks of sweet lobster swimming in it makes my mouth water. This is one of their signature menu items and definitely not to be missed if you like lobster bisque. Sherry is offered tableside if you wish to add that to the already flavorful concoction.
Moving on to entrees, the “Plates” menu offers Seared Sea Scallops with creamed corn and arugula instead of the Israeli couscous from last season. Luscious scallops are cooked to perfection and comes four to a plate. Very generous portion indeed!
Another new item is the Dry Aged Sirloin Hash. My son loved this dish albeit not so much the runny egg on top (he’ll ask for it to be cooked through next time), but he devoured the steak and potato chunks with vigor. Topped with crispy onions, this is definitely an item for those carnivores at heart.
There is also a choice of sides with the “Plates” menu and while the Truffle Fries are always a good option…..
…… I chose the new fall item of Roasted Butternut Squash with cranberry pear chutney. This dish really gets you into fall and gets you excited about the holiday season coming up soon.
One of my friends chose the Salmon Salad ($18) with endive and pear slices instead of the “Plates” menu. The salmon was moist and oh so tender. If you’re looking for a light alternative this is definitely the one to go with.
As stated before, we always love coming to The Capital Grille whether it be for lunch or dinner. Food is great and service is always very attentive. There is also complimentary valet parking, just get your ticket stamped by the hostess before you leave.
This week, I have a $50 giftcard for one lucky reader to win courtesy of The Capital Grille. Please leave me a comment with your FULL name and tell me why you love eating here, and/or, if you haven’t already been here, why you would like to visit. Entries close on Sunday, Oct 20, winner will be announced on Monday, Oct 21. Good Luck!
The Capital Grille
3333 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 714-432-1140
I have only eaten at the Capital Grille once and it was unbelievabley memorable. I had calamari to start and it was epic, I believe it had some hot pepper flakes in it. so tender and tasty. I had cedar planked salmon that was moist inside seared outside with a delish rub!
I love the porcini Delmonico at The Capital Grille, but what keeps me coming back is their amazing customer service. I happened to say aloud that my first slice of steak was done more than I usually like (the center was perfect though). Our server overheard me and immediately said that she would have them cook me a new steak! I finally managed to convince her that it was fine, but she still brought over a couple of glasses of wine instead, apologizing the whole time. The food is great, the people are amazing; I love The Capital Grille!
OMG, I lurve their Delmonico w/ Kona rub. I also like their service. I didn’t think I would, but it’s like…Disneyland; always perfect.
I hear such great things about this restaurant and would love to try it sometime. Having two kids we never get to eat at fancy places!
start them kids young! I did 🙂 — they are actually totally cool with kids at lunch time!
I need to visit this place ASAP! I have been craving lobster bisque and it would be perfect for a cool evening meal.
I celebrated my birthday here and the thing that stood out the most was their service! I ordered the porcini rubbed delmonico and was just the most delicious steak ever. I would love to go back to check out their new menu, I would love to try their porcini bisque and seared sea scallops.
my son wanted to go there for his birthday too! needless to say we go there a lot!
I’ve never been here but I’ve heard so much about it! I’d love a chance to try that clam chowder and sirloin hash (yup, I’m a carnivore, grrr!).
– Stephanie Han
I love eating at the Capital Grille because of their consistency and service standards. The menu is simply, yet broad enough to appeal to a broad range of palates and the atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy.
I love eating here because I love their lobster bisque!
I love the atmosphere at the Capital Grille. I also love that the lobster bisque has a generous portion of lobster in it. The food is always delicious and it would be such a treat to have a date night there. By the way, have you tried the Au Gratin potatoes?
yes! have you had the lobster mac n cheese?
I have never eaten here but there is a location a few miles away and I have always wanted to go there for my Mom’s birthday
I have never been there and your post makes me want to go right now!
Wow, those new items look fantastic. I have not been to Capital Grille yet but I have heard it equals and even surpasses Morton’s or Mastro’s for some people. I need to try it! The scallops sound awesome.
I definitely like TCG a lot better than Morton’s
congratulations you are the winner
I have never been to The Capital Grille but I would love to opportunity to try it. It looks like a great place to go to soon as I’ll be at South Cost Plaza for the annual holiday decorations. I’m taking my mom there for the first time and this would be a great place to have dinner with her.
I have never been there, but your photos make my mouth water and I will certainly put them on my list of places to visit
I love their burger and have been for lunch but never dinner. Everything is executed so perfectly and the service is awesome!
Believe it or not, I have never ate a meal here, but I’d like to because they are known for grilling aged beef to perfection.
I would love to have the opportunity to dine at The Capital Grille as I have never been to any of them before. Plus, it is next to one of my favorite entertainment establishments, The Irvine Improv. Which, as you know, I frequent quite often. Since I’m still struggling with my personal situation and funds are extremely limited, if non-existence, it would be nice to dine at an indoor restaurant for the first time in several months. The Capital Grille would be truly a thrill for me, and a guest.
I haven’t been, but everything looks good, especially the salmon.
I only have the opportunity to eat at the Capital Grille one time, but I loved it. My husband and I both ordered the wine pairings with our meal and they matched the menu items we selected perfectly. I had a state and my husband had a seafood dish.
-Daniele Holmberg
One of my favorite places to go before a show at the Sergestrom.
I really like this place for its outdoor patio that has been great for large parties. And of course the food is bomb.com.
I have only been to capital Grille twice, but each time was amazing! I love their steak!
I love the lobster roll on their plates menu. And the truffle fries. And the filet sliders. Ok everything!
Robin Wachner
I would love to check this place out. I have heard great reviews and would love to try the food.
I came here for a special occasion last time about 3 months ago. I love them, Jill totally took care of us. Anthony is great too cuz he always remembers my name. Its that personal touch and of course great food that keeps me coming back. I heard Derek is leaving for Texas but im sure the kitchen will still crank out good food.
I’ve not been to the Capital Grill before, but seeing some of the pics and reading your reviews certainly has me curious. Always looking for a new cool spot that has excellent food to take my lady out on a date to. Places like this are “kid escapes” and it’s nice to have a meal out, just the two of us. A gift card certainly wouldn’t hurt to get us that direction! Thanks for the reviews!
Jon
I love Capital Grille! =) They do a wonderful job of pairing foods with wine & great service too! please, I’d love to win the gift card =) please pick me
hi kimquyen, thanks for your comment, but unfortunately, the Capital Grille giveaway closed on Oct 20th. Please keep entering for other giveaways. cheers