Last year, I attended a media preview at The Bungalow where the restaurant introduced a new chef, menu, and several other changes to this long-time resident of Corona del Mar. I also remembered enjoying what I tasted, but wanted to return again for a proper dine before I write up a post just to make sure everything was as I remembered. During the preview, we were seated on the outside back patio which was so pretty at dusk. I think it is also rather romantic when the sun sets. On this return visit, we were seated inside the dining room with a great view of the bar.
The menu consists of a variety of selections which should appeal to all. I didn’t expect Sweet Chili Calamari ($12), an appetizer, to be of such a generous portion. There was enough for four people to share and I’m talking about more than just a mouthful! I loved the addition of bean sprouts, carrots, pea sprouts and peanuts to give it a fresh finish. The sauce was not overly sweet either with a nice little kick at the end.
I love lamb and couldn’t resist ordering the Lamb Lollipops ($18) also on the small plates offerings. Perfectly prepared well-seasoned lamb chops are served with mashed potatoes, tomato confit topped with a balsamic glaze. This is ideal for those wanting a taste of a variety of things, but I could possibly eat two plates of these as my main course!
I’m a huge fan of French Onion Soup ($9) so naturally I wanted to try this version. The broth was very hearty however, the only thing I would have liked was for the cheese to be slightly browned on top for another level of flavor.
Entrees are well presented and nicely prepared. Prime Filet Mignon ($39) is a tender 8oz piece of steak with a savory demi glace and topped with onion strings ($2). The accompanying mashed potatoes were light and relished rather quickly. A little more demi glace would have been even more delightful to go with the potatoes.
If you’re looking for seafood, Blackened Wild King Salmon ($30) is the way to go. I didn’t think I’d like the goat cheese mashed potatoes but it was subtle and added flavor without the usual overpowering pungency of the goat cheese. I also thought the honey jalapeno beurre blanc would be overly sweet, but our server assured me it was only a hint of sweetness. He was right! I was also very pleased when he offered me extra avocado relish when I mentioned how delicious is was.
The Bungalow is a great retreat for a romantic dinner, or even a girls’ night out. There is valet parking around the back so you won’t have to drive around in circles looking for parking. To make things even sweeter, The Bungalow has offered a $75 gift card for one of my readers to win this week. Leave me a comment and tell me how you would like to celebrate at The Bungalow. Last day for entries is Sunday, March 2nd. Good Luck!
The Bungalow
2441 East Coast Hwy
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Tel: 949-673-6585
I would love to celebrate a return visit to Orange County with a visit to this wonderful place (previously lived there and now in NorCal); it would make the visit even more special.
I had my company holiday part at the Bungalow and loved it! I’d like to go back and try some other stuff on the menu
The salmon looks amazing! And I love the twist on the goat cheese in the mashed potatoes. Its something I would have never thought to do! The rest of the menu looks wonderful as well. I’ll definitely be adding the Bungalow to our list of must try restaurants in Orange County! Thanks for the recommendation!
Have a friend who has been unemployed for a long time and just landed a job! I would like to take her to The Bungalow to celebrate. Donna loves the beach and does not live here but is coming for a visit. This would be a perfect way to celebrate.
I would like to celebrate by going there with my family. We go to that Golden Spoon location all the time, and wonder about this place every time we go–but for some reason we have never gone.
My wife’s birthday is coming up in March and this would be the perfect way to celebrate!
My wife’s birthday is coming up in March and this would be the perfect way to celebrate.
I would celebrate with my husband when he finishes this research paper he has been working on for months. We would have a bottle of wine with all that delicious food!
This opportunity arises at a perfect time as i approach my 3 year anniversary with my wife. The Bungalow was one of our very early dates as I always have loved the feel of this restaurant and the food. I was a regular at happy hour for a few years when I worked in an office complex across from Fashion Island.
I think this would make a perfect surprise for my wife.
Would love to take the wife to the Bungalow for date night. Hope she doesn’t fall asleep after the meal…
I am a sucker for Calamari! Thanks for the information. I have to add the restaurant to the top of my list of restaurants to try. I am running the Los Angeles Marathon in a few weeks, my 42nd marathon and going to the Bungalow would be a great way to Celebrate. Thank you!
So far I’ve only been there for a good drink on a bad date – would love to go back with a good friend and a good meal! ~Adrea Reed
Would love to take my college girlfriends visiting from the East Coast. I haven’t seen them in two years!!
I would love to take my girlfriends here that will be visiting from the East Coast. I haven’t seen them in person in two years! This would be an excellent way to celebrate!
Our anniversary is on Monday March 3rd, we’ll be celebrating 4 years. This is one of the first places we went when we were first courting. It would be a great way to celebrate what we’ve found with each other!
Our anniversary is on Monday March 3rd and will be our 4th! This is one of the first places we went when we were first getting to know each other. This would be a great way to celebrate the wonderful things we’ve found with each other!
I’d love to celebrate my husband’s belated birthday there. We just had a little baby and weren’t able to go out to dinner, which was totally fine for us, but it would be a great surprise to still take him out!!
This was a favorite of mine to bring customers back in the late 90’s. Rediscovered a year ago with my wife, and now it is our go-to place for a great, traditionally served steak. Warm environment really creates a great ambiance for their cuisine. We would, of course, be glad to come back, and bring my dad.
I love The Bungalow! My husband and I lived in the same block as the restaurant in CDM for a few years when we were first married and went to The Bungalow for all of our special romantic events. It is such a wonderful classic and cozy restaurant! It has admittedly been a few years since our last visit and we’d love to visit it again to recapture those fond memories. Two young children later and our romantic meals seem further and farther between. Thanks for the write-up, I can’t wait to try the new menu!
My husband and I lived on the same block in CDM as The Bungalow when we were first married. We loved The Bungalow and went there for every romantic celebration during those 3 years. It is such a classic, cozy restaurant and I still crave their amazing steaks. Several years and two kids later however those romantic dates seem fewer and farther between and I’m sad to say we haven’t been back to The Bungalow. We would love to celebrate a romantic night there again while tasting the new menu. I’m sure it would help rekindle those old newlywed feelings again! Winning a gift certificate would certainly make me feel like celebrating!
My parents 25th wedding anniversary is coming up this march 10. Bungalow sounds perfect for their romantic dinner.
To celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday 🙂
Have not tried Bungalow yet. I love getting new suggestions for places to try with our friends for our monthly date night. Thanks for the opportunity
I would love to tell my husband that we are finally going to the restaurant that you always state when passing “we oughtta go there sometime for dinner”. We like to think we live a champagne lifestyle but really we are just on a beer budget!
I would like to celebrate my upcoming 10th anniversary with my husband here!
your pics are awesome! it would be a great date night out!
I would like to go to The Bungalow.to celebrate a girls night out! Work is insane and I don’t get to see my friends too much and this would be a great way to treat my friends for working so hard!
I would celebrate a rare night out with my hubby. We have two small boys and don’t get out much. I could get my sis to babysit and we could eat a peaceful dinner for once!
I would like to celebrate my 1 year with the boyfriend there…
It looks amazing!