Ironwood 25250 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

"4/18/23, This was the 1st time for a good friend and I to visit Ironwood. We get together monthly for drinks and fine dining and we'd had a single malt scotch sampling at my place prior (18, 20 & 22 yr old) I've lived in mission viejo for 6 years and recently started expanding my dining options. This will become a new regular for dining. We both got the Rib Eye medium rare (it was a little closer to warm center rare but not enough to send it back) one bite and we were hooked. It was a nicely marbled, very...VERY flavorful and tender cut. Did I mention that it was a large steak? (View picture) We also got the smashed fingerling potatoes(exceptionally tasty, crispy outside and creamy inside and seasoned perfectly... they're like the best potato skins you've ever had... smashed!), the steamed vegetables kept up with great taste, aldente and nicely seasoned also the spaetzle. I look forward to sampling other options on the menu and expect to be equally pleased. I see why this cosy (but not cramped) restaurant has a 4.7 rating, which got my attention. BTW, the portions are very generous. Usually people take pics of their plate but you can't really gauge size... so mine gives my extra large hand for perspective. I hope you have as filling of an experience as we did. Best regards and happy eating. UPDATE: 6/18/2023. Since my first review I have returned three more times and found the food, the service and the atmosphere still equal to my original review... However, there now seems to be the need for me to add a caveat about the change in their food selection. On my 4th trip, last evening, I took my brother so that both of us could celebrate Father's Day with, of course, the ribeye steak... only to find it is no longer on the menu!!! It was "Available as a Chef's Choice" for the evening... however, I was informed that they will no longer offer the ribeye... sometime in the near future. Considering how many rave 5 star reviews this dish has received it's a puzzlement a to why they'd Sabotage future business and alienate existing customers. I'll be returning, but calling first to verify menu options. BTW, I reduced my 5 star service rating to reflect the restaurant menu change(wait staff is excellent: 5 stars) 3/8 YEA!!! RIBEYE IS BACK A dinner destination.."

"The food was amazing and we had the best service I think I've ever had in Orange County. I could not believe how fast and attentive the staff was. The salmon was literally perfect. Definitely get reservations as this place seems to fill up fast. The view of the mountains was amazing at sunset. I will absolutely be back. This is a new favorite."

"3/8/2024 What an amazing evening at Ironwood Cellar in Laguna Hills. We had reservations and arrived a few minutes early. The two hostesses were very kind and pleasant and took us to a wonderful table inside the restaurant. We also were greeted by Art, one of our amazing servers and terrific people. Once we were seated, Art introduced us to our table server, Johnny, who started us off with drinks and two cups of their tasty tomato bisque soup. The ambiance was quite pleasant with some terrific background music. It just so happened to be restaurant week here in the O.C. but we opted to order from the main dinner menu. Much to our surprise, Johnny brought over an Agnolotti appetizer from the manager, which was so appreciated, and the taste and texture was superb. Miguel was also quite helpful in keeping our table clear, and we had some pleasant conversations as well. We had not been at Ironwood for a while and found out that the chef we experienced prior was no longer there and that Chef Brent from Saphire in Laguna Beach was now making magic in the kitchen We both ordered the Halibut entree, and the fish was cooked perfectly, as were the veggies and fingerling potatoes. The presentation and temperature of the dishes were superb. We now have Ironwood back on the top of our restaurant list here in the OC. Johnny was attentive, professional, and kind as we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our dining experience. We finished the evening with coffee and their amazing Oatmeal Raisin Cookie crumb ice cream dish. It was a wonderful time, great people, and stellar food creations. Highly recommended. 10/13/23 Had a wonderful dinner at Ironwood Cellar. Brooke was our server for the first part of our dining experience, and as they got busier, Art took our table. Both servers were excellent. We started with drinks, and my wife had the wedge, and I had the butternut squash soup. Both were excellent. The ambiance in the outdoor patio was fantastic. For our entrees, my wife had the halibut entree, and I had the filet mignon. The filet was presented and prepared to perfection. My wife's halibut was a nice cut of fish yet not as hot as she likes her food served. Overall, our dining experience was very nice. Highly recommended. 9/3/23 It's always a winning dining experience. Ironwood Cellars deliverer once again with stellar service, good food, drinks, and a very pleasant ambiance. We were welcomed by the wonderful hostess and taken to a lovely booth, just perfect for an evening out with my wife. Art was our server extraordinare, and his hospitality, menu knowledgeable and overall kindness were so appreciated. We ordered a few tequilla drinks, which were perfect and quite refreshing. We also both ordered the tomato bisque soup, which was brought to us by Brooklyn, another wonderful person who showed professional kindness as exuded positivity. For our entrees, I ordered their signature giant meatball with spinach noodles, and my wife had the halibut entree. Chris, the manager, came by to see how the meals were and was such an awesome host during the evening. After dinner, Chris sent us a very tasty creme brulee with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. It was so good. The coffee was terrific as well. We just love this establishment, and the staff are simply the best and most wonderful to chat with. Highly recommended. 8/9/23 We had a wonderful dining experience and evening at Ironwood Cellars. Michal (Mehow) was our fantastic server and was truly professional, courteous, and helpful. We started with tequilla drinks and the special broccoli cheese soup. The bartender makes fantastic drinks, and the service from all staff members is stellar. My wife had her favorite Halibut entree, and I had the filet mignon entree. Both dishes were prepared perfectly and presented quite nicely. Highly recommended."

"The food was fantastic as was the service. We enjoyed the halibut, tomatoe bisk soup, burger and 2 glasses of wine which was pino Grigio from Italy. It was a really nice house white wine, not too sweet and a crisp apple taste. The portions of food was large and cooked perfectly. Our server was attentive and no complaints."

"The dishes are very delicious, we asked for medium-rare and we got the perfect medium-rare. The prices are okay, not too expensive. We ordered The 45 days old whatever beef steak, the steak is flawless very big and tasty, but the smash potato are not really my favourite because I could feel a very strong cheese flavour which is good but it too strong. The deserts is perfect."