Nova Kitchen & Bar

Review summary

1. N

   Neda

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   I had high hopes for Nova kitchen,having made a reservation three weeks in advance to celebrate my birthday. Since it was close to the holidays and most good restaurants were likely booked, we planned ahead to secure this special spot, which came highly recommended for its beautiful décor. Unfortunately, the experience was beyond disappointing. The day before our reservation, we received a message saying there had been a “miscommunication” due to a last-minute private party at 6:30 PM. They asked us to change our reservation to either 4:15 PM or 8:15 PM. Reluctantly, and with no other feasible options, we accepted the 4:15 PM time, with the promise of VIP treatment. Upon arriving at 4 PM after a 90-minute drive, the restaurant was completely empty—an ironic contrast to their excuse about being “booked.” Despite this, the host made us wait while taking two lengthy phone calls, offering no acknowledgment or apology. When we were finally seated, it was in a secluded corner with filthy windows, far from the ambiance we’d expected. The area felt neglected and unworthy of even a casual restaurant, let alone a supposedly upscale one. When we requested to be moved to the main dining area, we were told those tables were reserved for 6:30 PM guests—two and a half hours later. It was clear that despite booking three weeks in advance for a special occasion, and arriving far before their private event, we were not being accommodated. This dismissive attitude, combined with the unclean and isolated seating, made it impossible to enjoy our celebration. We left without dining, deeply disappointed and insulted. It’s shocking that a restaurant that markets itself as high-end would treat customers this way, especially for a special occasion. This experience ruined what should have been a memorable evening. Their lack of professionalism, poor communication, and disregard for guests are unacceptable. I cannot recommend this place to anyone looking for quality service or respec
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
2. N

   Nancy

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   Table for 2. We had the Shrimp tempura, volcano roll, chow mein, & Kung pao chicken. Kung pao chicken had no chicken! It was all batter! Chow mein was ehh. Sushi rolls where not the best. Overall I can have better sushi & Chinese food elsewhere for way cheaper & better taste. Also had 2 alcohol drinks, presentation was nice but taste was not good. Taste was like alcohol & water. WOULDN'T RECOMMEND. DEFINITELY NOT GOING BACK!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
3. S

   Sovanara

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My husband and I aren’t from Anaheim area, and we needed a place to eat for our anniversary dinner. I went onto yelp and found this place and the ambiance caught my eye immediately. We chose this spot over a rooftop view dinner and it was the best decision we ever made!! The best food my husband and I have ever ate hands down (and I am very very picky, especially with Asian cuisine), compliments to the chef. Service was amazing as well. Our server was attentive and so sweet. Explained everything well and shared his own opinions on his favorites there and did not disappoint. We ordered chili wontons, black pink roll, seafood fried rice, wagyu ribeye, and Thai ny steak. It was so heavenly, we devoured everything. We simply did not have a favorite because every single dish was amazing. This will definitely be a place we will be traveling out of town for!
   

   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

   Report
4. A

   Austin

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 6 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I took my wife here to celebrate her birthday and I never had a better experience, the best service I’ve ever had and the food was 100/10 best of the best!!
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
5. M

   Michael

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 6 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was a great choice for our team dinner (10 people) during a conference we attended. The dishes are all shareable, which made it fun, and there was something for everyone.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
6. K

   Kaitlyn

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 27 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   super nice experience. took my boyfriend for his birthday and they treated us super well. it wasn’t loud at all and the atmosphere is really nice. our waitress Nicole was super kind and patient.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
7. L

   Leonard

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 23 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I found Nova Kitchen & Bar on Yelp. So I decided to make a reservation to celebrate our 16 year anniversary. The atmosphere was perfect for a nice evening. Our server Merry was so amazing & informative. She was also very attentive which made our experience great. We had a few drinks, appetizers, wagyu ribeye & sushi rolls. Everything tasted really good. The ribeye was definitely my favorite because it so tender. Most of the food is good share. I highly recommend the drink, "what the flame". The serve lights it up on the table. I look forward to visiting again & trying other items on the menu. If you are looking for a place to have a nice evening, this is the place to go.
   

   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

   Report
8. L

   Leona

   Seattle

   6 reviews

   2.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 23 November 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   I was expecting a more upscale restaurant & the food was mediocre at best. The service however was good.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
9. A

   Art

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 20 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent quality of fish paired with imaginative new ways of combining Japanese cuisine with other cuisines, such as Korean and Mexican. Staff were friendly and open to chatting about the foods as well as taking pride in what they have to present. Know that this meal is not a belly buster meal but more of a journey for new flavors and textures. Don’t go in thinking you’re gonna feel stuffed by the end of the meal. Instead, go in with an appreciation of flavors and creativity.
   

   Is this helpful?

   Report
10. T

    Tim

    Cleveland

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The food was incredible and very unique when compared with other Asian style restaurants in the area. The service was very good. The ambience was upbeat and in line with open table description. The meal cost was also in line with open table description but a good value given the unique meal offerings.
    

    Is this helpful?

    Report