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North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond

11.02.25

North Italia has launched its new Fall and Winter menu at all locations nationwide, including its Orange County restaurant in Irvine where we dined this week. The seasonal update brings back fan favorites, introduces new chef-driven dishes, and adds fall twists across brunch, lunch and dinner.

New seasonal highlights include the Italian Short Rib Lumache with grana padano crema and horseradish gremolata, the Sunday Night Lasagna with braised short rib and Italian sausage, and the Prime New York Steak Tagliata served with wild arugula and shaved grana padano. Brunch brings a refreshed Morning Market Board featuring a caramelized onion frittata, burrata, shaved asparagus and arugula salad, and heirloom cherry tomatoes.

Seasonal additions join year-round favorites like White Truffle Garlic Bread and Crispy Eggplant Parmesan, handmade pizzas including Hot Honey and Smoked Prosciutto or Funghi, fresh salads like Tuscan Kale with crispy pancetta and charred grape, and house-made pastas such as Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Bolognese. Dessert brings back the Salted Caramel Budino with espresso fudge, banana and toasted pecan toffee.

Cerritos and Topanga locations will exclusively offer house-made focaccia with wild oregano, rosemary, sea salt and aged balsamic.

Select locations including Cerritos and Torrance will also debut the new Mini Bar, a tasting-style program offering 2- to 3-ounce pours of curated cocktails such as the Paradio with tequila, hazelnut, coconut and strawberry. Zero-proof options join the menu as well, including Faux Me Twice with nonalcoholic sauvignon blanc, strawberry, pineapple and smashed citrus.

At every North Italia, the team is dedicated to delivering handcrafted Italian favorites made from scratch daily, from fresh pasta and pizza dough to seasonal boards and entrées. Guests can enjoy brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner and dessert.

Brunch
Saturday – Sunday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lunch
Monday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dinner
Sunday – Thursday | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday | 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Happy Hour
Monday – Thursday | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Happy Hour offered in the bar where applicable.

North Italia Irvine is located 2957 Michelson Drive. For reservations, call (949) 629-7060.

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Dining

Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange

10.30.25

Culinary Dropout, the modern eatery known for its scratch-made dishes, inventive cocktails, and relaxed, playful energy, just opened in Old Towne Orange. The new restaurant marks the concept’s 16th location nationwide and its second in California, following its Southern California debut in Del Mar earlier this year.

Created by Arizona-based Fox Restaurant Concepts and restaurateur Sam Fox, Culinary Dropout is built around a passion for classic comfort food and a focus on fresh ingredients made in-house daily.

Guests can expect signature dishes that showcase that philosophy, including:
• Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue – Warm, freshly baked pretzels served over an open flame with house-made provolone fondue.
• Banana Bread French Toast – Thick slices of banana bread toasted and topped with banana caramel sauce, butter-toasted almonds, and chantilly cream.
• 36-Hour Pork Ribs – Cured for 24 hours and slow-cooked for another 12 until tender, finished with jalapeño molasses BBQ sauce for a sweet, smoky finish.
• Meatloaf Sloppy Joe – A twist on the guest-favorite meatloaf, topped with fontina cheese, crispy onions, and pickles.
• Caramelized Banana Bar – A seasonal dessert with cornflake peanut butter crunch, caramelized bananas, praline mousse, and vanilla crema.

The beverage menu features a creative mix of handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Highlights include the Giddy Up Espresso Martini with vodka, espresso liqueur, and cinnamon-spiced cold brew, the Sweater Weather Sangria with spiced peaches and apple brandy, and the Elderflower & Grapefruit Mimosa for brunch. Non-alcoholic options include The Hass, made with avocado, coconut, lime, ginger, and naranja agria.

The new Orange location spans 7,700 square feet indoors with an additional 1,680-square-foot wraparound patio, offering 253 seats in total. Eclectic artwork pays tribute to California skateboarding legend Ellen O’Neal and features iconic Slim Aarons photography that captures the effortless style of the 1950s. The design reflects the brand’s spirit of individuality and creativity while honoring its Old Towne surroundings.

Reservations are available through OpenTable for lunch, happy hour, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Hours
• Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
• Saturday: Brunch 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 3–11 p.m.
• Sunday: Brunch 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 3–10 p.m.
• Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3–6 p.m.

Location
191 N. Orange St., Orange, CA 92866
(714) 439-5566
www.culinarydropout.com

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