Mini But Mighty Bar

Orange County’s newest martini and small plates eatery Microbar, just opened at Mercantile West shopping center in Ladera Ranch. Microbar, from the same owner of the popular Pizza e Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita, offers seasonal small plates with influences from Spain and Italy and all seafood is wild, and beef is grass fed and hormone free.

Microbar's Chef Brad Robison’s specialties include proscuitto wrapped dates, burrata with roasted tomatoes with balsamic reduction, olive oil and basil; shrimp wontons; bone marrow with crostini, maldon salt and roasted garlic; and pan-fried oysters with Asian greens and Cajun remoulade.

Heartier plates includes filet mignon; New Zealand green mussels with garlic and wine reduction; pork belly sliders braised and served on Hawaiian bread; and a berry salad, with chicken breast, seasonal berries, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and a berry walnut dressing, among other offerings.

Microbar’s cocktails made with fresh, house-made mixes include a refreshing Solerno spritz (Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, fresh lemon juice and sparkling wine), reviver (Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau and Absinthe Rinse), and beat the heat (Milagro Silver Tequila, St. Germain Liqueur, fresh lime juice, cucumber, jalapeno and Agave syrup.)

The bar opens at 4 p.m. and the dining room opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and remains open through dinner Saturday and Sunday.

Microbar is in Mercantile West, across from Pavilions, at 25612 Crown Valley Parkway in Ladera Ranch. 949.429.3380.