La Cave

La Cave Restaurant Review:

Yes, the restaurant’s name does in fact refer to its cave-like atmosphere --- it's dark, underground and noticeably grotto-like. But this is classic dining. First, there’s the groovy retro bar, a must-stop for a dirty martini or vodka gimlet. After squeezing into the narrow Naugahyde booths, servers wheel choice cuts of meat and other offerings for that night's meal; they carve and plate for you tableside, too. Most of the lively Newport-Mesa regulars order up classic steaks from filet mignon to porterhouse, or continental seafood favorites such as swordfish or Alaskan halibut; we like to break with tradition just a bit, ordering prime rib instead because they do it so well. After you close out your meal with a slice of chocolate fudge cake, relax and watch as this steakhouse turns into a music club dubbed The Underground Lounge featuring an eclectic mix of genres, from jazz to indie rock and all things in between.