Great Taste Magazine | Orange County Restaurants and Pros

Situated in picturesque Newport Beach at Fashion Island, one of Orange County’s premier shopping destinations, CUCINA enoteca is a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop from Southern California renowned restaurateur Tracy Borkum. The California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop is the fourth location of the Urban Kitchen Group’s nationally renowned CUCINA brand that opened in August 2014. Known for her trademark combination of innovative cuisine and cutting-edge design, Executive Chef Joe Magnanelli and Chef de Cuisine Brent Omeste take the lead in the kitchen, putting a fresh, California spin on rustic Italian fare. CUCINA enoteca’s menu turns out inventive iterations of luxurious pastas, antipasti, creative pizzas and plates small and large, along with fresh crudos and Chef’s whim seasonal specials. Wine Director Ed Manetta, a fifteen year wine industry veteran, heads up the venue’s esteemed wine shop. The diverse wine program features more than 250 familiar names and rare, small-batch varietals for guests to purchase at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or to take to go. Complete with large alfresco patio, communal seating, a spacious bar area and intimate table settings, the interior design at CUCINA’s Newport Beach location draws inspiration from a bohemian garden, manifesting a light and airy palette with pops of vibrant floral patterns and earthy elements.