Dining
Warehouse 72, Irvine
Jan
Located inside the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Irvine, Warehouse 72 is Orange County’s newest destination for upscale dining. Opened this past August, this modern American restaurant combines culinary innovation, contemporary design, and a creative spirit to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. With its seasonally evolving menu offerings, including a chef-driven 4-course prix-fixe dinner menu and a rotating cocktail list, Warehouse 72 draws attention from locals and travelers alike.
Founded by Orange County native Doug Pak, Warehouse 72 embodies a vision of elevated dining that seamlessly fuses creativity, modern art, and design. This stunning 6,200-square-foot space balances sophistication with comfort, offering an environment as visually captivating as it is inviting. At the heart of the restaurant lies a striking 30-foot 3D digital art installation, inspired by the 68th Angel of Healing—a symbol of renewal and creativity. This centerpiece not only anchors the design but also enhances the dining experience, immersing guests in a dynamic and stimulating atmosphere.
Every aspect of the restaurant has been thoughtfully curated to invite relaxation and enjoyment, from the expansive indoor-outdoor bar and scenic patio to the cozy lounge areas and versatile private dining rooms. Whether savoring a meal or enjoying a cocktail, guests are enveloped in an ambiance that celebrates both artistic expression and culinary excellence.
Adding depth to this vision is Executive Chef Jaime Salazar, a seasoned culinary artist with over a decade of experience. Known for his tenure at Brasserie 19 in Houston, Salazar was recognized by Zagat in 2018 as one of Houston’s “Under-the-Radar Chefs to Know.” His fresh perspective on modern dining is evident in every dish on their contemporary American menu.
While the menu leans on the comforting foundations of American cuisine, its Mediterranean accents—drawing inspiration from Italy, Spain, and beyond—bring a distinct vibrancy to each dish.
Highlights from the menu showcase the restaurant’s commitment to bold flavors and elevated dining. The Charred Spanish Octopus stands out with its perfectly grilled texture, complemented by crispy marble potatoes, savory chorizo, vibrant salsa verde, and a touch of Aleppo pepper for subtle heat. The Beet Salad offers a colorful and refreshing dish, blending red and golden beets with whipped goat cheese, peppery arugula, crunchy walnuts, and a rich balsamic reduction for a harmonious balance of flavors.
For pasta lovers, the Truffle Angel Hair Pasta is an indulgent treat, featuring a decadent black truffle cream sauce, Parmesan, and freshly grated truffles that elevate this comfort-food classic to new heights. The Filet Frites, a true showstopper, presents an 8-ounce Double R Ranch beef filet, cooked to perfection and topped with flavorful salmoriglio butter, accompanied by a generous portion of golden fries. Each dish reflects the restaurant’s innovative approach to classic cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.
For dessert, Warehouse 72 doesn’t disappoint. The Vanilla Cheesecake is a classic, while the Frozen S’mores—with its graham cracker crust, chocolate ice cream, and torched marshmallow—provides a playful and nostalgic finale, served with tableside flair.
Renowned for its innovative mixology program, Warehouse 72 showcased its expertise in the 2024 Mixology Masters competition, earning acclaim for its inventive creations. Among the standout cocktails is the Old Fashioned, a sophisticated combination of Whistle Pig Piggy Back Rye, Whistle Pig Maple Syrup, walnut bitters, candied bacon, cherry, and aromatic orange bitters, offering a refined take on a timeless classic. Equally captivating is the Salt & Pepper, a vibrant cocktail crafted with butterfly pea-infused Beefeater Gin, house-made syrup, lime, and basil, delivering a fresh and colorful twist on a traditional gin-based drink. Whether enjoying these signature cocktails at the bar or pairing them with the prix-fixe dinner in the dining room, guests can expect an experience that engages all the senses.
Photo Courtesy of Warehouse 72