Costa Mesa Welcomes Il Girasole, a New Italian Restaurant

The elegant interior of Il Girasole, inviting guests to experience modern Italian cuisine.

News Summary

Il Girasole, a modern Italian restaurant by Antonio Bevacqua, has opened in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. The restaurant focuses on seasonality and innovation in its culinary offerings, featuring a five-course tasting menu. With Chef Daniel Carnero at the helm, Il Girasole promises a unique dining experience with a blend of traditional Italian flavors presented in contemporary ways. The restaurant aims to be a notable dining destination in the area.

Costa Mesa Welcomes Il Girasole, a New Modern Italian Restaurant by Antonio Bevacqua

Antonio Bevacqua has officially launched his own Italian restaurant, Il Girasole, located within the South Coast Collection (SOCO) shopping center in Costa Mesa. The restaurant opened its doors on December 5, 2024, following a long-held aspiration by Bevacqua to establish a culinary venue that reflects his extensive experience and passion for Italian cuisine. The grand opening celebration took place on February 6, 2025.

Bevacqua, originally from Italy, embarked on his culinary journey at a young age, enhancing his skills in restaurants across France, Switzerland, and Italy before relocating to California in 2002. His hospitality career in Southern California commenced at Antonello Ristorante, near South Coast Plaza, and he later honed his expertise at Pinot Provence at the Westin South Coast Plaza, which closed a decade ago. Additional experience came from managing Canaletto in Fashion Island and offering consulting services for Bottega Angelina located in Laguna Niguel.

Bevacqua’s plans to open a restaurant faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he remained persistent in his search for the ideal location. Initially considering spaces in Laguna Beach and at the OC Mix, he eventually found a recently vacated eatery near the ARC restaurant that suited his vision better than the former location of Taco María, a Michelin-starred establishment.

On August 8, 2024, Bevacqua signed the lease for Il Girasole, setting the stage for the restaurant’s modern take on Italian cuisine, which emphasizes seasonality, technique, and innovation. The menu offers a blend of classic Italian flavors presented through contemporary culinary execution. It is designed to change with the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients are utilized.

The restaurant features a five-course tasting experience that showcases an array of flavors and culinary techniques. Chef Daniel Carnero, who is recognized for his experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, is responsible for refining and executing the menu. Initial offerings included items such as chicken, duck, quail, and filet, eventually transitioning to a dual-menu format that includes both a la carte selections and a tasting menu.

Il Girasole is open for both lunch and dinner, with a happy hour at the bar. Guests can enjoy an impressive wine list alongside creative cocktails that complement the meal offerings. The restaurant is committed to providing a unique dining experience for patrons in Costa Mesa.

Located at 3321 Hyland Ave., Suite E, Costa Mesa, Il Girasole may be contacted at (657) 218-9439. The restaurant’s website is available at il-girasole.com for more information regarding the menu and reservation options.

This new establishment replaces two previous restaurants that occupied the same space before Bevacqua’s vision came to fruition. With his rich culinary background and a commitment to quality, Il Girasole aims to become a notable dining destination within Costa Mesa.