I can't sing the praises of Scarlet Kitchen loud enough. Outstanding menu that has something for everyone. We started with the Old Fashioned which was smoky and tasted delicious. Not everyone is a fan of smoky so if you aren't I'd look at the other enticing drinks. For appetizers, I was impressed with the broccolini and carrots which were made to perfection with the right amount of seasoning and char. For main dish, I had the miso salmon which was perfectly cooked and also included white rice with bell peppers for a little spice. For a nightcap, we had espresso martinis which were absolutely nice way to end a fantastic meal. I want to credit our server who was great at providing recommendations and also give credit to how the facility was laid out as there was ample seating both inside and outside with heat lamps. Looking forward to future visits :)

This restaurant is beautiful, and we had a great experience celebrating a birthday here. The food is delicious and the staff are all very kind! Highly recommend!

My husband and I went to celebrate our anniversary at Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge, in Rancho Mission Viejo. The food is always fantastic, and we love the cozy atmosphere, especially the blankets! I do wish they offered hard seltzer options like White Claws, but that's a small detail. The night was mostly wonderful, but there was one moment that caught us off guard. My husband ordered a martini and asked for extra blue cheese olives (even offering to pay extra), and our waitress, who seemed young enough to be our daughter, let us know that we were making her job harder because she has to stuff them themselves. While I understand that it's extra work, the way it was said felt a bit like we were being scolded, which definitely took away from the celebratory mood. I thought about speaking to the manager, but once I realized she's pregnant, I didn't want to add any extra stress on what was clearly a busy night. I have a lot of empathy for those working in food service, and we really were just trying to enjoy a special night out. We'll absolutely return because we love this place, but next time, we'll kindly request a different server.

Discovered this gem and I could not be more excited that I did! I was looking for a new place to celebrate my birthday and wanted a yummy salad with arugula and goat cheese and other yummy bits and Scarlet Lounge and Kitchen had just that! There were so many delicious options for dinner and everyone in my party was thrilled with their choice. The decor of this small restaurant transported us away to another place in time while we dined. The blacks and golds and soft velvet chairs made my celebration feel even more special. Casual dress is welcomed but feel free to dress up and either way, you'll fit right in. Our server was excellent and even surprised me with a complimentary dessert complete with a sparkler to honor my birthday. Had the most amazing mocktails too and drink prices were very reasonable. Will definitely be back!

The food is delicious. The service is even better. This is a small restaurant, but it really packs a punch of personality. I was happy because they had a delicious Pinot from the Willamette area of Oregon. they do have a rather large area with a gorgeous fire pit adjacent unfortunately, it was too chilly for us to sit outside, but we will be back in the summer. Tons of parking .

We visited the day after Valentine's Day to avoid the crowd and special menu. Even though that was still available, we chose to order off the regular menu. Our server Lorelei was great and very attentive. When our orders took longer than anticipated, both she, and Shannon the manager made sure we were comfortable and brought out 2 complimentary sides. When our entrees arrived they were hot and the lamb was a perfect medium rare. We'll definitely be going back!

Stopped by on a Sunday after a trip to the Shops at San Clemente. Food was excellent and we enjoyed live music on the patio.

I met AR for an early, Wednesday evening dinner at the Sendero Marketplace, but we hadn't yet decided where to eat. We were limited to the nicer, sit-down restaurants, skipping over the casual spots like Jersey Mike's and In-N-Out. The two upscale options were Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge and Morena's Mexican Cuisine, both on the pricier side ($$$). Scarlet Kitchen, however, boasts a great Happy Hour, with a new "Reverse Happy Hour" every Friday from 8:30-9:30 PM. (AR mentioned it's usually packed here on Fridays. My guess is the evening Happy Hour.) Last time at the marketplace, AR & I dined at Morena's, where we had a fantastic evening of great food and service. So naturally, I assumed we'd be returning there. But AR surprised me with a curveball: she suggested trying Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge instead. Being the adventurous foodie I am, I was all in! We were greeted warmly by two hostesses and offered a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. The evening was cool, and outdoor dining seemed perfect, especially when the hostess brought out cozy throw blankets for us. AR quickly bundled up, and we chose a table away from another family dining outside, sitting side by side. It was a nice evening. Soon after, our waiter Nathan appeared with waters and an impressive spread of menus: Happy Hour menu, regular dinner menu, "Winesday" specials, and another drink menu - at least four or five menus in total. The menu is a creative fusion of American classics with a sophisticated twist. The variety of dishes showcase the chef's creativity and attention to detail. Decisions, decisions... With so many tempting Happy Hour choices, AR and I were both hungry, and everything looked amazing. After some deliberation, we finally placed our order but kept a few menus on hand - just in case we wanted to add more to our meal! Our order: Heart of Scarlet ($10) Happy Hour drink menu Gluten free organic vodka, pomegranate juice, hibiscus, lime Chefs Old Spirit ($11) Happy Hour drink menu Bourbon, spiced apple syrup, cardamon bitters, dehydrated apple & cinnamon stick (Seasonal cocktail) Rueban Tacos ($17) Happy Hour menu Slow cooked pulled pork, sauerkraut, irish white cheddar, romaine, scarlet sauce, choice of corn or flour tortilla Mediterranean Shrimp Risotto ($31.50) Standard menu; split order Wild jumbo shrimp, spicy white wine tomato sauce, portuguese linguica, parmesan risotto, parsley Chocolate Souflee ($12) Dessert menu Rich chocolate cake, vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berries Grand total: $88 (+tip) *See uploaded photos The drinks were well-made. AR enjoyed her floral, Heart of Scarlet, describing it as both tasty and strong. I opted for the Chef's Old Spirit, a seasonal cocktail. It had good flavor but was a bit sweet for my taste (though the Spiked Apple Cider looked tempting as another fall option). The Reuben Tacos were a hit with both of us - great, smoky flavor and nice portions. AR & I also split the Mediterranean Shrimp Risotto. Our server, Nathan, kindly offered to have the dish split in the kitchen and brought out on two separate plates, to which we eagerly agreed. It saved us from the hassle of dividing it at the table - always a good thing for me, as I tend to make a mess. Truth. The risotto was creamy & delicious! I'm not sure if I've ever had risotto before, though I've certainly seen Chef Ramsey yelling about it on TV. AR was in the mood for it, and I'm always up for trying something new! I was pleasantly surprised to find linguica, a flavorful Portuguese sausage, in the dish. (Linguica is a staple in Hawaii, usually served for breakfast alongside eggs.) As we sipped our drinks, AR and I browsed the dessert menu and decided to split the Chocolate Soufflé - a perfect end to the meal. Overall, it was a fantastic dinner date with exceptional service. However, be prepared for a slightly higher price point, but for the level of service, atmosphere, and food, it's well worth it. (In all fairness, it seems the average lunch/dinner for two runs around $100 nowadays.) Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a fantastic choice in Mission Viejo. The staff was friendly, attentive and accommodating, frequently stopping by the table to check on the food, refill water glasses, and clear away empty plates. Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge in Mission Viejo is a hidden gem that balances modern flair with comfort. The ambiance strikes a perfect blend of cozy and upscale, with warm lighting and chic décor that set the stage for a great time. AR and I are already planning our return visit. She's eyeing the Lobster Mac & Cheese, while I'm keeping it simple--I just want to try a little bit of everything, especially the Eggs Benedict on their Sunday Brunch menu. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a night out, Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge is a great choice! - Big Aloha! Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Service: 5 Value: 3+ (Good Happy Hour menu)

Scarlet Kitchen is a great cozy dinner spot however it is quite pricy so be prepared for that when stopping in for a meal. They have a decent selection on the menu with creative drinks and dishes to choose from. The flavor profiles of each dish are well thought out, some surprising, but not in a bad way. The chef and her team clearly put thought into their dishes, and the service compliments the whole experience well. They have live music which makes the experience feel much more private and fun. They are usually busy so I recommend getting a reservation in advance.