Summit House Restaurant

With beautiful views of North Orange County, The Summit House sits above it all. The exterior looks like an... more

Escargots Bourguignonne are served in a Brandy Pernod Garlic Butter. OMG, this is just like I remembered it. The Summit House was my first experience with escargot. Being from Hawaii, we eat lots of sea snails (called tsubu in Japanese). Escargot is so much better as it absorbs the flavor of anything that you serve with it. The Brandy Pernod Garlic Butter sauce is amazing! The escargot explodes with flavor. Tip: when you scoop the escargot from the holder or shell, make sure you dig deep to pick up the garlic chunks on the bottom. If you have eaten all of the escargot, take your bread and soak up the leftover buttery garlic flavor. Your bread is now a beautifully garlic flavored delicacy. Thumbs up, way up!\r \r Rib Eye Steak is a 20-ounce USDA Prime bone-in rib eye, oak wood grilled, and served with straw onions and Gruyere au gratin potatoes. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare with an awesome char-grilled seal. The steak was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The au gratin potatoes had a splendid brown crust of cheese on top and creamy layered potato goodness underneath. The vegetables were sautéed to perfection allowing them to retain their crispy greenness. The fried onion straws were okay. The dish would probably be fine without them. Thumbs up, way up!\r \r Since we were celebrating my husband’s birthday, they brought out a little something sweet to end our evening. The Summit English Trifle is layers of rum and brandy soaked cake with English custard, strawberries, Chantilly cream, and toasted almonds. I love that they had a little “Happy Birthday” chocolate placard and a candle to make a wish. The trifle was scrumptious and light. This was the perfect end to a heavily-laden meal of beef. Thumbs up, way up! more

With beautiful views of North Orange County, The Summit House sits above it all. The exterior looks like an old English Inn with beautifully landsc... more

Friday evening dining: The landscape and grounds were meticulous. The house has a cozy setting, but lacks ""dining experience"" follow through once entered. \r \r Our wait in the piano bar: The bar has old charm, delicate tunes played as my friends and I had a drink and waited to be seated. While waiting, I noticed the limited wine list wasn't up to par. I'd hoped that it was only the piano bar wine selection. The lights were dim as the pianist played which created a lovely ambiance. Unfortunately, this quickly ended. \r \r Our dining: There are two dining rooms: the first was dimly lit, piano tunes at this point could be heard, everyone relaxing over conversation; the second (our seating) was as brightly lit and as loud as an airport. We had to speak over other diner voices. And, of course, piano tunes could not be heard. Although we had same day reservations, our seating shouldn’t matter. Were we placed in the time out room for reserving late? Our host still paid the same prices as the others.\r \r As I opened the menu, I was relieved to find a nice selection of protein and seafood. When spending $38 for a rack of lamb one would hope to enjoy a finer selection of wine to choose from - accompanied by large wine glasses. Not. The cheese plate was ok, and would've been better with a cheese knife and fork for the cheese plate. We had to use our individual butter or dinner knives for cheese cutting (cheese doesn’t pair well with remains of butter or salad dressing left on the knives). My selection of Colorado Rack of Lamb was ok, I ordered med-rare, but received an inconsistent med-rare to med (dry) per piece.\r \r Our night quickly ended at 10:30pm; exhausted by the overheard conversations and brightly lit room. My head was buzzing from the lights and noise that created energy in our conversation. At nights end, we were greeted by the valet guys who brought our keys to the table. Luckily, I tipped beforehand. My friends, unfortunately, had to pull out their wallets and bills to tip tableside.\r \r Suggestions from a foodie to match the value of the menu:\r 1. Gracious point of entry needs support from ""dining experience"" follow through \r 2. Much needed wine buyer who pairs finer selections to match pricey entrees \r 3. Work on details of wine and cheese service\r 4. Create Ambiance: Dim the lights and input speakers in the back room (lovely city view) Why have a pianist when guests are unable to hear the tunes in the back room? At least we had a view.\r 5. For the late guests who are the last to leave: have valet leave the keys at the host stand or with a matre d'…don’t deliver to the table – not good etiquette\r \r I will return, one day. However, upon reservations I will ask for the first, dimly lit room where I’m able to hear the piano and relax with friends, tip valet beforehand, request cheese utensils, and pay a corkage fee.\r \r Luckily I had good company (friends) and the experience was much better just dining with them. At this price range, service should not be interrupted especially for those who are seeking a place for special occasions.\r Pros: Nice entree selection, piano bar, views - has potential Cons: Wine list, Lacks details, too loud more

We had our wedding reception at the Summit House on April 26th and were extrmely happy with the service. Every time I turned around there was a server right behind me ready to get whatever we needed. When we arrived at The Summit House after our cermony we were greeted with champayne and appetizers before we even made it in the door of the reception room. I have to admit I didn't pay much attention to the food on our wedding day. At the food tasting the food was good but nothing really special. The sales person Carman was very accomodating and when she learned I liked beer rather than wine with my food she had them serve me that with my food. That alone earns them an extra star. Another great thing about the Summit House is that while it is a nice upscale place the ballroom doesn't feel stuffy or uptight. I would definately recommend The Summit House for weddings more

Restaurant had a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. The food is great....just stick with what they're good at and that is steaks and prime rib. Our server was also funny and very attentive. We had a birthday in our group of six and we had a great time. more

Most disappointing, after hearing rave reviews about this place. The lobster bisque tasted like Cambell's tomato soup with a couple of scraps of shredded lobster meat (hard to find!). The duck was hard and dry, and the shrimp/scallop dish was bland and unimaginative. Very limited menu. Pros: Nice view Cons: Poor food, Poor food, Poor food more

Having visited on many occassions, I've always found their food above normal. The service equals the food- served pleasantly, courteously, & always warm or hot. more

The valet attendant was absolutely the best! It's unfortunate that Summit House isn't just a parking lot. The service was sub-par...We had a large group and since a 15% gratuity was already included, the restaurant assigned us with a waitress with a Beverly Hills attitude. A moody one she was! For a gratuity of $80, I would expect somebody courteous...As I said in the beginning of this review the valet guy was 22 times nicer with only a $2 tip. If Summit House is known for their Prime Rib, I'm afraid to taste anything else on their menu. The food came out a bit cold and dry. Summit House has a few oil drilling machines that detracts from the romantic experience...The restaurant must be investing most of it's time and money into these drilling machines than their service and food. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant...not even to somebody I dislike... Pros: nice valet guy Cons: food, service more

This restaurant has a great location and ambience. The only things it lacks to be a great restaurant is good service and food. This restaurant had been recommened to me. Our first visit was satisfactory but nothing great. The receptionist seemed preoccupied with personal business, the server was mediocre, the food was adequate. I was not impressed. I thought we had caught them on an off night so we tried them for second time. This time the receptionist had an arrogance that caught me off guard and offended my guest. Service was less than adequate. The food was late, cold and the quality poor. Apologies were resentfully given when I addressed them with management. Obviously, the poor service starts from the top. I will not return and would not recommend. Pros: location, view, decor Cons: service, food more

I absolutely love this place. I've been there for prom dinner back in high school, have gone there for special occasions, and even had my wedding there. The place has a wonder ambiance. The food is delicious and a great wine list. The bar is nice if you just feel like a drink without the super noisy bar feel. If you haven't been there check it out. more

Freeway close and picturesque. Very romantic with exceptional service and outstanding food. Great for anniversaries, special occasions or just trying to impress someone. Pros: Good parking, freeway friendly, great food more