Bistro Provincia

Fusion Cuisine & Bar

By Dina Scaglione

When you envision the landscape of Dana Point restaurants, you might conjure up images of California cuisine, seafood eateries and lively pubs. Bistro Provincia offers a departure from the Dana Point dining scene you may be accustomed to, serving up an elegant, yet exotic culinary experience that’s difficult to put in the proverbial box.

Unique and flavorful best describes Bistro Provincia’s fusion cuisine, inspired by Executive Chef Manuel ‘Manny’ Diaz, who brings a multi-ethnic bistro-type flair, cultivated from years of cooking alongside French chefs in Los Angeles. Chef Manny’s wife and co-owner, Veronica, greets guests with a genuine warmth and charm, adding to the many ingredients that have made Bistro Provincia a go-to spot in the quaint Lantern District area of Dana Point.

Bistro Provincia delivers an interesting blend of Asian, Latin and French dishes, prepared tapas-style and as hearty, large plates. Whether you prefer to dine al fresco, perched at the marble ensconced bar or seated in the rustic dining area, there’s an inviting ambience and range of fare to suit the most discerning guests.

I became an instant fan after sampling the restaurant’s Caribbean Shrimp and Mango Tostaditas, featuring roasted wild shrimp, fresh mango, red onion and a healthy dollop of lime-cilantro aioli served up on crispy blue corn chips. I also highly recommend the Chicken Curry Lumpia with jidori chicken and veggies, rolled and lightly fried atop a tangy coriander-curry dipping sauce. If you want a truly different dish, try the wok sautéed rice noodles and duck entrée, with flat rice noodles and tender ginger-roasted duck, sautéed baby bok choy and sprinkled tangy dried cranberries. Another brilliant blend of flavors is the Lemongrass Jidori Chicken Breast, with aromatic lemongrass accompanied by vegetable Thai curry fried rice and bok choy. Cap off your meal with the Yin-Yang, Bistro Provincia’s signature dessert; a moist, dark chocolate cake topped with a delicate Chantilly butter cream frosting.

Situated in Dana Point’s Park Plaza, tucked between PCH and Golden Lantern, Bistro Provincia is open Tuesday through Sunday for both lunch and dinner. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. (5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Choose from a wide assortment of adult beverages, including hand crafted cocktails, draft beer and wine. Stop in for Tapas Hour: early tapas from 4 to 6 p.m. or late-night tapas from 8 p.m. until closing.

Bistro Provincia
34091 La Plaza, Dana Point
949.482.1011
BistroProvincia.com