Gemmell's Restaurant

The decor and atmosphere is enjoyable and french for sure. Service is a little on the slow side, but the food is tasty. The escargot appetizer was different and flavorful, although I enjoy a more traditional version (garlic butter & bread). There are several larger restaurants in the area, so it's nice to have a smaller and more intimate version. On a side note, not sure the sunset view as a decoration on the wall - not sure it worked for me - but, also makes the place "different".

Went for dinner and had a great time at Gemell's. Beautiful restaurant and ambient atmosphere. Pleasant French music. Prices are great for a restaurant like this. Or food was FANTASTIC. We had a 4 course dinner for 2. My husband preferred potato leek soup and said it was the best soup he had ever eaten in the restaurant. I also liked a lot my cream of mushroom soup. The presentation of the dishes is very interesting and cute. Steak was well cooked and so was the fish. I was blown away by the presentation of the duck patte appetizer (see the photos).Dessert was fantastic and I loved my cappuccino! We will be back for sure.

Oh my it was wonderful. We celebrated a friends birthday today. Service great and food delicious. I had the Eggs Benedict, others had: fish, crêpes, and salmon. Thee of us took food to go. Two said mushroom soup is the best. Will be back soon.

If I could, I would have given this place a 3.5, but I can't and to give this place a 4* would have been a disservice to other 4* places. Food was very good. Our party of four had John Dory, Sand Dab, Pasta, and Crepe with Chicken. All the main dishes, as well as the appetizers were very well prepared with a traditional french flair (i.e. excellently paired sauces). It wasn't spectacular but I would be happy to come here again for their food. Unfortunately, the staff and the service left a lot to be desired. It took much too long to take our orders and unacceptably too long to bring the main course. This was not a case of intentional slow pace and that of an inattentive service overall. The main hall had 15 to 17 tables which were all occupied and they had two Servers, a busser, a hostess, and a manager(?). And yet, there were too many occasions where I could not see any staff in the dining hall. Considering that the bill comes out to be in the high 40's to low 50's, I expect better service. Finally, the one big positive is that the portions are surprisingly large. We all arrived really hungry and yet we all struggled to finish our main course.

This is my most favorite restaurant and cuisine in all of South Orange County California! I have visited here often through the years and introduced it to my best friend just last night! She is a self made chef and knows what is good and what also meets her high standards. The lemon tart is now her most favorite at Gemmell's who also wowed her a main choice of Sand Dabs. She never had them before but she loved them. They were cooked in such a way they were so light to the palate. The ambience is always classy and warm and private and festive and personal. The decor takes you away to another time and another world. I can never part with their Chicken Elizabeth but I added their fresh mushroom soup to my meal. If you want a taste of heaven go to Gemmell's. You will not be disappointed ever!