il Girasole Shares Impactful Community Connection Experiences
Darren and Emilia Sugiyama with Antonio Bevacqua
Orange County's modern Italian destination reflects on a season of giving back, with more on the horizon
Community resides in the heartbeat of il Girasole. Orange County's destination for modern Italian cuisine is more than a restaurant — it is a pillar of hope for those in need through the restaurant's dedicated give-back efforts. In May, il Girasole partnered with CASA of Orange County, offering 20% of all Tasting Menu sales that month as a gift to boost the organization during Foster Care Awareness Month. The special dine-for-a-cause activation raised nearly $3,000 for CASA. In June, il Girasole was honored to lead the cuisine for a private in-home fundraiser benefiting Life After Love, a nonprofit dedicated to guiding bereaved parents and surviving siblings through the profound journey of rediscovering themselves after grief and loss. After connecting with the organization's founders, Chef and Managing Partner Antonio Bevacqua was deeply moved by their story and chose to donate all of the food, service staff, and time to prepare an exquisite meal for the fundraiser — which went on to raise over $13,000 that evening.
Looking ahead to the final months of the year, il Girasole is actively planning its Thanksgiving collaboration with The Hub OC for the second year in a row, providing holiday meals for those in need. The restaurant is also contributing to upcoming fundraisers for Free Wheelchair Mission, Mission Plasticos, and CASA's holiday luncheon.
“Family consists of more than the one you were born into. It is comprised of friends and community as well. For us, these efforts help us take care of our extended family.”— Antonio Bevacqua, Chef and Managing Partner, il Girasole
About il Girasole:
il Girasole, Orange County’s premier destination for modern Italian cuisine, is located within SOCO & The OC Mix. Their seasonal menu showcases the best of California’s bounty, with vegetables sourced directly from local farmers’ markets, wild-caught sustainable seafood, and meats selected from small, ethically responsible farms. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to honor both Italian tradition and Southern California’s vibrant terroir. With a curated selection of exceptional wines and cocktails, il Girasole offers a refined dining experience that speaks to those who value authenticity, sustainability, and culinary excellence.
il Girasole is located at 3321 Hyland Ave, Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
