Il Girasole’s Story page frames the restaurant as “Orange County’s premier destination for modern Italian cuisine”, located at SOCO & The OC Mix. The mission highlights a menu rooted in both Italian tradition and Southern California’s abundant terroir. Vegetables are sourced from local farmers’ markets, seafood is wild-caught and sustainable, and meats come from small, ethically responsible farms. The combination of these ingredients with high technique forms the core philosophy. The space, service, and seasonal evolution all derive from this dual identity-Italian heritage interpreted through California’s ingredient richness. Every detail, from menu descriptions to plating, reflects that narrative.