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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
1. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5442)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 196 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
2. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1445)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 38 times today
Louie's by the Bay is a premier Cocktail Bar destination in Newport Beach, offering an exquisite cocktail experience that complements its stunning waterfront location. Diners rave about the "perfect margaritas" and the expertly crafted Manhattans that are "great" and perfectly paired with the menu. The lively late-night cocktail scene is a vibrant addition to the elegant ambiance, making it an ideal spot for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations. Guests are consistently impressed by the "fantastic service" and "superb" drinks, which make every visit memorable. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a delightful evening out, Louie's promises an exceptional cocktail experience.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
3. Il Girasole
new
4.8
Exceptional(25)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 18 times today
Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
4. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1433)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Tustin
Booked 26 times today
Prego Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant locales of Irvine and Tustin, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality offerings. Known far and wide, patrons rave about their seafood, with standout dishes like the Market Salmon and the Tuna Tartare. One delighted diner exclaimed, “The Salmon was delicious!” while another praised their “fantastic” lobster ravioli. Prego's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous preparation and presentation, making every seafood dish a culinary masterpiece. With accolades from the Restaurant Writers Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, Prego promises an unforgettable seafood experience.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
5. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(444)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 9 times today
Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, celebrated for its authentic flavors and exceptional quality. This family-owned gem embraces the true essence of Italy by using only fresh, natural ingredients, resulting in "some of the best pizza you will ever have." Their wood-fire oven pizzas mirror the authentic pies of Naples, offering a smoky, delightful taste that is hard to find elsewhere. Pasta enthusiasts will revel in their handmade dishes, while those with dietary restrictions can indulge in the best gluten-free options around. "Outstanding food and service" are guaranteed, making Il Dolce a must-visit for Italian food connoisseurs.
A photo of Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant
6. Andrea at Pelican Hill
4.1
Excellent(1896)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Andrea at Pelican Hill is a beacon of exquisite Contemporary European cuisine, nestled in the picturesque Newport Beach. The restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience, elevating each dish to an art form. Guests frequently commend the “delicious and plentiful” food, noting the “outstanding service” that accompanies it. The venue is renowned for its special high-end offerings, such as the Italian Culinary Masters event, showcasing the brilliance of Chef Mattia Agazzi. Diners rave about the “exceptional” service and beautifully curated events, making Andrea a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and sophisticated European flavors.
A photo of Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach restaurant
7. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach
4.8
Exceptional(1071)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Huntington Beach
Booked 15 times today
Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach is a gem for seafood lovers, offering an authentic Italian experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Their fresh fish dishes are a standout, with patrons praising the "exemplary calamari fritti" as a must-try. This restaurant excels in delivering a "delicious and welcoming" dining experience, consistently impressing with its homemade creations. The quality of their seafood is unparalleled, providing a taste that is both fresh and flavorful. With a warm ambiance and attentive service, "this place NEVER disappoints," making it a top choice for anyone craving high-quality seafood in Huntington Beach.
A photo of The Alexander restaurant
8. The Alexander
3.8
Excellent(37)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Anaheim
Booked 2 times today
A Fine Dining Experience..Step into a world of regality, royalty and splendor at The Alexander. Enjoy our especially curated dishes and handcrafted cocktails that exude brilliance and sophistication.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kinnakone
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Came in wanting to try a couple of dishes on the menu and it did not disappoint. The polipo was crispy, yet soft tender and chewy in the best possible way, the presentation and the perfectly cooked fingerlings were a match made in heaven. All of our mains were incredible, but the filet cacio Pepe was insane! Shoutout Irene for being an incredible server, she perfectly matched our energy at the table and didn’t ever intrude into our experience. My girl is a carb queen and she can’t wait to go back.
    More info
    Il GirasolePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • Frankie
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Omar our waiter was superb! One of the best experiences ever! Attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond.
    More info
    North Italia - CerritosPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cerritos
    •
    4.5
  • Michael
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 29, 2024
    First time diner, fantastic experience only comment on the food was the penne pasta with shrimp a bit heavy on the pesto. Other than that we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    Louie's by the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • DianeVIP
    Orange County •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Food is always great, ambiance for the holiday was beautiful, the service impeccable and management as attentive as needed. A wonderful dining experience!
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Tustin
    •
    4.6
  • Kelly
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 18, 2024
    Outstanding food and wonderful service! The staff were attentive and friendly. The food was excellent.and
    More info
    Il DolcePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.9

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in North Orange County, particularly in the vibrant culinary hub of Costa Mesa. This area is renowned for its selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern culinary innovations, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. These eateries pride themselves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to craft dishes that truly stand out in the local dining scene. Whether you're a fan of artisanal pizzas, inventive pasta dishes, or gourmet seafood creations, Costa Mesa's Italian dining scene caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The ambiance in these restaurants ranges from intimate and rustic to sleek and modern, ensuring an ideal setting for both casual outings and special occasions. Costa Mesa's reputation for contemporary Italian dining is not just about food; it's about creating a holistic experience that combines great cuisine with impeccable service and a warm atmosphere. This culinary niche not only highlights the rich flavors of Italy but also adapts them to the cosmopolitan tastes of Orange County's diverse populace.

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