Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

4.8

4.8 (64)

$30 and under

Italian

Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

About the restaurant

Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.

Top review

Javier

Dined 7 days ago

Good food. Good service. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.

Il Dolce

4.9

4.9 (443)

$31 to $50

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Known for using only natural, fresh ingredients, Il Dolce specializes in Italian cuisine. Along with a variety of pastas, salads, patrons can select from a number of pizza menu options. Inspired by authentic pies made in Naples, each pizza at Il Dolce is prepared in a wood-fire oven, giving it an authentic, smoky flavor.Family owned and operated, this award-winning restaurant provides a cozy, comfortable environment where pizza enthusiasts can watch their pies being prepared. Guests dining at Il Dolce can also enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a cocktail. Dessert items along with a special gluten-free menu are also available.

Top review

Kelly

Dined 3 days ago

Outstanding food and wonderful service! The staff were attentive and friendly. The food was excellent.and

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Carbonara

Latte Da Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (200)

$30 and under

Italian

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

Homemade Pastas Imported Italian Delicatessens Fresh fish & meats daily Beautiful Ambiance

Top review

MaryAnnVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Food was excellent. Had the fettuccine Alfredo. Sauce was creamy and delicious. I’ll be back

Da Bianca Trattoria

4.9

4.9 (1849)

$30 and under

Italian

Orange

About the restaurant

For over 35 years, Da Bianca Trattoria has earned a reputation as a beloved local restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine. Founded by Bianca Cangelosi Bavand, Da Bianca was a dream come true for the Sicilian native. Her inspiration and the secret to the restaurant's continued success is serving simple food using only the freshest ingredients-- just like the food she served her family. Daughter Marjan Bavand Dunn continues the family legacy of welcoming our neighbors, as they celebrate milestones, meet friends and share family dinners.

Top review

DidiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food is always fabulous but the service not great. Especially for the price point. Dirty plates not picked up. Waiter didn’t seem to care about the wonderful menu.

Foretti's

4.9

4.9 (1883)

$30 and under

Italian

Corona del Mar

About the restaurant

Foretti’s CDM established itself as a highlight of the Newport Beach dining scene when it opened in 2013. Operating under the new ownership of longtime Restaurateur and Level 1 Sommelier Thaddeus Foret, we continue to prepare our signature recipes, created by the restaurant’s namesake chef and his culinary team—many of whom remain in our kitchen today.

Foretti’s is a celebration of Italian traditions, specializing in authentic Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana-certified wood-fired pizzas baked in a 900 degree oven with the same techniques and ingredients used in Naples, Italy.

We also feature house made pastas and favorite dishes from across Italy, expertly paired with craft cocktails and a curated selection of Italian and California Wines; several from Orange County wine owners.

Thad Foret brings more than 30 years of experience in hospitality to Corona del Mar, and has been a standard bearer for restaurant operations in the region.

Top review

edVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Warm,inviting spot with great service and a broad menu of great Italian fare. Broad wine list plus byob option

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Verde

Brunos Italian Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (2408)

$30 and under

Italian

Brea / La Habra

About the restaurant

Inspired by a simpler time when meals brought friends and families together….

The menu is comprised of Italian dishes like homemade pastas, fish and steak dishes. Standouts include the Pappardelle Bruno made with braised shorts ribs, wild mushrooms and homemade pappardelle; Branzino which is a Mediterranean sea bass served with roasted potatoes, fresh spinach, lemon and capers; and the Grilled Flatiron Steak served with creamy polenta and roasted cipollini onions.

Broad selection of Italian wines that share the same price point to make the selection process simple and encourage guests to be adventurous.

Brunos also features a menu of carefully crafted cocktails featuring Italian spirits, liqueurs and fresh seasonal ingredients.

Visit our website for more details on great offers like Italian Classics Tuesday, Wine Wednesday, Thursday Special, and Lasagna Sunday.

Brunos Italian Kitchen automatically adds a 20% gratuity fee for parties of 6 and over.

Top review

Pam

Dined 4 days ago

The food was great. I had the lasagna special, very authentic!

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Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach

4.8

4.8 (950)

$31 to $50

Italian

Newport Beach

About the restaurant

Established in 1989, Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach is a culinary experience unique from any other. Owner and chef, Sal Maniaci, has brought his firsthand knowledge of Italian cuisine to Newport Beach. A genuine Mediterranean setting coupled with experienced and knowledgeable waiters add to Sapori's authenticity. The remodeled patio featuring a fireplace and outdoor heaters creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic and warm outdoor dining. Signature dishes include penne otero, farfalle salmone, scalloppine gorgonzola, and several other original pasta and meat dishes. Traditional Italian appetizers and desserts such as calamari fritti and tiramisu and an excellent wine list complete the menu. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, private parties, baby showers, and weddings

Top review

Fernando

Dined 4 days ago

"An Italian Dining Experience Like No Other!" We have been loyal clients of this restaurant for over 10 years, and it continues to exceed our expectations every single time. This place is truly exceptional! From the moment we walk in, the service—from the servers, bartenders, runners, hostesses, and managers—is always impeccable. Every staff member goes above and beyond to ensure a delightful and seamless dining experience. The food is simply outstanding—every dish is thoughtfully prepared, bursting with flavor, and consistently delicious. The wine selection is equally impressive, perfectly complementing the meal and elevating the overall experience. This restaurant is also connected to Sapori Pizzeria, located just inside the Sapori Restaurant—a wonderful addition to their exceptional offerings. And let me tell you, it has THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD! Paolo, Roberto, Maximo, Jose, Consta, Sergio, Alex the chef, Ann, and Sal the owners are truly the best of the best! Their warmth, passion, and dedication make every visit feel special and unforgettable. This restaurant is a true gem, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable Italian culinary experience. Always the best—can’t wait to return!

Pronto Cucina Italiana

4.9

4.9 (49)

$30 and under

Italian

San Clemente

About the restaurant

Indulge in our authentic Italian cuisine and experience the taste of Italy right here in San Clemente, CA on the famous Avenida Del Mar. Our family, originally from Sicily, has been proudly owning and operating Pronto Cucina Italiana since April 2021, bringing you the finest dishes made with imported Italian ingredients and locally sourced produce. Specializing in pasta and pizza, from different regions in Italy. Menu and wine list curated by Ole award-winning Chef Adriano Piazza.

Top review

Stephany

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

Amazing food 🫶🏻 truly my one of my favorite pasta places and the energy in the restaurant is divine ✨

Piccolino Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (2068)

$31 to $50

Italian

Irvine

About the restaurant

A Sicilian by way of Chicago, from a family of Sicilian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself, serving Orange County for 30 years. Piccolino serves some of the best Italian inspirations in Orange County. Piccolino retains its Sicilian philosophy and passion for food by combining traditional old-world flavors and contemporary infusions. When Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino Ristorante in 2007, his goal was simple: to combine his lifelong experiences in the finest Italian restaurants with the finest ingredients, authenticity, preparation, and his passion for the Canyon and its surrounding communities. Piccolino Ristorante serves regional Italian cuisine, including artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and the finest meats and poultry on the market daily. Vintage décor, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables provide a romantic dining experience.

"Chi mangia bene, Vive bene!"

"La buona cucina rende allegria!"

Buon Appetito & Mille Grazie, ci si vede presto!

Top review

MelissaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We had a great birthday dinner. They had the table set up with confetti before we arrived. The food was delicious! Everyone enjoyed their meal. Was super busy but the staff was well organized and efficient.

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Popular dish

Fettuccine Piccolino

Experience

33% off Sunday & Thursday Wine Bottle Under $60

Experience

33% off Wine Monday & Wednesday

Ciao Pasta

4.8

4.8 (1269)

$30 and under

Italian

San Juan Capistrano

About the restaurant

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees.

Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Andy

Dined 1 day ago

Awesome spot loved the vibes and food was amazing, can’t wait to come back!

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Popular dish

Mezze Maniche

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