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Best Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Vitaly Caffe restaurant
1. Vitaly Caffe
4.5
Awesome(76)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where the essence of Italy comes to life in every dish! We pride ourselves on crafting homemade Pasta, Pinsa Pizza, Piadina Sandwiches from scratch. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, authentic Italian food and Artisan gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy our Italian wines and beers. We can't wait to serve you from breakfast through dinner, making us your go-to destination.Please note: We accept reservations for diners only. Coffee or Gelato/Desserts are available on a walk-in basis. Join us for a delicious Italian experience!
A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant
2. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza
4.6
Exceptional(8106)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 95 times today
Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza stands out as a quintessential American dining experience with an Italian twist, offering authentic Italian-American dishes that pay homage to Nonna's cherished recipes. Located in the bustling heart of Costa Mesa, diners are treated to an unparalleled blend of "fantastic food" and "amazing service," making every meal memorable. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and "delicious entrees" consistently impress guests, creating "great memories" and leaving them eager to return. With its prime location just minutes from the beach and luxury shopping, Maggiano's provides an inviting retreat for those seeking genuine American cuisine infused with Italian flair.
A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
3. North Italia – Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(5521)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 145 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 Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant
4. Il Fornaio - Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(4062)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Irvine
Booked 48 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach restaurant
5. CUCINA enoteca - Newport Beach
4.7
Exceptional(2812)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 43 times today
CUCINA enoteca in Newport Beach offers an exquisite take on Californian cuisine, skillfully combining "great food, great service, and beautiful ambiance" to create an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled in the vibrant Fashion Island, the restaurant's open kitchen showcases the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Tim Kolanko and Chef de Cuisine Cesar Sarmiento. Using fresh, local ingredients, they craft Italian classics with a modern Californian twist, ensuring every dish is "absolutely delicious." Diners rave about their diverse wine selection and warm service, noting that the "food is always good here and this time was just great." CUCINA enoteca is truly a standout in Californian dining.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
6. Il Girasole
4.5
Awesome(68)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 8 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 wild striped bass, duck, sea urchin risotto, 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 Antonello Ristorante restaurant
7. Antonello Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(1722)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Santa Ana
Booked 9 times today
At Antonello Ristorante, we transport you to not just another place, but to another time. As you walk into Antonello's Main Dining Room, a typical scene from the streets of Bistango, Italy comes alive.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
8. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1471)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 32 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 Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza restaurant
9. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza
4.9
Exceptional(211)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 4 times today
Ruscello at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza is a hidden gem for Italian cuisine lovers seeking authentic Mediterranean-inspired flavors in Costa Mesa. With rave reviews highlighting the "best kept dining secret" in the area, this restaurant offers a delectable menu of bold appetizers, salads, and brick-oven pizzas that capture the essence of Italy. Diners are particularly fond of the "best lobster bisque ever," paired perfectly with a scrumptious cheddar chives scone. Guests revel in the warm and attentive service, whether dining indoors, on the lovely outdoor patio, or at the vibrant bar. Ruscello promises a delicious Italian culinary experience that diners can't stop praising!
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
10. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1454)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Tustin
Booked 16 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • TovaVIP
    Austin •62 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing food & service, per usual. Thank you so much!
    More info
    North Italia – IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Orange County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    All great - they are wonderful for birthdays Very happy with delicious meal
    More info
    Il Fornaio - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • Ladybug
    Las Vegas •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great experience large portions good food could be a little warmer Service outstanding
    More info
    Maggiano's - South Coast PlazaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.6
  • TinaVIP
    Orange County •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Honestly one of my favorite restaurants aesthetically. It's just so fun and pleasing to the eye. I love the little retail/wine shop that you enter into. We have been to this restaurant and the one at the Spectrum several times. We were able to enjoy the OC Restaurant Week menu last night. It was a very nice selection and menu. To start, I got the pear salad. It was a generous portion and maybe a bit too salty. I then got the chicken main and it was perfect. I really enjoyed it. The chocolate budino was fun with the crunchy cocoa nibs and it was the right size. One thing I would say is it was a bit too sweet. I am glad American finally got the memo about less sugar in desserts. That gives you the opportunity to enjoy the other nuances (like spices, chocolate, etc). And, this budino could have been a little less sweet. Not being critical, just sharing my thoughts. We really enjoyed our evening. Thank you! PS I loved the Lavender 75 cocktail.
    More info
    CUCINA enoteca - Newport BeachPrice: Moderate• Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 2, 2025
    Great authentic Italian food! Low key vibe and causal
    More info
    Vitaly CaffePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.5

Discover best Italian restaurants in Costa Mesa

Explore the vibrant Italian dining scene in North Orange County, Costa Mesa, where a plethora of restaurants serve up authentic Italian fare that delights locals and visitors alike. These establishments are renowned for their commitment to authenticity, often utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft traditional Italian dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, rich pastas, and sumptuous desserts. Many of these Italian eateries in Costa Mesa also cater to various dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options to ensure everyone can enjoy their culinary offerings. The dining experience is enhanced by the warm, inviting atmospheres and excellent service that are hallmarks of these restaurants, making each meal a memorable event. Whether you're a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or simply in search of a delightful dining experience, Costa Mesa's Italian restaurants promise an exceptional gastronomic journey. The area is not just a hub for great food but also a vibrant testament to Italian culinary traditions, making it a prime destination for anyone looking to indulge in genuine Italian flavors.

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