Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in South Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in South 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

4.9

4.9 (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 1 day ago

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

Foretti's

4.9

4.9 (1880)

$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

Tamara

Dined 4 days ago

We had such a great experience as always. The service, staff and food were amazing especially on a busy night. The staff is so friendly, and we are always welcomed like family. Thanks again!!

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Popular dish

Spaghetti Verde

Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach

4.8

4.8 (944)

$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

Michaelvip

Dined 1 day ago

Victoria made our evening extra special with her attention to our specific entree choices. The food was delicious and we left planning our next visit!!

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 (2067)

$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 1 day 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 (1267)

$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

Carolvip

Dined 1 day ago

Great food and always dependable. Outside patio is wonderful and fun.

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Popular dish

Mezze Maniche

Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.8

4.8 (1064)

$31 to $50

Italian

Dana Point / Monarch Beach

About the restaurant

Jack's Restaurant and Bar is an Italian restaurant located in Dana Point, California. The restaurant features a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere and a full bar.

Jack's Restaurant and Bar serves dinner seven days a week starting at 4pm. Jack's Restaurant and Bar offers a variety of Italian & Seafood Specialties, Free-Range Chicken, Roman Style Pizza, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menus, and Desserts.

Private Dining Room available for groups up to 40. Catering Menus also available.

Top review

Andreavip

Dined 1 day ago

Very accommodating, we move rescheduled 5:15 to 7:30 and then when we got there we had said to indoor dining. But we had decided to sitting outside, so warm and inviting including the blankets.

Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4.8

4.8 (241)

$30 and under

Italian

San Clemente

About the restaurant

Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego, with our sixth opening this month in San Clemente, CA. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with the perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialities and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.

Top review

mollyvip

Dined 1 day ago

Always a wonderful experience! Great food, awesome service!!

Oliver's Osteria

4.7

4.7 (2060)

$31 to $50

Italian

Laguna Beach

About the restaurant

Oliver's Osteria is currently offering an indoor and outdoor dining experience as well as takeout, curbside pick up and 3rd party app delivery. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to serving you our traditional cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region right here in Laguna Beach!
*SPECIAL NOTE FOR PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS CUSTOMERS PLEASE PLAN FOR A 2+ HOUR DINING EXPERIENCE WHEN PLACING YOUR RESERVATION*

Top review

Jill

Dined on Dec 6, 2024

I had the best ox tail pappardelle dish that I’ve ever eaten. It was creamier than normal which made the dish extra nice.

Mangia Bene Cucina

4.6

4.6 (667)

$30 and under

Italian

Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

About the restaurant

Located in beautiful Laguna Niguel, CA, Mangia Bene Cucina has been an Orange County landmark since 1991. Our mission is to provide our guests with the best and most memorable dining experience. From our upbeat and vibrant staff, to our original and delicious Italian dishes.

We have a passion for Italian cuisine and with over 25 years of restaurant experience, we are sure to provide you with what we like to call, The Fresh Italian Food Experience.

From serving you daily for lunch and dinner to catering your parties and special events, we welcome your family to our family restaurant.

Top review

Lyndavip

Dined 1 day ago

We love dining here, took our two Grandsons as they love pasta! We had a little problem with one of the pastas and they took care of it right away, in fact, took it off the menu. Our server was supurb!

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