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Local picks

Italian food spots in Costa Mesa

A table set for a long, slow Italian meal.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 2
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 3
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Family-owned restaurant with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and spacious tables encourages socializing. TVs show sports and movies at low volume to keep the vibe chill and comfortable. Offers Halal options and a kid-friendly environment with a strong sense of tradition.

Food here stays consistently great and is prepared by good people. The menu offers fantastic dishes that satisfy every time.

Rigatoni with pink sauce and spinach ricotta pasta with alfredo sauce stand out as flavorful options. The menu also features spaghetti with meatballs and fettuccine with chicken, all prepared with care and popular for takeout.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, fast, and delicious."

"The pasta here is delicious, especially the lasagna."

"I found the Italian food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a weekday lunch deal from 1-3pm for $8.

2

Halal options are available, which are rare in the area.

3

Parking is convenient and easy to find.

02
Onotria Wine Country Cuisine image 1

Small, family-run Italian restaurant offers an intimate, speakeasy-style setting with a cozy, unassuming vibe. Creative, seasonal cuisine pairs with an extensive, expertly curated wine list. Owner's deep wine knowledge and personal touch create a warm, authentic enoteca experience.

Offers authentic Italian cuisine with seasonal, creative dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Meals come with great Italian wine at reasonable prices, combining excellent presentation and taste.

Authentic Italian cuisine shines with a lobster-and-pasta dish tailored for pescavegan diets. The meal pairs well with Kali's "Area Codes" music for a unique dining vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and drool-worthy."

"I really enjoyed the wine here; it was amazing."

"The authentic Italian food here is fabulous and drool-worthy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's intimate setting.

2

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

3

The menu features seasonal additions and creative dishes.

03
The Celebrations Venue and Red Room Supper Club image 1

Event venue combines retro 1950s New York and speakeasy vibe with live jazz music creating an intimate ambiance. Decor features deep red colors and elegant, sleek design. Italian cuisine and crafted cocktails complement the warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

High-end Italian food features perfectly prepared lasagna, delicious chicken with mushrooms, and an unforgettable soufflรฉ. Chef Carmelo's cuisine is classic, fresh, and clean, paired expertly with wine by the attentive owner.

Every dish shows high-end Italian food with rich sauces and perfect preparation. Highlights include burrata, arancini, pesto potato gnocchi, and classic plates like lasagna and carpaccio.

People are saying

"The food here is served with warm, attentive, and genuine hospitality."

"The service here makes you feel like VIP family."

"The Italian food here feels like a warm welcome from Domenico."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for events to ensure seating.

2

Live music events typically start at 7pm, so arrive early.

3

A two-drink minimum is required during live performances.

04
Il Girasole image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant blends Tuscan atmosphere with modern decor and bold graffiti art. Warm, inviting vibe suits romantic dinners and casual brunches, with dog-friendly patios featuring heaters and blankets. Guests enjoy authentic Italian dining paired with attentive service.

Food here offers Italian fusion with pleasant surprises in every dish. Meals take time but deliver an unforgettable dining experience with attentive service.

Fresh starters include the Crudo and Burrata Prosciutto Salad with bright flavors. The Filetto Cacio E Pepe features a tender filet wrapped in cacio e pepe ravioli, and the Duck Pasta stands out as a main dish.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta dishes here are incredible."

"The desserts, like the pavlova and peach cheesecake, were divine."

"The food here is beautifully styled and tasted excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy.

2

Happy hour is available daily with a casual lunch menu.

3

A $35 corkage fee applies if you bring your own wine.

05
Black Knight Lounge image 1
American restaurant

Dark space with an open floor plan includes flatscreens showing sports and music videos and a patio with gas torches. Live music features original songs and covers, often with a talented duo performing. Crowd is diverse, atmosphere is cozy and cool, with a mix of casual dining and late-night energy.

Food here is consistently delicious and often exceeds expectations. The menu suits late night dining well, pairing nicely with mocktails and drinks.

Monday nights feature an all you can eat spaghetti special with garlic bread and salad for $11.00. Spaghetti stands out as a notably good dish, while the carbonara is more average.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I loved the carbonara and wings while watching the Live Sports."

"The Italian food, especially the carbonara, was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Live entertainment happens every Wednesday night at 8pm.

2

Wine Wednesdays offer glasses of wine for $8.

3

Food is served until 1:45am after 10pm.

06
Trenta Pizza & Cucina and Trenta Lounge image 1

Outdoor dining dominates with a large, heated patio converted from a parking lot, featuring al fresco seating and a full bar. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending authentic Sicilian style with lively live music. Indoor space is small and cozy, creating a slightly cramped feel during busy times.

Authentic pizza and spectacular desserts define the food here. The dishes consistently deliver fantastic flavors paired with attentive service.

Fresh and flavorful dishes stand out with Paccheri Pistacchio and Spaghetti alla Carbonara pastas. The Bari pizza features burrata and smoked mozzarella with truffle and porcini mushrooms adds rich flavor.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the pizza and pasta, tasted like it was from Italy."

"It's a cool spot with a great outdoor atmosphere."

"I thought the food here was great, especially the chicken piccata."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; valet service is the only option available.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for outdoor seating.

3

The kitchen closes 10 minutes before the restaurant closes.

07
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs spinning records. Outdoor patio seating adds a relaxing atmosphere complemented by heaters when needed. The space feels modern and artful, creating a welcoming and lighthearted environment.

Comfort food menu offers a satisfying variety with generous portions. Owners act as chef and server, ensuring excellent service and a focus on the customer experience.

Seafood and homemade chorizo pasta stands out as a favorite dish. The menu also features seafood pesto pasta and ceviche, highlighting a strong seafood focus in the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"I thought the food was phenomenal and awesome."

"The staff's wine knowledge and passion really impressed me."

"The seafood pasta here is some of the best I've tasted."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like wine pairings.

2

Brunch is served all day, making it a flexible dining option.

3

The restaurant hosts food and wine pairing events regularly.

08
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian restaurant offers a cozy patio and family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of TVs for entertainment. The vibe is relaxed and homie, fitting for casual meals after the beach. Known for authentic pasta dishes and generous portions at reasonable prices.

Food here is consistently excellent with a focus on top-quality Italian dishes. The chef-owner's care shows in every bite, making the meals truly amazing.

Chicken carbonara pasta and beef ravioli special stand out with rich flavors and satisfying portions. The calzone features marinara, chopped meatball, and ricotta made to order, while the pizza blends marinara and BBQ sauce for a mild, complementary taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The dinner spots here improved a lot with the new owner."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta offers daily specials and a lunch special.

2

They can customize dishes upon request.

3

Expect a wait as food is made to order.

09
Ruscello at Nordstrom image 1

Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a terrace view. Atmosphere is loud but comfortable, with enough space to hold conversations. Menu features gluten-free pasta and a variety of dishes praised for their flavor, including chicken parmesan and lobster bisque.

Delicious food pairs with friendly staff and a great atmosphere. Meals come with excellent service and tasty drinks.

Mushroom ravioli stands out with its rich flavor and fresh tomatoes and basil. The Filipino Carbonara and chicken parmesan offer tasty, satisfying options alongside classic pasta dishes like penne Bolognese.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The mushroom ravioli with tomatoes and basil was the tastiest pasta I ever had."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta, was absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Seating is available both inside and outside.

2

Prices are reasonable for the current market.

3

The restaurant is kid and baby friendly.

10
Garduno's Ristorante Italiano image 1

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, rustic ambiance that feels like dining in a Nonna's kitchen. Pasta is made fresh daily, offering authentic dishes like seafood linguine and homemade lasagna. The setting is intimate and romantic, attracting locals who appreciate traditional flavors and generous portions.

Italian dishes feature authentic flavors with a rich aroma of herbs, sausages, and sauce. Prices stay lower than expected for the quality, and the food consistently tastes great and delicious.

Hand-made pastas stand out with scratch-made dough and seafood linguine that tastes fresh. Classic dishes like Eggplant Parmesan and lasagna come in generous portions, often ordered for large groups.

People are saying

"The owners are so friendly, making this Italian food feel like home."

"I found the authentic Italian food here reminded me of visiting Florence."

"The Italian food here is really authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

2

All pasta is made fresh daily, ensuring high quality and flavor.

3

Expect busy periods on weekends; consider visiting during off-peak hours.

11
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Italian restaurant combines cozy rustic decor with an authentic East Coast deli vibe and an adjacent fresh pasta market and bakery. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with soft lighting and aromas of baked bread and simmering sauces. Small, intimate setting suits quiet dinners and casual gatherings.

Food features homemade quality with fresh daily preparation in the deli and bakery. The market offers authentic Italian items like fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and wine, paired thoughtfully by helpful servers.

Fresh raw pasta stands out with a great selection of types that elevate meals. Dishes like chicken parmesan with Sunday sauce and spaghetti and meatballs offer rich flavors and perfect seasoning.

People are saying

"The Grocery Store staff is so helpful and attentive."

"The food here is delicious and clearly homemade."

"The pasta and pizza here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating, especially during dinner hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; one lasagna can easily serve two people.

12
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space blends New York feel with Cali vibe featuring creative decor and neon signs. Atmosphere stays cozy and casual with excellent music enhancing the relaxed mood. Small bar seating and limited outdoor tables create an intimate setting for enjoying artisan pizza with unique flavors.

Dough and homemade tomato sauce come directly from Italy, giving the food a distinct authentic taste. The quality of food is consistently great with fantastic flavors and solid preparation.

Pizza stands out with thicker yet airy crust that is chewy and crunchy, similar to focaccia. Varieties like prosciutto and arugula, calabrese, and the unique Aloha slice with sriracha aioli and pickled pineapple offer bold flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tried."

"This Italian food's pizza crust is uniquely light, chewy, and crunchy."

"The chorizo pastor food had a nice kick and amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially during busy holidays like July 4th.

2

Seating is very limited, with only high stools available.

3

Pizzas are sold by the square slice, priced at $8 each.

13
Al's New York Cafe image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small outdoor pizzeria offers authentic New York-style pizza with thin, foldable crusts and quick service. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly, attracting those seeking affordable, classic slices and sandwiches. The place stands out for its long-standing tradition and consistent quality over decades.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and consistent quality over 30 years. Staff offer quick recommendations and ensure orders are just right, whether dining in or taking out.

Lasagna stands out with generous toppings and rich flavor. The menu includes salads, calzone, and pasta alongside pizza.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's pizza is hot, crispy, and flavorful."

"The pizza here has a phenomenal New York-style crust."

"I've never had a bad pizza from this Italian food place."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.

2

The restaurant only offers outdoor seating.

3

Expect a busy lunch hour; consider ordering ahead.

14
Gina's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Italian vibes and a quiet atmosphere suits casual dining or studying. Pizza features a crispy, hand-tossed crust topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The place offers individual slices and a nice dining area that enhances the experience.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and great quality. Every dish delivers incredible taste that surprises with how good it is.

Rich flavors and generous portions define the pasta dishes. The spaghetti with pink sauce and sausage stands out, along with the meat lasagna and pasta salad enhanced by mozzarella, avocado, and ranch.

People are saying

"The pizza here has an amazing, crispy crust."

"I thought their Rasta Salad was to die for."

"The food here is incredible, especially the pizza."

Good to know

1

Gina's Pizza sells individual slices, which is great for a quick meal.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained, providing a pleasant dining experience.

3

Gina's Pizza offers delivery services for those who prefer to eat at home.

15
Quattro Caffรฉ image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, cozy Italian restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio away from mall traffic. Live music often fills the space, creating a lively vibe with singing and dancing. The setting features tight table arrangements and decor that soothes after shopping.

Food features authentic ingredients imported from Italy and includes huge portions of pizza, pasta, and risotto. Dishes come out well prepared and tasty.

Seafood Pasta stands out with a large lobster tail and rich flavors. The menu features lobster ravioli, pesto gnocchi, and tender beef ravioli, all paired with quality pasta and sauces.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot has delicious Italian food, especially the pizza."

"The food here is delicious and yummy."

"The Italian food, especially the focaccia and pasta, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Quattro Caffรฉ has live music every day after 5.00 pm.

2

There's a 3.5% surcharge for credit card payments.

3

The restaurant offers halal chicken and steak options.

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Costa Mesa, California

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