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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Costa Mesa

Italian food

You are looking for authentic Italian dishes that prioritize traditional preparation.

Based on 616 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 spot offers a cozy vibe with spacious tables and low-volume TVs showing sports and movies. Italian dishes like spinach ricotta pasta and rigatoni with pink sauce shine. Halal options and a kid-friendly environment make it welcoming for all ages.

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
Il Girasole image 1
Restaurant

Cozy spot mixes Tuscan atmosphere with bold graffiti art, perfect for romantic dinners or casual brunches. Italian dishes shine with Duck Pasta and fresh Burrata Prosciutto Salad. Dog-friendly patios with heaters add warmth and comfort.

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."

"This Italian spot is an excellent choice for date night."

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

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.

03
Onotria Wine Country Cuisine image 1

Small, family-run Italian spot offers authentic Italian cuisine with a standout lobster-and-pasta dish. Cozy, speakeasy-style setting creates a warm, intimate vibe. Extensive, expertly curated wine list reflects the owner's deep wine knowledge for a true enoteca feel.

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.

04
Kuro Artisanal Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot offers thin crusts with unique toppings like jalapeรฑos and honey for a sweet heat. Atmosphere blends dark witchcraft vibes with Southern Italian and Japanese influences. Takeout-only setup pairs well with nearby open seating for a punk core experience.

Nacho Pizza offers a sweet heat from jalapeรฑos and honey that pairs with Italian sausage on a thin crust. Thomas pizza delivers an upscale deconstructed pasta flavor.

People are saying

"The pizza crust here is light, crispy, and has a great chew."

"The nacho pizza's Italian sausage had a sweet heat I loved."

"I found the Italian food, especially the pizza, to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Kuro Artisanal Pizza is takeout only with no dining options available.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait for your pizza to be ready.

3

The menu features unique flavors but is limited in options.

05
Black Knight Lounge image 1
American restaurant

Dark space with an open floor plan offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse crowd. Monday's all you can eat spaghetti shines with garlic bread and salad. Live music features a talented duo playing originals and covers, adding to the cool vibe.

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
The Celebrations Venue and Red Room Supper Club image 1

Venue blends retro 1950s New York style with a speakeasy vibe and live jazz for a cozy feel. Italian dishes like pesto potato gnocchi and burrata shine alongside crafted cocktails. Deep red decor adds warmth to the elegant setting.

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.

07
Ruscello at Nordstrom image 1

Offers gluten-free pasta and a terrace view for outdoor dining. Enjoy mushroom ravioli and chicken parmesan in a lively but comfortable setting. Menu blends classic and unique Italian dishes with bold flavors.

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.

08
Trenta Pizza & Cucina and Trenta Lounge image 1

Outdoor dining shines with a heated patio and lively live music. Sicilian style creates a warm atmosphere despite a small indoor space. Italian dishes like Paccheri Pistacchio and Bari pizza with truffle offer fresh, rich flavors.

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."

"These meatballs taste like Noni used to make them."

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.

09
Sugo Costa Mesa image 1
Pizza restaurant

Compact space blends New York feel with Cali vibe and creative decor. Cozy atmosphere with excellent music sets a relaxed mood. Artisan pizza features a thicker airy crust and bold flavors like prosciutto and arugula, calabrese, and the unique Aloha slice.

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."

"The Japanese pizza slices are a unique okonomiyaki experience."

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

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.

10
Poul's Bakery image 1

Bakery offers live cake construction and a cozy tea area with a lovely storefront. Italian treats like mini cannolis and Cannoli Cake shine here. Delivery service makes ordering easy for larger groups.

Mini cannolis stand out as a favorite, often disappearing quickly at gatherings. The Cannoli Cake combines chocolate cake with creamy filling, and desserts like tiramisu and Italian rum cake also feature prominently.

People are saying

"I picked up a Tiramisu this week and it was excellent."

"Their excellent service made my celebration stress-free."

"These cannolis are the best Italian food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for custom cake orders at least one week in advance.

2

Ample parking is available for customers visiting the bakery.

3

Pre-ordering is necessary as items are not available for walk-in purchase.

11
Filomena's Italian Kitchen & Market image 1

Cozy rustic decor blends with an authentic East Coast deli vibe, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Fresh raw pasta market offers a great selection that elevates meals. Signature dishes like chicken parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs deliver rich flavors and perfect seasoning.

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 Chicken Parmigiana here is outstanding 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
Nuovo Amico Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian spot offers authentic pasta like chicken carbonara and beef ravioli with rich flavors. Cozy patio and family-friendly vibe make it great for casual meals after the beach. Plenty of TVs add entertainment to the relaxed, homie atmosphere.

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.

13
Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen image 1

Small Mexican spot blends intimate setting with a chill vibe and live DJs. Italian menu shines with seafood pasta and homemade chorizo dishes. Outdoor patio with heaters offers a relaxing atmosphere for any visit.

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.

14
Garduno's Ristorante Italiano image 1

Small, family-owned Italian spot offers hand-made pastas and seafood linguine with fresh, authentic flavors. Cozy, rustic ambiance feels like dining in Nonna's kitchen, perfect for intimate, romantic meals. Generous portions suit groups and locals alike.

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."

"I ordered vegetable lasagna and it was unbelievable."

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.

15
Al's New York Cafe image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small outdoor spot serves authentic New York-style pizza with thin, foldable crusts and quick service. Lasagna offers rich flavor and generous toppings, alongside salads and calzone. Warm, friendly vibe makes it great for affordable, classic Italian food.

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 cafe staff's kindness and generosity made me feel like family."

"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.

16
Gina's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy space with authentic Italian vibes offers a quiet spot for casual dining or studying. Pizza shines with a crispy, hand-tossed crust and fresh toppings. Pasta dishes bring rich flavors and generous portions, especially the spaghetti with pink sauce and sausage.

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 staff here makes you feel like family with their friendly service."

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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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