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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Costa Mesa's best

Italian food and pasta

A bowl of pasta that captures the heart of Italian cooking.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
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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.

Spaghetti with meatballs and spinach ricotta pasta with alfredo sauce stand out here. Fettuccine with chicken comes out consistently delicious and the spaghetti ranks among the best ever tasted.

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
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.

Thoughtfully crafted pastas include perfectly prepared lasagna and traditional dishes like caprese. The menu pairs well with quality wines and expertly mixed cocktails.

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

"The service here is warm, attentive, and impeccable."

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.

03
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.

Filetto Cacio E Pepe features a tender filet wrapped in a cacio e pepe ravioli. The Duck Pasta stands out as a main dish, while the fettuccine serves as a solid base topped with an incredible raviolo on the steak.

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 homemade pasta here is al dente and delicious."

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.

04
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.

Seafood shines in the seafood pesto pasta and the seafood and homemade chorizo pasta. The Paella and Chorizo pasta also stands out with rich flavors.

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

"I had the best seafood pesto pasta I have ever eaten."

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.

05
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.

Mushroom ravioli stands out with tomatoes and basil adding fresh flavor. Penne Bolognese and other pastas like ravioli are very delicious and well-prepared.

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

"I found the pasta dishes here to be 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.

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.

Pistachio pasta stands out as a fresh and flavorful choice. Both Paccheri Pistacchio and Spaghetti alla Carbonara deliver solid, tasty options that invite reorder.

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."

"The pasta here is so authentic and delicious."

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
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.

Fresh raw pasta stands out with a great selection including ravioli, fettuccine Alfredo, and angel hair. Dishes like chicken Parmesan with Sunday sauce and spaghetti and meatballs offer rich flavors and generous portions.

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.

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.

Chicken carbonara and beef ravioli stand out as filling and well-prepared pasta options. Large portions of spaghetti with meat sauce come with salad and garlic bread, offering a solid value.

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

"I thought this pasta was pretty amazing."

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
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.

Fresh pasta made daily stands out here, with hand-made pastas like lasagna and penne that taste exceptional. Meatballs with spaghetti come with a wonderful discount on Mondays, and large takeout trays of Eggplant Parmesan and Vegetable Lasagna serve parties well.

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 found the pasta made from scratch to be heavenly."

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.

10
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.

Lasagna stands out with generous toppings and rich flavor. The menu includes salads, calzone, and various pasta dishes beyond just pizza.

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."

"I've never had a bad pasta from here."

"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.

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Costa Mesa, California

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