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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Costa Mesa

Salad and Italian food

A crisp salad followed by a hearty Italian meal is the only thing that will satisfy.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 1
Massimos Pizza and Pasta image 2
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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.

Greek salad features prominently alongside pizzas and pastas. Salads come with fresh ingredients and pair well with the pink sauce.

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."

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

"Their salads, pasta, and pizza were all 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 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.

Salads feature fresh, flavorful ingredients like in the Burrata Prosciutto Salad and Crudo. The Caesar salad stands out with a unique crouton topped with gelatin-like cream and egg and perfectly grilled chicken.

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 owner and staff here are amazing and make you feel so welcome."

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
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.

Salads come crisp and fresh with perfect Parmesan. Options like Caesar and caprese show beautiful presentation and solid flavor.

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 owner Domenico makes you feel so welcomed here."

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
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.

Salads come fresh and flavorful, with options like the Trenta salad standing out alongside pasta and pizza.

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 salads here are delicious and plentiful enough to share."

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.

05
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.

Salads come with a house vinaigrette that tastes like a secret recipe. They often arrive as a side salad served fresh, sometimes even straight from a bag.

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 loved the side salad and the house vinaigrette."

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.

06
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.

Salads come in fresh, flavorful options like the blistered tomato mozzarella and classic chicken Caesar. Some meals include a large salad portion alongside pasta and garlic bread for good 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 had the blistered tomato mozzarella salad and it was fresh and full of flavor."

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.

07
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.

Fresh vegetables come with a tasty house vinaigrette in the salads. The Green Garden Salad stands out as a solid choice with generous toppings.

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 found the salads here generous with toppings."

"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.

08
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.

Salads feature fresh mixed greens, onions, tomatoes, and chickpeas with generous dressing options like ranch and Italian. Popular choices include the Rasta salad and pasta salad enhanced with mozzarella and avocado.

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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