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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Newport Beach

Italian food spots

Italian food that focuses on the craft of the kitchen rather than the tired tropes of a tourist trap.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
CdM Restaurant image 1
CdM Restaurant image 2
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Restaurant

Open space glows warmly with intimate booths and a speakeasy-style bar for privacy. Italian dishes shine with chicken piccata and unique pasta like dirty pasta. Soft house music keeps the vibe relaxed yet lively.

Chicken piccata comes with a pasta side, often cacio e pepe. Pasta dishes include brussels sprouts and a dirty pasta option. Skirt steak appears on a Caesar salad.

People are saying

"You have to try their craft cocktails; the vibe check is perfect."

"The Italian food here is amazing, and the service is super friendly."

"It's perfect for a romantic date night."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays is wine night with 50% off wines by the glass and bottles.

2

Happy hour offers good deals on cocktails and appetizers.

3

Valet parking costs $7 behind the restaurant.

02
Sol Grill image 1
Californian restaurant

Quaint spot offers tender meatballs and fresh Tuscan bruschetta with a cozy, beach cottage vibe. Dim lighting and live guitar music create a relaxed mood. House-made sangria pairs well with standout dishes like blackened salmon.

Tender meatballs and fresh Tuscan bruschetta stand out alongside lobster raviolis. Pasta dishes like Beef Bolognese come with focaccia bread and garlic cheese bread.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible; you'll want to return."

"The meatloaf dinner here is a taste of home, perfectly prepared."

"The Italian food here, like the Alfredo and rack of lamb, is perfectly prepared and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The menu features a wide variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian options.

3

Parking is plentiful and available near the restaurant.

03
Johnny's The Bronx Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with an old-school New York vibe offers fresh mozzarella sticks and a pizza sauce balanced in acidity and sweetness. Cozy seating, including outdoor tables with umbrellas, creates a super chill atmosphere. Tiramisu is a rich dessert that rounds out the meal.

Fresh mozzarella sticks start the meal with a crisp bite. The pizza sauce strikes a great balance between acidity and sweetness. The tiramisu stands out as a rich, satisfying dessert.

People are saying

"This New York Style Pizza tastes like the real thing from the Bronx."

"This lunch spot's pizza is cheesy, delicious, and never floppy."

"This Italian food is authentic New York style and the pizza slices are really large."

Good to know

1

Parking is street parking with plenty of spots around.

2

Expect a wait time of up to 1 hour for delivery.

3

The restaurant has limited dine-in seating available.

04
Bayshore cafe lounge image 1

Modern, cozy spot offers beautiful patio with heaters and fire pit. Chicken Pesto Pasta shines with perfect seasoning, while mozzarella sticks deliver a warm, fresh taste. Evenings bring hookah service and music, creating a relaxed vibe for gatherings.

Chicken Pesto Pasta stands out with perfect seasoning and ideal texture. Pizza, pasta, and sandwiches all deliver solid Italian flavors, while mozzarella sticks offer a warm, fresh taste and impressive cheese pull.

People are saying

"This food, the baklava, is perfectly sweet and flaky."

"The food and hookah lounge make for a fantastic nightlife experience."

"The Italian food here is out of this world, especially the Chicken Pesto Pasta."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 2 am, making it a late-night option.

2

Indoor and outdoor seating is available for guests.

3

The menu features a mix of Persian, Italian, and American dishes.

05
Zov's image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant shines with fresh spices in Italian pasta dishes like short rib pappardelle. Warm, modern decor and a spacious heated patio create an upscale yet friendly vibe. Live guitar music adds charm, making dining here both relaxing and lively.

Fresh spices highlight the pasta dishes here. The short rib pappardelle offers a rich sauce with plenty of meat, while the angel hair pasta pairs well with chicken or salmon.

People are saying

"These Date Spots have perfectly cooked beef and amazing shrimp."

"The patio heaters kept it toasty and pleasant for dining outside."

"The Italian food here, especially the short rib pappardelle, is delicious."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

2

The restaurant is easy to access for handicapped persons.

3

Zov's offers great vegetarian and gluten-free options.

06
il Barone Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Enjoy authentic homemade pasta in a warm, family-style setting with a cozy beach view. Dishes like carbonara and stuffed gnocchi offer rich, genuine flavors. The unpretentious vibe makes every meal feel special and inviting.

Fresh pasta and bread come straight from the kitchen, with dishes like carbonara and stuffed gnocchi standing out for their rich, authentic flavors. The Facci ri Veccia offers a cheesy, indulgent twist that feels warm and genuine.

People are saying

"The homemade Italian food here feels like a warm hug from family."

"I thought the food here was the best Chicken Parm I tried."

"It felt like family from the moment we were greeted."

Good to know

1

Wine Wednesday offers a great midweek dinner option.

2

The corkage fee is reasonable for bringing your own wine.

3

The restaurant is located near major hotels, making it convenient for visitors.

07
Royal Hen image 1
Restaurant

Cozy bistro offers outdoor seating and bag hooks for comfort. Italian dishes like short rib pasta shine with rich flavor. The vibe blends neighborhood charm with a city feel, perfect for dates or small groups.

Short rib pasta stands out with rich flavor. The menu also features steak and short rib fettuccine, both cooked well.

People are saying

"The food at this Local Spot is always delicious and great quality."

"It's a really cozy bistro with immaculate vibes."

"The short rib fettuccine is excellent Italian food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups of 4 to 6.

2

The restaurant serves only wine and beer, with no cocktails available.

3

Parking can be challenging, so allow extra time.

08
A Crystal Cove image 1
American restaurant

Modern restaurant with a cool art deco vibe and dim lighting sets a romantic mood. Italian dishes like brown butter ravioli and Chicken Piccata shine with rich, unique flavors. Cozy red booths and a fireplace add to the chic, upscale feel.

Brown butter and sage ravioli stands out with rich flavor. Chicken Piccata is popular and well-executed. Spinach gnocchi and Cacio e Pepe with potato puree offer unique twists on classic dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the food was excellent."

"The cocktails here are thoughtfully made and beautifully presented."

"The Italian food, especially the ravioli, was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 5 pm with half off wine on Tuesdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to ensure seating.

3

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

09
Lombardy's Market & Deli image 1

Cozy deli offers authentic pasta and chicken parmesan that shine with high-quality ingredients. Relaxed vibe suits locals and families, with outdoor seating and a fun spot for kids. Large refrigerated drink section adds to the laid-back, welcoming feel.

High-quality canned tomatoes and authentic pasta form the base of many dishes. The chicken parmesan and classic Italian sub stand out, along with flavorful pasta salads and sides.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are super delicious and stacked with fresh ingredients."

"The bread here is so delicious and fresh."

"Their Italian subs and sandwiches are stacked with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead can save time due to popularity.

2

Parking meters are free after 6 PM, making evening visits easier.

3

Complimentary outdoor seating is available for enjoying meals.

10
Louie's By The Bay image 1

Waterfront steak house boasts a heated patio with scenic marina views and a modern wooden interior. Italian dishes like shrimp pesto pasta and scallop risotto shine alongside classics. Atmosphere is warm but can get loud with groups. Valet parking is cash only.

Shrimp pesto pasta and scallop risotto stand out among the Italian dishes. The menu also features chicken parmesan, meatballs, lasagna, and a vegetarian pasta option.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and delicious."

"The date spots here have amazing waterfront views of the bay."

"The Italian Food here is amazing, and the service is exceptional."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is the only parking option available.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially during events.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

11
Bello by Sandro Nardone image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with melting lasagna and Amatriciana pasta. Luxurious design creates a warm, inviting atmosphere despite close tables and hard chairs. Cocktails and wine are outstanding, making it a vibrant spot for food and drinks.

Pasta stands out with light, melting lasagna and a well-loved Amatriciana. Burrata and calamari with shishito peppers add variety, while tiramisu finishes the meal perfectly.

People are saying

"The pasta and pizza here are exceptional and authentic."

"The service for dinner spots was excellent, with Jared being a phenomenal waiter."

"The calamari's tender, crisp finish is unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available seven days a week in the bar.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

3

Wine corkage fee is $30 per bottle if you bring your own wine.

12
Azar`s Gourmet Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Enjoy marina views while savoring Alfredo pizza and fresh mozzarella sticks. Indoor seating offers a cozy spot for quick bites or relaxed meals. Kids love stretching the gooey cheese, making it a fun place for families.

Different sizes of pizza, calzones, pasta, and subs are available. The Alfredo pizza is large and flavorful, and the mozzarella sticks stand out. Kids enjoy stretching the mozzarella from the pizza.

People are saying

"This pizza is really good, hot and fresh."

"The food here is freshly baked and delicious."

"I thought the Italian food here was delicious, especially the melty, hot pizza."

Good to know

1

Azar's Gourmet Pizza offers a variety of pizza sizes, calzones, pasta, and subs.

2

The restaurant is located near the Balboa Fun Zone and ferry dock.

3

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

13
Sapori Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Cozy Italian spot shines with homemade pastas and a romantic garden patio featuring a fireplace and string lights. Vibrant evenings create a lively vibe perfect for date nights. Signature dishes like fettuccine alfredo and burrata make it a must-visit.

Many dishes feature homemade pastas with authentic, fresh flavors. The fettuccine alfredo and burrata appetizer stand out, along with classic options like chicken piccata and lasagna.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"The Italian dinner here felt like a trip to Italy."

"The Italian food here has amazing homemade pasta."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

There is ample parking in a no-frills shopping center close to Balboa Island.

3

You can bring your own wine for a corkage fee; confirm ahead of time.

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