Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tustin

Pasta and Italian food

A bowl of handmade pasta is the only thing that satisfies when the craving for authentic Italian cooking hits.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Friends Cafe image 1
Friends Cafe image 2
Friends Cafe image 3
View all
American restaurant

Small, cozy diner with family-friendly atmosphere and comfortable booths. Calm and relaxed vibe with pleasant music and walls decorated with cool pictures. Menu offers a wide variety of hearty American dishes with reasonable prices.

Spaghetti comes with a sauce that looks pale but tastes good. Spinach ravioli gets eaten even by picky kids. Pasta dishes like chicken penne alla vodka and cappellini with meat sauce stand out. Some pasta has a bit much oil, but red sauce macaroni with roasted chicken is exceptional.

Pasta dishes like spaghetti and cappellini with meat sauce stand out for their flavor, though some have a bit more oil. Options like chicken penne alla vodka and spinach ravioli appeal even to picky eaters.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have a fantastic menu with lots of variety."

"The chicken penne alla vodka was delicious."

"The shrimp parmesan was delicious with the pasta and sauce."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served all day at Friends Cafe.

2

Takeout delivery costs only $0.99.

3

The cafe recently expanded hours and is now open until 10PM.

02
Italian Express image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with a simple setup and good seating area. Atmosphere feels like takeout, not cozy or quiet for dining in. Known for consistently great pizza with thin crust and freshly made pasta, offering reasonably priced portions.

Angel hair pasta and spaghetti have a slight bite and pair well with sauces that balance tomato flavor and meat. Fettuccine Alfredo comes with Italian sausage and mushrooms for added taste.

Thin crust pizza and angel hair pasta stand out with consistent quality. Spaghetti has a slight bite and a tomato-rich meat sauce. Chicken Parmesan features yummy chicken, and Fettuccine Alfredo includes Italian sausage and mushrooms.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always served hot."

"I found the pasta to be very good with a slight bite."

"The pizza here is pretty tasty, especially the thin crust."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is easy and quick, with a $2 delivery charge.

2

Delivery usually takes 20-25 minutes during lunch hours.

3

The restaurant has been family-owned for over 25 years.

03
Zov's image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean bistro offers airy dining rooms with natural light and heated patio featuring fountains and flowers. Atmosphere ranges from lively with live guitar music to cozy and social, suitable for date nights. Bakery adjacent to the restaurant provides exceptional desserts and pastries.

Short Rib Pappardelle stands out as a favorite dish. The Angel Hair Pasta offers consistent flavor and pairs well with the beef and chicken kabobs.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like Angel Hair and Short Rib Pappardelle offering rich, flavorful experiences. Appetizers and kabobs, including beef and chicken, complement the menu well.

People are saying

"The desserts here, especially the chocolate bomb and Key lime pie, are amazing."

"The pasta here is great and the service is friendly."

"The Italian food here is great and the service is always excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features chicken skewers for $9.95.

2

Wine Tuesdays offer discounted bottles to take home.

3

Weekend entertainment is available at the venue.

04
Freesoulcaffรฉ image 1
Vegan restaurant

Industrial urban design combines with wooden furniture and tinted windows overlooking pine trees to create a cozy courtyard atmosphere. Lighting is dim inside, but outdoor seating offers a romantic patio with candles and a fountain. The vibe stays quiet and intimate, suitable for relaxed conversations and casual dining.

Vegan fettuccine Alfredo stands out with its rich, creamy sauce and pairs well with fresh green beans. Pasta dishes here consistently deliver freshness and delicious flavors across the menu.

Vegan pasta stands out with dishes like vegan fettuccine Alfredo and marinara pasta. The dinner menu offers a variety of pizzas and pastas that deliver solid flavors and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"The vegetarian sandwiches are bursting with flavor and freshness."

"The vegan pasta here is the best I've had that I didn't make myself."

"I found the vegan pasta here to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Pizza is only served after 5:00 PM.

2

Freesoulcaffรฉ does not accept Apple Pay.

3

Parking can be a challenge depending on the time of day.

05
Claro's Italian Markets image 1

Small Italian market with nostalgic atmosphere and authentic old-school vibe. Crowded and lively, especially on weekends, with classic deli setup and Italian aromas filling the air. Offers a wide variety of imported Italian specialties and fresh baked goods.

Dishes like lasagna, Italian sausage, and meatball with sautรฉed peppers stand out. The pasta salad has a flavorful vinaigrette without mayonnaise. A wide selection of pastas, sauces, and spices is available for cooking at home.

Dishes like lasagna, Italian sausage, and meatballs come with rich, authentic flavors. The market offers a wide selection of homemade sauces, fresh pastas, deli meats, and cheeses that taste genuine and fresh.

People are saying

"Their sandwiches are authentic, made with lots of fresh, high-quality meats."

"I found so many authentic Italian specialty pastas and sauces here."

"Their lasagna is great, especially with mushrooms."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available behind the center for easy access.

2

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours; plan accordingly.

3

The market offers a wide selection of authentic Italian products.

06
Roma D' Italia image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers cozy, old-world charm with soft lighting and small tables inside, plus a large outdoor patio with heat lamps. Atmosphere suits both family dinners and date nights, creating a fun, welcoming vibe. Seating is close together, emphasizing a community feel rather than formality.

Seafood pastas like the Cioppino offer rich flavor and generous portions. The fettuccine prima classe stands out as a top choice, while classic dishes like lasagna and spaghetti bolognese remain solid options despite pasta not being fresh-made.

Spaghetti bolognese stands out with rich flavor. Seafood pastas like Cioppino offer good portions and variety of seafoods. Garlic bread and cheesy pesto bread add a must-try touch. Pasta is not fresh but still tasty.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The lasagna here is my absolute favorite pasta dish."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so be prepared to walk a bit.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on busy weekend evenings.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

07
STORICO Cafe image 1

Cafe combines minimalistic decor with a cozy vibe and outdoor seating. It attracts those seeking authentic Italian cuisine alongside quality coffee and desserts. The atmosphere feels welcoming with a family-owned touch.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out here with a clear focus on quality. Pasta dishes pair well with coffee or salads, and takeout options are available.

Fresh, homemade pasta stands out with dishes like gamberi pappardelle and carbonara. The menu also features calamari, bruschetta, and tiramisu, highlighting authentic Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The cafe has such a warm and inviting atmosphere."

"The homemade pasta here is just too good."

"I enjoyed the homemade pasta here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available and convenient at STORICO Cafe.

2

The cafe offers unique coffee and dessert options.

3

Expect higher prices for the quality of food at STORICO Cafe.

08
Ameci Pizza Kitchen image 1
Pizza restaurant

Cozy interior with friendly staff creates a welcoming atmosphere. Pizza features Italian flour dough for distinct texture and taste, often praised as among the best. Early closing times shape a quiet, calm environment in the evenings.

Raviolis come with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread. Philly steak pairs well with the pasta dishes.

Raviolis, salad, and garlic bread come out very good. Pastas have a good reputation though not personally tried. Pizza sauce tastes like Ragu and is unpleasant.

People are saying

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

"The pizza here has an unbelievable sauce and New York style crust."

"I heard the pastas here are very good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but arrive before 8:30 pm to ensure service.

2

The restaurant closes by 9 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Expect a wait if arriving after 8 pm, as they may close early.

Discover more

Tustin, California

Area guide
Loading Map...