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Salad and pasta spots in Tustin

Sometimes the hunger calls for a crisp salad and a hearty bowl of pasta.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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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.

Salads feature fresh salmon and crisp romaine leaves. The Moroccan Salmon salad offers a flavorful, satisfying portion for lunch.

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.

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."

"I ordered the chicken salad and it was delicious."

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.

02
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.

The pear and gorgonzola salad features a nice balance of flavors. The Caesar salad includes salmon but has minimal cheese and is otherwise average.

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.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the homemade pasta here."

"The pear and gorgonzola salad was excellent."

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.

03
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.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients and stand out with a vegan Caesar option that gets attention. The FSC Salad is shareable and flavorful, and the Caesar Salad includes crunchy croutons.

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.

People are saying

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

"The side salads are fresh with a bright, tangy vinaigrette."

"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.

04
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.

Salads feature a fresh chopped salad and a salad bar option with meals. The Greek salad is mostly lettuce and tastes fine but is simple.

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.

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 salad bar here is very good."

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.

05
Seven Grams image 1
Chinese restaurant

Modern Chinese restaurant with bright, clean interior and tight seating arrangements creates a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Trendy music and cultural decor add to the energetic vibe. Known for authentic, highly praised dumplings and noodles.

Pig ear salad stands out with a strong presence alongside cucumber salad. The menu offers a variety of salads that complement other dishes like beef roll and noodles.

Chinese-style spaghetti appears with the Spicy Pork Paste Over Noodles, offering a unique twist on pasta. This dish stands out as super tasty and different from typical pasta dishes.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is authentic and elevated, with bold, clean flavors."

"I loved their Seven Grams and Spicy XLB."

"I considered Seven Grams pasta a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait up to 30 minutes during peak hours on weekends.

2

Parking is convenient with plenty of spaces available in front.

3

Prices are reasonable, averaging around $14 per person.

06
Friends Cafe image 1
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.

Albacore tuna salad stands out as light and refreshing with a neat presentation. Options include half salads paired with sandwiches or small fresh salads, offering variety in portion sizes.

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.

People are saying

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

"The chicken penne alla vodka was delicious."

"I tried the albacore tuna salad and it was fantastic."

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.

07
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.

Freshly made salads come with homemade dressings that balance well with the greens. Options include a Caprese salad and a petite antipasto salad featuring pepperoni, mushrooms, and jalapenos.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the salads here to be fresh and delicious."

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.

08
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.

Pasta salad comes with lots of goodies and a flavorful vinaigrette that skips mayonnaise. Macaroni salad pairs well with a cold cut sandwich.

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.

People are saying

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

"Their lasagna is great, especially with mushrooms."

"The pasta salad was packed with goodies and had a flavorful vinaigrette."

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.

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Tustin, California

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