Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Ana

32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant

1. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

4.6

Exceptional(8034)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 130 times today

Maggiano's in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, is a beacon of American cuisine, specializing in Italian-American dishes that evoke the warmth of a family gathering. This restaurant is not just about food; it's an experience, as echoed by a diner who celebrated a "truly special occasion" for their mother's 90th birthday, praising both the impeccable service and the "delicious and top-notch" dishes served family-style. The commitment to accommodating dietary needs, such as gluten-free options, further highlights their dedication to exceptional service and customer satisfaction. Patrons consistently rave about the "excellent Italian food and atmosphere," making Maggiano's a must-visit for those seeking authentic American dining in a lively, welcoming setting.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

2. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(3999)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 36 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.

3. Francoli Gourmet

4.6

Exceptional(529)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Orange

Booked 4 times today

WALK-INS ARE WELCOME FOR PARTIES UNDER 6 GUESTSIf you can't find availability for your desired time and date please call us 714-288-1077AVAILABLE TAKE OUT FOOD + WINE(Delivery available through third party services i.e. Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub).Extensive Italian wine selection available for take out.Francoligourmet.com for available menu. Experience authentic Northern Italian Cuisine in the heart of sunny Southern California at Francoli Gourmet. This classic eatery features classic flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Francoli Gourmet features an onsite specialty store, carrying wines from all 20 regions of Italy as well as liquors. Francoli Gourmet's menu is a gourmet tour of Northern Italy, rich in regional specialties and popular favorites. We provide also a retail section with Italian Imports such as liqueurs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, specialty pasta, plus so much more.

4. Prego Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1424)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 18 times today

Prego Restaurant, nestled between Irvine and Tustin, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. The vibrant ambiance, reminiscent of old-world Italy, complements the exquisite seafood dishes crafted in the lively exhibition kitchen and corner Raw Bar. Diners rave about the "perfectly done salmon" and commend the "cod special" for its freshness and flavor, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Awarded by prestigious organizations like the Restaurant Writers Association, Prego excels in delivering not only top-notch cuisine but also an unforgettable dining experience. Visitors consistently praise the seafood's authenticity and the skilled chefs, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Anaheim restaurant

5. Buca di Beppo - Anaheim

4.4

Awesome(945)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 32 times today

Buca di Beppo in Anaheim stands out as a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, serving up delightful family-style dishes that consistently win the hearts of its patrons. Diners rave about the "authentic" flavors and "massive portions," ensuring a value-packed dining experience. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as "welcoming, eclectic with a homey Italian touch," perfectly setting the stage for memorable meals. Whether it's the "delicious" baked ziti or the praised penne alla vodka, each dish showcases the traditional Italian flair Buca di Beppo is celebrated for. With glowing testimonials about exceptional service – "Leanne was a delight" and "Gary was tremendous" – it's clear why this spot is a must-visit for Italian food lovers in Anaheim.

A photo of Antonello Ristorante restaurant

6. Antonello Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1700)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ana

Booked 3 times today

At Antonello Ristorante, we transport you to not just another place, but to another time. As you walk into Antonello's Main Dining Room, a typical scene from the streets of Bistango, Italy comes alive.

A photo of Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse restaurant

7. Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse

4.4

Awesome(134)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 2 times today

Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse in Anaheim offers a sublime blend of classic steakhouse excellence with a distinctive Italian twist. Executive Chef Adam Haverland masterfully leads a scratch kitchen, emphasizing seed-to-table freshness that shines through in every dish. Praised for its "outstanding" Italian-inspired cuisine, customers rave about the "delicious" Ricotta Gnocchi and the "excellent" Fruti di Mare Arrabiata, presented under a tantalizing, aroma-filled cloche. The exceptional service complements the culinary experience, with guests frequently applauding the attentive and friendly staff, especially noting server Liz S. for her "charismatic" and "personable" service. Tocca Ferro is the epitome of Italian dining elegance, making each visit a memorable affair.

8. Vitaly Caffe

4.6

Exceptional(70)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the heart of Costa Mesa, Vitaly Caffe offers a delightful escape with its authentic Italian Wine Bar experience. Patrons rave about the "imported Italian wines" that perfectly complement their homemade Italian specialties, creating a true taste of Italy. The relaxed courtyard setting enhances the experience, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date or a tranquil evening. Reviewers consistently praise the ambiance and the quality of the drinks, with one noting, "Great food and drinks, esp tea!" Another adds, "Beautiful atmosphere. Good food. Professional staff," underscoring the exceptional service and setting that make Vitaly a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

A photo of Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza restaurant

9. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.5

Awesome(206)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Ruscello at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is a gem for Mediterranean cuisine lovers. This full-service restaurant delights with its Italian-inspired menu that features bold flavors across a variety of dishes—from scrumptious brick-oven pizzas to expertly crafted pastas and entrees. Guests rave about the "best lobster bisque ever" and the "delicious, scrumptious cheddar chives scone." The atmosphere is equally praised, with an option to dine in a cozy dining room or enjoy the breeze on the outdoor patio. Whether you’re stopping by for a brunch on weekends or looking for a consistent culinary delight, Ruscello consistently delivers an authentic Mediterranean dining experience, making it a "must-visit" according to satisfied diners.

10. Il Girasole

new

4.6

Exceptional(9)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 8 times today

Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KellyVIP
Orange County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Nice Christmas decorations making the restaurant feel warm and inviting. Out server was wonderful. Our food was delicious and was served quickly…my only complaint was that the lobster was overcooked.
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Maggiano's - South Coast PlazaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
4.6
C
Carl
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was our first time I went according to the reviews and we were not disappointed. The food was delicious while presented. We could tell everything was made fresh for us, and we will definitely be coming back.
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Il Fornaio - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
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4.6
A
Angela
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Picked this place for team holiday luncheon and it was a great choice. The restaurant was nice and quite to have good conversation. The food was very good. Not a big fan of Italian cuisine but I will come back. That’s how good it was. I had their lunch special, which some sea bass with crab stuffing. The price is also reasonable for a company event, around $70 per person. We did not have alcohol but did order appetizers and desserts to share.
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Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
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4.6
R
RobertVIP
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
Excellent food and excellent service. and great setting. Thanks.
More info
Francoli GourmetPrice: Expensive• Italian• Orange
•
4.6
A
Ann
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 28, 2024
The staff was great and the came in a timely manner! Plus they took pictures of our group, which was greatly appreciated! I highly recommend this restaurant!
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Buca di Beppo - AnaheimPrice: Moderate• Italian• Anaheim
•
4.4

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Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Ana

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

2. Il Fornaio - Irvine

3. Francoli Gourmet

4. Prego Restaurant

5. Buca di Beppo - Anaheim

6. Antonello Ristorante

7. Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse

8. Vitaly Caffe

9. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

10. Il Girasole

See what locals rave about

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