Buona Forchetta Newport Beach

Review summary

1. M

   Mo

   Orange County

   73 reviews

   5.0

   73 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   A lively Italian trattoria with a fun quirky vibe (may the Fork be with you). My wife and I decided to try this spot based on reviews and was soooo glad we gave it a shot. The artichoke app was interesting as it was not the typical charred version. Light and vibrant is the best way to describe the taste and feel of the food. I had the ravioli in vodka sauce with scallops and was amazed by the taste of the sea and how the herbs brought this dish to life. My wife has the eggplant parm dish which was fine but not exciting. The host was warm, our server was fun and the overall team was fast. Kudos to an experience made even better by the people that work there. You should go, just go!
   

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2. F

   Fuyme

   VIP

   Los Angeles

   9 reviews

   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   First time visitors to this restaurant but apparently original location is out in SD Parking would appear to be the parking structure with validation but for a limited time and street parking Reservation on open table or walk in Hostess stand is located outside the entrance with a small ramp leading to it Pretty white stone exterior Indoor and outdoor dining - unsure if dog friendly space but the outdoor space was well lit and heated Open kitchen to see enclosed by glass Variety of wines and house made drinks available Vegan vegetarian GF options House made pasta, appetizers, baked items, salads and desserts Ordered the Brussels sprouts and make your bucatini pasta with guanciale and house buona forchetta sauce Our server Omar was friendly efficient approachable and explain all the things - the food runner and busser was just as friendly and personable Food came out quick Pasta was fresh, hearty, good bite, size of dish easy to share, the house sauce had a peppery cream richness but not overpowering Brussels sprouts were a favorite with the glaze and crispness The puff pastry dessert was not overly sweet with vanilla custard and fresh fruit layered / easy to share and satisfy a sweet tooth without feeling guilty Will certainly return to try other things Good spot for group outing, celebration, date night, try something new, and catch up with pals Wonderful spot, indeed!
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   VIP

   Orange County

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 2

   Food is mediocre. The recommended clam linguine is So Dry like a punishment. Waiter is odd and inappropriate. Never return
   

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4. d

   doug

   VIP

   Orange County

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on December 15, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   So glad to have another “real” Italian restaurant in Newport Beach. Great food, great service and great value. We will spread the word,
   

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5. L

   Linda

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 15, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Food was very good - some great pasta dishes and pizza. Cocktails and desserts were also wonderful. A must have. The service needs improvement and hospitality needs improvement. It felt too disorganized, the pacing of dishes felt too rushed and the heaters were turned off too soon while patrons were still finishing up their meals at night during winter. With reservations, our group waited much longer than needed and then service felt rushed and was seated at a much smaller table that was a mismatch for the size of our party. No one explained the menu to us first timers and the servers seemed short handed and rushed the entire evening. I hope the service improves at this location since it’s not comparable to Buon’s sister restaurants located in Encinitas and South Park in San Diego. Still love the food and consider the quality to be one of the top ones for modern Italian food in SoCal. Hopefully, they can improve for future patrons.
   

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6. J

   Jason

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on December 14, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Excellent meal, price is great, awesome staff, who did an awesome job!
   

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7. T

   Theresa

   VIP

   Chicago

   15 reviews

   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on December 14, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Our first time at Buona Forchetta was enjoyable. The staff were very friendly and attentive. We had the Neapolitan pizza and it was amazing. Perfect location to our hotel. Totally recommend.
   

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8. A

   Andre

   VIP

   Orange County

   148 reviews

   5.0

   148 reviews

   Dined on December 14, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   This was our second visit and the food and service was great. The owner Marco visited our table to check on us and was cordial as always. Only small issue is that it was a bit cold in inside the restaurant. Might consider keeping the patio door closed during these chilly night in Newport Beaah.
   

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9. R

   Ryan

   Orange County

   8 reviews

   4.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on December 14, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   The pizza is delicious! And the service is very friendly.
   

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10. P

    Pam

    San Diego

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Had lunch today at Buona Forchetta - absolutely amazing experience. The ambience, service and food was incredible. My favorite restaurant and favorite restaurant of my family. Marco and staff always make a visit to Buona Forchetta very special. Thank you.
    

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