Ciao Pasta

4.8

1275 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 3, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Great for outdoor dining
Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees.

Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Pasquale
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person

Location
31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Neighborhood
San Juan Capistrano
Cross street
Ortega Highways
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Calamari$18.00
Fried calamari + Pomodoro Sauce
Carpaccio$17.00
Slices of Beef + Capers + Shaved Grana Padano + Arugula
Burrata e Bietole$17.00
Burrata + Roasted Beets + Cherry Tomatoes + Pesto Drizzle
Caprese$16.00
Mozzarella + Cherry tomatoes + Basil + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Polpette Casarecce$15.00
Homemade meatballs + Pomodoro sauce + Burrata
Crostini al Prosciutto$17.00
Toasted Rustic bread + Aged Parma Prosciutto + Stracciatella Cheese + Arugula

Insalate

Add chicken $5, Add Salmon $9

Cesare$14.00
Romaine + croutons + Grana Padano shavings + Caesar dressing
Pera$15.00
Baby greens + endives + arugula + grapes + pears + Blue cheese + pecans + raspberry vinaigrette
Tagliata$22.00
Grilled Angus ribeye steak + arugula + cherry tomatoes + lemon infused olive oil, shaved Grana Padano + Balsamic reduction
Di Bietole$15.00
Roasted Red / yellow beets + arugula + endives + goat cheese + balsamic reduction vinaigrette
Al Salmone$23.00
Grilled wild salmon + organic greens + walnuts + dried cranberries + strawberries + goat cheese strawberry vinaigrette
Ai Gamberi$18.00
Grilled shrimps wrapped in pancetta + endives + arugula cherry tomatoes + feta + pesto drizzle lemon dressing

Le Pizze

Thin crust with homemade dough. Gluten free available

Margherita$18.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + fresh basil
Crudo$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + arugula + Grana Padano + Parma prosciutto
Diavola$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + spicy salame + Italian sausage

Le Paste

Artisanal fresh pasta, gluten free pasta available

Ciao Pasta$20.00
Bowtie pasta + grilled chicken + mushrooms + tomato cream sauce
Tonnarelli$20.00
(Carbonara) Pancetta + egg yolk + Pecorino cheese + black pepper
Tortellacci$21.00
Spinach Ricotta giant Tortellini + Pomodoro Sauce + Fresh Ricotta
Pappardelle$22.00
Wide ribbon pasta + Porcini mushrooms + black truffle + touch of cream
Spaghetti$20.00
Cherry Tomatoes + Garlic + fresh Basil + extra virgin olive oil
Mezze Maniche$21.00
Short rigatoni + ground sausage + shallots + mixed mushrooms + touch of cream
Tagliatelle$21.00
Bolognese style meat sauce
Lasagna$19.00
Meat sauce + Ricotta + Mozzarella + Pecorino
Ravioli$22.00
Portobello Mushroom & Cheese Ravioli + Shallots + Artichokes + Sun dried tomato + cream
Paccheri$27.00
Large tube pasta, Pancetta, Shrimps, Pomodoro sauce, Basil, Burrata Cheese

I Secondi

Branzino$31.00
Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass + cherry tomatoes + olive tapenade + grilled vegetables
Tonno$31.00
Seared Ahi Tuna Steak + Caramelized onions + Balsamic sauce reduction + Grilled vegetables
Limone e Carciofi$23.00
Chicken breast + artichokes + lemon sauce + grilled vegetables
Parmigiana$23.00
Breaded chicken breast + pomodoro sauce + Mozzarella + house pasta
Brasato di Manzo$29.00
Slow cooked short ribs + San Marzano tomatoes + red wine reduction homemade Orecchiette pasta (Pasquale's mother special recipe from hometown Puglia)

What 1,275 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Italian
South Orange County
Great for outdoor dining
South Orange County
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ciao Pasta delights with "exceptional service" and "authentic Italian cuisine." Guests consistently rave about its "amazing food" and "beautiful patio dining." Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, it's perfect for a relaxed evening or special celebration. While occasional hiccups occur, the welcoming atmosphere and family recipes keep patrons returning.

1,275 Reviews

G
Gabriela
VIP
Portland
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Eating outside was a little chilly and the food was a little heavy.
Is this helpful?
S
Shari
VIP
Orange County
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time dining here and we loved it! The bread is to die for. Pasta excellent. Salmon salad exquisite. Our new favorite place. We will be back!
Is this helpful?
J
Joe
VIP
Orange County
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Food was cold and flavorless, along with the appetizers. Restaurant was extremely cold many patrons were wearing coats as they ate. Service was slightly above average. Unfortunately after going here so many times it is being scratched off my list of favorite and dependable restaurants in the area. It’s a shame.
Is this helpful?
A
Aaron
VIP
Dallas
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious homemade pasta that exudes freshness. Nice wine selection as well. Beautiful setting across from the mission.
Is this helpful?
J
John
VIP
Seattle
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, ambiance, and atmosphere. What a wonderful evening.
Is this helpful?
k
kathleen
VIP
Central Coast
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
6 oh my girlfriend‘s and had lunch at Ciao Pasta yesterday before going to the Capistrano Nights at the Mission. We selected this restaurant because we had gone last year and everything about it was outstanding. They seated on the patio immediately although we were early for our reservation. Every member of the weight staff greeted us provided a friendly atmosphere made sure we were all comfortable and felt welcomed. We had a lasagna, spaghetti and a salmon salad. The bread is amazing melts in your mouth and truly delicious. I was in Italy recently and I can tell you this experience at Ciao Pasta was as authentic, delicious and truly satisfying as if we were dining on a Piazza anywhere in Italy. Bravo, Ciao Pasta, we will return soon.
Is this helpful?
A
Andy
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome spot loved the vibes and food was amazing, can’t wait to come back!
Is this helpful?
J
Jeanne
VIP
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ciao Pasta never disappoints. Great service & great food.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
VIP
Orange County
75 reviews
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and always dependable. Outside patio is wonderful and fun.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
Orange County
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good food, great service, lovely setting, one of our favourites.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ciao Pasta offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 496-5002.

Ciao Pasta is rated 4.8 stars by 1275 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 3, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

Cross street
Ortega Highways
Neighborhood
San Juan Capistrano
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Pasquale
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ciao Pasta

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Halibut

Ciao Pasta

Spaghetti

Antipasti

Calamari$18.00

Carpaccio$17.00

Burrata e Bietole$17.00

Caprese$16.00

Polpette Casarecce$15.00

Crostini al Prosciutto$17.00

Insalate

Cesare$14.00

Pera$15.00

Tagliata$22.00

Di Bietole$15.00

Al Salmone$23.00

Ai Gamberi$18.00

Le Pizze

Margherita$18.00

Crudo$19.00

Diavola$19.00

Le Paste

Ciao Pasta$20.00

Tonnarelli$20.00

Tortellacci$21.00

Pappardelle$22.00

Spaghetti$20.00

Mezze Maniche$21.00

Tagliatelle$21.00

Lasagna$19.00

Ravioli$22.00

Paccheri$27.00

I Secondi

Branzino$31.00

Tonno$31.00

Limone e Carciofi$23.00

Parmigiana$23.00

Brasato di Manzo$29.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ciao Pasta offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ciao Pasta restaurant rated?

Is Ciao Pasta currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day