Best Italian Restaurants in Fountain Valley

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant

1. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

4.6

Exceptional(8017)

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 Buca di Beppo - Huntington Beach restaurant

2. Buca di Beppo - Huntington Beach

4.2

Awesome(728)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Huntington Beach

Booked 13 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Huntington Beach, Buca di Beppo delights diners with its authentic and exquisite Italian cuisine. This charming establishment is a haven for those craving the true taste of Italy, offering a tantalizing array of pastas, entrees, and pizzas that patrons can't stop raving about. Guests frequently praise the "spectacular" Margarita Pizza and the "perfect finale" of chocolate chip cannoli. One visitor enthused, "The food is flavorful and they have all the classic Italian dishes." Coupled with an ambiance that makes you "feel like you're in Italy," Buca di Beppo stands out as a must-visit for a memorable and authentic Italian dining experience.

A photo of Antonello Ristorante restaurant

3. Antonello Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1694)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ana

Booked 14 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.

4. Il Girasole

(0)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 1 time today

Il Girasole, opening in Fall 2024 at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, promises to bring 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. Expect 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.For those eager to try it, the menu will feature unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole is set to become a must-visit for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant, yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.

A photo of Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach restaurant

5. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach

4.7

Exceptional(1063)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Huntington Beach

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to Cucina Alessa in Huntington Beach, a gem for those seeking authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine. This delightful restaurant thrives on bringing the essence of Italian hospitality right to your table with dishes that have guests raving about their experiences. Relish in homemade delicacies like "salsa verde," fresh fish, and the crowd-favorite tiramisu. Patrons consistently praise not only the food but the atmosphere and service, with one guest noting, "the food was freshly cooked and came out on time, my date and I loved the food so much" and another celebrating "the best Italian place we’ve found in Orange County!" Whether it's the "phenomenal" PENNE FUNGI E SALSICCE or the exquisite lobster ravioli rated 10/10, Cucina Alessa promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps locals and newcomers alike returning for more.

6. Vitaly Caffe

4.6

Exceptional(70)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 4 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.

7. Il Dolce

4.9

Exceptional(440)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a treasure trove for those craving authentic Italian pizza. This family-owned pizzeria captures the essence of Naples with each pizza baked in a traditional wood-fire oven, infusing pies with a distinct, smoky flavor that patrons rave about. Reviewers consistently praise its authenticity, with one diner exclaiming, “Honestly the food was amazing! We’ve been missing pizza from Italy, and this is by far the best pizza we have ate!” The restaurant's commitment to natural, fresh ingredients and its cozy, comfortable ambiance make it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Whether it's the "best pizza" or the "home made bread," Il Dolce delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience right in the heart of Costa Mesa.

A photo of Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza restaurant

8. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.5

Awesome(206)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 10 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.

9. Sebastiani's

4.4

Awesome(38)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Huntington Beach

Booked 2 times today

At Sebastiani's in Huntington Beach, diners are treated to an exceptional Bistro experience, where traditional Italian flair meets modern culinary innovation. Praised as possibly the "KING of risotto," Sebastiani's delights with dishes like the Short Rib Risotto alla Chianti, celebrated for its succulent beef and perfectly cooked Arborio rice. Guests consistently rave about the freshness of the ingredients and the tantalizing tapas menu, making it a must-visit for authentic Italian bistro cuisine. With glowing reviews like "the BEST risotto I've ever had" and accolades for both food and atmosphere, Sebastiani's stands out as a gem in the Huntington Beach dining scene, ensuring a memorable and delicious dining experience.

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant

10. North Italia – Irvine

4.5

Awesome(5382)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 148 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

‘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

P
paulavip
Toronto / Ontario •20 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Always great food & service ! Visit every time we are in Huntington Beach 👌 Excellent Italian food!
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Cucina Alessa Huntington BeachPrice: Moderate• Italian• Huntington Beach
•
4.7
M
Myphuong
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
In general we enjoyed every time when decided to eat at Buca. Good food. Good service from a waiter Shane to server young man. They seem well trained. And there is no long waiting at all. Nice looking decorations of each section. We ordered promotion meal for three even we only have party for 2. Because we afraid the portion will not food will not feed us well. But by the end we have a lunch for next day to take home. My husband said we should stick with meal for two better. A bit disappointed due to the spaghetti noodles this time was a little over cook not tender as normal but it's still good sauces. I will come back soon. Thanks Buca team.
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Buca di Beppo - Huntington BeachPrice: Moderate• Italian• Huntington Beach
•
4.2
G
Gloria
Orange County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We reserved a table for 5 for a birthday celebration. we were seated promptly and service was great. The food was delicious. We had the stuffed mushrooms, caesar salads, italian salad, chicken parmesan, Chocolate cake and made affogatos with ice cream and espresso. Our waiter made the birthday dessert special and had a great sense of humor. Fun all around. Great memories were made this afternoon. Thank you!
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Maggiano's - South Coast PlazaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
4.6
M
Michelevip
Orange County •46 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Never disappoints. Staff is wonderful. Eloy’s soufflé was so good. Mary and Carmen are so pleasant and welcoming. Fernando provided great service. Such a wonderful place to celebrate an anniversary or just a night out.
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Antonello RistorantePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Ana
•
4.8

Best Italian Restaurants in Fountain Valley

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

2. Buca di Beppo - Huntington Beach

3. Antonello Ristorante

4. Il Girasole

5. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach

6. Vitaly Caffe

7. Il Dolce

8. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

9. Sebastiani's

10. North Italia – Irvine

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