Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

Price: Moderate (2)Price: Expensive (4)

6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant

1. Louie's by the Bay

4.7

Exceptional(1395)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach

Booked 19 times today

Louie's by the Bay in Newport Beach is not just a dining delight but a cocktail paradise as well. Nestled along the scenic Mariners Mile, this vibrant locale offers a cocktail bar that truly stands out due to its quality and ambiance. Guests rave about the cocktails, with one patron exclaiming, "Great food, cocktails, and atmosphere. Beautiful view of the bay and boats. Great visit." The bar scene here is lively and late-night, perfect for those seeking both a stunning view and exquisite drink options. Another review highlights, "Their famous margaritas went down way too easy!" making it clear that Louie’s by the Bay masters the art of mixology, ensuring every cocktail is a celebration of flavors. Whether you're winding down after a day or toasting a special occasion, Louie's cocktail bar ambiance combined with top-notch service makes it a must-visit spot in Newport Beach.

2. Il Dolce

4.9

Exceptional(437)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 2 times today

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.

3. Prego Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1405)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Irvine

Booked 13 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 Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach restaurant

4. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach

4.6

Exceptional(1061)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Huntington Beach

Booked 4 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.

5. The Alexander

3.8

Excellent(37)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Anaheim

A Fine Dining Experience..Step into a world of regality, royalty and splendor at The Alexander. Enjoy our especially curated dishes and handcrafted cocktails that exude brilliance and sophistication.

A photo of Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant

6. Andrea at Pelican Hill

4.5

Awesome(1893)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach

The Resort at Pelican Hill invites diners on a weekend-long epicurean experience with the debut of the inaugural Italian Culinary Masters: Act I/Spring 2024 featuring GUCCI Osteria – the first ever U.S. outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Beverly Hills, helmed by renowned Chef Mattia Agazzi and The Resort at Pelican Hill’s Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Kyung Soo Carroll. The Italian Culinary Masters will take place in the Resort’s beloved Andrea restaurant space, Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 2024. Guests will delight in a multi-sensory dining experience with three 6-course dinners, one four-course lunch and one four-course brunch replete with cocktail/wine pairings curated by the Resort’s Beverage Manager & Sommelier Lorenzo Rocci.

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Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in North Orange County, particularly in the vibrant culinary hub of Costa Mesa. This area is renowned for its selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern culinary innovations, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. These eateries pride themselves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to craft dishes that truly stand out in the local dining scene. Whether you're a fan of artisanal pizzas, inventive pasta dishes, or gourmet seafood creations, Costa Mesa's Italian dining scene caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The ambiance in these restaurants ranges from intimate and rustic to sleek and modern, ensuring an ideal setting for both casual outings and special occasions. Costa Mesa's reputation for contemporary Italian dining is not just about food; it's about creating a holistic experience that combines great cuisine with impeccable service and a warm atmosphere. This culinary niche not only highlights the rich flavors of Italy but also adapts them to the cosmopolitan tastes of Orange County's diverse populace.