Best Italian Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

Price: Moderate (53)Price: Expensive (48)Price: Very Expensive (7)

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Ciao Pasta

4.7

Exceptional(1238)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 37 times today

Ciao Pasta, located in Orange County's San Juan Capistrano, is revered as one of the best Italian restaurants in the region. With a rich tapestry of reviews, it has earned a reputation for its authentic Italian cuisine that offers exquisite dishes including pizza, pasta, salad, fish, and meat. Its menu is loved for using fresh ingredients and serving consistently delicious food. Diners have loved the spaghetti Bolognese, Parmesan crusted halibut, and the salmon salad. Its authentic ambiance, complemented by a wonderful outdoor patio setting, friendly staff, and efficient service, adds to its charm. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion, ranging from a special dinner to a regular night out. The reasonably priced offerings are a plus for many. The wine list, featuring Italian wines, is also appreciated.

2. Truly Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(259)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 56 times today

Truly Pizza has garnered rave reviews for its outstanding Pizzeria cuisine. Patrons laud the quality of the food, particularly noting the perfect light and crisp pizza crust, satisfying customers' diverse tastes. Some of the favorites mentioned in the reviews include the Wedge Salad, Pesto Turkey Sandwich and Crispy Pepperoni Pizza. Guests particularly commend the unique and tasteful ambiance, with an elegant setting reminiscent of the beautiful Amalfi coast. The dedication of the staff is also recognized, praised for their attentiveness and informative nature regarding the menu. Overall, Truly Pizza not only provides a taste of Italy's rich culinary legacy but also elevates the traditional pizzeria experience. The combination of delightful food and the captivating atmosphere guarantee guests' recurring visits.

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

3. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3339)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 21 times today

Located in Dana Point, Luciana's Ristorante is a highly recommended destination for truly fine Italian dining. Testimonials from satisfied patrons praise everything from the broad and affordable menu to the quality of their meals. Combined with the setting—a cosy, quaint atmosphere with authentic Italian music playing, this gives Luciana's a unique charm. The restaurant is lauded for its excellent service, with servers providing a personable, attentive service and creating a warm, hometown feel. The food is described as being 'primo', delicious, and well-seasoned, with particular commendation for its pastas, ravioli, veal parmigiana, and seafood dishes such as Cioppino and swordfish. As one review exclaimed, Luciana's is a "feast of the gastronomical senses and is matched by its ambiance and service."

A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant

4. Jack's Restaurant/Bar

4.8

Exceptional(1019)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 13 times today

Located in Dana Point, Jack's Restaurant/Bar is widely acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine. An old school Italian restaurant, it specializes in an array of dishes, emphasizing seafood. Diners have shared favorable reviews on their expansive menu, specifically mentioning "Osso bucco, swordfish, and linguine," and the "incredible" crab cake special, as well as the "amazing" Orange Roughy. Embracing not just food but an experience, the attentive and friendly service heightens the overall dining pleasure. Profoundly recommended by the patrons for its "reliably good food", the excellence is further reflected in the delightful atmosphere and the gracious service. Jack's Restaurant/Bar is, ultimately, a testament to the glory of traditional Italian dining.

5. Stella's

4.3

Awesome(1264)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 9 times today

Stella’s is a highly appreciated Italian restaurant loved by its patrons for its exceptional cuisine and warm ambience. From their incredible seafood Cioppino and spaghetti Bolognese to the delightful crab cake appetizers and lobster ravioli, every dish clearly expresses the authentic flavors of Italy. The desserts, such as the spumoni and chocolate cake, further ensure a truly Italian dining experience. Customers consistently rave about the superior service, with one noting, “Service was outstanding. This was our first visit but it will definitely not be the last!” With live music adding to the authentic Italian charm, Stella’s culinary excellence, as reflected in its reviews, make it a standout choice for Italian cuisine.

A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant

6. Luxe Restaurant and Bar

4.6

Exceptional(599)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 10 times today

Luxe Restaurant and Bar offers an exquisite American cuisine experience in Dana Point. Patrons have praised the eatery's fresh calamari, with many saying it's the best they've had in a long time. The sauces have received commendations for their delightful flavors, especially the marinar sauce made from fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with beautifully presented martinis and intoxicating rye whiskey Manhattans. Customers also praise the fantastic pasta dishes and the restaurant's ability to cater to dietary requirements, with garlic-free options available. A live pianist enhances a relaxed dining experience, contributing to the restaurant's well maintained, high-quality ambiance. Lastly, Luxe Restaurant and Bar's outstanding customer service is frequently mentioned as one of the key elements of its success.

A photo of Casanova Ristorante restaurant

7. Casanova Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(11)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 8 times today

At Casanova Ristorante, we pride ourselves on being a culinary gem, dedicated to celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of Venetian and North Italian cuisine. From savory pasta dishes to succulent seafood delights, each dish is prepared with the finest ingredients and expert culinary skill, ensuring a memorable dining experience with every bite.Complementing our cuisine is a thoughtfully curated wine list. From bold reds to crisp whites and everything in between, our wine selection offers something for every palate. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply seeking the ideal pairing, our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you, ensuring a delightful culinary experience from start to finish.

A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant

8. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(54)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 13 times today

Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.

A photo of 501 Restaurant and Bar restaurant

9. 501 Restaurant and Bar

4.4

Awesome(7)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 1 time today

Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, 501 Restaurant and Bar is where locals come to savor the best of our coastal cuisine throughout the day. From indulgent breakfast classics to innovative lunch creations and elegant dinner dishes, each plate is thoughtfully crafted by Chef Aron and his team.Start your culinary journey with our renowned crab cakes or crispy fried brussels sprouts, perfect for sharing as you immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance of San Clemente. Indulge in our tender boneless short ribs or our signature Scampi Bagatta, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, or opt for our fresh and flavorful Fish Tacos, a true taste of the coast. Our Shore Smash Burger is a must-try, perfectly paired with stunning views and the relaxed vibes of San Clemente living.We take pride in hosting and catering your special events, bringing the flavors of San Clemente to your celebrations, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering with frien

A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant

10. Buona Forchetta San Clemente

4.7

Exceptional(172)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Clemente

Booked 44 times today

Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego, with our sixth opening this month in San Clemente, CA. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with the perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialities and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

Discover the charm of Italian dining in San Juan Capistrano, South Orange County with a selection of restaurants that capture the essence of Italian cuisine. These establishments pride themselves on using authentic recipes and fresh ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Italy. From wood-fired pizzas to exquisite pasta dishes like Lobster Ravioli and Pappardelle si porcini e truffle, each menu offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of Orange County. Diners can expect a delightful dining experience with a combination of welcoming ambiance, excellent service, and a selection of wines that perfectly complement the flavors of the dishes. The dining scene in San Juan Capistrano is vibrant and diverse, providing locals and visitors alike with a true taste of Italian gastronomy. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or a cozy place for a family meal, these Italian restaurants in San Juan Capistrano offer a genuine slice of Italy with every dish served.

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