Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Ana

Price

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Regions

North Orange CountySouth Orange County

Neighborhoods

AnaheimCorona del MarCosta MesaFullertonGarden Grove / WestminsterHuntington Beach

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

32 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant

1. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

4.6

Exceptional(8117)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 70 times today

Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza stands out as a quintessential American dining experience with an Italian twist, offering authentic Italian-American dishes that pay homage to Nonna's cherished recipes. Located in the bustling heart of Costa Mesa, diners are treated to an unparalleled blend of "fantastic food" and "amazing service," making every meal memorable. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and "delicious entrees" consistently impress guests, creating "great memories" and leaving them eager to return. With its prime location just minutes from the beach and luxury shopping, Maggiano's provides an inviting retreat for those seeking genuine American cuisine infused with Italian flair.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

2. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(4068)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 25 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.

3. Francoli Gourmet

4.7

Exceptional(551)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Orange

Booked 11 times today

WALK-INS ARE WELCOME FOR PARTIES UNDER 6 GUESTSIf you can't find availability for your desired time and date please call us 714-288-1077AVAILABLE TAKE OUT FOOD + WINE(Delivery available through third party services i.e. Doordash, Postmates, Grubhub).Extensive Italian wine selection available for take out.Francoligourmet.com for available menu. Experience authentic Northern Italian Cuisine in the heart of sunny Southern California at Francoli Gourmet. This classic eatery features classic flavors, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Francoli Gourmet features an onsite specialty store, carrying wines from all 20 regions of Italy as well as liquors. Francoli Gourmet's menu is a gourmet tour of Northern Italy, rich in regional specialties and popular favorites. We provide also a retail section with Italian Imports such as liqueurs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, specialty pasta, plus so much more.

4. Il Girasole

4.6

Exceptional(80)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 9 times today

Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings 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. Enjoy 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.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like wild striped bass, duck, sea urchin risotto, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.

5. Prego Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1458)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Tustin

Booked 11 times today

Prego Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant locales of Irvine and Tustin, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality offerings. Known far and wide, patrons rave about their seafood, with standout dishes like the Market Salmon and the Tuna Tartare. One delighted diner exclaimed, “The Salmon was delicious!” while another praised their “fantastic” lobster ravioli. Prego's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous preparation and presentation, making every seafood dish a culinary masterpiece. With accolades from the Restaurant Writers Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, Prego promises an unforgettable seafood experience.

A photo of Antonello Ristorante restaurant

6. Antonello Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(1725)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ana

Booked 8 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.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Anaheim restaurant

7. Buca di Beppo - Anaheim

4.3

Awesome(968)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Garden Grove / Westminster

Booked 16 times today

If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in Anaheim, CA then come to Buca. Our Italian Restaurant serves Authentic Family Style Italian Food. Our Buca location in Anaheim, California is ready to serve you all your favorite Italian specialties for lunch or dinner all week long.

8. Vitaly Caffe

4.5

Awesome(75)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where the essence of Italy comes to life in every dish! We pride ourselves on crafting homemade Pasta, Pinsa Pizza, Piadina Sandwiches from scratch. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, authentic Italian food and Artisan gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy our Italian wines and beers. We can't wait to serve you from breakfast through dinner, making us your go-to destination.Please note: We accept reservations for diners only. Coffee or Gelato/Desserts are available on a walk-in basis. Join us for a delicious Italian experience!

A photo of Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse restaurant

9. Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse

4.2

Awesome(146)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 7 times today

Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse, nestled in the heart of Anaheim at the JW Marriott, offers an exquisite American dining experience that transcends expectations. This award-winning establishment has been hailed as North America's Best New Restaurant in 2022, and “the food was outrageously delicious,” raved one satisfied diner. Known for its prime steaks sourced from Brandt Beef, Tocca Ferro expertly marries American culinary traditions with Italian flair. Diners are treated to a warm and welcoming atmosphere where “exceptional service” and “elite ambience” make every meal memorable. Whether indulging in a perfectly grilled steak or savoring a handcrafted cocktail, you’re guaranteed a delightful American dining experience.

A photo of Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza restaurant

10. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.9

Exceptional(211)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Ruscello at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza is a hidden gem for Italian cuisine lovers seeking authentic Mediterranean-inspired flavors in Costa Mesa. With rave reviews highlighting the "best kept dining secret" in the area, this restaurant offers a delectable menu of bold appetizers, salads, and brick-oven pizzas that capture the essence of Italy. Diners are particularly fond of the "best lobster bisque ever," paired perfectly with a scrumptious cheddar chives scone. Guests revel in the warm and attentive service, whether dining indoors, on the lovely outdoor patio, or at the vibrant bar. Ruscello promises a delicious Italian culinary experience that diners can't stop praising!

‘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

N
Nathan
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Always pleased with the experience. Great service and food.
More info
Prego RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Tustin
•
4.6
M
MaryorieVIP
Orange County •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My server April was great, food always delicious can’t wait to back
More info
Maggiano's - South Coast PlazaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
4.6
N
Norb
Seattle / Eastern Washington •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
They prepared two places for my party. We first envisioned to be a part of 5 to be served in the wine cave; but then two people were added, so they prepare a separate dining area to handle that many, while keeping the cave an option should one person fail to show. That happened; however we kept the second option as our choice. I'm so very pleased with their attempt to accommodate us. Grateful too.
More info
Il Fornaio - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
•
4.6
E
Eduardo
Orange County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The Francoli experience has always been amazing to me and my wife. We came today to celebrate our marriage after we went to the OC recorder for our marriage certificate and ceremony. We’ll be officially celebrating in Verona, Italy as that’s where my wife is from. The food is always 10/10 and the staff are as friendly as can be. I always recommend Francoli to anyone seeking the authentic Italian cuisine experience
More info
Francoli GourmetPrice: Expensive• Italian• Orange
•
4.7
K
KellyVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The atmosphere is very beautiful, nice outside patio and amazing food. The desserts are incredibly beautiful and delicious!
More info
Il GirasolePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
•
4.6

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