Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Ana

Price: Moderate (160)Price: Expensive (103)Price: Very Expensive (28)

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

1. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(3929)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 39 times today

Il Fornaio in Irvine consistently earns rave reviews as one of the best Italian restaurants in Southern California. Patrons describe it as the "real thing," praising its excellent service, delightful ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes such as the Sicilian fava bean soup, spinach ravioli, and a special vegetarian risotto. Many reviews emphasize the authenticity of the cuisine, pointing out that the restaurant "stays true to Italian cuisine," rather than modernizing it. Whether marking an anniversary or simply enjoying a casual meal, guests consistently have a wonderful experience at Il Fornaio, proving its status as a beloved institution in Irvine.

A photo of Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza restaurant

2. Maggiano's - South Coast Plaza

new

4.5

Awesome(7998)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 18 times today

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's South Coast Plaza and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. Conveniently located five minutes from the John Wayne Airport, 15 minutes from the beach, and a short walk from premium shopping, our South Coast Plaza location has much to offer. Visit us at 3333 Bristol St. and book your reservation today!

3. Francoli Gourmet

4.8

Exceptional(504)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Orange

Booked 6 times today

Francoli Gourmet consistently delivers a stellar taste of Italy right in the heart of Old Town Orange. Customers can't stop raving about the delicious Bolognese, pesto linguine, and grilled salmon, noting its authenticity and freshness. They also applaud the restaurant's vast Italian wine list, setting it apart as one of the best Italian restaurants in Orange County. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent service and the attentive staff, adding to the warm and welcoming ambiance. As one reviewer puts it, "You can never go wrong dining at Francoli." Whether you're looking for hearty Italian favorites or adventurous new dishes, Francoli Gourmet hits the mark every time.

4. Prego Restaurant

4.4

Awesome(1401)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 5 times today

Prego Restaurant, located in the heart of Orange County, is praised for its consistently good service and exquisite Italian cuisine. Highlights from the menu include the classic Margherita pizza, creamy lobster ravioli, savory sole piccata, and delightful chicken scallopine, all of which are highly recommended by visitors. For those who appreciate seafood, Prego doesn't disappoint, offering phenomenal dishes such as the Australian lamb chops and tiger shrimp pasta. The restaurant's beautiful and clean ambiance, coupled with its outstanding service, also contributes to its charm. Many reviewers call it their go-to place for Italian food and recommend Prego for an overall enjoyable dining experience.

A photo of Antonello Ristorante restaurant

5. Antonello Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(1676)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ana

Booked 4 times today

Antonello Ristorante, an Italian restaurant in Orange County, boasts a rich 40-year history of delivering consistently high-quality food. With a menu that caters to everyone, including those who are calorie-conscious, the restaurant delivers a fulfilling dining experience in a warm, quiet, and comfortable setting. An Italian patron declares it a "taste of home" and others frequently commend the exceptional service, food, and ambiance. Even the cocktails come highly recommended. Praised for their top-notch dishes and superb service, Antonello Ristorante is widely considered one of the best Italian restaurants in Orange County. Many patrons are repeat customers, evident by comments like "We'll definitely be back," and "As always, a great dining experience." Even first-time visitors leave impressed by the ambiance, service, and food offerings, vowing to return.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Anaheim restaurant

6. Buca di Beppo - Anaheim

4.4

Awesome(931)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 16 times today

Buca di Beppo in Anaheim, California, comes highly recommended for its authentic and well-prepared Italian cuisine. As stated in multiple reviews, Buca di Beppo offers a variety of generous portions that are ideal for sharing, reminiscent of an Italian family-style dinner. Reviewers frequently comment on the excellent service and the friendly, accommodating staff. One reviewer aptly stated, "Every time I dine at Buca di Beppo, I feel like I've stepped into another full blown Italian universe". The restaurant is also praised for the "homemade Italian good" food and being a good choice for celebrations and family gatherings. It's noted as a favorite among locals who appreciate both the quality of the food and the restaurant's ambience.

A photo of Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse restaurant

7. Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse

4.4

Awesome(130)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 7 times today

Tocca Ferro Italian Chophouse is highly reputed for its top-tier Italian cuisine. The glowing reviews from diners illustrate the restaurant's commitment to delivering a five-star dining experience. With customers raving about the "delicious, succulent Italian cuisine," "perfectly cooked and seasoned fresh salmon," and "light, airy, 'pillowy' gnocchi," the chefs' prowess is undeniable. The restaurant is also praised for its "flavorful" risotto with "strong notes of saffron," showcasing a true adherence to authentic Italian cooking. Providing excellent service, Tocca Ferro is also favored for its professional staff, who contribute significantly to the overall delightful dining experience. Lastly, the top-notch food and drink pairings, particularly those involving whiskey, are not to be overlooked.

A photo of Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza restaurant

8. Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza

4.8

Exceptional(201)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Ruscello - Nordstrom South Coast Plaza is a much-loved Mediterranean restaurant, hidden inside Nordstrom's, offering an outstanding culinary experience. Reviewers have praised its exceptional service and delicious meals, with dishes like the Lobster Bisq, tomato soup, and the cilantro lime salad with shrimp receiving particular praise. The ambience is noted as simple, clean, and bright, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. Reviewers have shared their love for the "brunch offering on Saturdays and Sundays" and how it's the "perfect place for ladies night out/birthday celebrations." They describe Ruscello as a "hidden gem" offering "pretty good food," which makes their dining experience at South Coast Plaza memorable.

9. Vitaly Caffe

new

4.5

Awesome(63)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Costa Mesa

Booked 1 time today

Our goal at Vitaly is to make you feel at home … your Italian home, to cook and serve you like our moms were doing with us in Italy. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, home-made piadina sandwiches, pasta, salads, soups and our top quality authentic Italian gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy any one of our imported Italian wines and beers. We want to be your first and last choice in the morning and your last treat before bed.We want Vitaly to be known as an innovative concept to serve Italian top quality, home made from scratch, Italian food specialties.Please be aware that we accept reservations only for diners ( Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ) and not for coffee or desserts. In the case you want desserts or coffees only, please contact us directly as we do not take web reservations in those cases. Keep in mind we will find a spot for you for sure !!We look forward to serving you.

10. The Alexander

3.9

Excellent(34)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Anaheim

Booked 12 times today

The Alexander is a highly revered Italian restaurant that exudes elegance and beauty. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "outstanding" food, with special mention of their superb filet and chicken Marsala, indicative of a great Italian cuisine. Apart from the tantalizing meals, the restaurant offers personalized service with the owner himself often making appearances, further enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff, particularly a waiter named Daniel, garners praise for their attention to detail. Even without a reference to its location, The Alexander is widely recognized as a "hidden gem" that succeeds in delivering an exceptional dining experience. Praises such as "the BEST PLACE" and "highly recommend" echo in numerous reviews.

‘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.