Ciao Pasta

Name: Ciao Pasta
Address: 31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA, United States, 92675
Telephone: (949) 496-5002
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1109 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in San Juan Capistrano, California, the restaurant serves upscale Italian fare using the finest quality ingredients. Such menu items include fresh Branzino, Lobster Ravioli, Pappardelle si porcini e truffle, baked Halibut And many more. Ciao Pasta offers unique blends of flavors using old family recipes that are sure to delight friends and family alike.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable salads and calamari appetizers. Enjoy homemade martinis and wood-fired pizzas for a comfortable and fun dining experience.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Pasquale
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person
Private party contact
Pasquale , Salvatore, Roberto: (949) 496-5002

Location
31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Neighborhood
San Juan Capistrano
Cross street
Ortega Highways
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Calamari$18.00
Fried calamari + Pomodoro Sauce
Carpaccio$17.00
Slices of Beef + Capers + Shaved Grana Padano + Arugula
Burrata e Bietole$17.00
Burrata + Roasted Beets + Cherry Tomatoes + Pesto Drizzle
Caprese$16.00
Mozzarella + Cherry tomatoes + Basil + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Polpette Casarecce$15.00
Homemade meatballs + Pomodoro sauce + Burrata
Crostini al Prosciutto$17.00
Toasted Rustic bread + Aged Parma Prosciutto + Stracciatella Cheese + Arugula

Insalate

Add chicken $5, Add Salmon $9

Cesare$14.00
Romaine + croutons + Grana Padano shavings + Caesar dressing
Pera$15.00
Baby greens + endives + arugula + grapes + pears + Blue cheese + pecans + raspberry vinaigrette
Tagliata$22.00
Grilled Angus ribeye steak + arugula + cherry tomatoes + lemon infused olive oil, shaved Grana Padano + Balsamic reduction
Di Bietole$15.00
Roasted Red / yellow beets + arugula + endives + goat cheese + balsamic reduction vinaigrette
Al Salmone$23.00
Grilled wild salmon + organic greens + walnuts + dried cranberries + strawberries + goat cheese strawberry vinaigrette
Ai Gamberi$18.00
Grilled shrimps wrapped in pancetta + endives + arugula cherry tomatoes + feta + pesto drizzle lemon dressing

Le Pizze

Thin crust with homemade dough. Gluten free available

Margherita$18.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + fresh basil
Crudo$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + arugula + Grana Padano + Parma prosciutto
Diavola$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + spicy salame + Italian sausage

Le Paste

Artisanal fresh pasta, gluten free pasta available

Ciao Pasta$20.00
Bowtie pasta + grilled chicken + mushrooms + tomato cream sauce
Tonnarelli$20.00
(Carbonara) Pancetta + egg yolk + Pecorino cheese + black pepper
Tortellacci$21.00
Spinach Ricotta giant Tortellini + Pomodoro Sauce + Fresh Ricotta
Pappardelle$22.00
Wide ribbon pasta + Porcini mushrooms + black truffle + touch of cream
Spaghetti$20.00
Cherry Tomatoes + Garlic + fresh Basil + extra virgin olive oil
Mezze Maniche$21.00
Short rigatoni + ground sausage + shallots + mixed mushrooms + touch of cream
Tagliatelle$21.00
Bolognese style meat sauce
Lasagna$19.00
Meat sauce + Ricotta + Mozzarella + Pecorino
Ravioli$22.00
Portobello Mushroom & Cheese Ravioli + Shallots + Artichokes + Sun dried tomato + cream
Paccheri$27.00
Large tube pasta, Pancetta, Shrimps, Pomodoro sauce, Basil, Burrata Cheese

I Secondi

Branzino$31.00
Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass + cherry tomatoes + olive tapenade + grilled vegetables
Tonno$31.00
Seared Ahi Tuna Steak + Caramelized onions + Balsamic sauce reduction + Grilled vegetables
Limone e Carciofi$23.00
Chicken breast + artichokes + lemon sauce + grilled vegetables
Parmigiana$23.00
Breaded chicken breast + pomodoro sauce + Mozzarella + house pasta
Brasato di Manzo$29.00
Slow cooked short ribs + San Marzano tomatoes + red wine reduction homemade Orecchiette pasta (Pasquale's mother special recipe from hometown Puglia)

What 1,109 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Orange County
Italian

1,109 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best Italian restaurant we’ve visited in SC. Food, service - top notch!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was soooo good! The service was also great! Looking forward to going again!!!
Is this helpful?
MA
MaryAnnA
Orange County
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been going here for years. Finally met the owner, Pasquale....delightful. Food was very good. Beautiful night.
Is this helpful?
LN
LynnN
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great dining experience! The food and service were exceptional.
Is this helpful?
j
joeyd671
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Chef always has a smile on his face and you feel the staff wants you to enjoy the experience.
Is this helpful?
KS
KariS
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely love Ciao Pasta! It’s definitely one of our go to favorites!
Is this helpful?
A
Amie
Orange County
142 reviews
vip
5.0
142 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been dining at Ciao Pasta since we moved to So. OC. It is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. The food is always very good. We especially enjoy dining on the patio.
Is this helpful?
r
randomette
Los Angeles
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ciao Pasta has been a regular date night spot for my husband and me for the past couple of years. The food is always fantastic, and I appreciate the multiple fish entrees. The Branzino is my go-to. Puglia wines are my favorite, in general, so the wine selection here makes me very happy. All of the staff is friendly and efficient, but Wilfried is our usual and favorite waiter.
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BM
BobM
San Diego
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great at Ciao Pasta. Wonderful food and drink.
Is this helpful?
R
Reeve
Orange County
83 reviews
vip
5.0
83 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food as always! Great Italian wine to accompany a great meal!!
Is this helpful?
C
Cindy
Los Angeles
79 reviews
vip
5.0
79 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered the salmon salad and it was fantastic. We have eaten salmon at several restaurants in the last few weeks; and the salmon at Ciao Pasta was perfection. Service was excellent, a very enjoyable lunch!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
I love ciao pasta, but the food is not impressive.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Best Italian restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. Service is great. Ambience is wonderful. Food is the best I’ve had in Orange County.
Is this helpful?
M
jayM
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my favorite spots, especially in the summer time as the patio is a great place to dine!
Is this helpful?
LM
LarissaM
Seattle
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
Food was underwhelming. The appetizers were not good..the burrata seemed a little past it’s date as was the accompanying prosciutto. The zucchini blossoms were heavy and overly fried for a normally delicate dish. The bolognese sauce tasted like a canned sauce. The mushroom pasta was quite good but among all the misses we were ready to leave. It was super busy and we still got great service but it just felt like they were more focused on filling the restaurant then serving exceptional food.
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P
Phoebe
Los Angeles
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had the Fiori di Zucca (Order came out cold. Server took it back and brought us another order. Warmer but still not great. Also, they were very doughy. Would not order again.), the Tonnarelli (delish) and the Cannoli (also delish).
Is this helpful?
LL
LiliL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food and wonderful location. Great for dates, celebrations and just because you want to have delicious food. Kitchen is fast.
Is this helpful?
L
Lonnie
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered spaghetti Bolognese and parmesan crusted halibut. They were excellent. We ate outdoors, in the restaurant's courtyard. Atmosphere was also excellent. And their service was outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
I really don’t understand why they charge a $30 corkage fee. Their wine list is small and basic. People should be able to bring their favorite wine at a $15 or $20 corkage fee. That is part of enjoying a nice dinner with family and friends.
Is this helpful?
SW
ShelbyW
Los Angeles
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Vey average, had better pasta at many other places. Service was uninspiring
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m
mary
Orange County
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love dining on the patio with a wonderful ambiance! Our food & server were great!
Is this helpful?
B
Benjamin
Orange County
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant was incredibly busy for a Monday night a And short staffed but didn't seem to affect service quality. Friendly , prompt and accurate. Great dinner!
Is this helpful?
SE
SharonE
Exclusive
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server was knowledgeable, nice, efficient, very good service!
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Rian our server was fantastic. Loved the ambiance on the patio. The food was delicious.
Is this helpful?
RW
RobertW
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first time at Ciao’s, it was highly recommended by friends. We were seated outside in the patio, very nice. The service was good and the waitress was attentive with a great smile. Oh,, the food was delicious. I’ll be back!!
Is this helpful?
A
Aliso
New York Area
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always enjoy our meals here. The service is excellent. We brought friends from out of town this visit and they really liked their meals.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance. Love the outdoor patio. Always delicious food! I had the halibut this time and loved it. And the staff is very friendly too!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
797 reviews
vip
4.0
797 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
As it always my experience, both the service and food are excellent. This is a delightful restaurant that consistently serves the highest quality food with attentive and amazing service. Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
BB
BobB
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great waitress about n the lovely outdoor setting.
Is this helpful?
RA
ReneeA
Orange County
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience! Amazing menu with consistently great food.
Is this helpful?
SM
StevieMac
Orange County
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always. Great service and food.
Is this helpful?
B
Benjamin
Orange County
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on July 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Will be returning soon, service was quick and attentive. Food was delicious with excellent presentation.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice patio that can be kept comfortable with shade or heaters. Great staff and food. I’ve had several dishes here before but tried the lasagna this time. Probably the best lasagna I’ve ever had! Definitely will get that again.
Is this helpful?
GC
GregC
Las Vegas
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
The food was good - as usual. The price seems a bit high for the alcohol.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
14 reviews
vip
3.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Decent Italian food and service. I was a little bothered that they had nests of birds in the eaves of the patio area and the birds kept landing on patrons and their food while eating. Super unsanitary and destroyed the dining experience.
Is this helpful?
G
Gary
Orange County
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
This is one of our favorite Italian Restaurants. However, last night, Saturday, July 1st, the Chilian Seabass was an extremely small portion, as comparted to previous times we were there, most recently two(2) weeks ago. We sent it back and the same size piece came out, again. We were very disappointed. For $44, we would expect a larger portion like we, always, had in the past.
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t
timothyg
Los Angeles
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The patio is a hidden gem. Food here and service is always good
Is this helpful?
MM
McMom
Orange County
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Everything was very good. We celebrated a birthday.
Is this helpful?
AM
AllisonM
Las Vegas
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Ciao pasta. Pasquale and his team are amazing every time. Serve Food Ambience Specials …. Always a wonderful evening at Ciao Pasta San Juan Capistrano.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My most favorite place to eat on San Juan Capistrano‼️‼️
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ciao Pasta offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 496-5002.

Ciao Pasta is rated 4.8 stars by 1109 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

Cross street
Ortega Highways
Neighborhood
San Juan Capistrano
Hours of operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Pasquale
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person
Private party contact
Pasquale , Salvatore, Roberto: (949) 496-5002

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ciao Pasta

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ciao Pasta

Halibut

Branzino

Antipasti

Calamari$18.00

Carpaccio$17.00

Burrata e Bietole$17.00

Caprese$16.00

Polpette Casarecce$15.00

Crostini al Prosciutto$17.00

Insalate

Cesare$14.00

Pera$15.00

Tagliata$22.00

Di Bietole$15.00

Al Salmone$23.00

Ai Gamberi$18.00

Le Pizze

Margherita$18.00

Crudo$19.00

Diavola$19.00

Le Paste

Ciao Pasta$20.00

Tonnarelli$20.00

Tortellacci$21.00

Pappardelle$22.00

Spaghetti$20.00

Mezze Maniche$21.00

Tagliatelle$21.00

Lasagna$19.00

Ravioli$22.00

Paccheri$27.00

I Secondi

Branzino$31.00

Tonno$31.00

Limone e Carciofi$23.00

Parmigiana$23.00

Brasato di Manzo$29.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Ciao Pasta offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ciao Pasta restaurant rated?

Is Ciao Pasta currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day