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  5. Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Piccolino Ristorante, Mission Viejo, CA

Piccolino Ristorante

4.8
4.8
1814 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Join us for authentic Italian candlelit dining al fresco!

Salvatore Faso opened Piccolino in 2007. A Sicilian by way of Chicago, Faso comes from a family of Italian chefs and restaurateurs. He made a name for himself at Prego before setting off on his own with Piccolino.

In August of 2015, he moved to a free-standing building with exponentially nicer decor – it’s now the poshest Italian restaurant in south Orange County. The centerpiece is a beautiful wine vault that surrounds the front entrance.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu 11:45 am–9:00 pm Sat 11:45 am–9:30 pm Sun 11:45 am–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 380-7261
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Paul Sotelo
  • Catering
    Italian Catering & Special Event Menu<br /> •48-hour notice appreciated.<br /> •We offer full service Italian catering for corporate meetings, birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, and much more.<br /> •We feature traditional Italian cuisine at a reasonable price, using the best ingredients available. Integrity is our reputation.<br /> •We also offer a full line of rentals as well as servers. View our online Italian Catering Menu or inquire within for a custom Italian catering menu that best fits your needs. Ask for Chef Salvatore for your special event needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our three private dining areas offer an elegant upscale atmosphere for family, friends or co-workers to shower everyone with happiness. We understand your expecting a special day, leave it to us, sit back and let our 3 generations of experience make your thoughts and dreams come true.
  • Private party contact
    Salvatore Faso: (949) 380-7261
  • Neighborhood
    Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Cross street
    241 Toll Road
  • Parking details
    Plenty, private lot parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,814 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Italian

  • South Orange County

    Great for fine wines

  • South Orange County

    Good for special occasions

  • South Orange County

    Italian

1,814 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always good, a wonderfully reliable dinning experience

    Is this helpful?

  2. PattyK

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants. Took an out of town guest and he absolutely loved it too!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was exquisite. Ambiance and service was superb. Definitely a hidden gem.

    Is this helpful?

  4. DJOC

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another great meal at Piccolino. I was craving the Truffle risotto with mushrooms. My favorite dish along with the asparagus prosciutto salad. Fig cheese cake special was delicious. Our waiter even gave us a few fresh figs from the owners tree. The service was great!

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  5. MaryR

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best Italian food in Orange County. Our go- to for special celebrations. The owner,chef Sal is so talented. My husband loves his pesto . Even his Capresse sa;ad is superb. Try his specials. We had a veal meatball in a sauce that melts in your mouth. Tina is quite knowledgeable with different wines. I know what I like but always allow her to choose a red for me. She has not let me down yet. They always make us feel so welcome. Thank you for my very special birthday celebration.

    Is this helpful?

  6. GUSU

    Las Vegas

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another wonderful dining experience at Piccolino Ristorante. We were seated by the fantastic hostess in a lovely booth. Javier, our amazing server, introduced himself and took our drink and appetizer order. Sal, the proprietor and terrific individual, stopped by, and we chatted a bit and truly enjoyed our visit. Javier brought our Egglant soufflé and it was so tasty and made to perfection. My wife ordered the chef's special, Dover Sole, and I ordered the Salmon Entree. Both dishes were well presented and tasted heavenly. The bread is also quite yummy. We finished the evening with a cup of coffee and had a beautiful evening in a romantic and classy setting. Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had an amazing dinner out with my wife, the pasta was so delicious and our server Alfredo was so attentive and helpful with recommendations. Food came out fast and fresh.

    Is this helpful?

  8. DeeBee

    Orange County

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Piccolino Ristorante Pizzeria. They brought us each a glass of champagne to celebrate. My swordfish was amazing and my husband’s pasta was perfect. We love the ambience at Piccolino‘s and the service is outstanding. We always choose Piccolino’s for a special evening.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JudyM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food was amazing Music was so Loud we could not hear each other

    Is this helpful?

  10. JimF

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service, food and cleanliness. Even the restrooms were clean.

    Is this helpful?

  11. DanaC

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent food with warm and personable service! We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  12. StaceyP

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely excellent food and service every time!! One of our favorite places.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Culvers

    Orange County

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Piccolino! The owner Sal is attentive and friendly, and always remembers the names of both couples - impressive. His daughter Katerina was our server last night, she also remembers us (including our first names, and food and wine preferences) and always takes amazing care of us, with a beautiful smile besides ❤️. The food is consistently amazing - we have our go-to favorites but we keep finding new ones!

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious. Service was excellent. Ambiance was perfect. We love this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Foodie

    Orange County

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Jorge was the best! The food was excellent as usual.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Nice

    Orange County

    124 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    124 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    What to order? When available 1 Chilean Sea Bass 2 New Zealand King Salmon 3 Halibut 4 Veal Chop Or try reverse order, You will enjoy your meal, I guarantee …. And the service Tell them the “Sea Bass” guy sent you.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Server goofed our order so half of our table was finished eating before the other food arrived. Our waiter seemed like he was a bit overwhelmed at times. No adjustment to our bill or offer of free dessert for the gaffe. I'm not sure I'll be back. Food was tasty, but a bit pricey, which seems to he the norm these days sadly.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Dappa

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Piccolino's is excellent. We have never had a bad meal while dining there. Everything is cooked and served to perfection. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  19. Duke

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time at Piccolino’s and we enjoyed it very much. The food was very good, and we plan on eating there again.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gracie Mille!! Tina and all the wonderful staff for making my birthday dinner extra special tonight!

    Is this helpful?

  21. Rabbit

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As with every visit to Piccolino, I happily would give it 20 Star rating if I could! You will never be disappointed with a meal here!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. VictoriaR

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very thoughtful service for our anniversary! Waitress Melissa was so sweet. Good and wine were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  23. LindaL

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a pleasure to eat here. Food is always fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  24. mondo

    Palm Springs

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Food was great as usual! Beautiful covered patio.

    Is this helpful?

  25. SusanA

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always Excellent. Delicious food, great service, great atmosphere. When we want to be spoiled we eat here!!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Dave

    Orange County

    60 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    We had a family outing … party of six but early in their day so I normally expect some inconsistencies in service and the kitchen and staff ramp up their activities. That said, service was less than exemplary as we continually had to search for our waiter even though it was not crowded in the area we were seated. My lobster ravioli was barely warm and the consistency was not appetizing. Our other meals were good but not as good as our other times here .. Excellency is always a touch standard to maintain.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazingly well prepared. The flavor was great. Rico was an excellent server.

    Is this helpful?

  28. RobDiner1

    Orange County

    71 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    What a wonderful surprise. The food and service were outstanding. The staff work hard to create the perfect dining experience. They succeeded.

    Is this helpful?

  29. GUSU

    Las Vegas

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Another wonderful dining experience and evening at Piccolino Italian Ristorante with my wife. The host and hostess deserve honorable mention as they are always so pleasant, welcoming, and personable. We were also greeted by Devor, who is working as a manager and such a terrific person as we were able to visit for a while. Jorge was our server fantastico, and besides being quite professional and knowledgeable, it was a joy to visit with him. We started with drinks and appetizers, and the lentil soup was heavenly. We said hello to Liah, one of our favorite bartenders, who happened to swing by our table. Tina is the other amazing bartender, and their masterfully crafted drinks are amazing. Sal stopped by and is always a blessing to chat with, a wonderful person. Jorge explained the specials and the salmon that my wife had, and the baked seafood pasta dishes were excellent, and the presentation truly a reflection on the chef's skills and experience. The food, service, and ambiance were stellar, and we ended the evening with our favorite spumoni and cappuccino. Highly recommended and by far the best Italian restaurant in oranges county.

    Is this helpful?

  30. shannydog

    Orange County

    53 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    This was my first time at the restaurant and I had heard/read good things. However, we experienced some disappointment. We were a party of six celebrating the birthday of one of our group. Five of us had good meals but the birthday girl didn't. Her veal showed up almost cold and the veal itself was tasteless and tough. We also didn't get the best service after the initial greeting. Drinks and refills took forever. Possibly the restaurant was just understaffed. I would give it another chance but I wouldn't go with high expectations.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great variety of Italian food options including their specials. Staff and management provide excellent service and are always happy to see us.

    Is this helpful?

  32. PVSTONE

    St. Louis

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent experience all around… super service, excellent food and would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  33. WolfgangG

    Orange County

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Probably more of a personal thing but I wasn’t impressed with the food choices and the understandability of the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  34. NATAVILA

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is incredible wow! My filet mignon was the best I’ve ever had. So so good 🤤

    Is this helpful?

  35. CotoMike96

    Orange County

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our neighborhood go to restaurant to catch up with friends & family, have a romantic meal with your partner or celebrate one of life’s special milestones. There is no better grilled salmon anywhere. So many of grandma’s recipes from the old country prepared will skilled chefs who understand true Italian cuisine.

    Is this helpful?

  36. Tmoto

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Their food is delicious and as close to the authentic Italian food I grew up eating in San Pedro, CA.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious and great service! We’ll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  38. RickG

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy going to Piccolino's for our date night. The food is always fresh and great, the servers make the experience fabulous. The owners always come up to your table to make sure everything is alright and thanks us for coming in. 100% our favorite restaurant..

    Is this helpful?

  39. PickyDiner

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My wife and I visited Picolino's Restaurant to celebrate our anniversary! The food was delicious, well presented; a great selection of traditional and novel salad, pasta and dessert dishes; reasonable pricing for food and wine selections; the service was timely, with very professional wait staff; beautiful ambiance with a marvelous table setting and thoughtful decorations to celebrate our anniversary; team members took care of our every need!! BRAVO!!!! A five star experience that rivals the Michelin starred restaurants we've dined at!! We will definitely be returning again very soon! Grazie molto, Sal, and the entire Picolino team for a most memorable anniversary lunch! 😀

    Is this helpful?

  40. JanaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love Piccolino's, and have been coming for years. Birthdays, New Year's Eve, a special night out ... they never disappoint. We've never had a bad dish here. The selection is amazing and everything is excellent from the convenient parking, beautiful decor, and informed and attentive servers.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Piccolino Ristorante using the Order Online button. Piccolino Ristorante also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 380-7261.

Piccolino Ristorante is rated 4.8 stars by 1814 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Piccolino Ristorante

28719 Los Alisos Blvd, Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    241 Toll Road
  • Neighborhood
    Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed, Thu 11:45 am–9:00 pm Sat 11:45 am–9:30 pm Sun 11:45 am–8:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Pizzeria
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Plenty, private lot parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Paul Sotelo
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (949) 380-7261
  • Catering
    Italian Catering & Special Event Menu<br /> •48-hour notice appreciated.<br /> •We offer full service Italian catering for corporate meetings, birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings, and much more.<br /> •We feature traditional Italian cuisine at a reasonable price, using the best ingredients available. Integrity is our reputation.<br /> •We also offer a full line of rentals as well as servers. View our online Italian Catering Menu or inquire within for a custom Italian catering menu that best fits your needs. Ask for Chef Salvatore for your special event needs.
  • Private party facilities
    Our three private dining areas offer an elegant upscale atmosphere for family, friends or co-workers to shower everyone with happiness. We understand your expecting a special day, leave it to us, sit back and let our 3 generations of experience make your thoughts and dreams come true.
  • Private party contact
    Salvatore Faso: (949) 380-7261
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