Diners' Choice: Italian restaurants in California Central Coast

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Italian cuisine in California Central Coast? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar

4.9

4.9 (1249)

$30 and under

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

We are currently open for dine-in and outdoor heated sidewalk/patio.
We are always available for curbside pickup.
Welcome to Mezzaluna Pasteria and Mozzarella Bar. Chef Soerke and Amy invite you in to enjoy daily house made Pasta, Mozzarella and Gelato.
We offer a full bar with specialty cocktails.
Chef’s Specialties include
Buccatini Al’Amatriciana
Linguini alla Vongole
Chicken Sausage Lasagne
Spaghetti Carbonara
Grilled Octopus
Lamb Meatballs
House-made Charcuterie
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Dolce Sauce & Black Truffle Oil
Little Gem Caesar Salad with Parmigiano Reggiano
Raviloi di Manzo
Pate di Anatra

Top review

Andrea

Dined 4 days ago

2nd visit food was still very good, loved my carbonara! tre mozzarella appetizer is so good and a decaf affogato with their homemade gelato YUM

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Popular dish

Rigatoni alla Buttera

Popular dish

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Popular dish

Ravioli di Spinaci

La Mia Cucina

4.8

4.8 (980)

$31 to $50

Italian

Pacific Grove

About the restaurant

Stroll along 17th St., between Lighthouse and Laurel and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its fresh ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are “originals, not reproductions.” That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his ravioli dishes, are a renowned local favorite, and for good reason. They are hand made, with all the care that only a lifetime of creative food combining can bring. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for it's fresh fish and meat specials. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula and daughter Michaela, and the service is personal and inviting.

Top review

Richard

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

Always great food and excellent service! Thank you!

SY Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (3749)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Ynez Valley

About the restaurant

RESERVATIONS

Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly.

S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.

Top review

Kristavip

Dined 3 days ago

We absolutely loved the food, the setting, and the service! The zucchini soup was amazing! Along with the sourdough bread, homemade pasta, and the beet salad!

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Popular dish

T-Bone Truffle Sliders

Popular dish

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle

Tre Lune

4.8

4.8 (1919)

$31 to $50

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

"Upbeat and comfortable, serving real-deal pastas and pizzas that make you feel like you're in Italy again." - ZAGAT 2010

Fresh fish, veal scaloppini, osso buco, prime steaks, Kobe-beef burgers, organic salads, and house-made desserts.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner-Cocktails.

Award Winner of Italian wines list.

Please call to make reservations.

Top review

Trishvip

Dined 6 days ago

Loved Burrata salad and chicken Marsala. However, I make a better linguine clams. Clams were a bit overcooked and sauce didn’t have much flavor. I had to ask for parsley. Chocolate mousse was heavenly and we loved our waiter. We will return.

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Leonardo Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (1331)

$31 to $50

Italian

Solvang

About the restaurant

Highly anticipated opening by Chef Leonardi Curti.

Top review

Alison

Dined 6 days ago

One of our favorite restaurants in the Santa Ynez Valley. Lovely service. Terrific food.

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Popular dish

Orecchiette

Il Cortile Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (4079)

$50 and over

Italian

Paso Robles

About the restaurant

Welcome to Il Cortile Ristorante, Downtown Paso Robles' newest fine dining Italian restaurant. We invite you to join us to enjoy our seasonal menus created with the freshest ingredients available sourced by our surrounding local and regional landscapes by Executive Chef Santos MacDonal, providing a melody of exceptional homemade pastas, fresh seafood, top quality meats and antipasti. A top destination for exquisite wines, picturesque landscapes and beautiful weather, Paso Robles provides the perfect pairing for Il Cortile's rustic Italian fine dining.

Top review

Tadd

Dined 3 days ago

On recommendation and crawling distance from our hotel, we took a chance on this small place for dinner. EVERYTHING was exceptional. Exactly what you dream about an Italian restaurant in California wine country. We had two specials - pork shank osso bucco, and Chilean sea bass. Phenomenal food, and a reasonable value all things considered.

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Pappardelle al Cinghiale

Ca Dario Montecito

4.8

4.8 (840)

$50 and over

Italian

Montecito

About the restaurant

Ca' 'Dario's newest restaurant on Coast Village Road promises the same authentic and fresh Italian cuisine as our other locations, now easily accessible for residents of Montecito!
Enjoy outdoor dining on our patio, or indoor in our elegant dining room.

Top review

Joyce

Dined 6 days ago

Always delicious, great service, amazing wines. They were so accommodating for certain dishes.

Ca' Dario Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (1770)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

"Anything grilled is divine, and the rest of the menu is delectable at this charming Italian restaurant in Santa Barbara known for its excellent execution of simple pasta, meats and other classics. A fantastic wine list with many available by the glass; its a local favorite, so reservations are a must."

Top review

Alison

Dined 2 days ago

The food was outstanding. Our waiter was helpful and the service was impeccabile. We loved everything about it and will be back..

Olio e Limone Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (2501)

$50 and over

Italian

Santa Barbara

About the restaurant

Olio e Limone Ristorante, located in downtown Santa Barbara's ARTS District, serves artisanal Italian cuisine. Meaning “oil and lemon” in Italian, their restaurant’s name reflects husband-wife team Alberto and Elaine Morello’s philosophy: rely on the integrity of the ingredients and quality of the preparation to provide Santa Barbara diners “simply sophisticated” Italian cuisine served in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. Start with eggplant souffle, then tuck into a plate of house made duck ravioli or Sicilian spaghetti with bottarga. And be sure to take home a bottle of their own olio, an organic extra-virgin olive oil made from Sicilian olive varieties.
Bonus: their contemporary Italian breakfast, lunch & retail spot Olio Bottega, and authentic pizzeria next door at Olio Pizzeria. Private dining in the Cucina Room for up to 40 guests.

Top review

Salvip

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food! Local’s favorite…definitely my family’s favorite!

Cafe Roma - San Luis Obispo

4.7

4.7 (1713)

$31 to $50

Italian

San Luis Obispo

About the restaurant

For over four decades, the Rizzo family has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in San Luis Obispo. At Café Roma, you can indulge in homemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and fresh seafood. Don't miss classic dishes like Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto, shortrib pappardelle, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Inside Café Roma and you'll feel like you've been transported to Italy. From the vintage Italian bike hanging above the bar to the Murano glass chandeliers and Tuscan murals, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate Italian culture.

Pair your meal with one of the many wines on Café Roma's extensive list, which changes monthly to include new and exciting Central Coast and Italian finds.

Café Roma is a popular destination for locals, vintners, families, travelers, and professionals alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a gathering place for friends and family, you'll find it here.

Top review

Dennisvip

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

Always a great experience at Cafe Roma and with the Rizzo family

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