22 Best Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

“This is my favorite restaurant! I loved it back when it was on Bristol, but I have been back to the new Red Hill location twice now and it is even more of a special dining experience. Massimo has come out to explain the history of the wine and food and the sources of his ingredients. He tells wonderful stories with a great sense of humor, and his daughter who helps serve is also very knowledgeable and delightful. I feel transported and hosted in a way I have never experienced in a restaurant. The food is amazing. The fresh handmade pasta melts in your mouth. We have eaten every dessert and they are all spectacular. Every wine and appetizer we have tried has been extraordinary. I couldn't recommend this place more.“

“The most authentic and best tasting Napolitano pizza this side of Italy. All of their pizzas and pasta dishes are outstanding. They also have amazing specials. We've been coming for 16 years - after eating in Italy and looking around SoCal specifically for the taste we were craving to satisfy. The owner was classically trained in Neapolitan pizza crafting and also worked under Wolfgang Puck for a time. All of the ingredients are authentic Italian. The homemade Caesar salad dressing and the apple tart are must-have additions as well. Highly recommend!“

“amazing food! fungi pasta was out of this world!“

“Delicious Italian cuisine! Stylish interior of the Restaurant!“

“Really enjoyed a great breakfast here polite hostess and the food was absolutely delicious“

“Been going here for over 30 years 😲. Tortellini Pesto is my family’s favorite. If we go even close we make a point of eating here, or will order a large catering pan full to take home to Riverside county Mark and Julie have created a great and memorable place to eat“

“The food is fantastic, the staff is attentive and Thursday nights they have a comedy show that was hilarious. Definitely coming back!“

“Hit a little bump when I tried to confirm my reservation with Alex. The number of my guests went down by 2 and I wanted to let the restaurant know as a courtesy. I made the reservation on Open Table because friends recommended Filomena's as an amazing Italian restaurant. Alex did not see my reservation, I told him I made the reservation and I was reading from Open Table app, my exact reservation & #, which he told me "that means nothing to me". I was a bit taken a back, asked him if I could still come to the restaurant? He said, let me refresh the screen and then he found my reservation. Did we really have to go through all of that? When our party of 4 entered the restaurant/grocery store we were intrigued by the dessert cases, the fresh pasta, sauces etc. before getting seated. We were happy to find out that the grocery & bakery stayed open til closing of the restaurant. Hector greeted us in a happy manner and provided us with excellent service. He seemed to be the only waiter for the tables and Alex was cleaning tables for incoming reservations. My friends and I were admiring dishes coming out and desserts too. The bruschetta, cheesy garlic bread, meatballs with penne and spaghetti, pappardelle bolognese, chocolate chip cannoli, ricotta cheese cake were all so delicious! Hector was laughing and joking with us, he was very nice. We will be back! Thank you Hector and Alex for helping up celebrate Mel's birthday! It is all in the sauce and that Sunday sauce is amazing!!!“

“Amazing service and meal for a day of order for 25 college athletes in town for a tournament. Over ordered for the headcount - got turkey sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, soup and gnocchi and every single thing was eaten end enjoyed. I was in shock to see them hand rolling out and cooking the dough to make the sandwiches - above and beyond in every capacity. 10/10.“

“This is my go to place 😁“

“Might just be the best restaurant in the area if not all of OC… Every dish we tried was sublime. From the Ratatouille to the Pistachio Soup (a delicious bisque) to Signature dish the Airline Chicken, we didn’t leave a morsel on our plates. Then there was this unique confection… Baclava Cheesecake!“

“absolutely delicious food!“

“Calamari, pizza and Spumoni were amazing!’“

“Staff was super friendly, service was quick, and the food was great. fresh large portions. highly recommended putting it in your dining rotation.“

“Best Pizza in SoCal if you ask me.“

“I can’t believe what I thought I was eating before was pizza! Such fresh ingredients, I felt I was eating direct from the garden. Even the plentiful cheese tasted super fresh. Make note that this excellent pie takes time to make. You can rush perfection. Be patient and have a beer on tap!“

“Fantastic place Great food and atmosphere“

“The tomato basil soup was delicious as always. The garlic truffle fries were outstanding with the garlic dipping sauce. The chicken parmesan sandwich was a little disappointing. Just a little bland. But the service was great and it's a great place to have lunch.“

“altl the food is awesome!“

“Great Pizzas for sure and lot of vegetarian options to select from. The toppings were genuinely overwhelming !!!

Their house made Cauliflower crust is a must try. It is not like other regular frozen hard base, it is really italian Style!!“

“Went with my mom and sister. I had the soup and caprese. My sister had the ceaser salad and my mom had the ravioli. The food was yummy and the service was on point. The crowd is chill and the lighting and decore perfect for my headache from shopping....Anyway check it out“

“This was my first visit. I ordered the sausage and pepper sandwich. It was great. I will definitely be coming back.“