22 Best Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

“Great pizza, came out fast. Went with their most popular and loved it. Even went back to get their chicken pesto, just as good.
It’s a really cool spot and has a speakeasy in the back! Did not expect that.
10/10. I’ll definitely be back“

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

“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.“

“I have been patronizing this business for years. They are very consistent with regard to food quality and taste, service, ambience, and value (5 stars for all.) My daughter and I shared the Diavola Pizza, as well as a (Wine Wednesday!) lovely bottle of Montepulciano. Topped it off with an order of spumoni. It was a lovely evening, and I highly recommend Il Dolce.“

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

“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“

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

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

“Really love this restaurant! Last night was our second visit and every dish was excellent! The outstanding quality of the ingredients stands out in all of the preparations! We started with a peaches/burrata salad and it did not disappoint! Flavorful peaches, high quality burrata and beautiful greens! We had the mushroom risotto for the second time and...perfectly cooked and deep mushroom flavor! The tagliata was also perfectly cooked - al dente pasta in a rich and delicious sauce. And, the branzino (again second time) was over the top fabulous! Honestly a dish Lemon & Thyme does EXTREMELY well! The ambiance is absolutely lovely! Warm and comfortable and the service and staff could not be better! If you haven't been to Lemon & Thyme make a res and go! You won't be disappointed!

Dietary restrictions: Plenty of gluten free options!“

“Chicken parmigiana was a little tough but the sauce was good the spaghetti was good maybe a little more pasta for the huge size of the chicken portion. The cheese was good. Staff was amazing and super friendly and even offered to change the plate.“

“It was our first time at VITALY Caffe and we definitely will be returning. The ambiance is casual and varied with 4 different dining area options. It was a lovely day and we truly felt like we were at a piazza in Italy. The servers were the sons of the owners and it was so nice to see a family run business succeed in Orange County. The food was delicious, fresh, and very tasty with nice size portions! Great Cafe Latte with VITALY cookies after our lunch.“

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

“I ordered a dozen empanadas, mixed. they were made fresh and they were made fast and they were all delicious. I will be back and I will definitely be recommending this place to friends and family.“

“This is my go to place 😁“

“Fantastic place Great food and atmosphere“

“Best Pizza in SoCal if you ask me.“

“Kim was a good server. My niece and I ordered the berry salad off the special menu (w/chicken) and it was really fresh and a generous amount. Chicken was a little dry. We also ordered the bruschetta pizza w/cauliflower crust off the special menu. My niece is gluten-sensitive. I was really surprised I could hardly tell the difference. The iced tea was fresh-brewed and really delicious. Creme brûlée for dessert. A win for a birthday lunch!“

“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!“

“altl the food is awesome!“

“Driven past tons of times, finally stopped for lunch with friends and despite the fact it looked real slow the food was real good. Prices were ok for the area, Costa Mesa everything seems to cost a little more. We will more than likely return and split a large pizza instead of all getting individual ones as that increased the cost I think.“

“This place is a nice, little gem in the mall. The food is good, though it took a bit of time to get it. Honestly, the best part about the place is the staff. I was served by two lovely ladies who were quite kind and professional. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll certainly come back through for another Italian dish :)“

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