22 Best Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

“The pizza here is just something else! Their bbq chicken and pepperoni are just sooo good! The place is quite nice for any occasion even date night, the service is always good and the people are polite. Kinda sad you can’t put 2 flavors in one pizza but other than that I love this place! Will definitely be coming back!“

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

“Il Dolce always delivers the best food, service and family feel of all the Italian restaurants in Orange County. I am a sucker for Wine Wednesdays where bottles of wine are half off. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for some high quality traditional Italian cuisine.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Tried calling to increase number from 2 to 4. Voicemail not set up. Once open I called and talked with someone about going from 2 to 4. Couldn't find my reservation. Said she'd leave a note. Arrived to find no note left and our original reservation was in system...for 2. Thank goodness not busy. And that $50 per person cancellation fee??? Wow I know 3 couples who've quit going at all. What about illness?“

“Fettuccine was delicious. Both regular and the gluten free. We got the sausage mushroom and cream and also the prosciutto lemon zest and arugula. One of the best gluten free pasta I've had. The outdoor patio is quiet. Meal was leisurely. Service was great. Recommendation highly.“

“This is my go to place 😁“

“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.“

“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.“

“Fantastic place Great food and atmosphere“

“The service was fantastic. Sat at the bar with friends. Food was great, however my friend said her shrimp dish was a bit lite on the crustaceans.
The cocktails were fantastic.
They eat there all the time. It was my first, but will be heading back for sure“

“altl the food is awesome!“

“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!“

“Calamari, pizza and Spumoni were amazing!’“

“Absolutely love this place, come with an appetite though. We generally just have appetizers and salad for lunch and even splitting appetizers they are huge. We had a dessert last time after checking they were small, well they weren't. The food we've had us delicious, the service is really good and although a tight space it's not too noisy. A little spendy but it's worth it, and hey, you're at south coast plaza!“

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