The food is amazing. Very authentic pizza and the homemade pastas are unique and flavorful. The only downside on the menu is dessert. There is a hazelnut chocolate torte that tastes waxy, the panna cotta is good but not great and they add a lot of unnecessary toppings like black sesame seeds, and finally the gelato was icy, not creamy. I won't stop coming here because of the dessert but just be forewarned. If it's your birthday just hope they have tiramisu which is often the dessert of the day and quite good. Also, I don't understand the need for club music. It takes away from the ambiance. We always opt to sit outside where we can hear one another and they are more than accommodating.
Dean H.
5 stars and well deserved! Love this place. Excellent food, service, and ambiance. Pizza is great, pasta is indescribable, and the panacota is just to die for. Can't go wrong at this place. Definitely recommend and is a favorite spot that we keep going back to. Staff is also very nice, great service, cool people. Bellisimo!
Christine G.
Best Italian in Newport Beach! The service is amazing, the food is delicious and the ambiance is great. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed.
Doug H.
Bello is indeed a perfect reflection of its founder, executive chef and owner Sandro Nardone. How so? Sandro is "beyond creative" and encourages his staff to exercise their creativity too! Be sure to get to Bello early enough to spend an enjoyable hour (or two) sitting at the bar sipping on the staff's latest special cocktail before dinner! Last night it was the "Love Bomb" martini... Yum! (See Pic)... it tasted even better than it looked! Be sure to ask for our favorite bartender, Brooke! Brooke was above and beyond with her attentive service, creative drinks suggestions for the four adults at our table and "mocktails" for our two college age teenagers. One of the things that makes the Bello bar special is the absence of TVs... As a result, everyone at the bar is either focused entirely on their date or enjoying the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends! Bello is not where you want to go for Monday night football... it is where you want to go for exceptional food, creative drinks and conversations you can actually hear while surrounded by the high energy of people enjoying themselves. Another thing that makes the bar special are the windows into the kitchen... it is a treat to be able to watch the hustle and bustle that makes a first class chef's kitchen work! Last night, every table and every chair at Bello was filled with diners enjoying both the food and the ambiance! While starting at the bar was a great way to set a festive mood, my favorite dining area is the beautiful patio... what an amazingly place to enjoy everything Bello has to offer. Sandro is a charming, charismatic, perfectionist... and both the food and service are a perfect reflections of his personality. Every server knows the menu like the back of their own hand and is ready to make wonderful recommendations! Did I mention pizza? We had two, and they were both great! My favorite was the black truffle with burrata mozzarella and my college sophomore son devoured his salami pizza! The Branzino was "to die for!" Moist, tender and perfectly cooked in its own fish bone broth... this is a must order menu item for fish lovers! Don't be embarrassed if you ask for a spoon so you can scoop up all the broth after you have finished the Branzino... you will have a lot of company! Which all ultimately leads to dessert :-) If you like homemade Italian pastries, Bello is the place! But, if like me, you are on a lifelong search for the perfect gelato, Bello is definitely where you need to be! Ever since I lived in Europe for 9 years in my 20's, and returned to life in the U.S. thoroughly addicted gelato, I have been searching for gelato as good as my memories... and I have finally found it!!! My only problem is I cannot for the life of me decide if I love the vanilla or the chocolate more! Bello is a "must" dining destination... over and over again!
Adam H.
Service was great. Staff was great. Food was hit-and-miss. Prices 25% too high. There are much better choices for Italian
Cecile S.
One of the best Italian Restaurants in OC. The foods here are excellent. My faves are the chicken croccante and ricci de mare plus the la diavola and margherita pizzas. Honestly I tried several items in the menu and they are just great. The service also is just excellent. I highly, highly recommend this place and actually I already told my friends and tried this restaurant too and was very happy with their dining experience here at Sandto!!
Carol C.
Best food and service in OC. Clean, light Italian food done authentically and done right! Sandro always delivers. Thanks for upping the food scene in OC!
Matthew M.
The food and service were amazing. We were greeted at the door and seated at our table within a few minutes. The salad was very fresh, the pork belly appetizer was delicious, and the pasta and pizza were so good. My wife and I went here for our 5th anniversary and enjoyed every second of it. The tiramisu was a big hit too. We will be coming back soon with friends. We also met the owner who was very nice to talk to.
LN S.
We have been patrons for years and a lot has changed. What used to feel familiar and welcoming now feels... corporate. It had been more than a few months since our last visit, and we were SO excited to bring a friend. But as soon as we walked in the doors, it felt different. The hostess was completely new. The bar area, which was normally packed, had ample seating. Out of a sea of faces, I didn't recognize anyone except one bartender. The previous service staff, who were mostly older folks btw, had seemingly been replaced with young folks in aprons that made me question if I was at Bosscat Kitchen. The drink menu REALLY made me wonder if I was in the wrong place. I have never seen so much bourbon and whiskey offered at an Italian restaurant... but what do I know? All that aside, we ordered a ton of food which was objectively good but not quite what I expected. The only disappointment was la diavola. It was strangely one note. The new staff were friendly and professional enough, but there was a huge lack of connection and that's what I mean by corporate. It was a strange night, but alas, all good things must come to an end (for me).
Cherie C.
We went there for friends's bday dinner. The food is good, all dishes are delicious also with beautiful presentation. Authentic Italian pasta super tasty. I am not pizza lover but this is the best pizza I've ever tried. The dessert is soooo delicious, must try!! Also the service is great. The ambiance is good. Recommend it.
Bello by Sandro Nardone stands out in Newport for its authentic Italian dishes. Being from Rome, I was particularly impressed with their Amatriciana pasta, which was spot on in terms of flavor and authenticity. Their pizzas are also something special... consistently delicious across my visits. The drink options, especially the Negroni, are well-crafted and the wine list is solid. the ambiance is great, from the dining room you can see the kitchen with the wood-fired oven and the chefs working. the interior design is interesting and welcoming. In one of my visits I met the owner, a great friendly person.
Eugene H.
A Delightful Italian Feast at Bello by Sandro Nardone My recent visit to Bello by Sandro Nardone was nothing short of exceptional, a true testament to the art of Italian cuisine. The menu, brimming with a variety of tantalizing options, made the selection a delightful challenge. My choice of lasagna was a revelation, each layer exuding the rich, comforting essence of Italy. Similarly impressive was the Margherita pizza - a classic dish that Bello elevates to new heights. Its flavors were a harmonious blend of fresh, quality ingredients, epitomizing the essence of Italian cooking. But the surprises didn't end there. The calamari was a crispy delight, and the fried pizza was an awe-inspiring culinary spectacle, both in size and taste. Initially, I had reservations about the portion sizes, but to my pleasant surprise, they were generously sized, ensuring a satisfying meal. What truly set Bello apart, though, was the extraordinary level of service. The staff was not only swift in their service but also exceptionally friendly, making the dining experience feel personal and welcoming. This, coupled with the restaurant's high-end, classy atmosphere, created an ambience that was both elegant and comfortable. In terms of value, the food costs at Bello are perfectly aligned with the quality provided. It's a rare find where the price truly reflects the exceptional quality of the food and the overall dining experience. In conclusion, Bello by Sandro Nardone is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality Italian dining experience. The exquisite food, coupled with the top-notch service and elegant atmosphere, makes for an unforgettable culinary journey. Highly recommended!
Kim A.
Good food but way to pricey especially when there are lot of good Italian restaurants in the same area. Ambience is terrible. Tables are on top of each other, it's very loud and the aesthetic is cheap. Feels like a diner. Service isnt good. I ordered a pasta with shrimp but I cant eat shrimp. I asked for the dish without the shrimp and the waiter said the price would still be the same. I said that would be fine, bring the shrimp on the side. He said we can't put it on the side. I said you can do the pasta without the shrimp but you can't put it on the side? He said correct. With a lot of good Italian restaurants in the area that don't give you grief over a dietary restriction, I would definitely skip this restaurant.
Malek A.
Very good place for Italian! In full transparency it's not my #1 in newport but very high on list. The options are pretty great and the service is exceptional
Candice C.
I've come here for the Cheese Event dinner, Pork Event dinner and regular dinner service. Never once disappointed. Pasta is amazing, so much love put into their dishes. Bartenders are super sweet and make lovely cocktails. They got it together!
The food is amazing. Very authentic pizza and the homemade pastas are unique and flavorful. The only downside on the menu is dessert. There is a hazelnut chocolate torte that tastes waxy, the panna cotta is good but not great and they add a lot of unnecessary toppings like black sesame seeds, and finally the gelato was icy, not creamy. I won't stop coming here because of the dessert but just be forewarned. If it's your birthday just hope they have tiramisu which is often the dessert of the day and quite good. Also, I don't understand the need for club music. It takes away from the ambiance. We always opt to sit outside where we can hear one another and they are more than accommodating.
5 stars and well deserved! Love this place. Excellent food, service, and ambiance. Pizza is great, pasta is indescribable, and the panacota is just to die for. Can't go wrong at this place. Definitely recommend and is a favorite spot that we keep going back to. Staff is also very nice, great service, cool people. Bellisimo!
Best Italian in Newport Beach! The service is amazing, the food is delicious and the ambiance is great. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed.
Bello is indeed a perfect reflection of its founder, executive chef and owner Sandro Nardone. How so? Sandro is "beyond creative" and encourages his staff to exercise their creativity too! Be sure to get to Bello early enough to spend an enjoyable hour (or two) sitting at the bar sipping on the staff's latest special cocktail before dinner! Last night it was the "Love Bomb" martini... Yum! (See Pic)... it tasted even better than it looked! Be sure to ask for our favorite bartender, Brooke! Brooke was above and beyond with her attentive service, creative drinks suggestions for the four adults at our table and "mocktails" for our two college age teenagers. One of the things that makes the Bello bar special is the absence of TVs... As a result, everyone at the bar is either focused entirely on their date or enjoying the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends! Bello is not where you want to go for Monday night football... it is where you want to go for exceptional food, creative drinks and conversations you can actually hear while surrounded by the high energy of people enjoying themselves. Another thing that makes the bar special are the windows into the kitchen... it is a treat to be able to watch the hustle and bustle that makes a first class chef's kitchen work! Last night, every table and every chair at Bello was filled with diners enjoying both the food and the ambiance! While starting at the bar was a great way to set a festive mood, my favorite dining area is the beautiful patio... what an amazingly place to enjoy everything Bello has to offer. Sandro is a charming, charismatic, perfectionist... and both the food and service are a perfect reflections of his personality. Every server knows the menu like the back of their own hand and is ready to make wonderful recommendations! Did I mention pizza? We had two, and they were both great! My favorite was the black truffle with burrata mozzarella and my college sophomore son devoured his salami pizza! The Branzino was "to die for!" Moist, tender and perfectly cooked in its own fish bone broth... this is a must order menu item for fish lovers! Don't be embarrassed if you ask for a spoon so you can scoop up all the broth after you have finished the Branzino... you will have a lot of company! Which all ultimately leads to dessert :-) If you like homemade Italian pastries, Bello is the place! But, if like me, you are on a lifelong search for the perfect gelato, Bello is definitely where you need to be! Ever since I lived in Europe for 9 years in my 20's, and returned to life in the U.S. thoroughly addicted gelato, I have been searching for gelato as good as my memories... and I have finally found it!!! My only problem is I cannot for the life of me decide if I love the vanilla or the chocolate more! Bello is a "must" dining destination... over and over again!
Service was great. Staff was great. Food was hit-and-miss. Prices 25% too high. There are much better choices for Italian
One of the best Italian Restaurants in OC. The foods here are excellent. My faves are the chicken croccante and ricci de mare plus the la diavola and margherita pizzas. Honestly I tried several items in the menu and they are just great. The service also is just excellent. I highly, highly recommend this place and actually I already told my friends and tried this restaurant too and was very happy with their dining experience here at Sandto!!
Best food and service in OC. Clean, light Italian food done authentically and done right! Sandro always delivers. Thanks for upping the food scene in OC!
The food and service were amazing. We were greeted at the door and seated at our table within a few minutes. The salad was very fresh, the pork belly appetizer was delicious, and the pasta and pizza were so good. My wife and I went here for our 5th anniversary and enjoyed every second of it. The tiramisu was a big hit too. We will be coming back soon with friends. We also met the owner who was very nice to talk to.
We have been patrons for years and a lot has changed. What used to feel familiar and welcoming now feels... corporate. It had been more than a few months since our last visit, and we were SO excited to bring a friend. But as soon as we walked in the doors, it felt different. The hostess was completely new. The bar area, which was normally packed, had ample seating. Out of a sea of faces, I didn't recognize anyone except one bartender. The previous service staff, who were mostly older folks btw, had seemingly been replaced with young folks in aprons that made me question if I was at Bosscat Kitchen. The drink menu REALLY made me wonder if I was in the wrong place. I have never seen so much bourbon and whiskey offered at an Italian restaurant... but what do I know? All that aside, we ordered a ton of food which was objectively good but not quite what I expected. The only disappointment was la diavola. It was strangely one note. The new staff were friendly and professional enough, but there was a huge lack of connection and that's what I mean by corporate. It was a strange night, but alas, all good things must come to an end (for me).
We went there for friends's bday dinner. The food is good, all dishes are delicious also with beautiful presentation. Authentic Italian pasta super tasty. I am not pizza lover but this is the best pizza I've ever tried. The dessert is soooo delicious, must try!! Also the service is great. The ambiance is good. Recommend it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Bello by Sandro Nardone stands out in Newport for its authentic Italian dishes. Being from Rome, I was particularly impressed with their Amatriciana pasta, which was spot on in terms of flavor and authenticity. Their pizzas are also something special... consistently delicious across my visits. The drink options, especially the Negroni, are well-crafted and the wine list is solid. the ambiance is great, from the dining room you can see the kitchen with the wood-fired oven and the chefs working. the interior design is interesting and welcoming. In one of my visits I met the owner, a great friendly person.
A Delightful Italian Feast at Bello by Sandro Nardone My recent visit to Bello by Sandro Nardone was nothing short of exceptional, a true testament to the art of Italian cuisine. The menu, brimming with a variety of tantalizing options, made the selection a delightful challenge. My choice of lasagna was a revelation, each layer exuding the rich, comforting essence of Italy. Similarly impressive was the Margherita pizza - a classic dish that Bello elevates to new heights. Its flavors were a harmonious blend of fresh, quality ingredients, epitomizing the essence of Italian cooking. But the surprises didn't end there. The calamari was a crispy delight, and the fried pizza was an awe-inspiring culinary spectacle, both in size and taste. Initially, I had reservations about the portion sizes, but to my pleasant surprise, they were generously sized, ensuring a satisfying meal. What truly set Bello apart, though, was the extraordinary level of service. The staff was not only swift in their service but also exceptionally friendly, making the dining experience feel personal and welcoming. This, coupled with the restaurant's high-end, classy atmosphere, created an ambience that was both elegant and comfortable. In terms of value, the food costs at Bello are perfectly aligned with the quality provided. It's a rare find where the price truly reflects the exceptional quality of the food and the overall dining experience. In conclusion, Bello by Sandro Nardone is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality Italian dining experience. The exquisite food, coupled with the top-notch service and elegant atmosphere, makes for an unforgettable culinary journey. Highly recommended!
Good food but way to pricey especially when there are lot of good Italian restaurants in the same area. Ambience is terrible. Tables are on top of each other, it's very loud and the aesthetic is cheap. Feels like a diner. Service isnt good. I ordered a pasta with shrimp but I cant eat shrimp. I asked for the dish without the shrimp and the waiter said the price would still be the same. I said that would be fine, bring the shrimp on the side. He said we can't put it on the side. I said you can do the pasta without the shrimp but you can't put it on the side? He said correct. With a lot of good Italian restaurants in the area that don't give you grief over a dietary restriction, I would definitely skip this restaurant.
Very good place for Italian! In full transparency it's not my #1 in newport but very high on list. The options are pretty great and the service is exceptional
I've come here for the Cheese Event dinner, Pork Event dinner and regular dinner service. Never once disappointed. Pasta is amazing, so much love put into their dishes. Bartenders are super sweet and make lovely cocktails. They got it together!