21 Best Italian Restaurants in Newport Beach

“Bello Chef's Table is a culinary gem that offers an exceptional dining experience. The menu features authentic Italian cuisine, including homemade pastas and unique flavors. The pizza is a standout, with options like black truffle with burrata mozzarella. The Branzino is a must-order for fish lovers, with its moist and tender fish cooked in its own fish bone broth. The service is excellent, with knowledgeable servers happy to make recommendations. The bar area is a highlight, with creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere that encourages conversation and community. The patio is another beautiful spot to enjoy a meal. While the dessert menu may have some hits and misses, the gelato is a highlight, with flavors like vanilla and chocolate that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Overall, Bello Chef's Table is a "must" dining destination that will leave you wanting more.“

“Bello by Sandro Nardone is a hidden gem offering wonderful Italian cuisine and friendly, helpful staff. The restaurant features a great atmosphere, delicious and authentic dishes, and a chef who personally prepares exceptional, creative meals. It is an excellent choice for Italian dining in Orange County.“

“The Original Mama D's Italian Kitchen is a cozy restaurant that serves delicious Italian comfort food. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering marinara sauce, creating a warm atmosphere. The restaurant is praised for its awesome service and mouth-watering dishes, including the Pink sauce pasta and Seafood ravioli with white cream sauce.“

“Il Farro Restaurant in Newport Beach, CA, offers an exceptional dining experience. The food is cooked to perfection, with large portions such as the Ribeye suitable for sharing. The lunch special, featuring sole with lemon and capers, is a standout, as is the homemade pasta and various sauces. The staff, including the host, server, and kitchen team, are friendly and accommodating. With its impressive service and delicious cuisine, Il Farro is a must-visit restaurant for any meal.“

“Molo is an Italian restaurant in Newport that offers authentic Italian dishes. Customers love the variety of dishes served each week, with highlights like Chilean seabass and seafood combo soup. Despite being busy, the food is top-notch, with favorites being the Bolognese and pasta dishes. The restaurant has a cozy outdoor seating area, but it can get chilly after 8 pm. Visitors appreciate the attentive service and well-timed food delivery, making it a standout Italian restaurant in Southern California. With delicious food, great service, and a true Italian feel, Molo is a must-visit spot for Italian cuisine lovers.“

“Ciao Balboa is a hidden gem! Fresh bread, delicious garlic butter aioli, and perfect Caesar salad. The Fettuccine with Vodka sauce was tasty, and the pizza dough and cheese were outstanding. Despite parking challenges, the friendly staff and excellent food make it worth a visit. A must-try for pizza lovers!“

“Rothschild's Restaurant in L.A. offers a fantastic dining experience. With excellent service and perfectly prepared food, every meal is a delight. The restaurant also goes the extra mile to make special occasions memorable, such as proposals. The menu features delicious dishes like meatball appetizers, shrimp cavatelli, and spaghetti aglio olio. The atmosphere in the quaint back room is peaceful, perfect for a leisurely dinner. Desserts like limoncello cheesecake and chocolate mousse are a must-try. With friendly staff and great recommendations, dining at Rothschild's is always a satisfying experience worth returning for.“

“Mario's Pizza is a restaurant that should not be missed, especially for Italian food lovers. The family-owned establishment is known for its generosity and helpful service. Standouts on the menu include fresh minestrone soup, cheesy garlic bread, and a flavorful combo pizza. For those seeking something unique, the lobster ravioli is a must-try. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is both friendly and accommodating. Highly recommended for a satisfying dining experience.“

“Spaghetti Bender is an old school Italian restaurant located in Newport Beach, known for its excellent service and delicious food. The menu offers a variety of options, from chicken parmigiana and lobster ravioli with shrimp to Manicotti con Pollo entrees. Appetizers such as Bruschetta and Shrimp Scampi are also popular choices. The restaurant has a homey atmosphere, with one customer describing it as similar to having dinner at an Italian grandmother's house. The chicken parmesan, in particular, is a standout dish, with perfectly cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and a well-seasoned sauce. The salad and garlic bread are also noteworthy. The restaurant has a reputation for its salad dressing, which is loved by locals and even sold to go. The spumoni ice cream is another customer favorite, with one customer claiming it to be the best they've ever had. The wine and beer list are also well-regarded. The servers at Spaghetti Bender are attentive and pleasant, making it a great place for a hearty Italian dinner with friends or family. The restaurant has a rich history, having been open since the 1950s, and its longevity is a testament to the quality of its food and service.“

“iL Barone Ristorante offers an exceptional dining experience with its authentic Italian cuisine, excellent service, and delightful atmosphere. The food is consistently praised as phenomenal, from the fresh hand-made pastas to the tender and delicious pork chop parmigiana. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is fun, romantic, and welcoming. Whether you're craving a special bone-in pork Milanese, a delectable pizza, or a light and fluffy caccio y pepe gnocchi, iL Barone is the go-to spot for the best Italian food in Newport.“

“Cucina Italiana Ballroom offers an exceptional dining experience in Newport Beach. The entree specials are incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection, while the Angel hair Pasta with tiger shrimp and the salmon with lemon caper sauce are particularly noteworthy. The service is superb, and the restaurant is highly recommended.“

“Trattoria Restaurant is a beloved dining destination in Newport, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm, inviting ambiance. The owner's personalized attention and the restaurant's cozy, dimly lit setting transport diners to the heart of Italy. Standout dishes include the veal scaloppine, chicken Marsala, and salmon pasta, with the Carbonara also receiving high praise. With limited seating, this intimate eatery offers a must-try dining experience.“

“CUCINA enoteca Newport Beach offers a wonderfully curated decor, creating a special and open-air ambiance. The vintage and antique elements are used in an innovative way, adding to the inviting atmosphere. Friendly service, delicious Branzino, and a nice birthday dinner contribute to a lovely dining experience, though the service can be a bit slow at times. The food is slightly pricey but worth it, as the flavors are spot-on and the ingredients are fresh and high-quality. Overall, CUCINA enoteca is a delightful surprise, providing a perfect spot to relax and unwind with its delicious menu and cozy atmosphere.“

“Sapori, an Italian restaurant in Newport Beach, offers a mixed dining experience. The food and service are praised, with the Sapori salad and dishes like veal and fish being particularly outstanding. However, the ambiance is described as a little dated, reminiscent of an early 2000s Italian establishment. The clientele tends to be 45 and older, making it a suitable option for bringing parents or grandparents, but perhaps not the best choice for a first date under 45. While some diners have had positive experiences, others have found issues with the pizza and lasagna, feeling the quality did not match the $60 per person price tag.“

“Laventina's Big Cheese Pizza offers delicious pizza with a flavorful, well-done crust and a perfect blend of sweetness and herbs in the sauce. While the wings may not meet expectations, the restaurant shines with its exceptional gluten-free crust and a great selection of vegetarian and dietary-friendly options. It's a fantastic choice for takeout or a late-night slice.“

“The Old Spaghetti Factory offers a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with outstanding service. The food is described as "just ok" and "very good," with highlights including the Chianti house wine, delicious bread with garlic butter, and the Manager's Favorite pasta dish. The restaurant is known for its inclusive pricing, providing salad/soup, ice cream, and other fixings with the entrees. While parking can be a challenge, with valet-only options, the overall experience is considered worth the visit.“

“Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza is a long-time favorite spot in OC, known for its awesome food and great ambiance. Families and friends love coming here for unique pizzas like the Hawaii 5-0, with spicy jalapeños and the perfect amount of cheese. The staff is super friendly and offers great recommendations, while the salads are fresh and crisp. You can order by the slice or whole pizzas, and even enjoy delicious wings. The thin crust pizzas are a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness, making them a must-try. With indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a small game room for kids, Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza is a top choice for a satisfying meal.“

“The Pizza Bakery is a go-to spot for New York style pizza lovers. With friendly staff and fair prices, they always deliver whether you dine in or take away. Customers enjoy the free garlic knots that come with a meal purchase, and the 20 inch pizzas are a crowd pleaser even on reheating. Weekly promotions make it even more tempting to order their amazing pizza as soon as possible.“

“Louie's by the Bay is a restaurant known for its delicious charcuterie platter, NY and ribeye steaks, mushrooms, fries, and cream corn. The cocktails have also received positive feedback. The service is exceptional, from the welcoming hostess to the knowledgeable servers who guide diners through the menu options. The ambiance is pleasant, making it a great spot for special occasions or upscale date nights. However, it is important to note that the actual cost per person is typically higher than the listed $30-50 range, as steaks and additional menu items can quickly add up. Nonetheless, Louie's by the Bay is highly recommended for those seeking a top-notch dining experience.“

“Gina's Pizza is a restaurant known for its great service and delicious food. The manager, Rudy, is described as genuine and respectful, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable dining experience. Gina's is highly recommended for their top-quality toppings and oven-cooked crusts. Popular menu items include the Godfather, Maui Momma, and the house special. Located in Orange County, it is a popular choice for both locals and out-of-town visitors.“

“Pizzeria Mozza offers a range of dining experiences, with reviews highlighting both standout dishes and areas for improvement. Appetizers like broccoli and pizzas receive praise, while the burrata dish and salad funghi have been criticized. Service is generally commended, although pricing for valet parking is noted as high. The ambiance is enjoyable, although sewage-like odors have been reported at specific tables. Despite some issues, Pizzeria Mozza is considered a worthwhile dining destination by many.“