Il Sole La Nuova Cucina

31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy suite m, Rancho Santa Margarita
(949) 264-6161

Recent Reviews

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Tiffany Swann

This Italian place is hit or miss. It was my birthday dinner. Loved the dip w the bread. Used to work at Pomodoro back in the day. Same recipe and lovely bread. Caprese was ok. My husband ordered the penne with mushrooms as a main. For some reason they added arugula and cooked it into the pasta. Then my Carbonara was odd as well. They took a classic dish and added quite a bit of half cooked bits of onion and a bunch of cooked sage. It really was overly flavored of sage. Neither of these ingredients were listed on the menu. The eggs were a bit overcooked but that part doesn’t bother me much. Why they over complicated it and ruined that dish? I sent it back. I ordered the appetizer ravioli with fig and goat cheese - that was delicious and perfectly done.

The young male server was overall pretty mediocre and inattentive. We have a baby and he took ages to get to us for most things. My husband asked for a spoon and he forgot. He also asked for salt and pepper and also forgot. We requested a kids menu w crayons when we first arrived but they don’t provide such a thing. One thing that was quick was the check.

Been here a handful of times and sometimes it ok and other times kinda sucks for a “fancy” dinner place. A shame because it’s conveniently close by. I much prefer Tutto Fresco’s for their consistency and better service. Hopefully they step it up to earn loyalty.

Cyndi Wright

WOW! This is AUTHENTIC Italian food! So fresh and hearty!! We will definitely be making this spot part of our rotation! Sad I hadn’t heard about it earlier! Or taken pictures! Haha! We are the food too quickly!!❤️

Rosen Stoynev

I gave them 2 🌟 because the employees were nice and friendly, but the pasta was tasteless and way overpriced. I got a kids pesto and I asked them to add shrimp (we were in the sushi next door and my son didn't want sushi). They told me they will add 3 shrimps, but the pasta came with 2. I paid $30 for this kids plate. Just two weeks ago I had an amazing Cioppino in Buona Forchetta in San Clemente for $33.
I'm sorry IL Sole, but your math doesn't add up! Ciao per sempre!

Shane Urban

I am a chef i do not eat out that often because I can make better food at home than what is passing for food in most restaurants today. But what my wife and I had tonight was FANTASTIC. Best meal I have had eating out in the last 30 years. It was our first time. Therefore, we asked the owner Luigi what he recommended, and I will say this whatever he recommends for you, you are going to like it. He has a sophisticated palate, and the wine he chose for our meal was perfect. I'm glad to see chefs out there still putting their heart and sole into what they do. This man has a passion to please. And we were. Thank you, Luigi, for an unforgettable experience.

Evan Hughes

Pizza was OK, the crust was delicious. However, the interior of the pizza was undercooked. Big complaint that they charge $25 corkage fee. Alejandro the server should’ve mentioned the $25 corkage fee when we arrived but did not. Will not be back.

Shawn “The Plant Gurl”

One of my favorite Italian restaurants! The homemade gnocchi is incredible and the staff was kind enough to substitute Alfredo for the Pesto! Will definitely be back soon!

Kathy Stephan

I went there for the first time today. I ordered the
TAGLIOLINI CON GAMBERI AL LIMONE Which was excellent. They have a large choice of wines to choose from. The owner was very kind and provided us with great service. I will definitely be back.

Monique Mansour

What a disappointment! This place looked like it had potential, but the food was extremely average and not memorable. I make better pasta for myself on my 30 minute lunch breaks, so I was expecting more from a pricier dinner restaurant.

Our server was wonderful, hence the extra star. The ambiance was strange - we were seated in a lonely room separate from the main restaurant. The music was also not well suited for the establishment - felt better for a club environment. It was distracting, to say the least.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 5

Jackie H

They have two separate indoor dining rooms and an outdoor patio area. We sat inside and it was pleasant. Service was fine, not very professional but the food was good so overall it was a good experience and we would return.

Parking: Plenty of parking available in the plaza lot.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

J G

Awesome experience today Friday around 1 pm. Not too busy. Parking is as expected, it is a busy area.

Inside and outside seating available. You can also do reservations.

Customer service was excellent, Luigi was just too funny, very kind, professional, and friendly. Also he was very knowledgeable (As an owner should) about every single dish on the menu.

It was our first time, so we asked for recommendations. Ingredients taste fresh and with a very pleasant seasoning.

Pasta and bread are all make there. Every dish from scratch!

Lots of wine options. They also have desserts, just ask, there is no menu for them!

It was pricey, but it is worth every penny for the high quality of the food!

Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Warren Chu

Had their chicken marsala and it was tasteless, heavy on the gravy but masked any flavor of the chicken. The restaurant's interior was a blank wall with no decor, just plain tables and chairs. I don't see how the other reviews could be so gushing. I wouldn't go back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 2

Brett Seekely

Absolutely delicious. I had one of the chef's specials,veal saltimbocca with risotto, and it was wonderful. Our server, Luigi, was very knowledgeable and attentive. He had a fantastic attitude and gave amazing descriptions of the food that had our mouths watering. They were very kind and accommodated one member of our party that couldn't have garlic. Definitely a must try!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Aggie Delosevic

Casual, friendly atmosphere, a bit expensive but very worth it. We had 10" pizza with sausage and chicken marsala, both very delicious. We look forward to coming back very soon!😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala

WD Spiri Tsularis

This is my favorite restaurant. The food is worth the quality and quantity of the ingredients. We've regularly eaten here for awhile and can vouch for the popular pasta dishes, calamari, and pizza. Service is attentive and personal. The restaurant itself is cozy. It even comes with access to a nice walk around the lake after you fill up on good food.

As a non-celiac gluten-sensitive person, I really appreciate the gluten free pasta option!

Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free pasta option

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tagliolini Con Gamberi Al Limone

J Y

This is an excellent place to dine at. A good establishment that cares about delivering good food and experience.

We enjoyed their calamari and pizza. Pizza is homemade and made with flour imported from Napoli. How much better can it get?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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