6 Best Italian Restaurants near San Juan Capistrano

“Just ate here today for the first time and the pizza was amazing!! I ordered the bbq chicken and my friend got pepperoni. The crust was insanely delicious and crispy! Cheese to toppings ratio was on point! The mozzarella cheese sticks were also very good! And to top it all off, the customer service was 💯!! Highly recommend!!“

“If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience that feels like a slice of the Mediterranean, look no further than this charming Trattoria! From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfectly complemented by a refreshing bottle of Vermentino Campo al Mare to kick off our evening. Fa Bene indeed! For our starter, we indulged in a delightful salad featuring wild arugula, endives, red onions, walnuts, and Reggiano cheese drizzled with balsamic dressing. Each bite was bursting with flavor and texture; it paired beautifully with the complementary tapenade and crostini—an excellent way to awaken our taste buds. Our server Jorge truly made the evening memorable with his attentive service. He guided us through the menu while ensuring our glasses were never empty. With fresh focaccia straight out of the oven and homemade pasta on offer, we knew we were in for a treat. The star of the night was undoubtedly the daily special of Strozzapreti—hand-twisted pasta that lives up to its intriguing name. Tossed in a rich Pomodoro sauce with fennel and pork sausage, each mouthful felt like pure bliss. It's easy to see why this dish has such an engaging backstory—it's both comforting and indulgent. Overall, this Trattoria is not just about great food; it's an experience worth celebrating! Whether you're dining with friends or planning a romantic evening out, this place promises fine wine, delicious dishes, and unforgettable memories. Buon Appetito!“

“Second visit to Limoncello and want to say the food is excellent in every way. Last night I had Arugula salad (very lemony dressing), the Risotto (outstanding) and chocolate gelato which was VERY chocolate. Topped with a nice wine. All Excellent. As for atmosphere, lots of large parties there last night celebrating Christmas and birthdays so was quite noisy, but 'tis the season. Highly recommend Limoncello. Food and service are excellent and above average. Menu is extensive with very different and interesting options. If they would have served a shot of Limoncello after dinner I would have thought I was dining in Italy.“

“This was our first time here and we arrived at what seemed to be a shift change as there was only one server for the first 30 minutes of our visit. She did a good job but had way too many people to handle by herself.

The food was very good and they have a great happy hour menus.“

“the food was amazing! service all of it! it’s so hard to find a good alfredo sauce
but this place knows how to make it well!
fresh pasta was soooo good
everything here was absolutely amazing
don’t skip on dessert either!“

“The works or vegie pizza would be even better if the green peppers & onions were minced and not sliced large. Veggies aren't cooked enough if at all. The pizza lacks that extra flavor. Everything else about Selmas is awesome, the service, location, friendly atmosphere.“