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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Irvine

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
1. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5442)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 190 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
2. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1433)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Tustin
Booked 29 times today
Prego Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant locales of Irvine and Tustin, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality offerings. Known far and wide, patrons rave about their seafood, with standout dishes like the Market Salmon and the Tuna Tartare. One delighted diner exclaimed, “The Salmon was delicious!” while another praised their “fantastic” lobster ravioli. Prego's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous preparation and presentation, making every seafood dish a culinary masterpiece. With accolades from the Restaurant Writers Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, Prego promises an unforgettable seafood experience.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
3. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1445)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 41 times today
Louie's by the Bay is a premier Cocktail Bar destination in Newport Beach, offering an exquisite cocktail experience that complements its stunning waterfront location. Diners rave about the "perfect margaritas" and the expertly crafted Manhattans that are "great" and perfectly paired with the menu. The lively late-night cocktail scene is a vibrant addition to the elegant ambiance, making it an ideal spot for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations. Guests are consistently impressed by the "fantastic service" and "superb" drinks, which make every visit memorable. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a delightful evening out, Louie's promises an exceptional cocktail experience.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
4. Il Girasole
new
4.8
Exceptional(26)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 20 times today
Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.
A photo of Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant
5. Andrea at Pelican Hill
4.1
Excellent(1896)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Andrea at Pelican Hill is a beacon of exquisite Contemporary European cuisine, nestled in the picturesque Newport Beach. The restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience, elevating each dish to an art form. Guests frequently commend the “delicious and plentiful” food, noting the “outstanding service” that accompanies it. The venue is renowned for its special high-end offerings, such as the Italian Culinary Masters event, showcasing the brilliance of Chef Mattia Agazzi. Diners rave about the “exceptional” service and beautifully curated events, making Andrea a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and sophisticated European flavors.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
6. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(444)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 10 times today
Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, celebrated for its authentic flavors and exceptional quality. This family-owned gem embraces the true essence of Italy by using only fresh, natural ingredients, resulting in "some of the best pizza you will ever have." Their wood-fire oven pizzas mirror the authentic pies of Naples, offering a smoky, delightful taste that is hard to find elsewhere. Pasta enthusiasts will revel in their handmade dishes, while those with dietary restrictions can indulge in the best gluten-free options around. "Outstanding food and service" are guaranteed, making Il Dolce a must-visit for Italian food connoisseurs.
A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant
7. Mangia Bene Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(676)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 12 times today
Mangia Bene Cucina, nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, offers a seafood dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Renowned for its “perfectly cooked” Calamari Fritti, this restaurant captures the essence of Italian seafood cuisine with dishes that transport diners straight to the coastal regions of Italy. Guests rave about the Cioppino, describing it as a “must-go-to” for seafood aficionados. With a commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients, Mangia Bene Cucina delivers generous portions that satisfy even the most discerning palates. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring every visit is memorable.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OlgaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Fresh new Italian restaurant with delicious food and a beautiful plating. Pomodoro salad was one of the best I ever tasted. Simplicity of yellowtail crudo made it very special with addition of beetroot sauce. King crab ravioli and chicken breast were very fulfilling mains. Chicken breast was stuffed with root vegetable purée, which is tasty, but not for me due to dietary restrictions, so I didn’t expect it and it was not clear from the menu. My husband enjoyed it though. Overall it was a very pleasant dinner experience.
    More info
    Il GirasolePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.8
  • MollieR
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Such delicious pizza (we ordered 3 different kinds)! They were all so good! The design was really lovely, the service was great. We will definitely go again!
    More info
    Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Frankie
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Omar our waiter was superb! One of the best experiences ever! Attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond.
    More info
    North Italia - CerritosPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cerritos
    •
    4.5
  • Michael
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 29, 2024
    First time diner, fantastic experience only comment on the food was the penne pasta with shrimp a bit heavy on the pesto. Other than that we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    Louie's by the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • DianeVIP
    Orange County •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Food is always great, ambiance for the holiday was beautiful, the service impeccable and management as attentive as needed. A wonderful dining experience!
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Tustin
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Irvine

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in Irvine, nestled in the heart of South Orange County, Orange County. This vibrant culinary destination boasts a selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern innovations, offering a unique dining experience that catiates to the gourmet enthusiast. Each establishment showcases a commitment to authenticity, with menus featuring everything from expertly crafted pasta dishes and artisan pizzas to sophisticated seafood and meat preparations. The dining scene in Irvine reflects a sophisticated blend of cultural influences, creating a dynamic environment that is both inviting and exciting for food lovers. With chefs who are passionate about sourcing high-quality ingredients and delivering exceptional flavors, these restaurants provide not just a meal, but a memorable gastronomic journey. Whether you're seeking a cozy dinner spot or a chic venue for special occasions, the contemporary Italian offerings in Irvine are sure to impress. Experience the perfect fusion of old-world charm and contemporary flair in South Orange County’s top culinary establishments.

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