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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lake Forest

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5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(684)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 10 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.
A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(5481)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 154 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 Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(74)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 3 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar is a gem of Contemporary Italian cuisine that delights locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant is renowned for its "fantastic fresh Italian pasta dishes" and a menu that showcases the authenticity and creativity of Italian flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious food, great service, good music and really fantastic ambiance" that Bricco offers. With homemade pasta and a variety of scrumptious dishes, including their "outstanding" Chicago style vegetarian pizza and decadent butter cake, every meal feels like a taste of Italy. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday, further enhancing this charming dining experience.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1446)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Tustin
Booked 17 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 Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1895)
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.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Victor
    Los Angeles •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great date night location food and service are just right
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Tustin
    4.5
  • Andrea
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent service and great food! Waiter was very friendly and relatable. Food was fresh and extremely tasty. Everything we tried on the menu was very good!
    More info
    Louie's by the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Newport Beach
    4.7
  • My
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This place changed our pizza experience. I fear that no other pizza place will compare to it. We got the champion cheese and honestly best cheese pizza ever (probably why it won 1st place). I usually would eat the pizza crust but this one was flaky and amazing. The flaky salt on the crust was a great touch compared to other crust toppings out there. Definitely will come back to try the other pizzas on the menu.
    More info
    Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    4.8
  • KoryVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Despite the kitchen running slightly behind from the packed house, the staff more than made up with it by going out of their way to make sure our Valentine’s Day experience was superb.
    More info
    Il GirasolePrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    4.6
  • Ralph
    Orange County •8 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our first time visiting this restaurant. We went there after looking over the menu on line. It is an extensive menu with a lot of good choices to try. We had a fried artichoke starter that was fantastic. The garlic bread provided for the table was also a big hit. Our server was fantastic and prices are reasonable as far as restaurants go these days. There is a lot of good seating unlike so many Italian restaurants that are so limited. Our main course (51) was delicious and serving size was over the top. A second meal to bring home. Overall it's a great local restaurant. Noise level was over the top however maybe that''s because it was Valentine's Day. We will no doubt go back and try different menu selections.
    More info
    Mangia Bene CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
    4.7
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