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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Santa Ana

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
1. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1433)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 26 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 Il Girasole restaurant
2. Il Girasole
new
4.8
Exceptional(22)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 36 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 The Alexander restaurant
3. The Alexander
3.8
Excellent(37)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Anaheim
A Fine Dining Experience..Step into a world of regality, royalty and splendor at The Alexander. Enjoy our especially curated dishes and handcrafted cocktails that exude brilliance and sophistication.
A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5437)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 206 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 Louie's by the Bay restaurant
5. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1445)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 35 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 Dolce restaurant
6. Il Dolce
4.8
Exceptional(444)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 5 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 Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach restaurant
7. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach
4.7
Exceptional(1071)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Huntington Beach
Booked 13 times today
Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach is a gem for seafood lovers, offering an authentic Italian experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Italy. Their fresh fish dishes are a standout, with patrons praising the "exemplary calamari fritti" as a must-try. This restaurant excels in delivering a "delicious and welcoming" dining experience, consistently impressing with its homemade creations. The quality of their seafood is unparalleled, providing a taste that is both fresh and flavorful. With a warm ambiance and attentive service, "this place NEVER disappoints," making it a top choice for anyone craving high-quality seafood in Huntington Beach.
‘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.

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