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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Costa Mesa

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
1. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5382)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 146 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
2. Louie's by the Bay
4.6
Exceptional(1417)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 41 times today
Louie's by the Bay in Newport Beach is not just a dining delight but a cocktail paradise as well. Nestled along the scenic Mariners Mile, this vibrant locale offers a cocktail bar that truly stands out due to its quality and ambiance. Guests rave about the cocktails, with one patron exclaiming, "Great food, cocktails, and atmosphere. Beautiful view of the bay and boats. Great visit." The bar scene here is lively and late-night, perfect for those seeking both a stunning view and exquisite drink options. Another review highlights, "Their famous margaritas went down way too easy!" making it clear that Louie’s by the Bay masters the art of mixology, ensuring every cocktail is a celebration of flavors. Whether you're winding down after a day or toasting a special occasion, Louie's cocktail bar ambiance combined with top-notch service makes it a must-visit spot in Newport Beach.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
3. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1415)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 13 times today
Prego Restaurant, nestled between Irvine and Tustin, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. The vibrant ambiance, reminiscent of old-world Italy, complements the exquisite seafood dishes crafted in the lively exhibition kitchen and corner Raw Bar. Diners rave about the "perfectly done salmon" and commend the "cod special" for its freshness and flavor, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Awarded by prestigious organizations like the Restaurant Writers Association, Prego excels in delivering not only top-notch cuisine but also an unforgettable dining experience. Visitors consistently praise the seafood's authenticity and the skilled chefs, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
4. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(440)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a treasure trove for those craving authentic Italian pizza. This family-owned pizzeria captures the essence of Naples with each pizza baked in a traditional wood-fire oven, infusing pies with a distinct, smoky flavor that patrons rave about. Reviewers consistently praise its authenticity, with one diner exclaiming, “Honestly the food was amazing! We’ve been missing pizza from Italy, and this is by far the best pizza we have ate!” The restaurant's commitment to natural, fresh ingredients and its cozy, comfortable ambiance make it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Whether it's the "best pizza" or the "home made bread," Il Dolce delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience right in the heart of Costa Mesa.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
5. Il Girasole
(0)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 1 time today
Il Girasole, opening in Fall 2024 at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, promises to bring 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. Expect 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.For those eager to try it, the menu will feature unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole is set to become a must-visit for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant, yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.
A photo of Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach restaurant
6. Cucina Alessa Huntington Beach
4.7
Exceptional(1063)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Huntington Beach
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to Cucina Alessa in Huntington Beach, a gem for those seeking authentic and contemporary Italian cuisine. This delightful restaurant thrives on bringing the essence of Italian hospitality right to your table with dishes that have guests raving about their experiences. Relish in homemade delicacies like "salsa verde," fresh fish, and the crowd-favorite tiramisu. Patrons consistently praise not only the food but the atmosphere and service, with one guest noting, "the food was freshly cooked and came out on time, my date and I loved the food so much" and another celebrating "the best Italian place we’ve found in Orange County!" Whether it's the "phenomenal" PENNE FUNGI E SALSICCE or the exquisite lobster ravioli rated 10/10, Cucina Alessa promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps locals and newcomers alike returning for more.
A photo of The Alexander restaurant
7. The Alexander
3.8
Excellent(37)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Anaheim
Booked 1 time today
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 Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant
8. Andrea at Pelican Hill
4.5
Awesome(1891)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 4 times today
The Resort at Pelican Hill invites diners on a weekend-long epicurean experience with the debut of the inaugural Italian Culinary Masters: Act I/Spring 2024 featuring GUCCI Osteria – the first ever U.S. outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Beverly Hills, helmed by renowned Chef Mattia Agazzi and The Resort at Pelican Hill’s Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Kyung Soo Carroll. The Italian Culinary Masters will take place in the Resort’s beloved Andrea restaurant space, Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 2024. Guests will delight in a multi-sensory dining experience with three 6-course dinners, one four-course lunch and one four-course brunch replete with cocktail/wine pairings curated by the Resort’s Beverage Manager & Sommelier Lorenzo Rocci.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Holly
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Just. WOW. Some of the best pizza we’ve had outside of Italy. And the cherry on top is the ambiance. Such a warm and lovely patio. I can’t wait to make the drive back from LA to eat here again soon.
    More info
    Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Tina
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Came for Saturday brunch. It was a gloomy day so it wasn't busy, but we were ok with that as we had 2 babies in our party. Service was exceptional and food was great with good portions and good value. Get the warm bread basket, it was so good. Beautiful restaurant with a beautiful view of the marina, we'll for sure be coming back again soon.
    More info
    Louie's by the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Susanvip
    Orange County •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Il Dolce has the best gluten free pasta I have ever had! We love the restaurant and took friends that are foodies. They thought their dinner was exceptional as well. The Pizza is just like eating in Italy so we highly recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Il DolcePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.9
  • Parkervip
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    Each of the three of us had a different special: Pork chop, halibut and tortellini. All three Excellent! We had the Oreo cheesecake for dessert also very delicious.
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Costa Mesa

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in North Orange County, particularly in the vibrant culinary hub of Costa Mesa. This area is renowned for its selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern culinary innovations, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. These eateries pride themselves on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to craft dishes that truly stand out in the local dining scene. Whether you're a fan of artisanal pizzas, inventive pasta dishes, or gourmet seafood creations, Costa Mesa's Italian dining scene caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. The ambiance in these restaurants ranges from intimate and rustic to sleek and modern, ensuring an ideal setting for both casual outings and special occasions. Costa Mesa's reputation for contemporary Italian dining is not just about food; it's about creating a holistic experience that combines great cuisine with impeccable service and a warm atmosphere. This culinary niche not only highlights the rich flavors of Italy but also adapts them to the cosmopolitan tastes of Orange County's diverse populace.

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