Best Italian Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Ciao Pasta

4.8

Exceptional(1260)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Juan Capistrano

Booked 7 times today

Ciao Pasta, nestled in the historic heart of San Juan Capistrano, California, stands out as a gem for vegetarian and vegan cuisine lovers seeking authentic Southern Italian flavors. With a commitment to using the finest quality ingredients, the restaurant offers a range of exquisite vegetarian options that are crafted following old family recipes. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one guest mentioning, "We had the short rib pasta and the house Ciao pasta, and they were delicious!" The combination of a welcoming atmosphere and consistently praised dishes makes Ciao Pasta a must-visit for those who cherish plant-based Italian fare. The glowing reviews and the owner's deep roots in Italian culinary traditions underscore a dining experience that is both genuine and delightful.

A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant

2. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

4.9

Exceptional(61)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 2 times today

Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar, nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the homemade pasta and pizzas, exclaiming, "The pasta is the best I've ever had" and the pizza "can't be beat." The dedication to quality is evident as everything on the menu is made fresh, capturing the essence of true Italian flavors in every dish. The restaurant offers a unique charm with its modern yet vintage vibe, enhanced by live music on weekends. As one diner put it, "This place is special," not just for its food but for the overall dining experience that makes every visitor feel like part of the family. Whether it's the warmly lit patio or the cozy indoor seating, Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar ensures a memorable meal that keeps guests returning.

A photo of Domenico's on the Lake restaurant

3. Domenico's on the Lake

4.8

Exceptional(1175)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 17 times today

Domenico's on the Lake in Mission Viejo offers a unique upscale dining experience that is quickly becoming a local favorite for its exceptional steak dishes. Nestled on the serene Lake Mission Viejo, this restaurant not only promises delightful views but also excels in delivering culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the quality and taste of the steaks, with reviews highlighting the "delicious" food and "excellent service." The ambiance, paired with skillfully cooked steaks, ensures a memorable dining occasion. Whether it’s the freshness of the ingredients or the expert preparation, Domenico's commitment to authentic and flavorful steak cuisine shines through, making it a must-visit for steak lovers in Southern California.

A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant

4. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

4.6

Exceptional(946)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 7 times today

Delizie Ristorante & Bar is a beacon of Italian culinary excellence in Mission Viejo, praised for its "outstanding" food and "excellent" service. At the helm, Chef Santiago crafts a menu that sings with authenticity, featuring homemade pastas, imported Italian delicacies, and the freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the "delicious" Frutti di Mare Risotto and the "perfect" artichoke appetizer, emphasizing the quality that Delizie consistently delivers. The atmosphere is equally inviting, described as a "hidden gem" perfect for both lively gatherings and intimate date nights. With its extensive wine list and attentive staff, Delizie promises an Italian dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

5. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.6

Exceptional(665)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 3 times today

Located in the scenic area of Laguna Niguel, CA, Mangia Bene Cucina has established itself as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine since 1991. Guests rave about the "fabulous dinners" and the "best garlic bread ever," highlighting the authenticity and quality of the dishes served. Reviewers consistently mention the "friendly service" and the welcoming atmosphere, making every dining experience memorable. One patron exclaimed, "Everything was delicious and plentiful," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to both quality and quantity. With its vibrant and festive ambiance, Mangia Bene Cucina stands out as a culinary gem where tradition meets modern flair, ensuring that every visit is "always amazing." Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant promises a top-tier Italian dining experience.

A photo of Villa Roma Restaurant restaurant

6. Villa Roma Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(176)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Booked 1 time today

Villa Roma Restaurant in Laguna Hills stands out as a premier Steakhouse offering a delightful fusion of Argentine and Italian flavors. Diners rave about the authenticity and quality of the steaks, with glowing reviews highlighting the "perfectly cooked" meats and "real Argentine flavors." One patron celebrated the Mixto, which includes an array of meats like sweetbread and blood sausage, calling the experience "wonderful." The cozy, unpretentious setting complements the high-quality food, making Villa Roma a favorite for both locals and visitors. Whether it's the Argentinian steak or the Italian-inspired dishes, every meal here promises a five-star experience, making it a must-visit for steak lovers.

7. Truly Pizza

4.8

Exceptional(339)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 64 times today

Truly Pizza, nestled in the vibrant Lantern District of Dana Point, is celebrated for its artisanal pizzas that fuse traditional techniques with innovative flavors. Patrons rave about the "light, chewy, fluffy" crust and the unique toppings that make each pizza a culinary delight. The restaurant's outdoor setting, complete with cozy blankets and heaters, adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for both casual and special occasions. As one reviewer exclaimed, it's the "best pizza in Orange County," highlighting standout choices like the La Foresta and Smoky Vodka pizzas. The warm, inviting ambiance and attentive service at Truly Pizza ensure an unforgettable dining experience, consistently praised as "fabulous" by satisfied guests.

A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant

8. Piccolino Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(2059)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 21 times today

At Piccolino Ristorante in Orange County, the essence of Italian cuisine is celebrated with a passion that's palpable from the moment you step in. Helmed by Salvatore Faso, a Sicilian native with deep roots in Italian culinary traditions, Piccolino offers a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. The menu features artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and premium meats, all served in a romantic setting with vintage décor and candlelit tables. Diners consistently rave about the quality, with one noting, "This is absolutely the best Italian I have ever tried. Everything is a 5 star, from the food to the excellent service." Whether it's the "fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch" or the seafood pasta that's a must-try, Piccolino Ristorante stands out as a beacon of fine Italian dining in Irvine and Mission Viejo.

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

9. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2717)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 50 times today

CUCINA enoteca in Irvine is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine with a modern twist. Nestled in the vibrant Irvine Spectrum, this restaurant is celebrated for its use of fresh, local, organic, and sustainable ingredients, ensuring each dish supports local producers and delivers exceptional quality. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, with one guest exclaiming, "The Italian chopped salad and Chicken Milanese were amazing!" The ambiance blends contemporary with rustic, offering a dining experience that is both inviting and stylish. Whether you're indulging in their renowned pastas or savoring the perfectly cooked octopus, CUCINA enoteca promises a delightful culinary journey that highlights the best of Californian flavors.

A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant

10. Luciana's Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(3386)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Booked 33 times today

Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.

‘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

G
Gregoryvip
Orange County •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Karen was great and the food was very good...Caesar, garlic bread, shrimp linguine, lasagna! Portions large and looking forward to the leftovers!!!
More info
Bricco Cucina and Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.9
P
Pattivip
Orange County •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food served with friendly smiles on a lovely patio. I thought I'd be cold sitting outside in November, but the covered portion of the patio by the fireplace was toasty warm and well sheltered from any cold breezes. The wine recommendation was excellent and reasonably priced, and the menu easily accommodated our different tastes. We'll definitely be back!
More info
Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
•
4.8
R
Robertvip
Orange County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Food and service was outstanding. This is an old school restaurant that takes pride in its quality of food and the attention to the customer. This is one of our favorite restaurants and we try to visit them 4 to 6 times a month. This restaurant is a gem in Mission Viejo.
More info
Domenico's on the LakePrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.8
C
connievip
Orange County •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
First of all the service is really warm and good. It is a cozy place but the food is outstanding. Wonderful neighborhood place. Try the eggplant Parmesan and the affogato, off the charts delicious.
More info
Delizie Ristorante & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined on 14 Nov 2024
First time eating here and we all were pleasantly surprised. Loved the food, the ambiance, the staff! Everything was amazing!
More info
Mangia Bene CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
•
4.6

Best Italian Restaurants in Ladera Ranch

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Ciao Pasta

2. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

3. Domenico's on the Lake

4. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

5. Mangia Bene Cucina

6. Villa Roma Restaurant

7. Truly Pizza

8. Piccolino Ristorante

9. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

10. Luciana's Ristorante

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable