Best Italian Food In Newport Beach
Traditional Italian cuisine is more than just a plate of pasta. Classic Italian cooking depends on the quality of ingredients and from where those ingredients are derived, giving the dish its regional flair. Newport Beach in Orange County offers restaurant-goers any Italian food type with dining establishments that stay true to its Italian roots. Handmade pastas, imported fine ingredients and welcoming wait staff give these restaurants two thumbs up.
Sapori Ristorante
1080 Bayside Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-4220
www.saporinb.com
At Sapori Ristorante, Italian and California wine varietals are offered along with traditional Italian pasta, fish and meat dishes. Sapori is an elegant restaurant for intimate and romantic meals. You have the choice of sitting inside or on the patio, which features an outdoor fireplace. Excellent Italian antipasti choices include Sapori's calamari fritti and carpaccio di bue. You'll taste Italian authenticity in Chef Sal's signature dishes, including linguini al frutti di mare, penne otero (a tomato cream sauce with bacon and tarragon), farfalle salmone and salmone alla griglia and scaloppine saltimboca. Tiramisu is definitely the way to end your meal at Sapori.
Canaletto Ristorante Veneto
545 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 640-0900
www.ilfornaio.com/canalettonewportbeach
Sharing the taste and flavors from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, Canaletto Ristorante Veneto offers five-star savory dishes, while emphasizing gracious hospitality. The menu, created by Executive Chef Maurizio Mazzan, highlights diverse dishes including fresh oysters and seafood, meats, poultry and game and both house made and imported pasta. The chef uses a special grain grown in Northern Italy called carnaroli rice to make the made-to-order risotto dishes.
Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana
7864 E. Coast Highway
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 715-2072
settebello.net
At Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana, ingredients are not only fresh, but are of premium quality as some of them are imported straight from Italy. The flour comes from Napoli; the prosciutto cotto hails from Parma; the tomatoes are imported from San Marzano and the parmesan from Modena. The Italian pie, which is hand tossed by Chef and Pizzaiolo Alex Moody, is blistery after baking in the restaurant's wood-burning oven at 1,000 degrees. The pizza has just the right texture to eat it a la Italiano with a fork and knife or old school American by folding a slice in half and bringing it to your mouth. And if pizza isn't your thing, Settebello's menu is unstoppable with lighter Italian fare, a variety of antipasti dishes and a brunch menu with avocado and egg crostini and a smoked salmon focaccia.
Il Farro Restaurant
111 21st Place
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949) 723-5711
ilfarro.com
Named for the Italian grain farro, Il Farro Restaurant transports its patrons by offering both rustic Southern Italian cuisine and the take-me-away coast of Newport Beach. For more than 10 years now, Il Farro presents specialities created by Chef Vito. Pastas, breads, desserts and gelatos are handmade in the kitchen using farro as one of the main ingredients. Some definite dishes to try include the ravioli di farro al zafferano (ravioli in a saffron sauce), the linguine del pescatore, branzino and spinach gorgonzola gnocchi. After your fine meal, you are a beautiful walk away from the pier, as well as Il Farro's sister gelateria, Il Gelato.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen
3012 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-6262
www.mamadsnewport.com
Mama D's is where you will find red and white checkered tablecloths and a cozy family-style atmosphere. Owner Mama D was inspired by her grandmother's time-tested recipes and her love for cooking, so she and her family decided to open an Italian restaurant that makes old fashioned classics accessible to Newport Beach. Favorite orders include stuffed mushrooms, margarita pizza, cheese ravioli, Penny's chicken parmigiana and anything served in Mama D's pink sauce. No reservations are accepted here, but because of the excellent quality and customer service, guests should plan on waiting for a table.
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