Looking For Authentic Italian Food In Orange County Head To Piccolino Restorante In Mission Viejo
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Ive spent some time recently looking for the best Italian food in Orange County. My favorite restaurants are those intimate, family-owned, unassuming restaurants you have to discover. The restaurants that have been open for years, have a loyal following and are found through word of mouth. If youre looking for amazing Italian food in Orange County, then you will want to head to Mission Viejo to visit Piccolino Restorante.
One Thing Ive Learned Is Family Restaurants Always Have The Best Sauces
After my cocktail, I decided to enjoy the portobello stuffed mushrooms with a glass of the Dao Cabernet. These were so amazing and stuffed with spinach, caramelized onions, ricotta, and house-made sausage. The mushrooms were placed on an outstanding marsala sauce. One thing Ive learned is family restaurants always have the best sauces!
Why Are Restaurants In Orange County Ny So Special
For those not familiar with the area, Orange County NY sits between Rockland County and Ulster County on the left side of the Hudson River.
Reason #1: Orange County is conveniently located just north of Rockland County and is easy to get to.
Reason #2: The area along the Hudson River is a magical place to have dinner, especially during sunset. These are probably the most popular restaurants in Orange County NY because of the views.
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Best Italian Restaurants In Orange County
Italian restaurants cover a lot of culinary ground from seafood to pasta dishes, as well as terrific wines that are an excellent compliment to whatever you order. If you’re in the mood for Italian food, try one of these five places in Orange County for a great dining experience.
A lot of things can go into making a great Italian restaurant. One of the things is the use of fresh – not dried – pasta, which makes a huge difference in the flavor of the dish. Lucca Cafe never uses dried pasta, and it shows in the dishes like the seafood linguine with mahi mahi, salmon and shrimp. You’ll even find great Italian dishes – like lasagna and pasta with “Sunday Sauce” meat ragu – on the weekend brunch menu. Plenty of great wines are available to make your meal even better. Ask your server for pairing recommendations.
Pina’s Bistro640 W First St., Suite CTustin, CA 92780www.pinasbistro.com
While Orange County may boast a good number of Italian restaurants, it can’t boast many that have a location as desirable as Sapori. This place is right on the water on Newport Beach, and it’s only one of the things that makes this restaurant an attractive place to eat. The penne otero is definitely one of those reasons. It’s a pasta dish made with a vodka-cream sauce, fresh tarragon and bacon. The salmon in a lemon-caper sauce is another great reason to eat here. Adding to the charm of this place is a fireplace that makes for an extremely cozy atmosphere.
Piccolinos Squid Ink Spaghetti Is As Authentic And Fresh As It Gets
For my first entree, I decided on the Riccioli al Nero ai Sapori Mediterranei. This was a black squid in spaghetti with fresh scallops, clams, mussels, and Mexican shrimp. Unlike many places that actually fool their guests by using black food coloring, Piccolinos squid ink spaghetti is as authentic and fresh as it gets. The sauce was a simple blend of garlic, tomatoes, E.V.O.O, and parsley. Its amazing how something so simple can be so incredibly delicious.
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If Youre Looking For The Best Italian Food In Orange County Head To Piccolino Restaurante In Mission Viejo
This family-owned restaurant has been open for twelve years. The owner, Sal, grew up in Sicily working for his parents restaurant. Once he relocated to California, he returned to his culinary routes working as the executive general manager at Prego Restaurante. Then in 2007 he finally opened his own restaurant. During the recession, it was his loyal customers and amazing community which kept his restaurant afloat during a difficult economy. Even the hostess began as a guest, visiting with her family for over 10yrs.
What Makes Good Italian Food And A Great Italian Restaurant
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The second aspect of a great Italian restaurant is the service. The service will be warm and professional, but not overly friendly. After the orders are taken and the meal gets rolling, the service should be nearly invisible.
The third aspect of a great Italian restaurant is the ambiance. I dont know what it is, but Italians seem to be able to create a wonderful atmosphere anywhere.
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Inside Tip: Always Order Something From Their Off The Menu Specials
For my second entree, I went with the Osso Bucco. The Osso Bucco is always a featured special changing between lamb and veal. This dish is the perfect example of an amazing family recipe that is one of their most popular items. In fact, they have a vast selection of off-the-menu specials which are based on fresh available ingredients. I highly recommend ordering at least 1-2 items from their fantastic specials! Another tip is to make sure you get that delicious bone marrow which I mixed in with the saffron carneroli rice. Bone marrow is the purest form of collagen, which women begin producing less of after the age of 25. Ill take all the collagen I can get!
Finally, for dessert, I enjoyed the most adorable homemade Tarimisu with Spumoni ice cream. Is that seriously not the cutest dessert youve ever seen? It was almost too cute to eat, almost.
If youre looking for the most delicious Italian food in Orange County, I highly recommend visiting Piccolino Restaurante in Mission Viejo. This is also a perfect location for all the Ladera Ranch Families and those living in the San Clemente & Dana Point areas. Bon Appetit!
Guests Will Enjoy Authentic Heartfelt Family Recipes
To say the Italian cuisine at Piccolino Restaurante is amazing would be an understatement. It is much more than just delicious cuisine. It is authentic, heartfelt cuisine, full of generations of recipes and love. The type of restaurant that knows every guest by name. Finding this restaurant was a true treasure and the type of place I run home excited to share.
I began my visit with their beautiful Strawberry Jalapeno Martini which was garnished with a pretty rose strawberry. They also have an amazing selection of wines and a fabulous walk-in wine cellar. Throughout the week youll find numerous wine specials.
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Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
What are people saying about italian restaurants in Orange County, CA?
This is a review for italian restaurants in Orange County, CA:
“I love Bruno’s! I’m a huge fan of Italian food and this place is the best. They are located in a great strip of restaurants and entertainment. This location is clean and well kept. The ambiance is welcoming and adds to the experience of your meal. The food is fresh made and delicious! Getting hungry just thinking about it. Also the drinks are great too. I love the Limoncello. Check out their drink menu, there a few you will love too. The staff is always friendly and attentive. Make your reservation online before you go and you’ll be seated right on time. Also recommend getting in their mailing list. You’ll see they offer some great deals throughout the year. Can’t wait to go back for some delicious pasta!”
Bello By Sandro Nardone Authentic Italian
We all think we know Italian food. Chicken parmigiana. Fettuccini Alfredo. Pasta primavera. And those dishes can be delicious. theyre just not Italian. To be clear these dishes were invented in America. Italians in Italy do not eat them.
Californians have always been at the forefront of new food trends in America. Our goal at Bello is to share with the people of Orange County some of the traditional foods of Italy. But it is also to share some of the modern ideas that creative Italian chefs have been using in recent years.
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The 13 Best Italian Restaurants In Orange County
Molly Box|March 10, 2021|
Whether you are in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, enjoy our list of Orange Countys best Italian restaurants.
If you’re up for a culinary adventure, check our lists for best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego.
1. Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana
With ingredients imported from Italy and produce sourced from local farms, the pizza at Angelinas is borderline artwork. From the menu to the aesthetics of the restaurant, everything at this pizzeria was carefully curated to take you to Italy. Self-described as fine-casual, Angelina’s is the place to be for some mouthwatering meals. 8573 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.536.5200
Born in Naples, Italy, Chef Alessandro Pirozzis upbringing and countless hours spent in the kitchen is evident in every bite of food. The restaurant is a Laguna Beach favorite, and its pretty clear why. Offering outdoor dining and four delightful menus , the Italian eatery is a go-to for authenticity. 2929 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, 949.675.2932
7. Canaletto Ristorante Veneto
12. North Italia
