3 Best Italian Restaurants in Irvine, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Italian Restaurants in Irvine, California. All of our italian restaurants actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

9+ YEARS IN TBR
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NORTH ITALIA

2957 Michelson Drive,
Irvine, CA 92612 Directions

Since 2008

Specialty:

Tortelloni Al Pomodoro Lumache Alla Norcina Trottole Chicken Pesto Strozzapreti Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Bolognese Crushed Meatball Ragu Lasagna Bianca Al Forno Squid Ink Tonnarelli Ricotta Cavatelli Roasted Salmon Grilled Branzino Pork Milanese Tuscan Half Chicken Chicken Parmesan Seared Sea Scallops

North Italia is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers a variety of menus. All day, they prepare delicious dishes made from scratch, like their Chef’s daily pizzas. They use only the best ingredients from their suppliers. Enjoy their Chef's special, The Farmers Market, which features a vibrant mix of glazed Chioggia beets, Fuji apple, roasted butternut squash, heirloom carrots, Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, broccolini, and hazelnuts, served with hearth bread and basil pesto. North Italia provides three private dining rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a main dining room. The restaurant offers Happy Hour menus in their bar area.

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Price:

PASTA
Tortelloni al Pomodoro $24
Lumache alla Norcina $25
Trottole Chicken Pesto $25.5
Strozzapreti $25.5
Spicy Rigatoni Vodka $26
Bolognese $26
Crushed Meatball Ragu $24
Lasagna Bianca al Forno $26
Squid Ink Tonnarelli $26.5
Ricotta Cavatelli $28
Roasted Salmon $32
Grilled Branzino $35
Pork Milanese $28
Tuscan Half Chicken $28
Chicken Parmesan $27
Seared Sea Scallops $36
Braised Short Rib Marsala $35
APPETIZERS
Daily Soup $12
Grilled Bread & Good Olive Oil $9.5
Zucca Chips $12
Burrata di Stagione $18
Cacio e Pepe Arancini $16
Crispy Eggplant Parmesan $17
Calamari Fritti $19.5
Wild Shrimp Scampi $19
Yellowtail Crudo $19
Prosciutto Bruschetta $17
White Truffle Garlic Bread $18
Italian Meatballs $18
Beef Carpaccio $19.5
Black Mediterranean Mussels $19.5

Contact:

(949) 629-7060

Brunch:
Sat & Sun: 10am - 4pm
Lunch:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 4pm
Dinner:
Sun-Thu: 4pm - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

7+ YEARS IN TBR
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IL FORNAIO IRVINE

18051 Von Karman Avenue,
Irvine, CA 92612 Directions

Since 1972

Specialty:

Rigatoni Alla Vodka Fusilloni Gnocchi Alla Friulana Tagliatelle Bolognese Linguine Mare Chiaro Casarecce Al Pesto E Pollo Lasagna Ferrarese Ravioli Zucca Ravioli Brasato Norcina Margherita Calzone Aperto Calabrese Cristina Fradiavola Salmone Alla Griglia Pollo Toscano Pollo Ai Funghi Branzino Livornese Gamberoni E Capesante Filetto Al Vino Rosso Grigliata Di Pesce Misto

Il Fornaio Irvine is an award-winning Italian restaurant located in Von Karman Towers. The restaurant offers freshly made pasta, pizza, salads, appetizers, and bread from an in-house bakery. They use only the best ingredients and conventional cooking techniques. Their team of staff is professional, caring, and attentive to take care of all guests' needs. Il Fornaio Irvine provides a private dining area to celebrate special events. The restaurant provides contactless curbside pickup and delivery options. They also provide service in Beverly Hills, Burlingame, Carmel, Coronado, Corte Madera, Del Mar, Irvine, Las Vegas, Manhattan Beach, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Roseville, and Sacramento.

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Price:

PASTA
Rigatoni alla Vodka $23
Fusilloni $22
Gnocchi alla Friulana $27
Tagliatelle Bolognese $24
Linguine Mare Chiaro $33
Casarecce al Pesto e Pollo $31
Lasagna Ferrarese $28
Ravioli Zucca $28
Ravioli Brasato Norcina $32
SALADS
Minestrone di Verdure Cup $11
Insalata del Fornaio $15
Insalata Cesarina $15
Insalata Bietole $15
Caprese Tradizionale $16
Insalata Regina $15
Insalata di Pere $15
PIZZA
Margherita $20
Calzone Aperto $21
Calabrese $22
Cristina $23
Fradiavola $22
GRILL
Salmone alla Griglia $38
Pollo Toscano $34
Pollo ai Funghi $35
Branzino Livornese $46
Gamberoni e Capesante $44
Filetto al Vino Rosso $55
Grigliata di Pesce Misto $41
Scaloppine al Limone $42

Contact:

(949) 261-1444

Mon-Thu: 11:30am - 9pm
Fri: 11:30am - 10pm
Sat: 5pm - 10pm
Sun: 5pm - 9pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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CUCINA ENOTECA IRVINE

532 Spectrum Center Drive,
Irvine, CA 92618 Directions

Since 2012

Specialty:

Braised Lamb Neck Cavatelli Clam and Squid Ink Linguine Bucatini Amatriciana Torchio Alla Norma Rigatoni Bolognese Short Rib Mafaldine

Cucina Enoteca Irvine is located in the northwest area of the Irvine Spectrum Center. The restaurant specializes in Italian flavors paired with the diverse bounty of California, allowing local sources to inspire culinary direction. All their dishes are house-made, including charcuterie and sausage, cheese, artisanal breads, and pastas made from scratch. Cucina Enoteca's mission is to provide flavors of Italy to its customers. The restaurant provides group dining options for wedding receptions and corporate dinners. The restaurant also offers audio-visual equipment, table decorations, and special gift cards. Cucina Enoteca Irvine offers multiple service options, including dine-in, curbside pickup, and online orders.

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Price:

ANTIPASTI
Charred Broccoli $15.5
Whipped Ricotta Onion Dip $13
Tempura Fried Stuffed Squash Blossom $15.5
Roasted Baby Carrot $16
Italian Chopped Salad $15
Beef Carpaccio $18
Grilled Octopus $18.5
Cucina Meatballs $13
PIZZA
Margherita $22
Pepperoni $23
Mushroom $23
PASTA
Braised Lamb Neck Cavatelli $24
Clam + Squid Ink Linguine $27
Bucatini Amatriciana $23
Torchio Alla Norma $22
Rigatoni Bolognese $24
Short Rib Mafaldine $28

Contact:

(949) 861-2222

Sun & Mon: 11am - 8:30pm
Tue-Thu: 11am - 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Fri: 3pm - 6pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Restaurants in Irvine, CA
Your detailed and factual answers win more customers, highlight your expertise, build trust, and set you apart from competitors

Carefully selected questions to evaluate important aspects. Comparing the answers helps you choose the service that best suits your needs.

1. Do you use authentic ingredients such as imported Italian flour (Tipo 00), D.O.P. products, and maintain a temperature-controlled wine cellar for DOCG-certified vintages?
North Italia
Yes
Il Fornaio Irvine - Submit now
Cucina Enoteca Irvine - Submit now
2. How do you ensure the authenticity and quality of your Italian dishes, including slow-cooked ragù, fresh daily-extruded pasta, and signature regional recipes? 3. Can you describe the full dining process from reservations to serving guests, including how you accommodate special occasions, large groups, takeout, and delivery orders in Irvine, CA? 4. How do you handle dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegan requests while maintaining consistent food quality during peak dining hours? 5. Are you certified or affiliated with recognized Italian culinary boards or local associations such as Ospitalità Italiana, and how do these credentials support your service quality? 6. What specific sourcing methods and culinary practices do you use to maintain authenticity, including the use of D.O.P. ingredients and formal Italian culinary training? 7. How accessible and convenient is your restaurant across Irvine, CA, including table reservations, seasonal tasting menus, and support for special events and celebrations? 8. Which types of customers typically visit your Italian restaurant, and how do you tailor your menu, service, and dining experience to meet their preferences? 9. What is the typical price range for signature entrées, tasting menus, or full-course meals, and what factors influence pricing across different menu offerings? 10. How many unique regional Italian recipes do you feature, how many customers do you serve daily on average, and how long do your chefs typically spend preparing dough or other core components?