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BEST RATED IRVINE, CA ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

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!

North Italia - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Food Image
North Italia - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
North Italia - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Italian Restaurants in Irvine CA - North Italia video
9+ YEARS IN TBR
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NORTH ITALIA

(5.0 Score)
2957 Michelson Drive,
Irvine, CA 92612 Directions

Since 2008

Specialities:

✓Lasagna Bianca Al Forno ✓Crushed Meatball Ragu ✓Chicken Parmesan ✓Tortelloni Al Pomodoro ✓Ricotta Cavatelli ✓Lumache Alla Norcina ✓Braised Short Rib Marsala ✓Spicy Rigatoni Vodka ✓Grilled Branzino ✓Strozzapreti ✓Roasted Salmon ✓Bolognese ✓Squid Ink Tonnarelli ✓Tuscan Half Chicken ✓Seared Sea Scallops ✓Trottole Chicken Pesto ✓Pork Milanese ✓Italian Meatballs ✓Crispy Eggplant Parmesan ✓Beef Carpaccio ✓Daily Soup ✓Prosciutto Bruschetta

"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.

2026 Highlights: They offer a select small plate and entrée for $25, available daily from opening until 4:00 PM. The offer is valid for dine-in during lunch hours at participating locations and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions."

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License #260002481

Menu:

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

Discount:

Get $10 off $20+ online when you subscribe

Contact:

(949) 629-7060

Brunch:
Sat & Sun: 10am - 4pm
Lunch:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 4pm
Dinner:
Sun-Thu: 4pm - 10pm
Fri & Sat: 4pm - 11pm
Happy Hour:
Mon-Thu: 3pm - 6pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

Il Fornaio Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Food Image
Il Fornaio Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Il Fornaio Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
7+ YEARS IN TBR
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IL FORNAIO IRVINE

(5.0 Score)
18051 Von Karman Avenue,
Irvine, CA 92612 Directions

Since 1972

Specialities:

✓Burrata Con Prosciutto ✓Carpaccio ✓Polpettine ✓Fiori Di Zucca ✓Gnocchi Gratinati ✓Cavolfiori ✓Tartara Di Tonno ✓Cestino Del Pane ✓Add Roasted Tomato Spread and Mixed Olives ✓Rigatoni Alla Vodka ✓Tagliatelle Bolognese ✓Ravioli Lucana ✓Lasagna Ferrarese ✓Linguine Mare Chiaro ✓Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina ✓Fusilloni Al Pesto ✓Pappardelle Alla Norcina ✓Pomodoro ✓Add Chicken Breast or Meatballs ✓Add Shrimp ✓Minestrone Di Verdure

"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.

2026 Highlights: They offer Il Fornaio gift cards, perfect for any occasion and redeemable at any Il Fornaio location or Canaletto Las Vegas, allowing guests to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience."

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License #201932610089

Menu:

PASTA:
Rigatoni Alla Vodka $24
Tagliatelle Bolognese $25
Ravioli Lucana $28
Lasagna Ferrarese $28
Linguine Mare Chiaro $33
Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina $25
Fusilloni Al Pesto $28
Pappardelle Alla Norcina $28
Pomodoro $23
Add Chicken Breast Or Meatballs $10
Add Shrimp $15
PIZZA:
Margherita $21
Capricciosa $22
Pesto E Mozzarella $22
Hot Honey Calabrese $23
Fradiavola $22
Cristina $23
ANTIPASTI:
Fritto Misto (Regular) $23
Fritto Misto (Calamari Only) $22
Bruschette Assortite $16
Burrata Con Prosciutto $19
Carpaccio $19
Polpettine $17
Fiori Di Zucca $21
Gnocchi Gratinati $17
Cavolfiori $16
Tartara Di Tonno $22
Cestino Del Pane $4
Add Roasted Tomato Spread & Mixed Olives $4
GRIGLIA:
Salmone Alla Griglia $39
Branzino In Crosta $48
Pollo Toscano $34

Discount:

Get Complimentary Tiramisù on Their Birthday Just by Signing up and Join the Bronze Tier

Get 20% Off Online to Go Order for Some Online Order

Get up To $500 in Tiers Credit per Receipt

Contact:

(949) 261-1444 (949) 640-0900

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

TBR® Inspection Report:

Cucina Enoteca Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Food Image
Cucina Enoteca Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - Restaurant Exterior Image
Cucina Enoteca Irvine - Irvine, CA Italian Restaurants - collage image(highlights)
Best Italian Restaurants in Irvine CA - Cucina Enoteca Irvine video
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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CUCINA ENOTECA IRVINE

(4.9 Score)
532 Spectrum Center Drive,
Irvine, CA 92618 Directions

Since 2012

Specialities:

✓Squash Blossoms ✓Giant Meatball ✓Italian Chopped ✓Family Style Italian Chopped ✓Chicken Skewer ✓Shrimp Skewer ✓Salmon Filet ✓Roasted Garlic Focaccia ✓Focaccia Whipped Ricotta ✓Baby Beet Pickled Kohlrabi ✓Burrata Stone Fruit ✓Farro Bowl ✓Chicken Cacciatore Arancini ✓Side Toast ✓Roasted Cauliflower ✓Margherita Pizza ✓Pepperoni Pizza ✓Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza ✓Cheese Pizza

"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.

2026 Highlights: Cucina Enoteca Irvine have served 479,904 bottles of wine, 277,692 squash blossoms, and 345,751 mafaldine noodle dishes enjoyed by their guests."

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Menu:

PASTA:
Shrimp Puttanesca Linguine $27
Rigatoni Amatriciana $24
Bucatini + Kale Pesto $24
Tagliatelle Bolognese $25
Beef Brasato Mafaldine $29
Fam Rigatoni $67
Fam Tagliatelle $68
PIZZA:
Margherita Pizza $23
Pepperoni Pizza $24
Mushroom + Goat Cheese Pizza $25
Cheese Pizza $17
Soppressata Pizza $24.50
Bianca Pizza $23.50
APPETIZERS:
Squash Blossoms $16.50
Giant Meatball $16.50
Italian Chopped $16.50
Family Style Italian Chopped $45
Add Chicken Skewer $9
Add Shrimp Skewer $12
Add Salmon Fillet $16
Roasted Garlic Focaccia $9
Focaccia + Whipped Ricotta $15
Baby Beet + Pickled Kohlrabi $16.50
Burrata + Stone Fruit $18
Farro Bowl $21
Chicken Cacciatore Arancini $17
Add Side Toast $2
Roasted Cauliflower $14.50
SIDES:
Burnt Brussels Sprouts $11
Regular Fries $10

Discount:

Get $20.00 UKGl For each $100.00 in Gift Cards purchased during the Promotion Period

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?

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NORTH ITALIA REVIEWS

North Italia was such a great experience! The pesto pasta was packed with flavor, and the pine nuts added a nice crunch. The chicken and mushroom pasta was rich, comforting, and hit all the right notes. The braised short rib with roasted veggies was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. I’d definitely go back.

Great Italian dinner! We had pasta here with our family and our dog. The food was delicious, and the staff was very friendly. Cozy atmosphere and great service—we’ll be back.

A fun place for food and drinks is vibrant, lively, and full of energy. The atmosphere is often enhanced by warm decor, and a welcoming vibe that invites everyone to relax and enjoy. The menu is creative, offering unique twists on classic dishes alongside playful cocktails or mocktails with vibrant garnishes.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

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IL FORNAIO IRVINE REVIEWS

Walking into this restaurant felt like stepping into a cozy, vibrant getaway. The atmosphere was inviting, and the staff greeted us with warm smiles. I decided to try the Vodka Pasta and Margarita Pizza, and both were phenomenal. The pasta was rich, creamy, and perfectly cooked, while the pizza had a thin, crisp crust and fresh, flavorful toppings. The service was impeccable—our server was attentive, ensuring everything was perfect. I rarely write reviews, but this experience was unforgettable. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu.

It is one of the best fine Italian dining in Irvine. Excellent food Excellent service. This place is fancy, so make sure to dress nice if you're dining here. There's a parking structure right next door, and they validate your ticket.

Lovely place for couples, groups or double dates. Upscale but casual, Menu offers a good selection of options. Desserts were fabulous.

CUCINA ENOTECA IRVINE REVIEWS

If I could leave a 10 review I would for our server, Matthew. My wife and I dined at Cucina Enoteca just about a week after getting married, and Matthew made the occasion so special. He served us complementary champagne at the beginning of our meal and gave us great recommendations and service. The food is spectacular, but what I want to make especially clear was the incredible service for Matthew and his team! Thank you for a memorable evening!.

Stopped by for a quick bite to eat at their bar while waiting for the end of the day Friday rush hours to pass. Very friendly staff and lively vibe in general. The food was delicious as well. Would like to return when I can with colleagues for their Happy Hour specials.

Beautiful restaurant located inside the Forum shops. Drinks took a bit to get here for the first round, other than that, everything was super delicious. Dog friendly establishment as well. Waiter brought out a bowl of water.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

NORTH ITALIA Total Inspection Points: 120/120
Acknowledgments: 10
Table Reservations: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

IL FORNAIO IRVINE Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Acknowledgments: 10
Table Reservations: 10
Business Hours: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Gift Certificates: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

CUCINA ENOTECA IRVINE Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Acknowledgments: 9
Legitimate Ratings: 9
Table Reservations: 10
Business Hours: 10
Complete Info: 10
Contact Info: 10
Gift Certificates: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Real Discounts: 10
Video: 10