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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Irvine

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
1. North Italia – Irvine
4.5
Awesome(5422)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 198 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
2. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1427)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 17 times today
Prego Restaurant, nestled between Irvine and Tustin, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. The vibrant ambiance, reminiscent of old-world Italy, complements the exquisite seafood dishes crafted in the lively exhibition kitchen and corner Raw Bar. Diners rave about the "perfectly done salmon" and commend the "cod special" for its freshness and flavor, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Awarded by prestigious organizations like the Restaurant Writers Association, Prego excels in delivering not only top-notch cuisine but also an unforgettable dining experience. Visitors consistently praise the seafood's authenticity and the skilled chefs, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
3. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1438)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 55 times today
Louie's by the Bay in Newport Beach is not just a dining delight but a cocktail paradise as well. Nestled along the scenic Mariners Mile, this vibrant locale offers a cocktail bar that truly stands out due to its quality and ambiance. Guests rave about the cocktails, with one patron exclaiming, "Great food, cocktails, and atmosphere. Beautiful view of the bay and boats. Great visit." The bar scene here is lively and late-night, perfect for those seeking both a stunning view and exquisite drink options. Another review highlights, "Their famous margaritas went down way too easy!" making it clear that Louie’s by the Bay masters the art of mixology, ensuring every cocktail is a celebration of flavors. Whether you're winding down after a day or toasting a special occasion, Louie's cocktail bar ambiance combined with top-notch service makes it a must-visit spot in Newport Beach.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
4. Il Girasole
new
4.7
Exceptional(13)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 10 times today
Il Girasole, now open at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, brings a refined, modern Italian dining experience to Orange County. Named after the Italian word for "sunflower," the restaurant embraces a family-owned ethos, with a menu inspired by classic Italian flavors elevated through fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from handmade pastas and creative flatbreads to thoughtfully curated seafood and meat selections. Each dish is prepared with a focus on authenticity and quality, delivering a dining experience that balances traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.Highlights from the menu include unique offerings like King crab ravioli, pistachio-crusted ahi tuna, and handmade pasta with truffle enhancements. Il Girasole has quickly become a must-visit destination for both Italian food aficionados and those seeking an elegant yet welcoming dining environment in Costa Mesa.
A photo of Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant
5. Andrea at Pelican Hill
4.1
Excellent(1896)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
The Resort at Pelican Hill invites diners on a weekend-long epicurean experience with the debut of the inaugural Italian Culinary Masters: Act I/Spring 2024 featuring GUCCI Osteria – the first ever U.S. outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant in Beverly Hills, helmed by renowned Chef Mattia Agazzi and The Resort at Pelican Hill’s Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Kyung Soo Carroll. The Italian Culinary Masters will take place in the Resort’s beloved Andrea restaurant space, Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 2024. Guests will delight in a multi-sensory dining experience with three 6-course dinners, one four-course lunch and one four-course brunch replete with cocktail/wine pairings curated by the Resort’s Beverage Manager & Sommelier Lorenzo Rocci.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
6. Il Dolce
4.9
Exceptional(443)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 3 times today
Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a treasure trove for those craving authentic Italian pizza. This family-owned pizzeria captures the essence of Naples with each pizza baked in a traditional wood-fire oven, infusing pies with a distinct, smoky flavor that patrons rave about. Reviewers consistently praise its authenticity, with one diner exclaiming, “Honestly the food was amazing! We’ve been missing pizza from Italy, and this is by far the best pizza we have ate!” The restaurant's commitment to natural, fresh ingredients and its cozy, comfortable ambiance make it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Whether it's the "best pizza" or the "home made bread," Il Dolce delivers an exceptional Italian dining experience right in the heart of Costa Mesa.
A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant
7. Mangia Bene Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(672)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 16 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Carrie
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful evening at Louie’s again! Service is always awesome and food great too. Very cozy festive atmosphere for Christmas Eve. Thank you Team Louie’s!
    More info
    Louie's by the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • HeidiVIP
    Orange County •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We ate here for the first time tonight. Service was excellent! Food was fun and creative! Drinks were excellent too. We had a variety of tapas or small plates and main courses. The chicken main dish was the most tender chicken I’ve ever eaten! The fillet was also quite good. We finished our meal with the chocolate flourless cake. It was superb!
    More info
    Il GirasolePrice: Expensive• Italian• Costa Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • DianeVIP
    Orange County •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food is always great, ambiance for the holiday was beautiful, the service impeccable and management as attentive as needed. A wonderful dining experience!
    More info
    Prego RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
    •
    4.6
  • Jill
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food was fantastic and only second to the service. Our server was amazing. She was on it, had great suggestions, and never let a drink go empty. The food, as always, was 10/10. If you're going around Christmas, get the pantone butter cake...it's worth the calories!
    More info
    North Italia - CerritosPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cerritos
    •
    4.5
  • Daniel
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Food is excellent as always. Truly pizza may truly have the best pizza in OC if not SoCal. Service is great. All the servers are so nice and accommodating. The price point is also fairly decent. Cocktails are good, and the ambience is very cozy.
    More info
    Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Irvine

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in Irvine, nestled in the heart of South Orange County, Orange County. This vibrant culinary destination boasts a selection of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern innovations, offering a unique dining experience that catiates to the gourmet enthusiast. Each establishment showcases a commitment to authenticity, with menus featuring everything from expertly crafted pasta dishes and artisan pizzas to sophisticated seafood and meat preparations. The dining scene in Irvine reflects a sophisticated blend of cultural influences, creating a dynamic environment that is both inviting and exciting for food lovers. With chefs who are passionate about sourcing high-quality ingredients and delivering exceptional flavors, these restaurants provide not just a meal, but a memorable gastronomic journey. Whether you're seeking a cozy dinner spot or a chic venue for special occasions, the contemporary Italian offerings in Irvine are sure to impress. Experience the perfect fusion of old-world charm and contemporary flair in South Orange County’s top culinary establishments.

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