Best Italian Restaurants in Lake Forest

21 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA enoteca - Irvine restaurant

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(2722)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 77 times today

CUCINA enoteca in Irvine is a gem for those seeking authentic Californian cuisine with a modern twist. Nestled in the vibrant Irvine Spectrum, this restaurant is celebrated for its use of fresh, local, organic, and sustainable ingredients, ensuring each dish supports local producers and delivers exceptional quality. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, with one guest exclaiming, "The Italian chopped salad and Chicken Milanese were amazing!" The ambiance blends contemporary with rustic, offering a dining experience that is both inviting and stylish. Whether you're indulging in their renowned pastas or savoring the perfectly cooked octopus, CUCINA enoteca promises a delightful culinary journey that highlights the best of Californian flavors.

A photo of Domenico's on the Lake restaurant

2. Domenico's on the Lake

4.8

Exceptional(1190)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 34 times today

Domenico's on the Lake in Mission Viejo offers a unique upscale dining experience that is quickly becoming a local favorite for its exceptional steak dishes. Nestled on the serene Lake Mission Viejo, this restaurant not only promises delightful views but also excels in delivering culinary excellence. Patrons rave about the quality and taste of the steaks, with reviews highlighting the "delicious" food and "excellent service." The ambiance, paired with skillfully cooked steaks, ensures a memorable dining occasion. Whether it’s the freshness of the ingredients or the expert preparation, Domenico's commitment to authentic and flavorful steak cuisine shines through, making it a must-visit for steak lovers in Southern California.

A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center restaurant

3. Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center

3.6

Very Good(1975)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 50 times today

Brio Spectrum is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Irvine, CA serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio Spectrum is the place to eat in Irvine, CA for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

A photo of Piccolino Ristorante restaurant

4. Piccolino Ristorante

4.9

Exceptional(2069)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 34 times today

At Piccolino Ristorante in Orange County, the essence of Italian cuisine is celebrated with a passion that's palpable from the moment you step in. Helmed by Salvatore Faso, a Sicilian native with deep roots in Italian culinary traditions, Piccolino offers a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative. The menu features artisan-made pasta, fresh wild-caught fish, and premium meats, all served in a romantic setting with vintage décor and candlelit tables. Diners consistently rave about the quality, with one noting, "This is absolutely the best Italian I have ever tried. Everything is a 5 star, from the food to the excellent service." Whether it's the "fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch" or the seafood pasta that's a must-try, Piccolino Ristorante stands out as a beacon of fine Italian dining in Irvine and Mission Viejo.

A photo of Delizie Ristorante & Bar restaurant

5. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(949)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita

Booked 25 times today

Delizie Ristorante & Bar is a beacon of Italian culinary excellence in Mission Viejo, praised for its "outstanding" food and "excellent" service. At the helm, Chef Santiago crafts a menu that sings with authenticity, featuring homemade pastas, imported Italian delicacies, and the freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the "delicious" Frutti di Mare Risotto and the "perfect" artichoke appetizer, emphasizing the quality that Delizie consistently delivers. The atmosphere is equally inviting, described as a "hidden gem" perfect for both lively gatherings and intimate date nights. With its extensive wine list and attentive staff, Delizie promises an Italian dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

A photo of Oliver’s Trattoria restaurant

6. Oliver’s Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(337)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 36 times today

Opening December 10th, 2023! Chef Erik De Marchi is excited to bring his cuisine from Emilia-Romagna to Irvine with Oliver's Trattoria. Featuring homemade pasta and pizza and a full bar. Enjoy our outdoor patios, catering, and private event spaces. We can't wait to serve you at our second location Oliver's Trattoria.

A photo of Villa Roma Restaurant restaurant

7. Villa Roma Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(177)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch

Villa Roma Restaurant in Laguna Hills stands out as a premier Steakhouse offering a delightful fusion of Argentine and Italian flavors. Diners rave about the authenticity and quality of the steaks, with glowing reviews highlighting the "perfectly cooked" meats and "real Argentine flavors." One patron celebrated the Mixto, which includes an array of meats like sweetbread and blood sausage, calling the experience "wonderful." The cozy, unpretentious setting complements the high-quality food, making Villa Roma a favorite for both locals and visitors. Whether it's the Argentinian steak or the Italian-inspired dishes, every meal here promises a five-star experience, making it a must-visit for steak lovers.

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

8. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.6

Exceptional(670)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 15 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.

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant

9. North Italia – Irvine

4.5

Awesome(5409)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 148 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 Il Fornaio - Irvine restaurant

10. Il Fornaio - Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(3998)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Irvine

Booked 16 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I were celebrating our birthdays. Everyone was nice. The food as always was amazing!! Highly recommend this restaurant.
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Piccolino RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
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4.9
V
Varuni
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The food and drinks were amazing. Ingredients were fresh and you can tell they took pride in plating the meals. I had the half roasted chicken and it was juicy and tender. The drinks delicious and so are the sweets! Service was top knotch and friendly. Gave great recommendations. Over all great ambiance, music and service.
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CUCINA enoteca - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
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4.6
G
GretchenVIP
Orange County •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food is consistently delicious and plentiful. The menu is varied, not only Italian pastas but chicken and beef choices as well. We go to Brio about once a month. We always have excellent service by the waitstaff. Tonight Austin was our server. He was knowledgeable about the menu and excellent in tending to us at dinner.
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Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum CenterPrice: Moderate• Italian• Irvine
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3.6
A
AmyVIP
Los Angeles •417 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
3 of us went for lunch. We shared the speck pizza and it was delicious! The crust was crisp and chewy - so good. My friend had the lasagna. It was a huge portion and was so good. My husband had the salmon. He loved it! It came with veggies and potatoes. I was not that hungry so ordered the soup of the day which was lentil soup. It was a nice portion and was also very tasty. Service by Victor was excellent. He was very efficient and had a great sense of humor. Great restaurant !
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Oliver’s TrattoriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Irvine
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4.8
R
RobertVIP
Orange County •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 11 Dec 2024
Both the food and service was outstanding. This is our favorite restaurant and we were celebrating our 36th anniversary overlooking the lake eating a wonderful meal. I highly recommend this restaurant.
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Domenico's on the LakePrice: Expensive• Italian• Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
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4.8

Best Italian Restaurants in Lake Forest

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. CUCINA enoteca - Irvine

2. Domenico's on the Lake

3. Brio Italian Grille - Irvine - Spectrum Center

4. Piccolino Ristorante

5. Delizie Ristorante & Bar

6. Oliver’s Trattoria

7. Villa Roma Restaurant

8. Mangia Bene Cucina

9. North Italia – Irvine

10. Il Fornaio - Irvine

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