Ciao Pasta

4.8

1270 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

23 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 27 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees.

Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Pasquale
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person

Location
31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Area
San Juan Capistrano
Cross Street
Ortega Highways
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

CalamariUS$18.00
Fried calamari + Pomodoro Sauce
CarpaccioUS$17.00
Slices of Beef + Capers + Shaved Grana Padano + Arugula
Burrata e BietoleUS$17.00
Burrata + Roasted Beets + Cherry Tomatoes + Pesto Drizzle
CapreseUS$16.00
Mozzarella + Cherry tomatoes + Basil + Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Polpette CasarecceUS$15.00
Homemade meatballs + Pomodoro sauce + Burrata
Crostini al ProsciuttoUS$17.00
Toasted Rustic bread + Aged Parma Prosciutto + Stracciatella Cheese + Arugula

Insalate

Add chicken $5, Add Salmon $9

CesareUS$14.00
Romaine + croutons + Grana Padano shavings + Caesar dressing
PeraUS$15.00
Baby greens + endives + arugula + grapes + pears + Blue cheese + pecans + raspberry vinaigrette
TagliataUS$22.00
Grilled Angus ribeye steak + arugula + cherry tomatoes + lemon infused olive oil, shaved Grana Padano + Balsamic reduction
Di BietoleUS$15.00
Roasted Red / yellow beets + arugula + endives + goat cheese + balsamic reduction vinaigrette
Al SalmoneUS$23.00
Grilled wild salmon + organic greens + walnuts + dried cranberries + strawberries + goat cheese strawberry vinaigrette
Ai GamberiUS$18.00
Grilled shrimps wrapped in pancetta + endives + arugula cherry tomatoes + feta + pesto drizzle lemon dressing

Le Pizze

Thin crust with homemade dough. Gluten free available

MargheritaUS$18.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + fresh basil
CrudoUS$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + arugula + Grana Padano + Parma prosciutto
DiavolaUS$19.00
Tomato sauce + Mozzarella + spicy salame + Italian sausage

Le Paste

Artisanal fresh pasta, gluten free pasta available

Ciao PastaUS$20.00
Bowtie pasta + grilled chicken + mushrooms + tomato cream sauce
TonnarelliUS$20.00
(Carbonara) Pancetta + egg yolk + Pecorino cheese + black pepper
TortellacciUS$21.00
Spinach Ricotta giant Tortellini + Pomodoro Sauce + Fresh Ricotta
PappardelleUS$22.00
Wide ribbon pasta + Porcini mushrooms + black truffle + touch of cream
SpaghettiUS$20.00
Cherry Tomatoes + Garlic + fresh Basil + extra virgin olive oil
Mezze ManicheUS$21.00
Short rigatoni + ground sausage + shallots + mixed mushrooms + touch of cream
TagliatelleUS$21.00
Bolognese style meat sauce
LasagnaUS$19.00
Meat sauce + Ricotta + Mozzarella + Pecorino
RavioliUS$22.00
Portobello Mushroom & Cheese Ravioli + Shallots + Artichokes + Sun dried tomato + cream
PaccheriUS$27.00
Large tube pasta, Pancetta, Shrimps, Pomodoro sauce, Basil, Burrata Cheese

I Secondi

BranzinoUS$31.00
Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass + cherry tomatoes + olive tapenade + grilled vegetables
TonnoUS$31.00
Seared Ahi Tuna Steak + Caramelized onions + Balsamic sauce reduction + Grilled vegetables
Limone e CarciofiUS$23.00
Chicken breast + artichokes + lemon sauce + grilled vegetables
ParmigianaUS$23.00
Breaded chicken breast + pomodoro sauce + Mozzarella + house pasta
Brasato di ManzoUS$29.00
Slow cooked short ribs + San Marzano tomatoes + red wine reduction homemade Orecchiette pasta (Pasquale's mother special recipe from hometown Puglia)

What 1,270 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Orange County
Italian
South Orange County
Great for outdoor dining
South Orange County
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ciao Pasta delights with "exceptional service" and "authentic Italian cuisine." Guests consistently rave about its "amazing food" and "beautiful patio dining." Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, it's perfect for a relaxed evening or special celebration. While occasional hiccups occur, the welcoming atmosphere and family recipes keep patrons returning.

1,270 Reviews

k
kathleen
VIP
Central Coast
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
6 oh my girlfriend‘s and had lunch at Ciao Pasta yesterday before going to the Capistrano Nights at the Mission. We selected this restaurant because we had gone last year and everything about it was outstanding. They seated on the patio immediately although we were early for our reservation. Every member of the weight staff greeted us provided a friendly atmosphere made sure we were all comfortable and felt welcomed. We had a lasagna, spaghetti and a salmon salad. The bread is amazing melts in your mouth and truly delicious. I was in Italy recently and I can tell you this experience at Ciao Pasta was as authentic, delicious and truly satisfying as if we were dining on a Piazza anywhere in Italy. Bravo, Ciao Pasta, we will return soon.
Is this helpful?
A
Andy
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Awesome spot loved the vibes and food was amazing, can’t wait to come back!
Is this helpful?
J
Jeanne
VIP
Los Angeles
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ciao Pasta never disappoints. Great service & great food.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
VIP
Orange County
75 reviews
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and always dependable. Outside patio is wonderful and fun.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
VIP
Orange County
83 reviews
4.0
83 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good food, great service, lovely setting, one of our favourites.
Is this helpful?
T
Tracy
Los Angeles
44 reviews
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice ambience. Parking was challenging because there was an event in SJC and lots of people were in town. Food and service were excellent. It was a little cold sitting outside, although they have heaters, it was a cold night.
Is this helpful?
R
Roslyn
VIP
Orange County
51 reviews
4.0
51 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Good comfort Italian food. Waiters were a bit rushed but all in all service was good. Great spot!
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 3 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have enjoyed many meals here and love their take on Puglia style Italian dishes and the staff is always wonderful.
Is this helpful?
JT
JoeT
VIP
Greater Boston
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on 1 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was exceptional, service excellent and quiet.
Is this helpful?
J
Jen
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service (everyone we engaged with from walking in, to walking out) was exceptional. The food was delicious… love this place!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ciao Pasta offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (949) 496-5002.

Ciao Pasta is rated 4.8 stars by 1270 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

23 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Additional information

Cross Street
Ortega Highways
Area
San Juan Capistrano
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street parking or back lot parking
Public transit
Amtrack and Metrolink
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Pasquale
Entertainment
Sunday jazz 12.30 to 4pm
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.ciaopasta.net/
Phone number
(949) 496-5002
Catering
Catering Menu available for all your small or big parties
Private party facilities
Private area for up to 80 people for any special occasions Preset 4 Course Dinner available from $29 per person

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ciao Pasta

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Halibut

Ciao Pasta

Spaghetti

Antipasti

CalamariUS$18.00

CarpaccioUS$17.00

Burrata e BietoleUS$17.00

CapreseUS$16.00

Polpette CasarecceUS$15.00

Crostini al ProsciuttoUS$17.00

Insalate

CesareUS$14.00

PeraUS$15.00

TagliataUS$22.00

Di BietoleUS$15.00

Al SalmoneUS$23.00

Ai GamberiUS$18.00

Le Pizze

MargheritaUS$18.00

CrudoUS$19.00

DiavolaUS$19.00

Le Paste

Ciao PastaUS$20.00

TonnarelliUS$20.00

TortellacciUS$21.00

PappardelleUS$22.00

SpaghettiUS$20.00

Mezze ManicheUS$21.00

TagliatelleUS$21.00

LasagnaUS$19.00

RavioliUS$22.00

PaccheriUS$27.00

I Secondi

BranzinoUS$31.00

TonnoUS$31.00

Limone e CarciofiUS$23.00

ParmigianaUS$23.00

Brasato di ManzoUS$29.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Ciao Pasta offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ciao Pasta restaurant rated?

Is Ciao Pasta currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 Orange County Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day