5 Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants In Lake Forest

5 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant

1. Mangia Bene Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(692)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 12 times today

Mangia Bene Cucina, nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, offers a seafood dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Renowned for its “perfectly cooked” Calamari Fritti, this restaurant captures the essence of Italian seafood cuisine with dishes that transport diners straight to the coastal regions of Italy. Guests rave about the Cioppino, describing it as a “must-go-to” for seafood aficionados. With a commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients, Mangia Bene Cucina delivers generous portions that satisfy even the most discerning palates. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring every visit is memorable.

A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant

2. North Italia – Irvine

4.6

Exceptional(5521)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Irvine

Booked 140 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 Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant

3. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

4.8

Exceptional(78)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar is a gem of Contemporary Italian cuisine that delights locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant is renowned for its "fantastic fresh Italian pasta dishes" and a menu that showcases the authenticity and creativity of Italian flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious food, great service, good music and really fantastic ambiance" that Bricco offers. With homemade pasta and a variety of scrumptious dishes, including their "outstanding" Chicago style vegetarian pizza and decadent butter cake, every meal feels like a taste of Italy. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday, further enhancing this charming dining experience.

4. Prego Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1454)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Tustin

Booked 15 times today

Prego Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant locales of Irvine and Tustin, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality offerings. Known far and wide, patrons rave about their seafood, with standout dishes like the Market Salmon and the Tuna Tartare. One delighted diner exclaimed, “The Salmon was delicious!” while another praised their “fantastic” lobster ravioli. Prego's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous preparation and presentation, making every seafood dish a culinary masterpiece. With accolades from the Restaurant Writers Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, Prego promises an unforgettable seafood experience.

A photo of Andrea at Pelican Hill restaurant

5. Andrea at Pelican Hill

4.1

Excellent(1892)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach

Andrea at Pelican Hill is a beacon of exquisite Contemporary European cuisine, nestled in the picturesque Newport Beach. The restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience, elevating each dish to an art form. Guests frequently commend the “delicious and plentiful” food, noting the “outstanding service” that accompanies it. The venue is renowned for its special high-end offerings, such as the Italian Culinary Masters event, showcasing the brilliance of Chef Mattia Agazzi. Diners rave about the “exceptional” service and beautifully curated events, making Andrea a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and sophisticated European flavors.

‘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.

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lake Forest

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5 restaurants available nearby

1. Mangia Bene Cucina

2. North Italia – Irvine

3. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

4. Prego Restaurant

5. Andrea at Pelican Hill

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