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Best Italian Restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Truly Pizza restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(367)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 41 times today
Nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Lantern District, Truly Pizza redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artisanal approach to pizza-making. This neighborhood gem offers a "warm and lovely patio" dining experience, enhanced by the "best pizza in Orange County," as raved by diners. The quality of ingredients is evident in every bite, from the thin, crispy crust to the outstanding cheese and sauce. Guests are treated to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a rooftop wine experience. The service is consistently praised as "friendly and efficient," ensuring each visit feels like a special occasion. Truly Pizza is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian dining.
A photo of Jack's Restaurant/Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1072)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 3 times today
Jack's Restaurant/Bar in Dana Point is a gem for seafood lovers, offering a delightful variety of fresh and flavorful dishes. Renowned for its authentic Italian and seafood specialties, diners rave about the exquisite preparation and taste. One guest highlighted the "halibut which melted in our mouths," while another recommended the "sea bass" as a must-try. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, ensures a memorable dining experience. As one review puts it, Jack's is "consistently great in every aspect," making it a top choice for those seeking high-quality seafood in a cozy, family-friendly environment.
A photo of Luxe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(619)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 2 times today
Luxe Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional Italian cuisine. The menu boasts a delightful array of classic Italian dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a culinary delight. Guests rave about the "outstanding meatballs" and the delectable house-made lobster ravioli, which a diner described as "absolutely amazing." The ambiance is enhanced by live music, creating a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. With its attentive service and authentic flavors, Luxe offers a dining experience that effortlessly transports you to the heart of Italy, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.
A photo of Luciana's Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3416)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 14 times today
Located in a historical home in the resort town of Dana Point, California, Luciana's Ristorante has been serving the Orange County community for over 40 years. The decor is reminiscent of a cozy European-style inn, establishing it as one of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Awarded the Southern California Restaurant Writers gold medal since 1996, three stars from the California Restaurant Writers, Zagat's Survey "America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants 2008" and an Award of Excellence for its wine list, Luciana's has been setting the standard for classic as well as innovative Italian cuisine. Whether visiting our cozy restaurant or our Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy, you are sure to experience the best and freshest combination of the old and new worlds.
A photo of Stella's restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1283)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 3 times today
Stella's in Dana Point is a culinary treasure for seafood enthusiasts, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with an Italian twist. Diners rave about the "unbelievable" seafood dishes, like the Lobster Ravioli and Cioppino, which are praised for their perfect balance of flavors. The fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure each bite is a delightful experience reminiscent of dining by the Mediterranean Sea. Guests appreciate the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, with live saxophone music adding to the charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual night out, Stella's promises a seafood experience that will leave you craving more.
A photo of Casanova Ristorante restaurant
4.4
Awesome(21)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 19 times today
Casanova Ristorante, nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Monarch Beach, is a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts, offering a true taste of Venetian and North Italian culinary artistry. Known for its "outstanding" pesto pasta with scallops and "best vongole around," the restaurant consistently delivers top-tier, authentic seafood dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian coast. The ambiance complements the exquisite cuisine, with a classic trattoria feel that invites relaxation and enjoyment. Whether savoring calamari or indulging in shrimp arrabbiata, guests are treated to a memorable dining experience, making Casanova Ristorante a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1272)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 11 times today
Ciao Pasta, nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, offers a vegetarian and vegan experience that is both authentic and delightful. Celebrated for its rich flavors and commitment to quality, the restaurant's menu is a testament to the vibrant traditions of Southern Italy. Guests rave about the "amazing food" that is consistently "delicious and fresh," making Ciao Pasta a standout destination for plant-based dining. The restaurant's cozy, inviting atmosphere is perfect for enjoying their extensive array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients. For those seeking a true taste of Italy, Ciao Pasta is a must-visit!
A photo of Sylvester's Italian Chophouse restaurant
4.3
Awesome(53)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to Sylvester’s Italian Chophouse. Located near the water in a beautiful 1932 historic building in the seaside community of San Clemente California. We share a culinary interest, respect and appreciation for traditional Italian and French foods. The goal of keeping it simple with good breads, pizza, pasta and a variety of steaks, all paired with outstanding wines. Our kitchen is comprised of a team that has cooked at top restaurants around the world. With experience in both fine and casual dining, we landed in the middle, on what San Clemente does best, “causally sophisticated”. We are so happy to have you and your family with us!
A photo of 501 Restaurant and Bar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(9)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Clemente
Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, 501 Restaurant and Bar is where locals come to savor the best of our coastal cuisine throughout the day. From indulgent breakfast classics to innovative lunch creations and elegant dinner dishes, each plate is thoughtfully crafted by Chef Aron and his team.Start your culinary journey with our renowned crab cakes or crispy fried brussels sprouts, perfect for sharing as you immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance of San Clemente. Indulge in our tender boneless short ribs or our signature Scampi Bagatta, a delightful twist on a classic favorite, or opt for our fresh and flavorful Fish Tacos, a true taste of the coast. Our Shore Smash Burger is a must-try, perfectly paired with stunning views and the relaxed vibes of San Clemente living.We take pride in hosting and catering your special events, bringing the flavors of San Clemente to your celebrations, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering with frien
A photo of Buona Forchetta San Clemente restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(255)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Clemente
Booked 20 times today
Experience a piece of the Buona Forchetta San Diego heritage through authentic Italian recipes that have been handed down through generations. Today, there are five locations around San Diego, with our sixth opening this month in San Clemente, CA. Buona Forchetta’s Italian wood-fired pizzas—with the perfectly soft-yet-crispy crusts—continue to garner awards including San Diego Magazine Best Pizza 2023 Critic’s Choice, Gambero Rosso Best Pizzeria, Gayot Best Italian Restaurant San Diego, OpenTable Diner’s Choice and more. Our handmade pasta dishes bursting with rich flavors, fresh seafood specialities and decadent desserts will all leave you craving more. All Buona Forchetta locations also offer gluten-free Italian options and rotating specials.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MarcVIP
    San Diego •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Truly amazing! Service was spectacular. Linda took care of us especially since it was our first time there. Something about the crust…. So good!!!
    More info
    Truly PizzaPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    4.8
  • Barbara
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    First time visiting Jack's for a birthday treat for lunch on a sunday afternoon. Service and greeting was excellent. The lunch prices and cocktail prices we're very reasonable and our food choices were delicious. Will definitely be back.
    More info
    Jack's Restaurant/BarPrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    4.7
  • AaronVIP
    Dallas - Fort Worth •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Delicious homemade pasta that exudes freshness. Nice wine selection as well. Beautiful setting across from the mission.
    More info
    Ciao PastaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Juan Capistrano
    4.8
  • RobinVIP
    San Diego •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    My husband and I visited Luciana at her B&B in Italy in 1995 and have always wanted to go to her restaurant in Dana Point. Fast forward 30 years and we went for dinner finally on 12/23/2024! Our experience was amazing. We loved the coziness of the restaurant. Our waiter, Francisco (sp?) was super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Two of us had the Surf and Turf which was a filet minion and lobster for the unbelievable price of $50! The dish was plated beautifully and the steak cooked perfectly. All was excellent. The third diner with us had Lobster Ravioli and he was very pleased. Two of us had a nice red wine from Italy. The wine list is vast and many selections are priced reasonably. We ended with the Italian flourless chocolate cake. It was a fun and very enjoyable evening. We will be back and sooner than 30 years!
    More info
    Luciana's RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    4.6
  • Tony
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Dec 2024
    Absolutely amazing food, we were a group of 5 and we shared meals, everything we ordered was fantastic, especially the house made lobster ravioli !! My only suggestion would be to have a more extensive wine list, the live music was fabulous, really added to the ambiance
    More info
    Luxe Restaurant and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    4.8

Discover best Italian restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in Dana Point / Monarch Beach, located in the heart of South Orange County. This area boasts a vibrant dining scene that caters to aficionados of authentic Italian fare, offering a variety of restaurants that specialize in everything from traditional dishes to contemporary culinary innovations. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not only exceptional meals but also a memorable dining experience, characterized by meticulous service and inviting atmospheres. Patrons can expect a range of options that highlight the richness of Italian cooking, with menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, handmade pastas, and artisan cheeses. Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner spot or a family-friendly environment, the Italian restaurants in Dana Point / Monarch Beach provide settings that blend coziness with culinary excellence. Many of these establishments also accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free choices, ensuring that every guest leaves satisfied. The consistent high ratings and glowing reviews across these venues underline their commitment to quality and authenticity. Each meal is a testament to the skilled chefs and their dedication to both traditional Italian techniques and innovative approaches. For those looking to indulge in the true taste of Italy while enjoying the scenic views of South Orange County, Dana Point / Monarch Beach offers an unparalleled dining experience.

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