Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

14 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Truly Pizza - Dana Point restaurant
1. Truly Pizza - Dana Point
4.8
Exceptional(1188)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 83 times today
Nestled in the heart of Dana Point's Lantern District, Truly Pizza redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artisanal approach to pizza-making. This neighborhood gem offers a "warm and lovely patio" dining experience, enhanced by the "best pizza in Orange County," as raved by diners. The quality of ingredients is evident in every bite, from the thin, crispy crust to the outstanding cheese and sauce. Guests are treated to a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a rooftop wine experience. The service is consistently praised as "friendly and efficient," ensuring each visit feels like a special occasion. Truly Pizza is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian dining.
A photo of Piatti - Laguna Beach restaurant
2. Piatti - Laguna Beach
4.4
Awesome(262)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Laguna Beach
Booked 33 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home.
A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
3. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(163)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar is a gem of Contemporary Italian cuisine that delights locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant is renowned for its "fantastic fresh Italian pasta dishes" and a menu that showcases the authenticity and creativity of Italian flavors. Patrons rave about the "delicious food, great service, good music and really fantastic ambiance" that Bricco offers. With homemade pasta and a variety of scrumptious dishes, including their "outstanding" Chicago style vegetarian pizza and decadent butter cake, every meal feels like a taste of Italy. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday, further enhancing this charming dining experience.
A photo of North Italia – Irvine restaurant
4. North Italia – Irvine
4.6
Exceptional(6032)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Irvine
Booked 170 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Mangia Bene Cucina restaurant
5. Mangia Bene Cucina
4.6
Exceptional(764)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 3 times today
Mangia Bene Cucina, nestled in the heart of Laguna Niguel, offers a seafood dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. Renowned for its “perfectly cooked” Calamari Fritti, this restaurant captures the essence of Italian seafood cuisine with dishes that transport diners straight to the coastal regions of Italy. Guests rave about the Cioppino, describing it as a “must-go-to” for seafood aficionados. With a commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients, Mangia Bene Cucina delivers generous portions that satisfy even the most discerning palates. The vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring every visit is memorable.
A photo of Il Girasole restaurant
6. Il Girasole
4.7
Exceptional(310)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Booked 18 times today
Il Girasole at SOCO & The OC Mix in Costa Mesa offers a modern Italian fine dining experience that celebrates seasonality and craft. The menu is guided by the farmers market, showcasing locally sourced produce, wild seafood, and meats from small, sustainable ranches. Each evening, guests are invited to enjoy a refined multi-course tasting menu that balances tradition with innovation, delivering one of Orange County’s most distinctive dining experiences.
A photo of Louie's by the Bay restaurant
7. Louie's by the Bay
4.7
Exceptional(1723)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Booked 35 times today
Louie's by the Bay is a premier Cocktail Bar destination in Newport Beach, offering an exquisite cocktail experience that complements its stunning waterfront location. Diners rave about the "perfect margaritas" and the expertly crafted Manhattans that are "great" and perfectly paired with the menu. The lively late-night cocktail scene is a vibrant addition to the elegant ambiance, making it an ideal spot for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations. Guests are consistently impressed by the "fantastic service" and "superb" drinks, which make every visit memorable. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a delightful evening out, Louie's promises an exceptional cocktail experience.
A photo of Andrea - The Resort at Pelican Hill restaurant
8. Andrea - The Resort at Pelican Hill
4.5
Awesome(1829)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Newport Beach
Andrea at Pelican Hill is a beacon of exquisite Contemporary European cuisine, nestled in the picturesque Newport Beach. The restaurant offers a multi-sensory dining experience, elevating each dish to an art form. Guests frequently commend the “delicious and plentiful” food, noting the “outstanding service” that accompanies it. The venue is renowned for its special high-end offerings, such as the Italian Culinary Masters event, showcasing the brilliance of Chef Mattia Agazzi. Diners rave about the “exceptional” service and beautifully curated events, making Andrea a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and sophisticated European flavors.
A photo of Prego Restaurant restaurant
9. Prego Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1520)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Tustin
Booked 10 times today
Prego Restaurant, nestled in the vibrant locales of Irvine and Tustin, is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic and high-quality offerings. Known far and wide, patrons rave about their seafood, with standout dishes like the Market Salmon and the Tuna Tartare. One delighted diner exclaimed, “The Salmon was delicious!” while another praised their “fantastic” lobster ravioli. Prego's commitment to excellence is evident in its meticulous preparation and presentation, making every seafood dish a culinary masterpiece. With accolades from the Restaurant Writers Association and the Wine and Food Society of Southern California, Prego promises an unforgettable seafood experience.
A photo of Il Dolce restaurant
10. Il Dolce
4.8
Exceptional(481)
$$$$
• Contemporary italian • Costa Mesa
Il Dolce in Costa Mesa is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, celebrated for its authentic flavors and exceptional quality. This family-owned gem embraces the true essence of Italy by using only fresh, natural ingredients, resulting in "some of the best pizza you will ever have." Their wood-fire oven pizzas mirror the authentic pies of Naples, offering a smoky, delightful taste that is hard to find elsewhere. Pasta enthusiasts will revel in their handmade dishes, while those with dietary restrictions can indulge in the best gluten-free options around. "Outstanding food and service" are guaranteed, making Il Dolce a must-visit for Italian food connoisseurs.
‘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
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo