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Ciao Pasta, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Ciao Pasta

4.7
4.7
1126 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Top Tags:
Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in San Juan Capistrano, California, the restaurant serves upscale Italian fare using the finest quality ingredients. Such menu items include fresh Branzino, Lobster Ravioli, Pappardelle si porcini e truffle, baked Halibut And many more. Ciao Pasta offers unique blends of flavors using old family recipes that are sure to delight friends and family alike.

Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable salads and calamari appetizers. Enjoy homemade martinis and wood-fired pizzas for a comfortable and fun dining experience.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today

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
  • Private party contact
    Pasquale , Salvatore, Roberto: (949) 496-5002
  • Location
    31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
  • Neighborhood
    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
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 1,126 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

1,126 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was, in a word, wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. Loved their zucchini blossoms!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Florence

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server, Daniella, was very personable and checked on us often. Our food came hot and very good. We will be back again!

    Is this helpful?

  4. jannyree

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ciao is consistently delicious. Very authentic Italian food, great service and atmosphere. It is the only Italian restaurant we will eat at in south OC. It is one of our favorites. Our two favorite dishes are not on the menu anymore but they gladly make them for us whenever we go in. Makes you feel like family.

    Is this helpful?

  5. JosephD

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Miguel our server was excellent, attentive and hard working. I would have given the food a 5 but the stuffed zucchini blossom… it had a lot of fried dough… I’ve had them very delicate before without much dough. On the other hand the eggplant parmigiana was exquiste!!! Best I’ve had since NYC or Italy…

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  6. Karmalife

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Okay Italian food and the patio is extremely loud.

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  7. TracyR

    Central Coast

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the second time my Aunt and I dined at Ciao and it’s become my favorite spot. We enjoy sitting on the patio (there is a fireplace and heaters) but the inside looks just as beautiful. I enjoy the bow tie pasta with meat sauce. Sounds pretty basic but….the flavor is just something to make you come back again and again! Both times, my Aunt ordered the Chicken Parm (is something like it; basically chicken and pasta!). She LOVES the dish. Very welcoming environment with super friendly staff!! I’m looking forward to my next visit! Thank you!!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always love Ciao Pasta! Great experience and food.

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  9. GrandmaK

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ate inside this time, and it was wonderful. The food was the best yet, and the service (thank you, George!) was outstanding!

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  10. Lala

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent pizza and pasta. Seabass had many oil. Italian wine was perfect!

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  11. SanJuanGirl

    Los Angeles

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Diablo pizza!!! We used Ciao to cater our party with lasagna, super delicious. We love going here. And they take reservations!!

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always impeccable service! Food is consistently excellent! Love sitting on the patio! Great ambiance! Can’t wait to go back!!

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Calamari was rough and we couldn’t chew it. Pasta was not cooked through, much more raw than Al dente.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We shared a Caesar salad and had the branzino. The food and wine was outstanding, the service attentive, loved the patio. The crowd was a little loud but we’ll be coming back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Reeve

    Orange County

    85 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    85 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had the seared ahi entree which was delicious! Perfectly seared rare!!! Adding the excellent wine from Puglia made it a perfect experience!!

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  16. GrandmaK

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We were celebrating my husband's birthday and I wanted it to be special. The gentleman who sat us was rude (I think it was the owner!). We asked to move b/cause the table was right in the middle of everyone. Turns out, no one sat there while we were there. The food was good, but we had to ask for bread. Our waiter was very good. Even though it was pricey, we will still go back for special occasions.

    Is this helpful?

  17. JerryW

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Salmon salad was delicious!! Service was excellent.

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  18. Cindy

    Los Angeles

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We love ciao pasta. Had the meatball appetizer and lemon chicken. Excellent as always. Service is always friendy and well executed. A neighborhood gem for sure. Added a bottle of wine from chef's family region. It was very good and a great price for a bottle.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Miami

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best pasta in Orange County!! We love this place.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best Italian restaurant we’ve visited in SC. Food, service - top notch!

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was soooo good! The service was also great! Looking forward to going again!!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. MaryAnnA

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going here for years. Finally met the owner, Pasquale....delightful. Food was very good. Beautiful night.

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  23. LynnN

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great dining experience! The food and service were exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

  24. joeyd671

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Chef always has a smile on his face and you feel the staff wants you to enjoy the experience.

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  25. KariS

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely love Ciao Pasta! It’s definitely one of our go to favorites!

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  26. Amie

    Orange County

    143 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    143 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been dining at Ciao Pasta since we moved to So. OC. It is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. The food is always very good. We especially enjoy dining on the patio.

    Is this helpful?

  27. randomette

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ciao Pasta has been a regular date night spot for my husband and me for the past couple of years. The food is always fantastic, and I appreciate the multiple fish entrees. The Branzino is my go-to. Puglia wines are my favorite, in general, so the wine selection here makes me very happy. All of the staff is friendly and efficient, but Wilfried is our usual and favorite waiter.

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  28. BobM

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always great at Ciao Pasta. Wonderful food and drink.

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  29. Reeve

    Orange County

    85 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    85 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food as always! Great Italian wine to accompany a great meal!!

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  30. Cindy

    Los Angeles

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ordered the salmon salad and it was fantastic. We have eaten salmon at several restaurants in the last few weeks; and the salmon at Ciao Pasta was perfection. Service was excellent, a very enjoyable lunch!

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    I love ciao pasta, but the food is not impressive.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Best Italian restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. Service is great. Ambience is wonderful.  Food is the best I’ve had in Orange County.

    Is this helpful?

  33. jayM

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is one of my favorite spots, especially in the summer time as the patio is a great place to dine!

    Is this helpful?

  34. LarissaM

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was underwhelming. The appetizers were not good..the burrata seemed a little past it’s date as was the accompanying prosciutto. The zucchini blossoms were heavy and overly fried for a normally delicate dish. The bolognese sauce tasted like a canned sauce. The mushroom pasta was quite good but among all the misses we were ready to leave. It was super busy and we still got great service but it just felt like they were more focused on filling the restaurant then serving exceptional food.

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  35. Phoebe

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Had the Fiori di Zucca (Order came out cold. Server took it back and brought us another order. Warmer but still not great. Also, they were very doughy. Would not order again.), the Tonnarelli (delish) and the Cannoli (also delish).

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  36. LiliL

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and wonderful location. Great for dates, celebrations and just because you want to have delicious food. Kitchen is fast.

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  37. Lonnie

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We ordered spaghetti Bolognese and parmesan crusted halibut. They were excellent. We ate outdoors, in the restaurant's courtyard. Atmosphere was also excellent. And their service was outstanding.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    40 reviews

    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I really don’t understand why they charge a $30 corkage fee. Their wine list is small and basic. People should be able to bring their favorite wine at a $15 or $20 corkage fee. That is part of enjoying a nice dinner with family and friends.

    Is this helpful?

  39. ShelbyW

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Vey average, had better pasta at many other places. Service was uninspiring

    Is this helpful?

  40. mary

    Orange County

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love dining on the patio with a wonderful ambiance! Our food & server were great!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Ciao Pasta is rated 4.7 stars by 1126 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ciao Pasta

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

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Ortega Highways
  • Neighborhood
    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
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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
  • Private party contact
    Pasquale , Salvatore, Roberto: (949) 496-5002

Featured in

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