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Interior - Ciao Pasta, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Ciao Pasta

4.8 (1485)
$30 and under
Italian
31661 Camino Capistrano Ste 201, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Make a reservation

A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant

Ciao Pasta

4.8
$30 and under
Italian
San Juan Capistrano

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
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 an array of dishes, from handmade pasta and pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.

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

Complimentary Valet available on weekends!

Happy hour from 4-7pm every day excluding Saturdays!

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

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
  • 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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Ciao Pasta.

4.8

4.8
(1485)
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Orange County

    Italian

  • South Orange County

    Great for outdoor dining

  • South Orange County

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ciao Pasta offers "absolutely delicious food and outstanding service" with a delightful ambiance, whether dining under the stars or on the charming patio. Known for its "amazing Italian food," standout dishes include the Chilean sea bass and gluten-free pasta. The owner, Pasquale, ensures a warm welcome, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
1,485 Reviews
  1. Melinda Gold

    San Diego18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is wonderful. The bread they serve , I could just eat that for a meal! This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Janet Gold

    Orange County5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The Chilean sea bass was the best I have ever had. Prepared beautifully. Definitely will repeat.

    Is this helpful?

  3. stacey Gold

    Palm Springs11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely delicious food and outstanding service!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Libby Gold

    Los Angeles19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Brought my family visiting from out of town and couldn’t have been more impressed!! Food was absolutely divine. Service was amazing and quick. And ambiance was spectacular dining under the stars. Amazing way to end our family trip! Thank you Ciao Pasta!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ajay

    Atlantic Canada2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 15, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ambience and service was very good. They had very good vegetarian options. We would love to go back in future.

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  6. Pam Gold

    Palm Springs28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 14, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to dinner here the other night. Everything was fabulous from the appetizer, meal, wine and espresso at the end. We met the owner, Pasquale, and my husband enjoyed some Italian conversation. We plan to visit again!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jessica Gold

    Orlando62 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 13, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious authentic food! Owner was lovely and fun to chat with!

    Is this helpful?

  8. David

    Phoenix324 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 11, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food as always‼️ Incredible service‼️ Pasquale’s special wine the absolute Best‼️❤️

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  9. Bob Gold

    Orange County10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was very good, Marco is a good server. Food was hot and fresh, the Stagioni pizza was great.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Monica

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 5, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ciao Pasta never disappoints. It’s always consistent with food, service, winevand ambience.

    Is this helpful?

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
  • 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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Business casual is the guide, aim for neat, polished clothing rather than formalwear, and many guests do dress up a touch for anniversaries and special evenings.

Sunday is a nice bet, guests report being seated right away on Sunday evenings, and happy hour runs daily except Saturdays.

For a calmer visit to Ciao Pasta, try Saturday afternoons when guests report the restaurant is quiet; for a buzzy evening expect busy weekend dinners, and happy hour runs 4–7 pm every day except Saturday.

Guests frequently describe the plates as generous, several reviews call the portions "very generous" and note that dishes are big enough for leftovers.

Yes, Ciao Pasta offers generous outdoor seating on a large covered patio that guests frequently enjoy, complete with heaters and a view of the Mission.

Yes, Ciao Pasta's cozy, old‑world atmosphere and many anniversary and romantic visits make it a popular choice for date night.

Yes, families are welcome: reviewers describe the staff bending over backwards for children, seating large family tables (including parties with kids under 12), and accommodating a party with a baby.

Ciao Pasta feels like an old‑world Southern Italian trattoria, warm and cozy with both intimate indoor dining and a sunlit, flower-filled covered patio, making it lovely for family meals and romantic evenings.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. San Juan Capistrano

Make a reservation

A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant

Ciao Pasta

4.8
$30 and under
Italian
San Juan Capistrano

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today
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