1. Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli
600 S. Brea Blvd., Brea; 714-255-9100; www.fratellinos.com
Any conversation between locals about where to find the finest Italian food in Orange County inevitably leads to Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli. The family-owned restaurant is an institution and always gets voted at the top of this category for Best of O.C. Inside Fratellino’s, the décor provides a distinctly Old World charm, thanks to a wide Italian lake scene mural, vines, and lattice work.
“The balance we strike in creating that mom and pop feel to our food, service and value, while also providing tip-top cuisine and ambiance that can compete with any fine dining establishment” makes Fratellino’s special, said son Christian Lomeli, who worked at the restaurant as a teen and sometimes helps out on busy holidays. “Our most dedicated customers come to feel as though they’re part of our family after years of being greeted, served and welcomed.”
The menu has a broad range of hearty food made from exclusive recipes. Savor the parmigiana, lasagnas, raviolis, traditional homemade pasta, shrimp scampi, or chicken cacciatore. Large dinners are paired with minestrone soup or salad, garlic bread, ice cream and a complementary glass of house wine (Italian, red, white, and sparkling varieties comprise the main list).
A fast-casual location recently opened in Orange with specialty pizzas, paninis (meatball and chicken pesto are popular, Lomeli said), gelato and more. It provides “an expeditious way to come in and enjoy the same great Italian recipes … while preserving quality and value.”
2. Capone’s Italian Cucina
19688 Beach Blvd., No. 10, Huntington Beach; 714-593-2888; caponesitaliancucina.com
Chef Dino Ferraro’s mother provided his culinary inspiration. While in high school, Ferraro began making pizzas and lasagnas in her kitchen for family and friends, explored classic Italian dishes and experimented with new flavors.
When Capone’s Italian Cucina opened 32 years ago in a smaller location, Ferraro initially did all the serving, cooking, and bussing tables on his own. Now in the current spot for 25 years, Ferraro considers himself a “hands on” owner who “treats each guest like family.”
Lunch offerings include pastas, brick oven pizzas, paninis, salads and more. The dinner menu encompasses such items as thin sliced filet mignon, Mama’s meatballs and house-made marinara, risottos, lasagnas, raviolis, tortellini, and Dino’s signature dishes.
One Yelp reviewer wrote Capone’s has “absolutely the best service and the ambience is great…the food is delicious with generous portions. The calamari appetizer is the best” and “the linguini con pollo was exceptional” with “just the right amount of subtle heat.”
3. Buon Gusto
4911 Warner Ave., Suite 109, Huntington Beach; 714-846-2600; buongustohb.com
Buon Gusto translates as “good taste” in Italian and this neighborhood hangout or party-worthy restaurant features cuisine using seasoning and recipes from what is calls “a truly different era.”
The extensive menu has two dozen pasta options, plenty more house specialties, seafood (shrimp, salmon, clams, lobster, scallops); veal, chicken, and more. Guests can create their own pizza in medium or thick crusts, opt for a range of calzones and deli subs.
One Yelp reviewer said the restaurant has “delicious food at very good prices…their portion sizes are very shareable with plenty left to take home…the house salad with pickled veggie is excellent. Mozzarella on top is the perfect accompaniment.” Another reviewer on Yelp wrote: “We can never get enough of this place…the food and service are amazing” and “you can enjoy watching sports at the bar.” Steve O. also raved on Yelp about how “the cioppino is ‘to die for.’” Advance reservations and allowing ample time to park are recommended.