Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante

Myself and my wife were looking for a place to eat and read about this place randomly. As we read more and more reviews it sounded too good to be true. She even read that one of the owners Jesse "worked" in the restaurant from time to time. We also read that because of the good food and service that the wait was long and reservations were recommended. Uh oh! We arrived and as we walked up noticed people dressed a couple levels above me standing outside - not good. Went inside and asked how long of a wait we would have. Host said if we were willing to sit at one of their high tables she could sit us then and right there in front of her. Wow! Place had a warm feel to it. We were met right away by a server - Matthew. As we looked at the menu and contemplated our choice for the night another server came up and said he could take our order - he and Matthew worked as a team. My wife asked about the manicotti - excellent choice he said. I then said I was going to test him and asked if there was anything on the menu that was not good - he said the eggplant. Funny! I ordered the cioppini, excellent choice he said - today they were using sea bass instead of salmon. Wow! I told him that was awesome because most restaurants use Atlantic salmon, which is the lowest form of salmon. After taking our order he went to the next table. I heard him thanking them for coming and telling the couple that he and his brother had bought the place in 2008. He said he had worked for the previous owner for several years before buying it. I suddenly realized this might be Jesse. I stopped him as he went by our table and asked with an intro - yes, it was in fact Jesse the co-owner brother of the restaurant. I told him what we had read and that it was our first time - he said he had something for us. He brought us out a dinner salad with their very own homemade creamy Italian salad dressing. I am not a salad person, but I must admit it was DELICIOUS!!!! The service was impeccable, food was amazing, atmosphere was warm and inviting. The owner worked side by side with his team bringing food, taking orders, and bussing tables. I can see why this restaurant is so popular and going strong. We will be definitely be repeat customers at this restaurant!!!!! I highly recommend it if you are looking for good food in a warm environment with excellent service.

This restaurant is by far one of the best Italian restaurants I have been to. I was treated to a birthday lunch by my Mother in law and we were both very impressed. My Mother in law asked if they had dessert and that it was my birthday. They were so kind and said would definitely bring some cake and wished a happy birthday. They brought out the best tiramiso I have ever had. The presentation was great with a candle too. Two of the waiters sang Happy Birthday. It was very spe cial, I turned 71 on September 1st. The atmosphere and presentation was excellent! The staff were very professional and presentable. Very courteous and attention to detail. Even in the restroom you're made to feel so pretty.

Hands down the best Italian restaurant around! The food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is so cozy. The creme brulee is the best of anywhere in Temecula Valley. They get very busy though, especially on the weekends, so you definitely need to make a reservation!

Went to dinner tonight to celebrate Christmas month with our mom in law, I had the filet mignon it was outstanding, everyone was happy with their meal, the bottle of wine was excellent, appetizer delicious 😋 highly recommend this restaurant, they also had a Piano player, the restaurant was very festive decorated, at the beginning a little loud because there was some big parties going on, but at the end everyone was having a great time.

We've been here a few times and the food and service is always great Last night my wife had steak and I had the meatballs. Good as usual. The service was prompt without being intrusive. A family-owned restaurant with one of the owners, Jesse, working on the floor. They care how the customers are treated. always a good idea to make reservations as people like to come here.

Came after Bible study with my friends. The food was delicious and the desserts were great, but I could say the minestrone could’ve had a little bit more flavor, other than that good place to eat. We had the Auntie pasta salad, Lasagna, And shrimp scampi! For dessert, I had a triple mousse cheesecake. Very delicious.! The lunch menu isn’t too expensive either, which is nice. Good portions as well. Would highly recommend this place!

This was my first time eating at Anthony’s, and it definitely won’t be my last. The food was amazing and the staff were just as wonderful. I’ve already told anyone who will listen about this place! I had the chicken parm and it was a 10/10. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be back

Great tasting food the portions were fair. Lots of variety lots of desserts to pick from. Fresh ingredients that you can taste in every bite. Next time we'll have some of the drinks at the bar. So many things to pick from just not enough time to eat them all. This place has been getting busier and busier. I'm so glad they accept reservations or else you could not find the table if you just walked in

Top restaurant in Murrieta and all of Riverside County! This is an absolute must try! Everything is so so good. My favorite place without a doubt. My wife says if she had a last meal it would be the pork chop. I don't disagree. The seafood menu is amazing. I love the pesto crusted halibut. If you like martini's they are tasty. I like an extra dirty with blue cheese stuffed olives

Went here for our company holiday lunch and I can't say enough good things about this place. Atmosphere was nice, food/drinks were fantastic, and the restaurant looked amazing decorated for the holidays. Every member of the staff was friendly and professional. And when we asked if someone could take a company picture outside, they offered their nice Xmas tree display as a background and took some amazing photos. 10/10 experience. Can't wait to eat here again.

Anthony's is a hidden gem in Old Town Murrieta. You wouldn't think there would be one of the best Italian restaurants in town where it's located. Reservations aren't needed, but are accepted and most likely will guarantee you a spot on busy days. Our host was so kind and gave us the option to choose where we sat. We were greeted by our server seconds after we sat down and were given fresh bread with vinegar and oil. Our server made us feel like VIPs and we had our waters refilled promptly every time. The food is nothing to discredit, it is all about the food here. If you can't decide on what to get, try the Pescatore Di Paulo. Absolutely stunning dish with a medley of fresh seafoods and plenty of penne paired with it. The sauce is addicting and absolutely packed with seafood flavor and spices. Anthony's is special because it is perfect for a celebration or just a night out with your significant other. Being served by the best Old Town Murrieta has to offer is nothing to shy away from.

Went for dinner in early Sept. seating and service was fine. Good atmosphere. And now where the rubber meets the road, the food. Bad night. I had a ravioli with tomato sauce. Old sauce maybe left over from lunch. I know sauces and that is what I would say happened. The pasta was way too thick on the bottom sheet. I understand giving the ravioli a decent base thickness but this was just too thick and chewy. I had a side of Italian sausage. Sent it back. It was old for sure. Or neglected while on the stove top. I would ask your server to make sure the food is fresh at the point in time you are ordering. I think if my meal was fresher it would have been fine.

Introduced by a business associate for a lunch meeting on this trip in. (Late Jan, I didn't get to finish the review.) Staff was attentive, made some suggestions and we went with them. I like to get basics and the server suggested the lasagna as a top pick. She also suggested the ricotta spinach and prosciutto with pistachio personal pizzas. We enjoyed all these. One of the top lasagna's I've had. Sauce was acidic enough that presented plenty of slightly sweet tomato characters. Hints of spice without edging to spicy. Just enough cheese I like a lasagna to be equally portioned. Good balance of taste without being overly salted either. The personal pizzas were equally tasty and with nice character of flavors without being to dominating. Been wanting to go back.

Delicious fresh food, excellent service, good drinks, love the ambience, the owner and his staff are top tier in Customer Service!! Thank you for a wonderful time!!

Good service, good food, dark lights, nice place. Try it! They have already decorated for Valentine's Day, date night?

Dined here yesterday with my Girlfriend. Ordered their Calamari with tentacles, it was tasty. I had Linguini & clams Alle Vongole with white sauce. She had Mozzarella Di Bufala Alla Caprese ~ loved it She had 2 Lemon Drop Martinis with Raspberry drizzled on the glass that kept it tasty & delicious I had their Cadillac Martini with Grand Marnier Ambiance was nice and peaceful, not many patrons All in all it was a nice Lunch for each of us.

This is a lovely and elegant restaurant. The decor has Italian murals, high ceilings, warm colors with beautiful wood accents. Very romantic vibe, great for a date night!And there is a piano player in the lounge. Love it! We started in the Lounge with icy Tito's Martinis listening to the piano player and enjoying the friendly patrons. Caasi and her team did an amazing job of service! We ordered the Carpaccio and Escargot to start, just marvelous! My companion's entree was their scrumptious White Clam linguine, I had the mouthwatering Chilean Sea Bass. The portions were generous, beautifully prepared and presented. We took home one of their decadent chocolate desserts. From start to finish it was an awesome experience! Anthony's is well dialed in! Great Service, ambience and splendid food & cocktails. If you haven't been they should be on your list.

I'd like to say this establishment was amazing on their customer service. It was my dad's birthday. Kind of a last-minute wanted to take him out. This is his favorite restaurant for Italian food. I called earlier that day they had nothing available. ended up calling back explaining the situation and even tried to make earlier reservations at first nothing was available, but Christopher I assume he was the chef /partial manager/ Owner was answering the phone and and went above and beyond helping me with my reservations, they were able to get us in. The way he handled himself on the phone was so professional. I'll be a loyal customer forever with that kind of customer service and the ambience of the restaurant. The food was amazing. My son had a steak. He said it's the best he's ever had and we have been to numerous steakhouses. My dad loves the veal. That's why he goes there and I had a shrimp dish which I couldn't finish and was lucky enough to have some for lunch the next day I highly recommend this place for its food and customer service. I will be back.

Finally made it to Anthony's for a date night with my hubby. It was awesome! I had the halibut and my husband had the swordfish. Both meals were perfect. The service was good. We got sat in the back near a big party and I think our server kind of forgot about us but all in all it was a good experience and we will definitely be back.

Incredible Italian restaurant. Amazing service, lovely ambiance, and lots of delicious options. Best to make reservations on the weekends to avoid a long wait. We started off with the calamari, and it was good, just very light in flavor. I absolutely loved the Italian Wedges Salad! The balsamic reduction gave it a wonderfully slightly sweet flavor. I was trying to decide on getting the swordfish or not, since it's delivered fresh daily, but I will save that order for another day. The salmon was nicely seasoned and you can change the two sides if you prefer. Our waiter actually first asked if the sides it comes with were ok. Now that is a sign of exceptional service. So glad he asked too, cuz those garlic mashed potatoes that I substituted were so, so good! And for the seafood fans, the Lenguine al Fruitti Di Mare is the perfect dish. Oh and make sure to save room for dessert! There are a ton of delectable choices to finish off your meal with. One that I will want to try next time is the Sweet Potato Cheesecake. The waiter even said it's eccellente! Really looking forward to our next visit!

Everything about Anthony's is great. The atmosphere is great, reminds me of a classy place in New York. Food is excellent. Highly recommend this restaurant.

service was great. we held a celebration of life lunch here and everything came out great.

Good food. Large variety to choose from. the ambience is truly Italian and the service was great.

Sit outside on the patio. It's much calmer, less noisy , and not freezing from the air conditioning. The food is excellent and the portions are decent sized. The waitstaff are courteous and efficient

Everything was great! Table set beautifully, two waiters assigned for party of five. Food was delicious, we all ordered something different chicken Parmesan, scampi, meatball and cheese sub, clan chowder and fettuccine Alfredo. We all enjoyed what we ordered. The bread was delicious too. We will definitely go back again. Lunch specials also came with a salad. Delicious salad dressing. Great desserts either lots to choose from. We all shared a piece of German chocolate cheese cake. Yummy!

The most meatiest artichokes I've ever had! The service was beyond phenomenal! And the chef puts out some incredible dishes! An amazing experience overall, I would recommend this place over and over!

We took my mother-in-law for her birthday dinner here. She lives in the area and this was our second visit in two years. Anthony's did not disappoint. We all commented on how nice the entire staff was and how good the service is. We started with the shrimp fra diavolo appetizer, a bottle of Rombaur Chardonnay, and a Silver Oak Cab. My wife and mother-in-law both had the Chilean sea bass with a cream sauce and fettuccine and I had the bone in pork chop stuffed with veal, sausage, spinach, and mushrooms. All were outstanding To end the night they brought a tray of 8 or so different deserts to our table to showcase. The birthday girl chose the tiramasu. It was a great night. This is a great place in old town Murrieta. I'm sure we will dine here again.

I have been a few times and always enjoy the ambiance and the food! I will keep coming back.

My family loves Anthony's. We've been coming here for a few years now. Over this past weekend, we visited again to celebrate my grandma's 89th birthday. We always reserve the back room so it's more private. The table was set, and our waiters did a good job of tending to our party. It does get pretty warm in that room after a while. I'm not sure if they are turning off the air conditioning, or if it is all of the body heat making the temperature rise. This time the food was very disappointing. I understand that we had a big party, but hot food would be nice. I think they made some orders first and had them sitting for the rest of the food to be made. When the waitress brought our food, it was cold. I normally love the ravioli de Formaggio dish (cheese ravioli and I order with alfredo sauce). But it was cold. The sauce was cold, and the cheese inside the ravioli was cold. I still ate it because I was starving lol But My grandma (ravioli dish), mom (ravioli dish), aunt (penne pasta dish), and fiancé (penne pasta dish) all had the same problem. Their food was cold also. That really sucks. We love this restaurant, but the food wasn't up to basic food standards. My uncle said his lasagna was "hard" and overcooked. My aunt said her seafood was not cooked enough- she took it home, added some seasonings and popped her fish in the oven. That is really bad when you have to take your food home and cook it yourself. Overall, this was pretty disappointing. Especially when you pay a buttload of money for crappy food. I'm not sure what happened here Anthony's Lounge & Ristorante? You failed miserably. And our next family gathering will most likely not be at your restaurant.

Locals that come often at least 3x per month. Owners are fantastic and all can make an amazing martini. The wedge salad is amazing. Dressing is made in house. Beer salad and ravioli are our favorites. Not a time we have had bad service or food in 3 years. Love this place!

We made reservations for 5 for my MIL'd birthday dinner on a Friday evening, July 25th. We always have an amazing dinner experience! We ordered cocktails: martinis, pina coladas, appetizers: crab cakes bruschetta Entries: ribeye, lamb, and seafood? We had a lovely time and our service was fantastic!

We went to Anthony's tonight for our anniversary and it was fantastic. This was our first time there and we will be back. The food was to die for and the staff was incredibly attentive.

I've been eating at Anthony's for over 25 years... never disappointed, always terrific food and service! Wish I could give them 10 stars!!!

Server and staff were excellent! Nice ambiance with an authentic Italian menu. The tomato sauce was a bit too tangy and acidic for my preference. It could have just been that batch since I have only been there once. The mozzarella appetizer was excellent! Overall, good dining experience but I might sample the tomato sauce next time for my liking.

I have went multiple times and whenever I went, the food was great. The service was great and the prices were not bad if you get something normal.

First time for my wife and I to visit Anthony's and it will not be our last! From the time we walked in the door, a gentleman named Jesse greeted is so warmly, and all of the staff were incredibly attentive to our table throughout our dining experience. My wife's view scallopini was amazing and my cioppino Was incredible. Looking forward to our dessert.!!! Our server crystal was awesome as well

Great experience, service and ambiance. Food is absolutely delicious and super reasonable. I've been here a few times and it's always great. Quaint and dimly lit, great atmosphere, good food, excellent for lunch date with friends or a cool date night. Jesse and staff are wonderful. I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone with confidence. Located in Old Town Murrieta, you can't go wrong if you decide to spend a few hours here dipping in and out of the shops and boutiques on Washington and tie it with a bow by visiting Anthony's. I am leaving a short video of just part of the restaurant below. The lighting is perfect despite my camera's rendition of it. Looking forward to seeing if they have entertainment in the future; there is a piano in the restaurant too.

What a spot! If you are new to the Murrieta/Temecula area, get in here asap. Great Italian food and a great vibe bar area. I had chicken parm (amazing) wife had manicotti (equally amazing) scampi was delish as well as was the other dishes we enjoyed. Dessert is worth waiting for as well. German chocolate cake and creme brûlée that were top notch. The service was splendid with plenty of bus boy help to get refills etc. We were here for the holidays so you will see some Christmas decor, but it's beautiful other times of year as well. A+++

I love Anthony's! Ask Jesse to make you a pear Martini! It's always a surprise! The food, service is all great!

We celebrated our 27th anniversary last night and it was the most amazing dining experience. Their food is absolutely the best of Italian and many other choices. I had the veal scallopini, and my husband had a combo of shrimp scallops clams and pasta, along with the most delicious side salad and calamari appetizer, finished with an awesome key lime cheese cake. Service is always beyond exceptional and of course the wine was delicious. Special thanks to Chris for such a wonderful dinner, owner and accomplished chef. Couldn't recommend more

I went to Anthony's for my birthday and the staff the owners and food were just amazing. The two brothers (owners) were so kind and worked just as hard as their staff. Absolutely AMAZING If you get the chance to go there please give yourself a treat.

Anthony's never disappoints! Intimate/romantic spot for date night, or happy hour. The food is fresh and made to order. The service is exceptional so we keep coming back. Perfect spot if you are craving pasta or want to go somewhere special to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. What we ordered: * bruschetta (4 pieces) - $13.50 * meat ravioli - $18.95 * spaghetti & meatballs - $18.95 * cappuccino - $6 * red velvet cake (had a coconut flavor to it) - $11 * cannoli (best cannoli I've ever had!) - $11 Can't wait to come back! PROS: * inside and outside seating * patio heaters for outside seating * candlelit * exceptional service * great wine list * menu variety (pasta, steak, pork, fish and chicken!) * coffee bar * HAPPY HOUR * full bar * delicious, fresh food * parking lot behind restaurant, as well as street parking CONS: * none!

Located in historical Murrieta Parking available Lunch and Dinner Lunch well priced pastas Dinner menu available during lunch Good size bar area Service was great Recommend reservations White clothed tables Very relaxed environmental Steaks cooked to perfection Restrooms by the entrance American Express accepted Vegetarian options Great for celebrations Large parties acceptable

I have been going to Anthony's for years. Number one, their lunch specials are easily the best in Murrieta. The italian Sandwich is better than Jersey Mike's and costs less. Additionally, you get a salad as well. The service, atmosphere, and quality, in my option make Anthony's the best restaurant in Downtown Murrieta for lunch. I highly recommend it. I have also brought my wife to Anthony's for dinner, the prices are "date night" prices and absolutely worth it.

Excellent food, excellent staff. The location is so adorable. The food is phenomenal. I got the Cioppino, it was deliciouly filling. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.

#chrisemployeeofthemonth, slayed another amazing martini. This one has ice cream in an expresso martini bath. Run, don't walk for this one.

Great ambiance with a live pianist playing as you walk in. Extremely attentive and friendly service. Food was delicious, ranging from the minestrone to the lamb lollipops to the tiramisu. Would definitely recommend.

5 stars all around..food, drinks, service, ambiance. Chris, Jessie and the staff treat you like family every time. The service and food is quality, top notch. I have yet to find an espresso martini that is better than the one from here. You'll leave Anthony's so full and so happy! Take your date, your family, or your friends!

I can't say enough about this restaurant. We love this restaurant and will never stop going. I have never had a bad meal. Jesse and Christopher are fabulous. I have had so many of the entrees and the appetizers and am always happy with everything. I went for my birthday and am never disappointed. We are always treated like family. It's a great restaurant and dining experience.

Anthony's Lounge in Murrieta is a true hidden treasure. The second you walk in, you feel it--that timeless, old-school Italian charm that just can't be faked. From the rich aromas coming from the kitchen to the warm, attentive service, this place knows how to make you feel at home. I kicked things off with their shrimp scampi, which was buttery, garlicky perfection, and followed it up with the veal marsala, which might just be the best I've had in SoCal. I had a pour of our Extra Añejo, and it paired beautifully with the richness of the meal. It's always an honor to see our tequila in spots that truly care about the full dining experience. Salute to Anthony's for doing it right--this one's a classic. -Rick

I got the Gnocchi Vodka and added chicken and pesto (leftovers in pic). It was sooo delicious, highly recommend this restaurant. We also ordered cheese ravioli in white sauce add shrimp, stuffed pork chop, ribeye steak and the artichoke dip with the flat bread pieces. All were phenomenal. The martinis are equally as good. We were celebrating a birthday and they brought out a tasty tiramisu. Service is ALWAYS above and beyond. Great wait staff!

We went for our 25th anniversary, no reservations. Was told all they could offer was a high top table near the door or the patio. We chose the patio after confirming there was shade. The food, drinks and our waiter were excellent but we had to leave almost as soon as our food got there because the flies and heat made our experience less than celebratory. I was really disappointed to see when we were leaving that the place was only 1/3 full (plenty of tables that could have accommodated us) and the ambiance in the room would have provided a more romantic way to spend our anniversary. Just seems like the hostess could have made something happen to make a better experience for all customers.

This place is amazing! It's hard to find restaurants outside of the tourist trap area of Temecula and the wineries, and this finally felt like a local joint that we can become regulars at. You need a reservation to come here. It's packed all the time. 8pm on a Saturday and even 4pm on a Thursday. The wait times are typically and hour+, which wouldn't be that bad since you can pop across the street to a bar. The inside area opens to a bar with a few table tops seating, but to the right there's ample dining rooms, and an outdoor patio. We ended up getting a seat outside on our first trip here, and we had a fantastic waiter, Jesse. The standout here is the service. It's really rare nowadays to focus on the quality of service at a restaurant, since it's mostly nonexistent, but the servers and bussers all work collectively here. One picks up where the other left off, and it truly makes a huge difference in a dining experience. I don't think we've had one thing here that didn't impress us; however, the beet salad is a miss. We were expecting a fresh california-style beet salad, but it's canned beets, and spinach, and definitely worth skipping over.

Our server Riley W. was amazing. Came for a birthday dinner with my wife & the food was delicious!

We went here for our daughter-in-laws birthday. Tucked away in a building in old town Murrieta is where you will find Anthony's. Once you enter you are greeted with a friendly hostess. The atmosphere is perfect with piano music playing quietly in the background. Our server was amazing. We had a party of 14 and she kept on top of everything. I had the ribeye and substituted the mashed potatoes for fettuccine and angel hair pasta. It was the most tender ribeye I have ever had in my life. It was so delicious. The pasta I substituted was also fantastic. Everyone in our party loved their meals. Everything was spectacular. I highly recommend Anthony's

Everything was great at this place! Service was amazing, I literally would barely finish my water and there was always someone right there to refill. The restaurant itself was pretty, nice music. Lastly the food!!! It was all so good! I had chicken parmigiana with a glass of wine. We also ordered spinach dip and calamari! Everything was a 10/10 I would definitely come back!! I wish I asked my server his name, I'm usually good about that but totally forgot, He was great!!

We had an amazing meal last night and best service as always!!! It's so cozy and fun!