Antonello Ristorante

Italian restaurant · Santa Ana

Antonello Ristorante

Italian restaurant · Santa Ana

2

3800 S Plaza Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92704

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Antonello Ristorante by null
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Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null
Antonello Ristorante by null

Highlights

Authentic pasta, cheesecake, and chocolate soufflé in ritzy space  

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3800 S Plaza Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92704 Get directions

antonellosrg.com
@antonelloscp

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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3800 S Plaza Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92704 Get directions

+1 714 751 7153
antonellosrg.com
@antonelloscp

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@afar

Frances Mayes on the Joy of Italian Cucina Povera - AFAR

"A casual, convivial home that hosts large, informal dinners where rustic, country-style dishes shine; a memorable example was snails simmered in tomatoes and broth that proved so popular several boys went back for seconds, underscoring the warm, crowd-pleasing, hospitality-driven atmosphere." - Frances Mayes

https://www.afar.com/magazine/frances-mayes-an-admiration-for-cucina-povera
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@eater

Inside Hello Kitty’s Rise to Food Superstardom | Eater

"A Santa Ana restaurant that hosted the American debut tasting menu for a long‑standing Hello Kitty‑branded Italian winery, using a curated pairing to introduce the wines to U.S. diners and support wider retail availability thereafter." - Zan Romanoff

https://www.eater.com/2018/2/28/17046006/sanrio-hello-kitty-food-cafe-licensing-gudetama-aggretsuko
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James Huang

Google
Amazing experience with the best authentic pasta. Firstly, their restaurant is gorgeous. It’s been there for over 50 years or something. It’s really unique in which it looks like an old apartment building, but it’s been converted into a restaurant and it has two floors. The food and service was impeccable.

Emma

Google
After all I’ve done… that cheesecake is the only thing that could send me to heaven. This is the first restaurant I’ve spent 200 dollars in one night and walked out not regretting a single cent. Service was impeccable, food was delicious, and the vibes were immaculate. 10/10

Arlene Lum

Google
Delicious Italian food in a classic environment, felt like being in a wine cellar, with excellent service and a true fine dining experience. It is pricey but food quality is good. We came here for a birthday celebration. We ordered so many appetizers that we could not finish our main dishes. The carpaccio originale and the truffle fries were really good, but the spicy sauce with the calamari fritti was not to our liking. The pasta here is very good, nice balance of flavors with an al dente pasta which tastes so good. The seafood pasta was delicious and had big chunks of shellfish which was enjoyable. The highlight of the meal was the dessert: chocolate soufflé with GanMarinier sauce & ice cream. It's something they excel at and worth coming here just for this special dessert. The soufflé is so high and fluffy and the crust is slightly crunchy with a delicious eggy chocolate flavor. It's really special.

Carolina Requeno

Google
The BEST Italian food I’ve had by far in my life! We found this little hidden gem and I can only wish we found it earlier. Jose was our server and even though he was slammed, he still managed to give us a great service and have our drinks filled up! We got the shrimp appetizer and lamb chops and parpadele for entrees. Wished we had room for dessert but we did not! We’ll definitely come back and keep trying new things on the menu and asking for Jose as our server since he was great!

Priyanka Bengaluru

Google
Food was great! Ordered chicken soup - flavor was quite different. Mozeralla cheese appetizer is now my favorite. Ordered gnocchi ricotta- just yum yum yummy! Service was good as well. I guess since we had ordered one entree and split into two plates they just charge some extra free dollars like 5-6$ . Service is good. Wine was great in taster. Will definitely visit here again to try more. It’s good to reserve your table since they are open for limited time only. For reservations we have to do deposit of $100. Not sure if this is at all time or May be it was only for busy days like valentine they might have brought this rule.

Gary Kazmer

Google
If you're in town this is a great place to visit. The waiter was awesome. We actually had two groups one of four people and one of 12 people we had a private room for the group of 12. The food all came at the same time and was cooked exactly as we asked. Portions were large. I would recommend the chicken soup as an appetizer because it had an incredible flavor.

zach smith

Google
My wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Antonello Ristorante for the first time tonight, a special occasion as we celebrated her birthday. The experience was truly exceptional. The culinary offerings surpassed our expectations, and the service was of the highest caliber. Our culinary journey commenced with the Prosciutto E Burrata. The fusion of Burrata, Prosciutto, and olives resulted in a rich and flavorful appetizer. For the entrées, my wife chose the Fettuccine Bolognese, while I indulged in the Paparadelle Al Sugo Di Manzo. These dishes not only presented beautifully but also boasted an explosion of taste. From the moment we stepped in, the hostess extended a warm welcome and periodically checked on us throughout the meal. Our server's attentiveness and courtesy greatly contributed to our dining experience. Without a doubt, Antonello Ristorante has secured a place among our preferred dining establishments. Our sincere appreciation for contributing to a memorable

Mike “Mike” Winn

Google
We had a company Christmas party here back in 2019, and the food was excellent. Now, it's barely a 3-star meal. However, the service and the private room we booked are 5 stars.
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David C.

Yelp
Service and food are both always spectacular The staff are the nicest around They are always willing to help accommodate and make sure your evening is as lovely as can be This is one of the best italian spots in all of SoCal
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Titus S.

Yelp
Of We came to Antonello Italian for a date night and were really impressed by the food and atmosphere. I had the pappardelle and my wife had the branzino, which was prepared tableside--a great touch. We finished with the soufflé for dessert, and everything was absolutely perfect. The decor and ambiance made for a beautiful setting. That said, the service didn't quite match the level of the food or the experience. Our reservation was at 8:00 PM, and with the restaurant closing at 9:30, we felt noticeably rushed throughout the meal. To make matters worse, our server accidentally spilled ice cream on my wife's purse. While they did apologize and comped a tiramisu, the service felt a bit off for a place of this caliber. Next time, we'll plan to come earlier so we can fully enjoy the evening without feeling rushed--because the food and setting truly are worth it.
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Nicole C.

Yelp
The staff here goes above and beyond in order for you to have the best experience possible! My sister graduated college (woohoo!) and we celebrated her accomplishments with a nice family dinner. We chose Antonello Ristorante and we are so happy we did! They set up the table in the outside area. Which was perfect so we had our own space! They brought a portable speaker out and gave us the option of playing our own music. The restaurant special ordered napkins to match my sisters school colors! I thought that was so awesome. Now getting into the food... everyone loved their meal! I ordered the Ravioli Di Magro. It was sooooo delicious. You can truly see how they source great and authentic ingredients and prepare the everything in house! I shared a tiramisu. It was one of the best I've ever had (it had the perfect ratios). I can't wait to go back and experience the true diner's experience. Would totally recommend for a special occasion or a nice dinner!
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Zinnia V.

Yelp
The food was divine, and the drinks as well. Came here a long time ago for a date and it was the perfect setting for a romantic night. Good service as well.
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sherry u.

Yelp
Unexpectedly came across this restaurant and couldn't be more pleased that we did. Classy ambiance, wonderfully attentive polite service. The food was exceptional. Authentic. So delicious. A bit costly but so worth it. Large free parking lot.
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Chiang M.

Yelp
Food was good, but I didn't feel comfortable with the extra credit card fee. I've never seen a restaurant at this price of level charge a credit card fee. I think the person who made this desition has an issue.

Selina S.

Yelp
Every dish was thoughtfully crafted--flavorful, authentic, and beautifully presented. You can truly taste the love and heritage in every bite. Yes, some past reviews mentioned the wine list and pricing, but we found the selection to offer hidden gems--perhaps less trendy, but well-matched to the menu and thoughtfully curated. And as for the cost? You're paying for quality, attention to detail, and a memorable experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere. What stood out most to us was the warmth. The team made us feel like family. It's the kind of place that invites you to linger, savor, and return. We certainly will--and we wholeheartedly encourage others to give it a chance (or another one). It's worth it. Candido the bartender will make you any drink your heart desires or suggest options that you will wish you could replicate back at home. It is a true experience that makes you feel a part of a huge Italian family.
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Andy T.

Yelp
Antonello Ristorante was the pick for a nice Saturday dinner. However, it did not turn out as we expected. We stopped by at around 8 PM and found it was very difficult to find parking. I was able to get a spot after someone left. For seating, we did a walk-in, but it was very busy. We were given the option to stay at the bar temporarily and wait for a stop, or stay at the bar for dining. We decided to stay at the bar area. Right away, we needed to flag down someone to take our orders. The server ended up being the bartender. We grab our orders and asked for some waters. But our water did not come out right away. The party right next to us got their water and bread appetizer before us. It was only until I reminded him of the water did he give it to us. At this point, we were already annoyed, but I was hanging on expectation for the food. Our Calamri Fritti came out first. It smelled good. However, it wasn't crispy at all. It was very soft and the pieces were falling apart. But flavor wise, it was decent. In terms of the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe and pork chop were both items that came out late. Again, the table next to us gets there later, but got everything before us, so we checked in with the staff. It seemed they forgot our orders. Keep in mind we were already there for an hour. The Cacio e Pepe lacked flavor. The pork chop was decent, but tasted dry on pieces. Ultimately, I did not have a good experience and will not be returning. Note: American Express is accepted.
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vidia c.

Yelp
Date of visit: 07/20/2024 One of the best Italian I've ever had! We were 3 people at the time and every dish that we ordered was superb. Everything was flavorful and cooked to perfection. I mean, ALMOST everything... What I ordered: - lobster ravioli - calamari frittata - cacio pepe, customized with added porcinni & chicken: this was the only thing that I felt was A BIT subpar compared to the rest of our order. Chicken was bland and made us regret why we even ordered this and not something else. - Lemon Sole - chocolate soufflé (dessert) Warning: unless you want to pay 3% more for your meal, I suggest you bring enough cash to settle the bill. Still can't believe that a restaurant this caliber pass the merchant fee to its customers....
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Chase K.

Yelp
We had an incredible experience at Antonellos. When we first arrived we were greeted by two of the nicest people, very caring and kind and made us feel at home right away. My wife is pregnant and they sat us in the back where it was quiet which was very nice. Once seated both my wife and I were excited to get back up and walk around to take in the restaurant it was really stunning! The food was delicious we ordered the branzino, a veal dish, and the gnocchi dish. To start the bread was very good with a strong pesto butter. The branzino was good, not a full branzino fish but tasted very nice, probably wouldn't order again. The veal dish was good but did not have a wow facto, probably wouldn't order again. The pasta dish was incredible the gnocchis were fluffy and the sauce was killer. From what we ate we think this place is a pasta place, we are eagerly waiting the next time we can celebrate and go back. Will for sure order all pasta dishes!
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Rose P.

Yelp
My husband and I were in the area to support a friend at a show so we decided to come early and make a date night out of it. We had a taste for Italian and trusted YELP reviews and ended up here. Service was excellent! From the host to the wait staff. Everyone was pleasant and made sure we were good the entire time, especially Miguel and Fernando. We had the focaccia which was huge and definitely more than enough for two people (we took it home), Italian margaritas, the mule the chicken parm and the pasta dish w the scallops. The portions are generous, the food is flavorful and fairly priced. I really enjoyed my time here and we will definitely be back!
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Kent D.

Yelp
Booked a private party here awhile back and the service and cuisine was top notch across the board. Parking was ample and environs were warm and inviting. Staff was friendly and helpful, as well. We booked a private room that seated our party of 8 perfectly. The room was located up a flight of stairs at the entrance. We were able to play our own music and enjoyed a fantastic meal from start to finish. I really can't complain about anything I tried. The appetizers were terrific and the entrees were stellar. If you enjoy authentic rustic Italian cuisine, this place is for you. The meatballs were mouthwatering, the beef carpaccio was exquisite, and the pasta was fresh & delicious! The drinks were also fantastic! Overall, I had a wonderful time here. Whether it's a night out with friends or a quiet romantic dinner for two, you definitely won't be disappointed! Happy Eats!

Oly Fran ..

Yelp
THIS DINING EXPERIENCE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. Ambiance 10/10 so romantic, warm, and beautifully classic. It feels like you're dining in a cozy corner of Italy. Food 10/10 authentic, so flavorful. We had a great white wine from an amazing wine selection. Mauricio our server incredibly kind, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome and cared for. We've been coming here on and off for years and always leave happy. The dining experience is worth every penny. My husband and I used to come here when we were just boyfriend and girlfriend so it's been here a while. They're doing something right!
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Lyndsay M.

Yelp
We absolutely love Antonello's. We have been coming there regularly for the past 5 years. They always treat you like family. The food is authentic Italian and the drinks are delicious. Highly recommend!
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Emily K.

Yelp
Went here for Valentine's Day with my partner, and we both loved the place. Service was great, from entering and leaving the restaurant. Everyone was very friendly and very attentive. As for the food, I personally think it was alright and nothing really stand out from all the pasta I have eaten. My bf thinks otherwise though. Start off with Calamari: 7/10 it started off great. Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside. Flavor was great, and the sauce was so great and the calamari itself was quite fresh. Some point off because it was extremely oily from the middle part downward. Beef carpaccio: 9/10 very delicious, very fresh. The flavor was great. Slightly pricy for the amount you get though. Clam pasta: 7/10. Clams were very fresh, no smell and gave you a good amount on clams for the dish. The flavor for the pasta itself was lacking in my opinion. It was a bit salty and that's about it. Felt like they forgot other ingredient to it. Pasta texture was good but not the best. In my opinion, it was too al dente to the point that it might be slightly undercook. Dessert: 10/10 this is the highlight of the meal in my opinion. Give you a little show on how it was prepared, not too sweet and it was perfect. Overall I would give this place a 7/10. I would give it another try on a less busier night and hope that the flavor is a better.
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Manny S.

Yelp
Enjoyed an amazing family dinner at Antonello's! Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted with inviting energy, by the hostess Mary and manager Gaetano. We had the privilege of dining in one of the restaurants private rooms, which is appropriately sized for a medium to large family dinner. The room is decorated with Italian landscape on the walls and cabinetry, reminiscent of a wine cellar, along the rear wall. We began with a number of different appetizers, some of which came highly recommended by the manager Gaetano. Our waiter, Alfred, was very familiar with the menu and helped with answering any questions we had. For the main course, I opted for the pistachio crusted salmon. Let's just say I didn't need a to go box. Compliments to the chef, Sal! All in all it was an amazing dinner and I definitely plan to dine there again.
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Tn D.

Yelp
Service - Excellent, tentative from everyone. Inside decoration is very tasteful. Food: - Appetizer: Calamari Fritti - Excellent - very crispy and well-seasoned. Notably light, each bite offers a clean, satisfying crunch. - Soup: Pasta Fagioli - Mediocre - broth is overly salted. - Zuppa Di Pesce - Excellent. Broth is rich and hearty with gentle kick from the chili peppers. Will definitely try it with pasta next time. - Osso Buco - Average - The meat is notably tender, showing careful attention to cooking time. However, it lacks the expected juiciness and depth, resulting in a somewhat dry, powdery finish that detracts from the overall enjoyment.
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Dondi H.

Yelp
Always a great experience here...wonderful service, great food and comfortable dimly lit ambiance. Great for group gathering or date night.

Kim M.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this place after reading the reviews. The rotelle was actually quite bland and way overpriced considering it was just two pasta shells filled with cheese. The chicken parmigiana was nothing remarkable and my husband thought it tasted like cafeteria food. The ceasar salad dressing tasted like it came out of a jar and the salad was way overdressed bordering on soggy. The service and ambiance were fantastic. Our waiter was attentive. My biggest complaint was the anchovy for the salad. He asked if we wanted it and we asked for it on the side. It was an upcharge that was not explained to us. I don't think I would go back.
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Peter M.

Yelp
Upon entering Antonello Ristorante, you cannot help but get captivated by the lighting, table layout and ambiance. So automatically, you are thinking that you are going to be in for a good meal. After you are seated, the complimentary unremarkable bread arrives, with a cilantro type light green spread. Later, the charismatic Captain comes over to give you the run down on the Specials (with a good sell). We ordered only one dish from the specials menu, the Branzino (over $50). For that price, there was a small piece of fish, that didn't even hit the spot. The plate was overwhelmed with the accompaniments. The other two dishes came from the regular menu. One, the Spaghetti Sergestrom ($18), was very good. The other, the Spaghetti Pescadora (over $50; with Linguine instead), had a very small lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, and clams (skipped the mussels). I also asked that it be prepared in a white wine sauce instead of the tomato base. When the dish arrived in the area we were sitting, and before even being brought to the table, there was an overwhelming smell of seafood, that was commented on by everyone. Never experienced that scenario before. While the seafood itself was prepared well, it had no flavor or taste. Clearly, an unremarkable recipe for the white wine sauce of the entree. After two glasses of Prosecco and two glasses of wine, we ordered two desserts. Their signature soufflé and their version of a lava cake. Both were just okay, nothing to write home about. The tab, with tip came to almost $270.
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Arlene L.

Yelp
Delicious Italian food in a classic environment, felt like being in a wine cellar, with excellent service and a true fine dining experience. It is pricey but food quality is good. We came here for a birthday celebration. We ordered so many appetizers that we could not finish our main dishes. The carpaccio originale and the truffle fries were really good, but the spicy sauce with the calamari fritti was not to our liking. The pasta here is very good, nice balance of flavors with an al dente pasta which tastes so good. The seafood pasta was delicious and had big chunks of shellfish which was enjoyable. The highlight of the meal was the dessert: chocolate soufflé with GanMarinier sauce & ice cream. It's something they excel at and worth coming here just for this special dessert. The soufflé is so high and fluffy and the crust is slightly crunchy with a delicious eggy chocolate flavor. It's really special.
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Jade G.

Yelp
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone. I had a reservation for 16 people and right as we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess. When being seated, we were introduced to a private room with warm lighting and beautiful bottles of wine. We had amazing service - the waiters were very attentive, welcoming, and gave awesome recommendations. The food was amazing, no complaints from anyone from the party. This was one of the best restaurant experiences that we all had and we would all come again, no hesitation.
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Annie N.

Yelp
Was looking around for a dining place nearby South Coast Plaza after shopping and all of them were either fully booked or 3+ hours of wait. We're so desperate but ended up finding this little hidden gem in a plaza across the street. The ambience gives me a cozy and romantic vibes the minute we walk inside. A little bit dark so watch your step!! Insalata: Their spinach salad tastes very fresh and well-balanced with the red wine vinaigrette. The Parmesan cheese and crispy bacon mix inside also complimentary the whole dish! Entrée: I ordered Burrata Ravioli and Chicken Parmigiano. It's a very unique dish. I usually get lasagna when eating at an Italian cuisine, got recommended this one since it's a similar look and it does taste like a layer of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with San Marzano tomato sauce, but without the pasta. Dessert: If you're at an Italian restaurant and not ordering tiramisu, can you even tell yourself you're eating Italian? Their tiramisu is phenomenal! Beautifully prepared and tastes amazing!
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Nicole D.

Yelp
This place is so cute. You feel like you're stepping into an Italian villa when you want in. The decor was amazing. It's one of those places where you just want to enjoy yourself so I just focused on that and didn't actually photograph my food this time. But let me tell you, the food here is so authentic and delicious!!!!! I had the angel hair checca with shrimp. And it was so satiating. The service was amazing well. We never had to ask for refills or anything. They were on top of it.
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Jaclyn S.

Yelp
I really wanted to like this place. I had heard so many great things about it. The fresh bread and compound butter to start was incredible. I got the octopus carpaccio and it was very bland, no sauce or seasoning other than lemon the the plate and peppercorns sprinkled over the top. The pink peppercorns were the tastiest part. I got the sea bass with capellini which was solid but not mind blowing in any way. The espresso martini was delicious. The service was very good which is a breath of fresh air these days. The dining room is very pleasant and I enjoyed the vibe. I will definitely come back to give it another shot. I still really want to like it!
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Kim K.

Yelp
Delicious food. Servers sweet and accommodating. Cozy feel. Went for a birthday dinner and would do it again.

London H.

Yelp
Everything here was so delicious. We got a lot of different appetizers and meals to share/try. My favorite appetizer was the calamari. My favorite meal was the linguine and clams. I also really liked the lamb chops. Best Italian food I've ever had!

Medhat B.

Yelp
On the 5th of July we dine at Antonello 24 people They really did great job From employees to the top management Carmen Thank you all
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Kenneth C.

Yelp
I was craving olive oil and balsamic vinegar whilst my girlfriend craved pasta. I had looked all over for a truly authentic italian restaurant and was recommended Antonello by a friend from Italy. We were extremely pleased. The dimmed lighting, the classy cutlery, the kind waiters--everything just felt right and was very romantic. The calamari was seasoned beautifully batter and all. My braised short rib pappardelle was delectable and I see why it was labeled Kobe Bryant's favourite. My girlfriend's angel hair pasta was perfect; light, balanced, and delicious from the three bites I took haha... the tiramisu was very decadent and hit the spot. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar was good but their homemade garlic butter with herbs was amazing.
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Celine S.

Yelp
Delicious fresh pasta and warm garlic bread. Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Perfect spot for comforting Italian food!
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Tim B.

Yelp
Possibly the oldest Italian Restaurant in the OC, Antonello's has a wide menu of delicious dishes. Celebrating a 95th birthday, whose favorite is the Oso Buco, he was not disappointed. I was about to order the grilled sea bass, but had an off menu recommendation of seafood risotto by the birthday boy. I must rave about this dish, the risotto was rich & creamy with a half lobster tail, large shrimp, succulent scallops along with mussels & clams. My wife enjoyed her lobster ravioli in a deliciously rich cream sauce. We shared a fresh spinach starting salad which started us well. The meal couldn't have been any better tasting. Being Saturday evening, things were busy, but service was delayed a bit much for our liking. Cocktails sat empty just a bit too long. The chef's expertise was well represented and we will give them another opportunity as all servers and hostess were extremely friendly in this enclosed patio seating area of the clean and friendly large and well appointed dining rooms.
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Andre E.

Yelp
My Husband and I spent our Anniversary dinner here last night. We'd been here several times in the past, but must admit it's been several years. We'd had a great time and the food was delicious ~ we had the Carpaccio Originale, Veal Chop Milanese and Osso Bucco. The best thing was our wait staff was so attentive we never had to be without. We will definitely slow down our busy lives and visit much more frequently. Thank you Antonello Ristorante for a lovey evening!
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Tash M.

Yelp
Everything was perfect and delicious! The tomatoes in the caprese were so fresh and juicy, the porcini risotto was the best risotto I've ever had- for once a risotto that wasn't too salty! Adding the truffles was worth every penny!! The gelato was accompanied by fresh berries and a very fitting ending to an absolutely beautiful meal! Service was impeccable
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Cari S.

Yelp
A refreshing old school Italian vibe in a modern world. The service is excellent and has a traditional, almost retro 5-star restaurant feel--in a good way. The staff never breaks character in terms of maintaining their professionalism; opening doors, pulling chairs, answering questions in a sophisticated manner, refilling wine glasses, etc. The food is excellent and the dessert blew us away. My husband and I have been twice now, one time just the two of us and a second time with a party of 16 for my MIL's 75th birthday. Both experiences, while different, were excellent. For the large party, we requested a private room, which they gave us without charge. Everyone left happy and said they can't wait to come back. When it was just my husband and I, it was a slow, intimate experience that was unique and really cool. I highly recommend.

Karley M.

Yelp
I made my reservation on open table and when I tried to review it there it's not letting the review go through...I am guessing because it's not a five star review. Or I'm not sure why that's happening, so I came here to review. My son took me there to celebrate my birthday and I have to say it's a mediocre experience at best. The waiter recommended a wine that both of us did not love as much as the one we were going to order.... It had a sour taste and it actually gave me heartburn. The bread is forgettable... The sauces on their pasta lacked flavor... And I ordered my lamb medium rare and it came out well done. I was so excited to try this restaurant and I wanted to for over a decade. They were having a busy night because there was a show nearby, which totally affected the ambiance the noise level of the restaurant, and people were complaining about not getting their food fast enough. We were there to enjoy a nice birthday meal and unfortunately got caught up in this hustle and bustle... and did not enjoy it at all...and it was pricey!!! By the time our waiter came back to check on my lamb, I told him about the temperature...and he could see it was wrong for himself...but I had eaten over half of it, so it would have been silly to have him replace it. To make up for it, he brought a big plate of dessert that neither one of us wanted. It was a nice gesture, but I would have rather had part of my meal comped because it was a terrible experience and my son was paying the bill. I usually don't write negative reviews, but this one was a must! I want to make sure nobody else experiences what we experienced, and it seems as though negative reviews are not being allowed to be posted. Diners beware!
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Cindy T.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem that we never knew about. How did we live in Orange County all of our lives and as foodies have never been to this place? The still blows my mind. We went here on a weekday so this place was not packed, but we definitely know that there are people that come here as regulars. We were greeted by the host, and the service was very attentive. Every pasta dish we had tasted amazing. I can't pinpoint whether it's the pasta or the sauce that made it taste amazing everything together was just fantastic. I can't wait to come back to this place. Guess what place it is?
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Jeanette F.

Yelp
I flew back into town to visit family and I grew up here my entire life and never came here until last night. Can I just start by saying I had hands down one of the best meals of my life on valentines weekend and the staff from the hostesses to bartenders everyone was so pleasant and always checking on us all night. Ok now let's talk about the food first I'm sorry I only have one picture to share I ate my main plate and was in utter bliss I forgot to take pictures. I always ask the waiters for their favorites and he gave us 3 to choose from so we girls all choose the Chilean sea bass over risotto and shrimp. Can I just say every bite was mouthwatering amazing. We had originally said no on dessert but started talking and changed our minds and had cappuccinos that were delicious btw and the cheesecake and tortino de chocolate. Both were so delicious. I can't say enough about the food I can't wait to come back. The bread is freshly made so are the pastas so now I have to make a trip again. Thank you chef the food was delizioso!!
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Thomas T.

Yelp
Amazing dinner and service here. Had a great dinner with a good friend and will definitely be back. For starters I got the warm spinach salad with bacon and was very pleased with its taste, texture and freshness. Highly recommend this salad if you like spinach and bacon. My friend got the Pasta Fagoli soup and she loved it. For main course I got an off menu item Chicken Pesto with Linguini. On point! Creamy, filling and delicious! She got the Angel Hair pasta with tomato and she loved it. She thought it was one of the best pastas ever. We also got the Brussel sprouts which I loved as well as the Tiramisu for dessert. Amazing. Seriously great food and service. Our server was very patient and professional. This place definitely has the more romantic vibe to it if that's what you're looking for.
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Corey D.

Yelp
Best Italian in Southern California, I'll stand by this till I die. Growing up in the east coast since moving to California good Italian does not exist. This restaurant not only provides but excels in every aspect of the dining experience. From food to service and ambiance it's an experience like no other. Every single time I dine here I'm amazed. Great job and keep up the good work!

Maggie A.

Yelp
Amazing menu. And great staff. I had a great experience celebrating a birthday dinner at Antonello's. The restaurant staff is wonderful and definitely have that close Italian family vibe. After a bunch of delicious appetizers, I had the Gnocchi for my main course. Simply put, Chef Sal knows his way around a kitchen. As a birthday treat, my family and I enjoyed a delicious crème brûlée. 10/10 will definitely be coming back!
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Tim R.

Yelp
awesomeness every timer I visit and sooo good so helpful wonderful wait staff attentive and not missing any details handled as always with superb handling
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Nestor A.

Yelp
Authentic Italian Perfection! :) If you're looking for an authentic Italian go to Antonello!!! The staff was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They guided us through the best options and suggested an amazing espresso martini that elevated our meal. We started with the calamari, which was crispy and tender, served with a flavorful marinara. I got chicken with ginocchi, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My partner chose the angel hair pasta which was also cooked perfectly. To finish, we couldn't resist the table side flambé. Watching the show and watching it being prepared was a treat. Between the impeccable service, great menu options, and the charming ambiance, Antonello truly delivers a great dining experience. We'll definitely be back soon!

Kent Goessling ..

Yelp
Food, drinks and service was excellent! Ambiance was very inviting! We will be recommending and returning to Antonello's.
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Alex A.

Yelp
Antonello is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is amazing and brings me right home to the amazing Italian place we'd go growing up on the East coast. The service is impeccable. I've been here many times but this review is for yesterday, Christmas Eve 2024. We had a reservation and unfortunately many people were taking their time hanging out at their tables and we had to wait over an hour to be seated. The staff handled it so well and once we were seated they waived corkage and provided us with a generous gift card to use towards dinner. They made so many verbal apologies, made sure our food came out in record time, and even brought my daughter a little salad to match me without asking for one. She is 3 and luckily was a Star last night but Antonello made it easy. They're forever our Christmas Eve spot and really just anytime you want to feel like family with amazing food.
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Jennifer H.

Yelp
My boyfriend treated me to this delicious dinner for my birthday, we were seated immediately with a reservation. On a Tuesday night , there were still a good amount of people and the inside of the restaurant was decorated festively in an elegant way. We ordered the Prosciutto and Burrata appetizer with the waiter's recommendation, and it was the perfect start to our meal in addition to the bread combo with the made-in house butter given. For entrees, we got the Branzino and Lamb Chops. Both were great, the Branzino was flaky and delicious and although lamb isnt my favorite since it can be gamey, it was seasoned to perfection and smothered in an amazing sauce. The lava cake was our choice for dessert and although the presentation was beautiful, there wasn't anything too special about it. Still a nice sweet treat to end the meal. I would recommend to others for a nice occasion or who want to spend a little extra to have a fancy dining experience!
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Steve W.

Yelp
We were going to a concert at Segerstrom and wanted to eat close by. I was fortunate to make a Yelp reservation-- super easy. We arrived to find a large, warm, classy, old-school Italian restaurant and were greeted as if we'd been regular customers for years. The vast interior housed many intimate booths and gave it a homey feel. The menu was straightforward, with many typical Italian entrees plus a page of specials (including branzino and lobster ravioli). I opted for the papparadelle ('Kobe Bryant's favorite') with short ribs, cooked in Barolo-- truly exquisite, hearty, and well prepared. My partner chose a ravioli with Wagyu beef, also very tasty, full of flavor in a thick tomato sauce. Both were superb and hefty-- you won't leave hungry. We started with a creamy Caesar to share, that came with tomatoes (I've not seen that before). And we sampled the red Tuscany wines by the glass-- very smooth and distinctive. The only minor gripe was our waiter who was very attentive and professional, but kept things moving at a too brisk a pace (we wanted to linger a bit more). All in all a great experience and worth visiting.

Jay H.

Yelp
The restaurant is a beautiful restaurant. The service is impeccable, and the food is second to none. The zuppa Dipesh Shane is the best in the city. The veal Parm from veal rib is unbelievable. Their drinks are terrific. I recommend this for anybody.

Lisa S.

Yelp
The food was so good! The service was excellent and the staff had a wonderful sense of humor too. I highly recommend their take on the sole. I took one bite and couldn't put my fork down. The restaurant's ambiance was lovely.
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Nicolas G.

Yelp
$5 Split Entree Fee? WTF is this $7.00 water fee we definitely didn't order? $8.00 - salad was 8 over the price on the menu. 3% fee to use a credit card? 1st and last time we will go here. Just appreciate people choosing to eat at your restaurant and stop gauging everyone with fees every chance you can.