Buona Forchetta

Even though its San Clemente location left an impeccable impression, Buona Forchetta in Newport proves just as wow-worthy. Order the focaccia! It's stupidly delicious, and conveniently vegan. Add garlic for extra heaven. Focaccia leftovers store well, so don't be afraid to place an extra order--or two...or three... I love their separate vegan menu, which provides much-needed options for those with dietary restrictions/preferences. Their vegan ravioli, and spaghetti puttanesca, are dangerously delightful. I haven't indulged in their vegan pizza yet, which a friend recently recommended and is now next on my To-Order list. Pescavegan options are also abundant. I dared order off their Specials Menu, and had no regrets: scallops with kale and almonds are exceptionally exquisite. Fire flavor, generous portions, and quality ingredients. Bonus points for sweet service, and a cozy atmosphere. Buona Forchetta is an essential addition to your restaurant routine, no matter the location.

It was our first time here and I came with my whole family so we were excited. The location is in a beautiful spot right next to the harbor with nice outdoor seating. Service was also excellent and we were able to order right away. Here’s what we ordered: Eggplant Parmigiana: this was alright. It’s usually my favorite dish to eat at an Italian restaurant but this wasn’t. The eggplant wasn’t seasoned at all but was totally blend. The presentation was great but lacking flavor. Piera pizza: the best dish on the menu! Wish they added more pesto pesto but I may just be getting greedy. All ingredients were fresh and delicious. Gnoki: it was overdone and the texture was off, not flavorful either. We would never order this again. Calamari: my in laws absolutely loved this dish! It was crispy and delicious. Carbonara: my in laws also enjoyed this dish - can’t go wrong here. Fatorre: delicious salad - the veggies were fresh and the dressing was on point. Chefs special salad: my wife enjoyed the grapefruit and I enjoyed the creamy burrata. Fantastic dish overall. Buono forchetta: this was my wife’s favorite dish! The sauce was creamy and extremely mouth watering. A truly warming dish. All the wines my family had they also loved. Overall, a solid restaurant but definitely room for improvement.

I really think this place has the potential to be a five star. Just needs a bit more. We were a party of 6 and were sat down promptly at our reservation time. We ordered a few cocktails. I had their spritzer that USA water down version of an aperol spritz. I asked the waiter whether the use aperol and he said it’s ther own version which I am not sure what that meant. Had the focaccia artichoke and calamari for appetizers. 4, 5, 4 stars. For mains I had their weekly special pasta with heirloom tomato sauce and scallops. Pasta was really under seasoned and the scallop was really well seasoned. 4. I finished my wife’s cioppino. The xioppino was good but the bread needed to be toasted but regardless it was a hearty portion with good broth. 5. I tried the tiramisu and the or salted caramel gelato. Both really good. With wine it came to $130 per person.

This place had many good reviews, but honestly… I don’t think I’d ever go back. I lived in Italy for almost ten years, so I’m quite picky when it comes to Italian food. I ordered the calamari fritti , pizza Margherita, and penne all’arrabbiata. The calamari was excellent — fresh, light, and perfectly cooked. I’ll give full credit for that. However, the cheese on the pizza was poor in quality, and the tomato sauce was overly sour and lacked flavor. The pasta was disappointing as well. The atmosphere was somewhat romantic, but the service was not good at all. The staff avoided eye contact, and even when I finally got their attention, they looked away again. They brought the welcome bread only after I asked for it — when I was almost done with my meal. So… despite the nice reviews, this place just wasn’t for me.

Went to Buona Forchetta tonight and forgot to ask for no cheese on my pizza. No issue at all—I removed it and loved it anyway. When the manager checked in, I explained it was completely my mistake. After we paid, they surprised us with a fresh no-cheese pizza on the house. Truly exceptional service. Already loved this place, and I can’t wait to come back! 🍕✨

Came here early on a rainy night and had the restraunt to ourselves! Pizza was good charcuterie board was good. Desert was just okay. We would definitely come back, but maybe not when it's crowded.

Buona Forchetta New restaurant Friday is a little like panning for gold. You have to sort through a number of pebbles and rocks to find a single gold nugget. Last night we hit a mother lode. Buona Forchetta in Newport Beach was exceptional in every way. From the young lady who answered the phone to the hostess at the front door to Gabby, our wonderful Server to Omar, the manager, all working together to make our evening memorable. We started with an appetizer of pizza bites that were more like Pizza mouthfuls.Three flavors each excellent and a great way to start our dinner. We then shared a pizza. Not just any pizza, but a pizza that compared favorably with any that I had growing up in New York City. A rare find indeed for Southern California. Our next course was tagliatelle with shrimp in a special house sauce that was delicious. By the time we got to the desert portion of our meal, we found we had no room left to put it. Maybe on our next visit. Can’t wait! Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere! Generous portions! More than reasonable prices!

Buona Forchetta is hands down one of the most incredible dining experiences I’ve ever had! From the moment you walk in, the ambience immediately captures you—it’s warm, inviting, and has this perfect blend of cozy charm with a lively, vibrant energy. Every detail feels thoughtfully crafted, making it the kind of place where you can truly relax and enjoy yourself. Now, the food—oh my goodness, the food is out of this world! Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor, made with such care, and cooked to absolute perfection. It’s clear that this kitchen takes pride in what they serve. My family and I were completely blown away; it’s easily some of the best food we’ve ever had. What makes this place even more special is the care and kindness of the owner. My son didn’t finish his meal, and the owner personally came over to check if everything was okay and if anything needed to be fixed. That level of attentiveness and genuine care is so rare—it truly made us feel valued and welcome. Everything about Buona Forchetta is amazing—amazing food, amazing service, amazing ambience. We cannot recommend it enough and will absolutely be returning. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience, and one that will stay with you long after the meal is over.

This is the first Italian restaurant I've tried that I really enjoyed! My party ordered drinks and the calamari fritti to share.. calamari was super fresh with a light breading paired with the perfect amount of acidity in the marina sauce. I could tell that their marina sauce was super fresh and balanced well. Service was excellent with a very cute ambiance for date night or friends night out! Our server was super friendly and attentive, as well as the manager who came by to check in on us.. will be back to try the other things offered on their menu!

This place was awesome! We made a reservation for 6:30pm on a Friday and got right in with no troubles. Our service was top tier from the beginning the waiters were so kind and made us feel appreciate and welcomed. We sat on the patio and unfortunately it was raining and asked to be moved, but they were so kind and adaptable for our needs! This is a good place for a date or a small group. My pasta was delicious, it was so creamy with a little spice and the best flavors in the sauce. Once we ordered, the food came out I swear within 10 minutes! My only comment would be my pasta wasn't the warmest it was on the colder side once it came out.

Extremely Disappointing Birthday Dinner - Served with a Side of Disrespect I rarely leave bad reviews, but my experience at Buona Forchetta in Newport Beach was unacceptable -- especially for what was supposed to be a special birthday dinner. My birthday was nearly 1 week ago and I still have a bitter taste in my mouth from how unpleasant the experience was. Our waiter didn't just provide poor service; he actually insulted both my wife and my sister-in-law who asked a simple question about one of the dishes on the menu. Rather than simply clarifying or answering the question the waiter decided to insult my wife and tell her that shes never been to Italy (shes been multiple times), before then saying shes only a "tourist" and doesn't know Italian food. Once we were visibly upset the waiter left and did not attend to us until we needed the bill, where he then decided to turn to my sister in law and tell her "Don't be so upset", talking down to her. It was shocking, unprofessional, and completely ruined the evening. The food itself was mediocre at best, nothing memorable, but honestly, everything tasted terrible after the way we were treated. For a restaurant with such a good reputation, this was a huge letdown. I won't be returning, and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone looking to enjoy a pleasant meal or celebrate a special occasion, unless of course they like the taste of disrespect.

I came here with friends after a Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The ambience was cozy and classy. I ordered a Juna pizza, Chardonnay, and Dr.Pepper. The juna pizza was delicious and loved the honey in it. The glass of Chardonnay was quite a small pour for the price. The service was attentive.

One of new fave Italian restaurants in OC! It gives you the real Italy feels from asking if you want sparkling or still water to all the amazing options on the menu. We got the Amatriciana pasta and Carbonara pasta. Both were super delicious and the guanicale was tasty. We also got focaccia with garlic and we couldn't stop eating it - would definitely get again. The pricing is decent and the seating area outside is great, especially at nice. Also love the overall location. Parking is easy; there's a lot underneath and they validate it at the restaurant.

It was our first time here and I came with my whole family so we were excited. The location is in a beautiful spot right next to the harbor with nice outdoor seating. Service was also excellent and we were able to order right away. Here's what we ordered: Eggplant Parmigiana: this was alright. It's usually my favorite dish to eat at an Italian restaurant but this wasn't. The eggplant wasn't seasoned at all but was totally blend. The presentation was great but lacking flavor. Piera pizza: the best dish on the menu! Wish they added more pesto pesto but I may just be getting greedy. All ingredients were fresh and delicious. Gnoki: it was overdone and the texture was off, not flavorful either. We would never order this again. Calamari: my in laws absolutely loved this dish! It was crispy and delicious. Carbonara: my in laws also enjoyed this dish - can't go wrong here. Fatorre: delicious salad - the veggies were fresh and the dressing was on point. Chefs special salad: my wife enjoyed the grapefruit and I enjoyed the creamy burrata. Fantastic dish overall. Buono forchetta: this was my wife's favorite dish! The sauce was creamy and extremely mouth watering. A truly warming dish. All the wines my family had they also loved. Overall, a solid restaurant but definitely room for improvement.

Xmas Eve 2025. We were greeted by THE friendliest staff. We felt so welcome and wanted immediately. Omar (I believe was the manager) chatted with us and even knew what my last name meant. We then met our server, Kristen, who greeted us excitedly and made us feel like we were all family that hadn't seen each other in months. Omar and Kristen both enthusiastically described the menu and our choices expertly. Can NOT say enough about the service. The atmosphere was upgraded casual elegance with classy xmas decor and music playing. We split a salad that was light and delicious with the perfect amount of dressing topped with fresh tomatoes. My wife had the pesto gnocchi with shrimp and when I asked her to rate it she threw both arms in the air signaling touchdown! She especially enjoyed the fresh pine nuts in the pesto. I had the chef's special Italian beef stew, and Omar described it to a tee. The beef melted in my mouth. It was filling but not heavy and the flavors all popped and had me thinking about the next bite before I had finished what was in my mouth. I was sad as I neared the end of the bowl. Omar brought fresh bread for me to dip and savor the juices. We may have to return this trip even though it's a short Xmas trip. If not we will make a point to return if only to feel so welcome while we enjoy 5 star food.

FANTASTIC GLUTEN FREE!!! server was knowable and personable, had great recommendations. Only complaint is that the patio was quite loud (music plus people). Otherwise great dinner spot!

It feels like a truly authentic Italian place, filled with warm, attentive service from people who genuinely care about their customers. I loved how we could customize our pasta noodles and sauces, and a wide variety of toppings to choose from... paired with a light Sauvignon Blanc. Located around balboa beach. There should be structured parking but we found metered street parking right across. Buona Forchetta with added Polpettine and Guanciale- it was creamy from the egg yolk and parmigano, with spicy marinara sauce. The added meatballs were so good! I typically order fettuccini but this time I tried Tagliolini, which had a great texture from each bite Calamari - great lightly battered, served with yummy marinara sauce

Came here as a party of 6 and had a great time. We were seated outside. The outdoor patio area has a nice atmosphere and is plenty warm with ceiling heaters (maybe a bit too warm at times and they were very nice about turning the heat off). We weren't the easiest party to serve (read: indecisive haha) but our server was extremely patient with us. The manager was kind enough to come by our table, greet us and wish the birthday celebrant of our party a happy birthday. This doesn't happen at all establishments but when it does it's a really nice gesture and I appreciate it a lot. As for the food, we ordered a couple of salads (Piemonte and beet salad) and calamari. Calamari had batter that was crispy, nice and light. The salads, however, were drenched in too much dressing for us to really enjoy. The salads came with mixed greens, which is more delicate than romaine or butter lettuce, so the dressing just weighed the greens down. Ordered a seafood pasta ravioli special (I think it came with scallops) that was really good. Also got cacio e pepe bucatini with guanciale and that was solid as well. The third pasta dish, penne with chicken and buona forchetta was my least favorite of the pasta dishes. The chicken breast was too dry and I didn't find the sauce nearly as flavorful as the other two. In addition to the pastas, we ordered two pizzas - the Eva and Martina. Both were really good but I think our table universally liked the Eva more. The dough had nice spring and consistency. Really impressed with the pizzas. Overall, we really enjoyed our dining experience here and will likely return. Keep in mind you can park in the structure but they only validate 1.5 hours.

Newport Beach's new authentic Italian spot where you can customize your own pasta! My first impression of it was great, as it has a very aesthetic interior and outdoor patio dining space. The menu was also amazing, with many options for pastas and pizzas. What stood out the most was that you can customize your pasta! They provide a variety of pasta shapes, some that they make in house, with some sauces that you can pick from, and the choice of adding what ever toppings you'd like. The food was DELICIOUS!!! Pasta is one of my favorite foods, and they did it so well. I will probably come back at some point. What we got: * Penne Pasta w/ Pesto The pesto paired with penne pasta tasted great. It was a bit oily- i guess they used a good amount of evoo (extra virgin olive oil) I'm glad we chose to add burrata- it added a great cheesiness and creamy taste. The pesto at some restaurants tastes too green (if that makes sense) or nutty, but this one was very well made. * The Buono Forchetta w/ Tagliolini Pasta This was a blend of mainly cream, marinara sauce, and egg yolk. It says that the marinara sauce is spicy, but it was not spicy in the least, which I appreciated since I don't have a good spice tolerance. After mixing it together, it was a great balance of creaminess and tomato. This was a more unique sauce compared to other italian restaurants, and it was tasty, so i'm glad we tried it. * The Isabella Pizza w/ Pesto & Tomato Sauce This pizza is actually under the "no sauce" ones, but I asked if they could put some since I liked the toppings. They had tomato and pesto sauce, so I requested doing half and half. This was really good as well. The staff was all really nice. We took so long deciding what to get, but our waiter was very patient with us. When I was taking photos of the food, he asked if we wanted a photo as well (we said no we were not feeling it). The owner I think was also walking around and he checked in on us as well. The lighting also ate for these pics I'm obsessed.

The first time trying this gem on the peninsula, the food, service , ambiance , quality and everything else checked off exceptionally. Our server Andy was super welcoming, knowledgeable and very helpful. The pasta is very authentic and brings the comfort of Italy locally here in Newport Beach. Everything about this place was fantastic and I can't wait to come back.

My experience at Buona Forchetta was superb! First off, the service we received couldn't have been better. Due to massive traffic, we arrived quite late. The staff wasn't rude to us at all, but were very accommodating and still had our table for us. Our server Kristin was incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful too giving us some amazing recommendations. On top of that, the food was AMAZING! We ordered both the Junia and the Michelle pizzas, and they were both fantastic. Additionally, the whole mean was very reasonably priced and not what we expected! We will absolutely be back!

Honestly I wanted to try this place bc I saw it was highly reviewed. It was highly underwhelming from an ambiance and a food standpoint. Food: we tried pasta and pizza. It was beyond mid.. the ingredients taste like basic supermarket ingredients. I wouldnt crave any of it again. I've been to far more basic restaurants that had better flavor and quality of food. Ambiance and service: it was a little weird. They took awhile to get our order which was whatever but then midway as we got our food our waiter told us that she will be clocking out in a bit so she's gunna print our receipt and if we want to order anything later on to tell the new guy. She then proceeded to put the receipt and clipboard ON TOP of my purse that was on table. That was not a class move of a trained waiter. I ignored it bc I was eating I didn't think she actually wanted me to pay. She came back around to literally have me pay AS I WAS EATING bc I just got my food. I had to tell her to add dessert. But like what the heck!? I've been to plenty of restaurants that have had shift change if waiters it should just carry onto the new person not force the customer to pay you as they are eating their food that just arrived. I wouldn't come back again. If the food was better I would, but you're better off ordering from a chain pizza spot.

The restaurant may be small and cozy inside, but the food was absolutely delicious and the service was top-notch! Omar, one of the managers, stopped by several times to check on us and ensure everything was perfect. We couldn't help but compare it to our experience in , and it definitely held up! The ambience was warm and inviting, and the staff was incredibly friendly. We will come and try their pizza !!

I was excited to see that Buona Forchetta opened in Newport Beach and mentioned it to my husband. We previously enjoyed visiting the location in San Diego so naturally, for his birthday dinner with his parents, we made a reservation at Buona Forchetta. Parking can be found in the underground lot (validated) behind the Crab Cooker or on the street at metered parking. We found parking at a meter nearby. I really enjoy using my phone to pay with the Park Mobile app. No more coins! His parents had arrived before us so they were shown to the table. We were seated on the outdoor patio. We had water in a carafe for the table. We also ordered some drinks: Venetian Spritzer and Rose Prosecco. They only have a beer and wine license so no full bar. There is the main menu and a separate menu with specials. We ordered the Burrata Caprese to share. I ordered the Buona Forchetta pasta with pappardelle and a meatball. DH ordered the Risotto with scallops special instead of his usual steak. MIL ordered the spinach ravioli from the specials menu as well. SFIL ordered a salad with added salmon. He also tried to order a Margarita but alas, no full bar. I enjoyed my meal immensely. Unfortunately, DH thought the scallops were a little fishy so he was turned off by his meal. The risotto had a nice al dente bite to it and the mushroom sauce was delicious. I really enjoyed my pasta with the thick handmade noodles. I had a bite of the ravioli and it was delicious too. For dessert, we ordered the Straccetti Alla Nutella and Cannoli. Since it was his birthday, they also brought out a Panna Cotta with a candle and sang to him. The Straccetti Alla Nutella was a unique dessert because it is fried pizza dough with Nutella and fresh berries. It was a lot. The Cannoli was crunchy and hard to share since there were different varieties served to us. The panna cotta was delightful. The location is in a busy part of Newport Beach but worth it if you're local. 4 stars.

Dear Yelp Community, I enjoyed this location for the first time in September with a large group of friends in the patio area within the beautiful Peninsula Village courtyard. What a beautiful memory! The ambiance was great, the server for our table really worked hard to accommodate and always had a good attitude, and the food was enjoyable, as well (big pasta portions, and special note regarding the focaccia antipasto pizza). I hope you consider this venue for the right group gathering. Enjoy! Well wishes. Sincerely, Anna

From the moment we walked into Buona Forchetta, we felt like we were in Italy. We sat in the covered outdoor patio, and honestly--it was beautiful. The whole area outside the restaurant is so charming, it really looks like something you'd find along a quiet Italian canal. It totally set the tone for what ended up being such a special night. The service was amazing. Our server, Castillo, was so kind and incredibly quick with everything. He brought out our food and drinks in record time and checked in just the right amount. He was really easy to talk to and made us feel super taken care of. Omar, who I believe is the general manager, also stopped by a few times just to make sure we were happy--he was so warm and welcoming. You can tell the team here genuinely loves what they do, and it really shows. The staff was one of the stars of the show and really stood out to us because they were so kind and thoughtful!!! As for the food--wow. We ordered the Juna pizza and the vodka penne pasta, and both were fantastic. The pizza crust was just right and the toppings were super fresh. The pasta had so much flavor--rich and comforting without being too heavy. And the tiramisu? So good. I loved that it wasn't overly creamy--the focus was really on the ladyfingers and the flavor was spot-on. We ended up hanging out for about two and a half hours because we were just enjoying the atmosphere so much. It's one of those places you don't want to leave. Buona Forchetta is such a gem in Newport. Amazing food, even better service, and an overall experience that makes you want to come back again and again.

Yum yummy yum YUM! This place hit the SPOT!! My wife and I actually had reservations at another pizza Italian place in Newport that we were so excited to try it they close at 2 and we had a 1:30 reservation. So rather than be rushed she remembered seeing this on socials so we gave it a try! I AM GLAD WE DID! On a Sunday at 1:30 we got parking in the parking garage underneath super easy, got to the restaurant and decided to sit on the super spacious patio. We ordered such a fresh crisp salad with Gorgonzola and pear and my wife added the artichokes, we got a special pasta and a Neapolitan pizza. The salad was fantastic maybe best thing, the artichoke was fresh and a nice change up from grilled artichoke. The cheese pear pistachio gnocchi caught our eye and man it did not disappoint this was GOOD! The flavors were great but the pasta was so nice a pillowy with so much flavor. The Margherita pizza was good now I think I have an issue with Margherita pizza but the crust was magnificent the sauce was sweet and thin and flavorful this was just so so flipping good!! My wife had the great idea of dipping the crust in the gnocchi cheese sauce this was fabulous. Oh and the prices were extremely honest and fair! For such a nice location and ambience they could charge an arm and a leg but felt very fair! Thank you Really glad this spot is here and will 100% be returning!

3rd visit! Consistent great service from hostess to manager running around assisting and engaging with his patrons Quick and efficient service Quality fresh tasty and hearty Easy to share and leftover fun Date night, casual, celebratory, group, and pleather of dining fun Will be returning back for my / our once a month trip :)

Love the light decor, good vibes, and White Pizza!!! Just like America loved the Beatles. They too had an all white album, commonly referred to as the White Album. It's well-known for its simplicity, featuring a plain white sleeve, a graphic-less cover with no text other than the band's name embossed. It has since been viewed by some critics as a postmodern work, as well as one of the greatest albums of all time. The White Pizza was perfection! It might be their greatest creation of all time! You go be the judge of that! Check out the picture I posted, YES, that is a layer of truffle that covers the pizza. Prosciutto cotto, Panna italian cream, arugula, and truffles!!! The night we went it was part of their "Specials" for the evening. Call to find out OR try something else. The food was so good, we've gone back to try more pizza! The owners were onsite and fun people! Love going to an authentic restaurant and people speaking the language. It really adds to the experience! Culture and Food is better when shared! While you're at it, try their Espresso Martini! It was so good!

Buona Forchetta is a popular Italian restaurant chain from the San Diego area that opened up in Newport Beach. They offer patio seating as well as a cozy indoor dining option. Complimentary parking is available in the parking structure next to the restaurant. I visited on a weekday with some co-workers and ordered a few items to share. Cacio e pepe with penne pasta ($20) - The penne pasta was prepared perfectly al dente and the sauce incorporated pecorino cheese and black pepper. The sauce was a little disappointing and didn't have a sharp and nutty flavor, and couldn't really taste the black pepper. Lasagna Bolognese ($24) - Made with layers of pasta with a ground beef ragu, bechamel sauce, and parmesan cheese I found the lasagna to be just OK taste wise, and nothing really stood out. Margherita ($16) - The neopolitan pizzas here are good and have a thin crust and are slightly chewy. The sauce was made with San Marzano tomatoes and had a wonderful flavor, and were topped with mozzarella, basil and evoo. I expected a bit more flavor from the basil. Isabella ($19) - This was a white sauce pizza made with mozzarella di bufola, sundried tomatoes, onions, and goat cheese. It tasted great. Overall, the food here isn't bad if you are looking for a reasonably priced Italian spot in Newport Beach.

REALLY GOOD!... BUT WITH ROOM TO IMPROVE. (Caveat: I live nearby, so I may have a somewhat sympathetic point of view.) What a great addition to the Newport Peninsula! The service is top-notch! Perhaps the most genuine, friendly restaurant servers & staff in Newport. (Omar and Giancarlo... I'm talking to you!). But... BF feels like the wrong execution of the right idea. The food is tasty enough! Without a doubt! (But... only if you want pizza/pasta.) BF really needs to invest in a good protein option... A filet mignon option.. Or a nice Branzino. Secondly, BF has a decent wine selection which is very approachable (price). However, no full bar. Martinis would kill here! BF is really nice and a very welcome addition to the neighborhood! If they expand the menu somewhat with protein options and added a full bar, BF could become Newport's marquee Italian restaurant! Until then... The Pizza Michelle and Cacio e Pepe are awesome! Enjoy!

Buona Forchetta is a lovely Italian restaurant located at the peninsula! They were very accomodating for a large party of 8 and I was able to reserve easily on OpenTable app. The customer service was impeccable and the ambiance was also perfect. I ordered the calamari for an appetizer 10/10, carbonara which was very authentic and delicious and the Andrea pizza which was a little bland and may need some improvement. Parking isn't ideal on a busy Saturday night so I would suggest taking an uber if possible. All in all, I highly recommend Buona Forchetta! Omar, the GM was so nice and listened to any concerns you had with the food and comped us on dessert. We truly appreciate it!

Loved the pizza at Buona Forchetta! We had the truffle pizza, margarita and pesto! It was all delicious. We also had the cacio de Pepe, which was also delish as well. The service was great! Eat early before it gets crowded. We will be back.

I have been meaning to leave a review: this is one of my new favorite places for pasta. The pizza is super thin and folds over, so you can't hold it to your mouth, have to eat it with silverware but taste good, it's light and you don't feel like a balloon after eating it. The bolognese is really good and has a good amount of meat portions in the sauce. You can build your own pasta which is always fun so you can have the exact noodle you want matched with the sauce you like. Ambiance is 5 stars. Food 5 stars. Customer service depends on who you get, we have gone 4-5 times and John Carlo I believe his name was, was the best, he knew his stuff and gave great recommendations. Definitely recommend.

I felt so welcomed from the second I walked in to the restaurant! Omar the general manager gave us warm welcome to our table ! The food tasted very good ! One of the best Italian restaurants! We will for sure go back again !

I came to Buona Forchetta on a summer Saturday night, to celebrate a birthday. Mistakes were made by making that reservation on a Saturday night in Newport though. It was so, so crowded. Parking was non-existent, and so I had to get dropped off, while the rest of my party searched for parking. I checked in with the host, and she said it would be a few minutes. I'm glad I came when I did though, because despite everyone having reservations, some parties waited over 30 minutes for their tables. I waited about 15, and was seated on the patio by myself, while the rest of my party futility searched for parking in the lot, or on the street. They almost parked and took the trolley, but finally found something in the lot after stalking someone leaving. Food was excellent - I highly recommend the calamari and the Fattore salad (Mixed greens, grape tomatoes, walnuts, and parmesan cheese). Pizza was decent, though it arrived soggy. It was much better when I reheated the leftovers on my pizza stone. Service was atrocious! We waited about 10 minutes just to get water, and then another 10 to place our drink order, and never saw our server again. We must have looked bored, because eventually someone came to take our order (Omar). He looked like a manager, as he was not dressed like the rest of the waitstaff. He took our entire food order, without writing anything down, and amazingly, got everything correct! Food took forever to come out, and even longer for dessert. We tried to get Nonna's cheesecake, but they didn't have it, and so we settled on the cannolis. (Don't get these, the shells had barely any filling!) Overall, while the food was great, the service turned me off, and I probably won't be back for a while, until they get more servers and get the kinks worked out for this new location.

Got reservations to Forchetta for my birthday and a friend's birthday celebration dinner! Man, we were not disappointed at all, and this place surprised me immensely. Great flavors on EVERY dish. There was not one dish we had that had bad taste at all. The service was on it the entire night as well! What we got - Foccacia Garlic Bread and Gluten-Free Garlic Bread, Meatballs, and the Juno pizza as appetizers. The Juno was phenomenal. It's a great pack of punch and flavor with a wonderful fluffy crust. The bread had great crunch and TONS of garlic flavor! Meatballs can't go wrong. Just get them. Main courses, we of course, had to the pasta and ended up choosing their Pappardella with the Buona Forchetta sauce, just do it. Make sure to get the handmade egg pasta! Friends got the pesto, cacio e pepe, and another meatball red sauce. Again, all wonderful. I'm definitely going back again to try more pasta and pizza. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

As a vegetarian this place has options. Firstly, my friends and I did get a reservation a week before since we heard it was popular and were planning on going on a Saturday evening. But wow, this place is definitely well decorated and would be great if you're looking to dress up which we did! Let's talk food; I got a pappardelle pesto pasta and it was creamy and filling. However, it was kind of plain since it didn't have any vegetables or toppings (most of the extra toppings are additional cost and were meat). I heard the pizza is highly recommended for vegetarians but unfortunately I was carbo loading for my half marathon the next day :( So i'll definitely be revisiting to try it out, but for now I would give it a 4/5 rating. I think it would be a good idea to share a pasta and a pizza for variety!

Came here with a party of 7 and literally all of us were late with the horrendous newport parking situation (plan ahead for weekends!!) but staff was so nice about it and accommodating. We sat outside and the weather was amazing right next to the water. First food item we got was their focaccia first (get it with garlic it's amazing) and then some of their pizzas and pastas. Literally everything was good and I'm so happy they had decent vegan + vegetarian options so definitely coming back here. 10/10 in my books

The ambiance is inviting, the food is generally tasty (not great), but the service is plain awful. The food is not presented; it is plunked down by harried servers who appear to have little understanding that they are in the hospitality business and even less understanding of the menu or the food. Clearing of the table was even less professional with plates being lifted in mid-course or being ignored for 10-15 minutes. Overall a restaurant that needs to take a few days off in order to regroup and refocus. Absolutely not worth it.

Friends recommendation of authentic Italian food. No public parking so you have to use meter parking (strictly enforce everyday). There outside courtyard that has a nice view while waiting. There's inside and outside seating. Recommend on outside dining if bringing pets. Server was knowledge on answering questions and concerns. Got the calamari Fritti, cioppono (seafood soup), Giuseppe pizza while friend got Amatriciana Here's what this restaurant specialize: everything is made to order. Each pasta dish is unique because you get to choose what type of pasta you want (some cost extra) and pizza can be sauce/no sauce. Calamari fritti is lightly friend so it's not too greasy but household marina sauce is homemade and can actually taste the tomatoes. Giuseppe pizza is "spicy" but not spicy enough if you are spicy lover. Cioppono is most order if you love seafood and worth it to add noddles to it. Friend say Amatriciana is deli's if want something simple. Overall, highly recommend on trying authentic Italian cuisine.

Obsessed! This place has all the right things: the ambience of the space is amazing, the service is great and the food is delicious. Will continue to make it back here, especially for the pizza ball appetizer which is made by the chef with whatever ingredients they want to add. The server does ask if there is any allergies so they can avoid certain ingredients for you. The pesto here is the star of the show.

So you still need a reservation to get seated promptly here at night. I suspect this will be the case for a while. I left here with kind of mixed feelings. I felt like the wine pours were kind of small. The waiter that we had was amazing but literally like jogging from table to table as it appeared he was the only waiter working. He was also pouring all the drinks. The restaurant was completely full. We started with the focaccia, which was amazing. Totally recommend. My friend and I probably would have been happy with just this. We both got pappadelle with bolognese. She added sausage and burrata I believe. After one bite, we both looked at each other and said that it felt like something was missing. I'm not sure if it needed more garlic, or what but it just kind of lacked flavor. The pasta itself was great. We also got tiramisu, which was delicious. I would recommend. Side note- The women's large bathroom stall has the lock installed upside down, so the door doesn't lock.

Really cute indoor and outdoor Italian restaurant near the beach. It's a fun ambiance to gather and enjoy friends/family Loved their pizza-crust was perfectly thin and ingredients were quality. Their house made pasta is a must try. Calamari was not too breaded-and the sauce paired well with it. I had to ask for extra to dip my pizza crust. Service was on par-attentive but not too overbearing.

LADIES, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND REQUEST LUCA AS YOUR SERVER -- thank me later! Also, for the guys, Blaze is a babe! We had the pleasure of being served by Blaze, who brought so much fun and energy to our experience! She was incredibly patient and kind to my stepdad, who's facing cancer, which added a special touch to our visit. The food was fantastic, and the beautiful ambience made it even more memorable! It was such a blessing to enjoy this lovely place in the summer; everything felt so vibrant and perfect. I thought it was unique how they let you pick your pasta type, sauce, and topping so you can customize it to your preference. I savored a delightful burrata salad and shared some scrumptious focaccia bread with my mom. My carbonara was delicious, and the Dauo cab reserve never lets us down. Everyone left feeling satisfied and happy! Jose and his homies are also the MVPs! Per my mom, anyone who misses Canaletto's Pasta Aglio e Olio will love this spot!

I went to this place because of the large number of vegan and vegetarian options. Everything we got was good and everyone finished their entire meal. However, nothing was spectacular. You know how sometimes you go to a place and think, how this is the best _______ I've ever had. I didn't get that feeling here. Servers are very friendly. I do feel like our service was a bit slow. Especially at the end. We waited a good 30 mins to receive the bill after asking for it 3 times. Nonetheless less, I enjoyed our experience there. I would give it a 3.5 total

We went around 11 and there was no one else there so we got served quickly and seated quickly. If you park in the parking structure near the restaurant they will validate your parking for 90 mins. The food was really good, I got the margarita pizza and it was more than enough for me. My friend who eats slightly less brought it home with them. The pizza came out fresh and it definitely hit the spot.

This is my third time at the restaurant and today we were lucky enough to have Omar the manager at the restaurant. He levels up our experience by being super friendly and helpful with the recommendations and just all around giving off good vibes. I brought three of my friends who have never been there and they loved it. We had their lasagna and three different types of pizzas. They were all amazing. Can't wait to go back again. The owners are really lucky to have Omar as their manager. Rico was our server and he was also amazing. A+ all around.

I had the best experience dining at buona forchetta this past weekend. We started with the fried pizza bites and they were excellent. They were crispy on the outside and soft and buttery on the inside. For my entree, I ordered the carbonara with fettuccine noodles and chicken. I really like how you can pick and choose your noodles with your sauce and toppings. The entrees are large portions with enough for splitting or taking some home. I felt that everything was fairly priced for the quality and quantity of food. The service that was provided exceeded my expectations. We had the pleasure of being served by Omar. He was very friendly and cracked jokes with us all night. He gave us the best recommendations and was patient with us as we decided what we wanted. Truly a great experience and I can't wait to go back!

Amazing place. I would say this restaurant is best Italian I've ever been. All the food was excellent. The server was amazing too. Will be back definitely.

We love coming to eat at Buona Forchtta. So far everything that we ordered there was so delicious. Food, Service and atmosphere makes this restaurant a place to but on your list for places to eat at.

GLUTEN FREE PIZZA ALERT!!! From your one and only non bougie reviewer.....ME. Let's get to the caps.... my wife has gluten issues, yeah shush, it sucks. But I try and support her as much as possible. And yes, I feel bad cause GF food usually sucks!!! But hold the Phone!!!!! This places GF pizza is incredible..... take it from a fat guy non bougie foodie.... 10/10. I'd order it just for me and I don't have a gluten issues!!! Now the rest. I had a calzone. I'd say if you're used to the large hot pocket stuffed pizza dough, this ain't for you. This was a perfectly crafted cheese filled, wood fired unbelievable dough. Perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked. Look, this place is new. It's on the corner. It's got great views, the people who work there are amazing and attentive. Desserts ..... cannolis were amazing. The kid had some pastry thing with fruit and layers and goooood gaaawwdd. Again, go here. Have a great beer or glass of wine, eat drink, and be merry! Non bougie...... done!!

We came here for the first time on my birthday weekend. We sat at a wonderful outside table. The patio is super cute with lights. The area around the restaurant is nice. There's a few fires and places to sit while you wait. We got the Soju tequila drink with pomegranate and orange juice I believe and it was so delicious, Highly recommend. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful with any questions we had we love the fact that there's so many Vegan options clearly labeled on the menu. We got the pizza that had pesto, no mushrooms and added olives, and we got the rigatoni Bolognese with Seitan. Both were absolutely outstanding. We can't wait to come back here. They even have a vegan lemon sorbet and a vegan Pena cotta made with coconut ( to me I did taste the coconut) but if you weren't too sensitive or like coconut, you will like this dish. We can't wait to come back here and take family and friends. It will be a great destination for vegans and non-vegans. I like to have delicious food and a wonderful environment.

Went with the fam last night and we all ordered different pasta dishes and their garlic focaccia bread. We tasted each other's dish and everyone agreed that they were all flavorful. Flavor, serving and presentation were all on point. The restaurant itself is more fine dining but we came without reservations and very casually attired, as we came straight from the beach. Staff was friendly but I feel like our table could have used more 'personal interaction' with staff. Overall, a great restaurant if you're in the mood for Italian cuisine. Next time we come back, we'll be dressed appropriately.

I am elated that Buona Forchetta is now in Newport Beach! I used to live in SD and fell in love with the Nicola pizza. When I moved to OC, I made it a point to drive down to SD just to eat at Buona Forchetta. This place is incredible! Everything on the menu is great: from salads, to pastas to pizza and dessert. They did a great job with interior design and I love the al fresco dining option on the patio. The twinkle lights and heaters are such a nice touch. If you sit indoors, there's a grand window into the kitchen and you can see the pizza oven being put to work. Service is extremely friendly, food comes out quickly and please trust me when I say IT IS DELICIOUS! I also got a good laugh at the pictures on the wall in the women's restroom ;) Small parking lot in an underground parking structure. There's also plenty of metered parking all around.

I really wanted to love this place as it has so much potential and is in a great location. Took my boyfriend for his bday dinner (which wasn't even acknowledged) The ambiance is lovely but first thing that rub me the wrong way were plastic appetizer plates. I understand the relaxed Italian mentality but it took about 30 min until I'm assuming the owner came to our table to offer us something to drink. Let me point out the restaurant wasn't busy at all. The food wasn't bad, pizza was very authentic and made to perfection, I couldn't get over the service though as our server (owner?) was condescending and very unprofessional. Not trying to be a hater but from a messed up order to a long wait and being thrown jabs at during our dinner the experience wasn't worth it at all.

My mom and I had a craving for a good cioppino for awhile. After browsing through Yelp reviews and pictures, I decided to come here. Side note, cioppino is not on their regular menu but is usually one of their daily specials. I called before heading over to make sure it was on the menu that day. And luckily it was! Everything on the menu looked so good but we came here for their cioppino lol. I had the cioppino and my mom had the cioppino with tagliatelle for $2.50 extra. And wow the Yelp reviews did not disappoint! The seafood in cioppino was abundant and so fresh! The pasta was also al dente. The broth was flavorful. My mom is a picky eater but she was satisfied with her dish. I think it's one of the best cioppinos in So Cal. Oh and the warm bread they served was also yummy, esp dipped in olive oil. The service was also excellent. The server was attentive. The place is casual but has great vibe. It's great for family outings, friend gatherings or a romantic date. I would definitely come back again for the cioppino and others dishes