According to the official website of Orange County, the area includes 42 miles of coastline, 25 parks, three harbors and many open space lands. Additionally, the county is home to the John Wayne Airport, which makes it easily accessible for many visitors. For those seeking Italian cuisine in Orange County, there are several locations worth visiting. The county is home to many established restaurants with rich histories and traditions that include historic restorations to grandeur and legendary visits by Hollywood elite.
Antonello is an award-winning restaurant located in Santa Ana. Established in 1979, the location is known for blending traditional Italian dishes with new ingredients and preparations. Over 100 wines are served in addition to specialty drinks such as a hazelnut chocolate martini. A large selection of appetizers, salads, soups, desserts and main dishes, including pastas, are served. House specialties include homemade miniature beef ravioli and orecchiette pasta with sauteed baby zucchini, creme fraiche and imported proscuitto. Desserts include panna cotta, tiramisu and chocolate souffle. Antonello Ristorante is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Monday through Saturday.
Antonello Ristorante
3800 S. Plaza Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92704
714-751-7153
antonello.com
Baci Restaurant, located in Orange County on Huntington Beach, features Tuscan-style decor including fresco-style murals, columns and archways and a baby grand piano for live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week. A large wine list with champagnes, white wines and red wines is available. The restaurant's menu is large, offering several hot or cold appetizer options as well as pastas and other entrees. A selection of homemade main dish risottos such as risotto with lobster and asparagus is offered, as are two house specialties--chateau briand carved tableside or veal fondue for two. Pastas include homemade canneloni, cioppino and lobster ravioli. Several chicken, fish and beef entrees including osso buco and chicken marsala are available as well.
Baci Restaurant
18748 Beach Blvd.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-965-1194
bacirestaurant.com
According to its website, the Anaheim White House Restaurant was built in 1909. A total restoration, completed in 1981, includes copies of original furnishings and architectural details. The restaurant is the recipient of a Five-Star Diamond Award and has been visited by celebrities including Madonna and Jimmy Carter. Specialties-of-the-house include filet mignon served atop baked polenta with blue cheese sauce, homemade seafood ravioli soup and homemade gnocchi with tomato beurre blanc sauce. The restaurant is open for weekday lunch, Sunday brunch and for dinner seven nights a week.
Anaheim White House Restaurant
887 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
714-772-1381
anaheimwhitehouse.com
According to its website, the Villa Nova restaurant has been an Orange County tradition in Newport Beach since 1933. Vincent Minelli proposed to Judy Garland at the restaurant, and Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe there on a blind date. The restaurant features ocean views, live entertainment every night, a main wine list and a specialty cellar wine list with several rare selections. An appetizer menu that includes several salads and soups is offered; appetizers include antipasto misto and beef carpaccio. Several pastas and main dish entrees are served. Specialties-of-the-house include homemade linguini with spices and strips of New York steak, osso buco, sausage with peppers and veal scallopine topped with eggplant. Desserts include cannoli, creme brulee and the Villa Nova chocolate souffle topped with fresh raspberries and homemade whipped cream. Villa Nova is open for dinner five nights a week.
Villa Nova Restaurant
3131 W. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-642-7990
villanovarestaurant.com
