Comment by Brent Courier on June 1, 2009 at 1:00pm

I'm surprised there aren't more comments since Italian Restaurants dominate the OC food landscape. Cucina Alessa on PCH going North from Superior is bellissimo. My vote for best and most authentic Caesar Dressing in the County (Caesar Dressing (btw) was "invented" by Caesar Cardini, who was an Italian immigrant who set up shop in Tijuana, then Mexico City (to avoid prohibition), San Diego, and landed--finally, in LA.)--I digress. . . Cucina Alessa's owner (Alessandro Pirozzi) is a task-master who makes sure everything is just right. Cheers! You won't be disappointed. His restaurant is a winner.

Comment by Jules on July 9, 2009 at 10:50am

Mama D's in Huntington Beach has the best homemade raviolis and they have the friendliest staff you'll ever meet!

Ti Amo Ristorante in Laguna Beach is one of my favorites. They serve this John Dory special that is to die for. No really, it's amazing. My bf is a HUGE red meat lover and dislikes most fish but him and I agree that this dish was the best thing we've ever eaten! It was a mild white meat fish, mushroom crusted and pan seared; crisp on the outside, tender on the inside & seasoned perfectly. It was served on top of mushroom risotto with a hint of truffle oil and a side of seasonal vegetables. Seriously, this dish was mouth-watering! They buy their fresh fish everyday so their specials are always changing but the manager has told me that if I call about a week in advance, he can make sure they have it when I dine there.

I think both these places have the best bread around. Personally, I think first place goes to Ti Amo but my bf and I are always debating about that, haha.

Comment by Brent Courier on July 9, 2009 at 12:19pm

Ti Amo is a definite favorite.

Never tried the John Dory, but will soon.

I agree with the service. Down to Earth, and very friendly. I hope they make it through these challenging times.

I love the seats on the rooftop. It makes living in So Cal good for this (at heart) Nor Cal guy.

Comment by Brent Courier on July 9, 2009 at 12:28pm

I'm going to throw a non-gourmet-foodie toss out (that was a challenging phrase to come up with--think of the other monikers that could've been utilized. . . .humor. . .) for a place that is consistently good--Doria's Haus of Pizza on Harbor, fairly close to the 405 off Harbor Ave. I think German folks own this Italian establishment, but it's good. It's one of those, "when in doubt, go to Doria's tonight"--kind of places. It's always fairly packed, so I'm not alone. I get it. It is not Cucina Alessa or Ti Amo, but it is very good family Italian at an incredibly reasonable tariff. Enjoy.

Comment by OCfoodies on July 9, 2009 at 12:44pm

Italian food lovers...here is a little secret there is going to be an Italian Festival next summer in Orange County. Going to be a fantastic dining experience for those of who love Italian :)

Comment by Brent Courier on July 9, 2009 at 9:13pm

Mama D's gets lots of kudos, but I haven't had the motivation to try. Unfortunately, I think the OC pales in comparison to LA offerings in the pasta department. I'd love to be corrected in my analysis. I'd like to know who makes homemade pasta right in the OC? I'll go to the establishment that responds first. Who doesn't like ribbons of delectable pasta melting on their palate?

Comment by Michael Dean on July 20, 2009 at 6:36pm

Mama D's has very good food, but the service is better than most fine dining restaurants. It's just a bunch of college kids that treat people with a lot of respect. They take the time to get to know your names and don't forget throughout the service. If the food was just average, the impecable service would make it taste great! Good thing the food isn't average.

Comment by Brent Courier on July 21, 2009 at 12:59am

Thanks, Michael. I'll try Mama D's as soon as the throngs of visitors to Newport thin out. Any personal and/or well-known favorites/specialties on the menu?

Comment by Brent Courier on July 21, 2009 at 5:11pm

Thanks Jules,

It's great when fellow readers/bloggers join in the conversation. Ravioli seems to be a common go-to choice. Hmmm, wonder what I'll try??? Actually, I'm trying to decide where I'm going to go tonight. I'm supposed to want some fish tacos (it's Tuesday) tonight--but I'm not in the mood. Where's a Kogi truck when you need one? "What do you mean, No Taco Tuesday???!!!" Ha, ha. . . .

Comment by Michael Dean on July 21, 2009 at 6:58pm

The pizza is pretty good, just be sure to ask them to cook it crispy.

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