IL Dolce Ristorante

There may be more expensive Italian restaurants in Orange County, but you would be hard-pressed to find one that makes better food than you’ll find at Il Dolce. This unassuming but charming restaurant makes incredible pizza, but don’t sleep on the pasta! When I lived in the OC, this was my go-to spot for a consistently stellar meal. Perfect place for a casual date night too. I sure do miss it.

Thank you for the hospitality! Andre was very hospitatible and very friendly. I 100% coming in when he's on duty, he'll take very good care of you. Thanks again man

True family restaurant. Food is always delicious and the portions are excellent! They can handle a big group really well! Good selection of wine too

Super awesome little corner spot. No exaggeration, the best Italian food I have ever had. The food was fantastic, we ordered the Margarita Pizza and the Bolognese pasta and it was the perfect size for me and my wife. Not to mention, the service was on point. You don’t visit many places like this anymore. When we travel back through town we will for sure be back.

We have now been 3X and going back again in a couple of days. This is great family run restaurant with truly some of the finest Italian food we've had. The flavors and cleaness of the food reminds us of our travels to Italy.

Restaurants like this are few and far between these days. The quality of the food, service and atmosphere is as good as it gets. We come for the GF Pizza that everyone is raving about and it’s incredible. The pasta is incredible we just love this place. The service is excellent. This family owned business is so genuine and always delivers the best experience!!!

My family and I had a great experience! All 4 of my grandparents were Italian, believe me when I tell you the food was absolutely authentic and delish! Service outstanding! You will not regret supporting this family-owned business.

Hands down the most passionate and dedicated staff/ownership I’ve ever experienced. The owner was also our server as we had a 4pm reservation right at open. He gracefully handled every question, request, and comment swiftly and perfectly. It was my birthday dinner and with a group of 7 he took a personal approach with each individual at the table while still maintaining a smooth flow throughout the meal. I can’t recommend this spot enough! Food was absolutely phenomenal.

This was a great experience! I have tried other gluten free pizza that I think are disgusting, but their gluten free pizza was the best I have ever had! The severs were super nice and the food was excellent! It was suggested to try the truffle fries, and we were glad we did! Definitely recommend and we’ll be back!

Second time here. Andre is definitely part of the experience. Sense of humor, great service, amazing food selection. Authentic Italian food. You can find me here every week no doubt. But don’t listen to me, come see this place for yourself. You would be selling yourself short if you don’t come and eat here!

Fantastic food, great and friendly service and staff. Very pricey for the very so so location in Costa Mesa but it’s worth it. The carbonara pasta is amazing, pizzas were the best in the area and much better then any other place in Costa Mesa. Take out experience was a let down after eating in restaurant as food is never as good once transported but that’s not the restaurant’s fault. Great food. Highly recommended.

I cannot say enough nice things. Food was amazing. Service was some of the friendliest service I have ever had. So, so, so good.

It’s hard for me to express just how amazing the food at Il Dolce is… every dish is incredible - there is a reason why they won best pizza in OC 3 years in a row… The other entrees are also amazing. The specials here are unlike any other (I especially recommend the pear saccatini). The prices are extremely fair for the quality. Best Italian restaurant in OC!

Simply the best gluten-free pizza anywhere in the world. They told me it was their mom's recipe and it is fantastic. Such a treat to have something gluten-free that you not only wouldn't notice, but is actually delicious on its own with a marvelous texture. We are obsessed!

Authentic Italian gem! My boyfriend and I were born and raised in Italy and have been living in NY for almost a year. We haven't been able to find such a true Italian place after all this time! The food was exactly as you would find it in Italy! The fried calamari was so perfectly fried, the margherita pizza was precisely cooked and the ingredients were very high quality. The basil was so fresh and smelled so good!! The creme brule dessert exceeded our expectations (we ate worse creme brulees in Italy)!! The server was also super friendly and warm and made us feel like at home! Definitely recommended for a true Italian experience!!

The food is impeccable! Best Nepolitano pizza in the OC! The pasta dishes are otherworldly! And the best truffle fries too! This place keeps getting better.

Food was incredible!! Andre our server took really great care of us. Definitely recommend checking this place out and will be coming back soon.

Came here visiting from out of town! Had the best gluten free handmade pizza I have ever had! The staff was very accommodating !

the best pizza in OC but for sure!!!!! and friendly and warm servants and famy owned place. a must go when you want real good italian food and atmosphere. tuesdays pizza margerita 10 dollar and beer 4!

Wonderful food and service. Had the funghi pizza and pasta carbonara that was paired with a nice Sangiovese wine. Rather pricey but the chef and waiters are extremely passionate about their food and it shows.

Been on a pizza discovery lately in the CM area. This pizza is DELICIOUS! Personal pizza size. Medium chewy crust. (Worth eating!) Thin slices with quality toppings. Wood fired. Overall delicious. Brought home the margherita and it disappeared instantly! Service is friendly. Family owned is bonus. Not inexpensive but we were not disappointed. Will be back!

Amazing food employees and restaurant visiting from out of town reviews were great so we gave them a try did not disappoint! Amazing flavors and options, I am gf my husband is not both of us loved it, tiramasue was delicious, housemade spimoni was the best I have ever had fresh gf ravioli Andre was great very knowledgeable and friendly thank you for making my birthday amazing!

I absolutely loved this place! They make you feel like you are at home. I called to see if I needed a reservation, the lady who answered was super sweet, she said to come in, no problem (it was about 90 min before closing on a Friday night, I didn’t want to be one of “those people”) I am just so in love with this place, everyone was so friendly and helpful (recommended my dinner) and omg the FOOD WAS AMAZING! I cannot even tell you my favorite but I can tell you I only have partial pictures because I HAD to eat it as it came 😂 I found a new second home, this place will be a regular place of mine from now on, what a happy find!

Absolutely top shelf food, drinks and service. Family run with an absolute commitment to the very best. Make reservations and ask about the apple tart with vanilla ice cream right when you sit down, as it tends to run out.

I love this place!!! ❤️💖❤️ The family that run this restaurant are so warm, friendly and hard working - and the FOOD is delicious. Now for my food…this is the ABSOLUTE BEST Gluten feee pizza crust -Ever! I have tried hundreds of different kinds of gluten free pizzas and nothing has ever come close. Ends up the gluten free crust is so special because the momma makes the dough fresh for each pizza and mixes in the kitchen-aid to add air so it bubbles up and makes a beautiful crust that is as good or actually better than regular crust. Just love this place. Love the family. Love the food! 🍾✨😋 The pics I took are of the gluten free pizza! No cracker pizzas here! 🍕

Dined at the bar. Excellent customer service by Andre. Very friendly and super attentive. The food was delicious. Authentic dishes so they were not overloaded with sodium, oil or sauces. Ate the pasta dishes so fast I forgot to take pictures but I will definitely be back and upload some more later.

07-06-2024 Here last evening for Dinner . Small Italian Restaurant I have to say that is super good the taste is pretty authentic, I had a Minestrone soup and was really tasty was good , spaghetti with seafood very good little bit small and not so much seafood , cioppino good portion good quality and the bread inside was awesome perfect.... What they have to improve I think is the service, they could be better organize this was my impression and is just a suggestion to improve , Personally I've receive a sufficient service and they also offer me a Glass of wine !! For this reason I can't give less then 5 stars . I've seen the pizza 🍕 and looks like awesome

Justin Hill

Been on a pizza discovery lately in the CM area. This pizza is DELICIOUS! Personal pizza size. Medium chewy crust. (Worth eating!) Thin slices with quality toppings. Wood fired. Overall delicious. Brought home the margherita and it disappeared instantly! Service is friendly. Family owned is bonus. Not inexpensive but we were not disappointed. Will be back!

Rose Shaw

I absolutely loved this place! They make you feel like you are at home. I called to see if I needed a reservation, the lady who answered was super sweet, she said to come in, no problem (it was about 90 min before closing on a Friday night, I didn’t want to be one of “those people”) I am just so in love with this place, everyone was so friendly and helpful (recommended my dinner) and omg the FOOD WAS AMAZING! I cannot even tell you my favorite but I can tell you I only have partial pictures because I HAD to eat it as it came 😂 I found a new second home, this place will be a regular place of mine from now on, what a happy find!

Rafael Orozco

Absolutely top shelf food, drinks and service. Family run with an absolute commitment to the very best. Make reservations and ask about the apple tart with vanilla ice cream right when you sit down, as it tends to run out.

Cassandra Gray

I love this place!!! ❤️💖❤️ The family that run this restaurant are so warm, friendly and hard working - and the FOOD is delicious. Now for my food…this is the ABSOLUTE BEST Gluten feee pizza crust -Ever! I have tried hundreds of different kinds of gluten free pizzas and nothing has ever come close. Ends up the gluten free crust is so special because the momma makes the dough fresh for each pizza and mixes in the kitchen-aid to add air so it bubbles up and makes a beautiful crust that is as good or actually better than regular crust. Just love this place. Love the family. Love the food! 🍾✨😋 The pics I took are of the gluten free pizza! No cracker pizzas here! 🍕

Diana Zepeda (DzLoans)

Dined at the bar. Excellent customer service by Andre. Very friendly and super attentive. The food was delicious. Authentic dishes so they were not overloaded with sodium, oil or sauces. Ate the pasta dishes so fast I forgot to take pictures but I will definitely be back and upload some more later.

Stefano Bertera

07-06-2024 Here last evening for Dinner . Small Italian Restaurant I have to say that is super good the taste is pretty authentic, I had a Minestrone soup and was really tasty was good , spaghetti with seafood very good little bit small and not so much seafood , cioppino good portion good quality and the bread inside was awesome perfect.... What they have to improve I think is the service, they could be better organize this was my impression and is just a suggestion to improve , Personally I've receive a sufficient service and they also offer me a Glass of wine !! For this reason I can't give less then 5 stars . I've seen the pizza 🍕 and looks like awesome

Oscar Carrillo

The food is impeccable! Best Nepolitano pizza in the OC! The pasta dishes are otherworldly! And the best truffle fries too! This place keeps getting better.

Bradley Morales

Food was incredible!! Andre our server took really great care of us. Definitely recommend checking this place out and will be coming back soon.

Katie Smith

Came here visiting from out of town! Had the best gluten free handmade pizza I have ever had! The staff was very accommodating !

Jacqueline Brumann Neftci

the best pizza in OC but for sure!!!!! and friendly and warm servants and famy owned place. a must go when you want real good italian food and atmosphere. tuesdays pizza margerita 10 dollar and beer 4!

Thomas Shin

Wonderful food and service. Had the funghi pizza and pasta carbonara that was paired with a nice Sangiovese wine. Rather pricey but the chef and waiters are extremely passionate about their food and it shows.

The best pasta I have ever had. Will be back every trip to LA.

Il Dolce in Costa Mesa earns praise for its authentic, artisanal Italian fare in a relaxed yet refined setting. The pizzas—wood-fired standout, and the full menu offers something for every palate. Friendly service both Miguel and Juan provided my family with great service. A charming atmosphere make it feel both elevated and familiar. If you’re near Huntington Beach or visiting OC, it’s definitely worth a visit for a comforting, quality Italian dinner.

This is an excellent, family run, everything made on site restaurant! The service was great, the food was fresh and the taste was exceptional. Their pizza dough is amazing and the taste is off the charts. Their empanadas are tasty and authentic Argentinian. If you want a great Italian meal at a nicely run family restaurant that makes its food fresh daily, then you have to come try!

Small(er) intimate restaurant with tables for 2-4 usually. I started visiting in 2024 and was WOWED by the Caesar salad dressing which is home made. Really top of the world. (it better be the Salad is $15 per serving!) Normally the place is just the place for a romantic tete-a-tete and there is usually plenty of seating available. Howver, having said that, the last time we went there was only one table open and there was an office group, of at least 15, having a winter break celebration. I watched the service and if you want that kind of party, they were serving repeated platters of very yummy food. Last time we went we had individual Caesar salads, and split a pizza, followed by a dessert. Great Chianti. I believe the bill was about $70 for the two of us, only one Chianti. I question the parking because the lot next to and behind seems somewhat limited to me, however, there is a small strip mall next to it on Harbor that is empty at night. The Italian pasta and the Pizza is very good, the crust is much more like an Italian crust than New York or sourdough. This restaurant may be a little more pricey than some others, but the quality of the cuisine makes it worth the difference, in my opinion. With prices what they are today, you would probably be spending more at a larger restaurant (I won't name names). Oh, they do a lively take out business, I was seeing many people coming in and picking up their orders. We took too long to discover this little gem and will be returning again soon. I am craving it writing this, particularly the Chianti, the other time I had that brand was in Milan.

Hands down best italian food in Costa Mesa! Family own restaurant that offers the finest ingredients that comes out as an absolutely heavenly food! Owner Fernanda graciously suggest the apple tart that I can't even describe how good it was. 100% recommended

My girlfriend and I love this casual and very authentic restaurant. We enjoy the specials and love their salads which are fresh and tasty. Incredibly we have not sampled the pizza but it looks amazing. Never had an entree we didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Nice wines and great service make this cozy place a favorite for us.

Catboy 2020

Small(er) intimate restaurant with tables for 2-4 usually. I started visiting in 2024 and was WOWED by the Caesar salad dressing which is home made. Really top of the world. (it better be the Salad is $15 per serving!) Normally the place is just the place for a romantic tete-a-tete and there is usually plenty of seating available. Howver, having said that, the last time we went there was only one table open and there was an office group, of at least 15, having a winter break celebration. I watched the service and if you want that kind of party, they were serving repeated platters of very yummy food. Last time we went we had individual Caesar salads, and split a pizza, followed by a dessert. Great Chianti. I believe the bill was about $70 for the two of us, only one Chianti. I question the parking because the lot next to and behind seems somewhat limited to me, however, there is a small strip mall next to it on Harbor that is empty at night. The Italian pasta and the Pizza is very good, the crust is much more like an Italian crust than New York or sourdough. This restaurant may be a little more pricey than some others, but the quality of the cuisine makes it worth the difference, in my opinion. With prices what they are today, you would probably be spending more at a larger restaurant (I won't name names). Oh, they do a lively take out business, I was seeing many people coming in and picking up their orders. We took too long to discover this little gem and will be returning again soon. I am craving it writing this, particularly the Chianti, the other time I had that brand was in Milan.

daniel mejia

Thank you for the hospitality! Andre was very hospitatible and very friendly. I 100% coming in when he's on duty, he'll take very good care of you. Thanks again man

Norma Vazquez

Hands down best italian food in Costa Mesa! Family own restaurant that offers the finest ingredients that comes out as an absolutely heavenly food! Owner Fernanda graciously suggest the apple tart that I can't even describe how good it was. 100% recommended

EDMOND Kolleshi (Dandes Tile & Stone INC.)

Il Dolce in Costa Mesa earns praise for its authentic, artisanal Italian fare in a relaxed yet refined setting. The pizzas—wood-fired standout, and the full menu offers something for every palate. Friendly service both Miguel and Juan provided my family with great service. A charming atmosphere make it feel both elevated and familiar. If you’re near Huntington Beach or visiting OC, it’s definitely worth a visit for a comforting, quality Italian dinner.

Tom B

True family restaurant. Food is always delicious and the portions are excellent! They can handle a big group really well! Good selection of wine too

Dad

My girlfriend and I love this casual and very authentic restaurant. We enjoy the specials and love their salads which are fresh and tasty. Incredibly we have not sampled the pizza but it looks amazing. Never had an entree we didn’t thoroughly enjoy. Nice wines and great service make this cozy place a favorite for us.

R C

This is an excellent, family run, everything made on site restaurant! The service was great, the food was fresh and the taste was exceptional. Their pizza dough is amazing and the taste is off the charts. Their empanadas are tasty and authentic Argentinian. If you want a great Italian meal at a nicely run family restaurant that makes its food fresh daily, then you have to come try!

The food is absolutely delicious. Portions are small but the flavors are rich. We had the meatball appetizer, Diavala pizza, short rib ravioli, and creme brulee. All were scrumptious. We had no wait. Parking was easy. My only gripe is that the atmosphere doesn't match the quality of the food. I would def go back again.

Good authentic Italian food, but it didn't wow me. The pasta Bolognese was just ok, with a slight off taste. The Fungi pizza was just ok and a bit dry. The empanadas were surprisingly good. The chicken empanada is better than the beef. The gnocchi is excellent.

Simon Kaulius

Good authentic Italian food, but it didn't wow me. The pasta Bolognese was just ok, with a slight off taste. The Fungi pizza was just ok and a bit dry. The empanadas were surprisingly good. The chicken empanada is better than the beef. The gnocchi is excellent.

First time customer of this restaurant. Ordered 2 take out pizzas because they only make one size of thin crust pizza and one wouldn't be enough for my wife and I. Everything is high these days but I still experienced sticker shock at $50 or more out the door. Nice place but the lack of customers and an 8 person staff made me wonder about the prospects for this place. The food was tasty, but the price made it unlikely that I will return.

Have not been in a while so we toolk mom to dinner since it's close to her house. Foods not bad but one of our entrees didn't come with the rest of our parties dinners until 25 minutes later. Server, a family member of the restaurant according to him didn't even come over to explain. Just sent the bus man over to serve us without explanation. After we finished the server shows up trying to Crack jokes and make nice. Really, really poor form sir! 3 entries and 3 glasses of House wine $200 plus tip. Never, never again! Really disappointed, could have been avoided with a little humility, possibly crediting the late entree, an apology or a desert or something. Nope just jokes..... The restaurant business is tough I understand but that was for us a $250 mistake

Mike Morris

Have not been in a while so we toolk mom to dinner since it's close to her house. Foods not bad but one of our entrees didn't come with the rest of our parties dinners until 25 minutes later. Server, a family member of the restaurant according to him didn't even come over to explain. Just sent the bus man over to serve us without explanation. After we finished the server shows up trying to Crack jokes and make nice. Really, really poor form sir! 3 entries and 3 glasses of House wine $200 plus tip. Never, never again! Really disappointed, could have been avoided with a little humility, possibly crediting the late entree, an apology or a desert or something. Nope just jokes..... The restaurant business is tough I understand but that was for us a $250 mistake

On 3/16/2025 myself, my wife, and 2 other family members had dinner at Il Dolce Ristorante. Initially the wait staff was attentive and in fairly short order we had water and placed an order for wine and an appetizer. Thereafter, our waiter seemed to lose all interest in attending to us, and he was variously caught up attending to other tables and engaging in animated conversation and conviviality with those tables. Meantime, after 20 minutes or more, we had no wine, no appetizer, and no service of any kind. All the while other tables were being attended to and apparently we were forgotten in the corner. Eventually my wife inquired directly to our waiter and to another lady who seemed to be the manager and/or owner as to what was going on. Eventually my wife’s inquiry spurred the lady to action and finally wine, appetizer, and food arrived. On further inquiry by my wife it seemed the wait staff had a “computer glitch” that caused delays in orders being transmitted to the kitchen and action taken as a result. None of this information or any action was taken by the wait staff to let us know what was going on, or to take proactive action to attend to us. In short, we not only received a plethora of after-the-fact excuses and apologies (and free dessert), but the entirety of our experience at Il Dolce was forever tarnished. Simply put, while I understand circumstances arise in the service industry that complicate the delivery of service, in our case the extenuating circumstances do not forgive the appalling lack of communication, concern, and proactive corrective action. Needless to say we will never return or recommend this restaurant to family or friends.

1st experience. We went there two years ago the prices were reasonable and good selection of food. Our kids made there own pizza and our dinner was superb. Meal was $65 for two adults and two kids. 2nd experience fine dining prices, without fine dining experience. meal was $158.00. One of the meals being a small bowl of soup. We ordered garlic bread after four reminders got it when the desert came and was charged for it. Glass of soda was 4.00 1/4 soda 3/4 ice. Canned soda no refills. Was a favor restaurant. Not anymore. Sorry can't give a rave review.

This is a very small restaurant that is very slow, Understaffed and rude To each other as well as the guests. I came here to dine and was not greeted or spoken to for 10 minutes, but when a family of three I assume who were regulars walked in 10 minutes after I did, they were promptly greeted by name and promptly seated. The big strong buff man bartender literally kicked my shoe as he walked past me and did not apologize or acknowledge that I was even there if you come here, be prepared to get the silent treatment and be shown intimidation tactics