Having moved from NYC we have been looking for the best pizza in OC. Ironically, we moved just down the street from this place and so far, they hold the crown for best pizza in OC for us! The Negronis are pretty awesome too :) Actually almost forgot, the eggplant parm is freaking phenomenal as an app or entree.

Excellent food and service for a visitor from Phoenix. Great wine & food. Cool decorations on the walls. Little patio outside also. Will go again when in OC for Italian!

C Powers

Beyond embarrassed to say I have lived in Mission Viejo and San Clemente for over 25 years and have never stopped in to try Casanova Ristorante. What a mistake because this place is a gem! Also, I typically don't do the review thing, but after spending the course of over two hours experiencing this awesome restaurant with my wife, I felt the need to publicly thank them and let others know how good they are. From the moment we walked in, to the moment we left, we felt like family. Carla was our server and I cannot praise her enough. She was slammed with several other large party tables, but she took the time to smile, be warm and personable and graciously offer suggestions - she also took great care and genuine concern for my wife as she is allergic to any food containing egg. A lot of the time I'll contact the restaurant in advance so we don't bother the staff, but I failed to do so this time. We didn't get any eye rolls or huffs, and Carla made us feel absolutely validated and had no reservation to take care of us - which included her having to contact the chef on a few occasions to confirm dishes. Once dialed in, we ended up ordering a few cocktails, followed by the mozzarella caprese, lasagne al forno, chicken piccata, accompanied by a fantastic chianti and house merlot. So, needless to say, we dug in. After the first bite, I looked at my wife and she looked at me. SPEECHLESS! This was so damn good! (My ma was second generation Italian from New Jersey - she knew what was good and I can say, she woulda quit cooking if she ate here). I raved to Carla how good this food was several times - so she brought out the chef, Gabe. Kid you not, we sat and chatted with him for 10 minutes. He took the time to explain everything is freshly made by hand, usually the day of, with quality ingredients. Gabe was super friendly and completely understood the challenge folks have who have allergies. He also explained how we can order in the future for other items that may pose a problem. (For instance, there are some items they can prepare with olive oil instead of butter). Anyway, I'm rambling a bit, but I just want to be real and honest. Ultimately, these guys get it: wonderful hospitality, in an awesome environment (dimly lit dinner lamps in a very lush, romantic dining room with jazz music in the background) and absolutely jaw-dropping, mouth-watering dishes. Wrapping this up: don't be like us and wait to go there. GO NOW! We are heading back as soon as we can and we're bringing friends! Casanova's - Carla, Gabe and Omar - you guys made our night with amazing service and stellar food - thank you for helping us forget about life for awhile. By the way, my wife is telling me to add - the Espresso Martini's are the best she's ever had! and she's had a lot! :)

Tod Degray

After living here in Dana Point for 30 years I have only been here twice but, both were in the last month since I discovered this GEM. I hope to get here at least once every month from here on out. Best food, excellent service & outstanding experience overall. Everything here is good and prices are reasonable. So happy I found it! Go and enjoy a terrific meal and you can thank me later 🤗🙏🏻

Andrea goblet

I placed a very late minute takeout order and they actually answered the phone call 15 minutes before they closed and I appreciate that because I was starving. The food was great. Those were literally the best mozzarella cheese sticks I’ve ever had in my life and the sauce that came with itto die for and I’m very picky like super picky. I will definitely be back.

Charlie Wheeler

This place always leaves me impressed. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and every dish tastes incredible. Their veal parmigiana stands out as something truly unforgettable. Easily one of the best dining spots I have visited.

Michael K

Nice restaurant with excellent service. Very freindly staff and helpfull, when searching for the best food and some good wine. Pizza is real italian style and the bruschetta and the pasta tastes like they were prepared by la mama italia de la casa! Very tasty. Thumbs up! The food worth‘ the ride from Dana point and laguna beach. We will go there next time, we travel over the big pond from Germany.

Jude Crawford

OMG!! Driven by this place 5 years. So glad we came in and decided to try it! The Shrimp appetizer was divine. The Rigatoni Mama Rosa was to die for and their house wines and tiramisu was just lovely. Can’t wait to go back and try the scallops, martinis and oso bucco.

Steve Oakes

Italian cuisine at its finest. Dined with some old friends and everything on the menu is outstandingly good!

Mark V.

Nice place to eat. NY style pizza and great atmosphere. Not too pricey. Loved the olive oil. Clean and good service.

Karen Otto

Just spent my birthday here and I have to say....hands down the food was AMAZING!! Service with a smile, friendly staff, and so accommodating to our needs . Thank you Casanova Ristorante.... I’ll be going there again!!! 🥤cheers

Doctor Bo

Having moved from NYC we have been looking for the best pizza in OC. Ironically, we moved just down the street from this place and so far, they hold the crown for best pizza in OC for us! The Negronis are pretty awesome too :) Actually almost forgot, the eggplant parm is freaking phenomenal as an app or entree.

Brianna Peterson

Excellent food and service for a visitor from Phoenix. Great wine & food. Cool decorations on the walls. Little patio outside also. Will go again when in OC for Italian!

Had dinner here with a big group, and it was such a great experience. The whole vibe of the place feels super authentic like a real Italian spot with amazing food and a cozy atmosphere. The staff were really welcoming and made us feel right at home, even with a big table. Everything we tried was delicious and full of flavor. Definitely one of those restaurants that makes you want to come back again. Perfect spot for good food, good people, and good energy! 🇮🇹🍝

little dana point gem, been here for years, and there is a reason why. bit more on the finer dining side so dress up a bit have fun

This was our first visit but we will definitely be back! The service was perfect from the moment we entered. Very attentive all the way through the meal! The decor and ambiance was very cozy, a bit old world and elegant. The food definitely lives up to the service and feel of the restaurant! 10/10!

Always a pleasure to come there for a relaxing snd delicious Italian meal. Excellent drinks, especially the Martinis. Quiet background music, mostly crooners, add to the warm atmosphere of the place. Slightly off the beaten oath in a small shopping center, but worth the stop to drop in. Happy hour is great! One of my favorite places in Orange county.

Robert Glass

little dana point gem, been here for years, and there is a reason why. bit more on the finer dining side so dress up a bit have fun

Nikos Kalagasidis

Had dinner here with a big group, and it was such a great experience. The whole vibe of the place feels super authentic like a real Italian spot with amazing food and a cozy atmosphere. The staff were really welcoming and made us feel right at home, even with a big table. Everything we tried was delicious and full of flavor. Definitely one of those restaurants that makes you want to come back again. Perfect spot for good food, good people, and good energy! 🇮🇹🍝

L G

This was our first visit but we will definitely be back! The service was perfect from the moment we entered. Very attentive all the way through the meal! The decor and ambiance was very cozy, a bit old world and elegant. The food definitely lives up to the service and feel of the restaurant! 10/10!

Arie A. Galles

Always a pleasure to come there for a relaxing snd delicious Italian meal. Excellent drinks, especially the Martinis. Quiet background music, mostly crooners, add to the warm atmosphere of the place. Slightly off the beaten oath in a small shopping center, but worth the stop to drop in. Happy hour is great! One of my favorite places in Orange county.

Vernon Villasenor

Neighborhood restaurant, bartenders are solid. Friendly, helpful efficient. Food is good, Throwback red sauce place.

I recently went there for dinner after not being there for many years I was pleased that they allowed my small pet to be on the patio and my server was wonderful. Very attentive. I ordered the eggplant Parmesan and it was absolutely terrible. It was like eating baby food. There was no consistency to it way overcooked I told them this and they didn’t even offer anything else or Take it off my bill. I don’t think I will ever go back.

Anna ERVING

I recently went there for dinner after not being there for many years I was pleased that they allowed my small pet to be on the patio and my server was wonderful. Very attentive. I ordered the eggplant Parmesan and it was absolutely terrible. It was like eating baby food. There was no consistency to it way overcooked I told them this and they didn’t even offer anything else or Take it off my bill. I don’t think I will ever go back.

Rachel the Waiter was no the friendliest person on earth, the only good thing here is the pasta. And on the ticket you can see the included the gratuity WITHOUT EVEN ASKING! Hate this about restaurants. And on the next ticket you can see they put again "add tip" And when she saw this she even got mad 😂 Better to avoid this place because this is just AWFUL! Hopefully there's a better pasta place near with better service & not obligatory gratuity 😂 P.S. let's also talk about my brothers birthday, they charged the $10 chocolate slice 😂 so also, avoid this on your birthday!

Ordered chicken marsala. Chicken is unseasoned, pretty sure it is boiled (no grill marks), if there is a mushroom “sauce” I’m not seeing or tasting it. Unseasoned boiled chicken, unseasoned or sauced angel hair pasta, there’s a few mushrooms in there but have no flavor. Overall the most bland Marsala I’ve ever had. Carrabba’s is 150% better and cheaper. Great service, good atmosphere, awful entree.

Renata Flores

Rachel the Waiter was no the friendliest person on earth, the only good thing here is the pasta. And on the ticket you can see the included the gratuity WITHOUT EVEN ASKING! Hate this about restaurants. And on the next ticket you can see they put again "add tip" And when she saw this she even got mad 😂 Better to avoid this place because this is just AWFUL! Hopefully there's a better pasta place near with better service & not obligatory gratuity 😂 P.S. let's also talk about my brothers birthday, they charged the $10 chocolate slice 😂 so also, avoid this on your birthday!

Tyler Boone

Ordered chicken marsala. Chicken is unseasoned, pretty sure it is boiled (no grill marks), if there is a mushroom “sauce” I’m not seeing or tasting it. Unseasoned boiled chicken, unseasoned or sauced angel hair pasta, there’s a few mushrooms in there but have no flavor. Overall the most bland Marsala I’ve ever had. Carrabba’s is 150% better and cheaper. Great service, good atmosphere, awful entree.

A disappointing end to years of loyalty! It’s a shame to write this, but I can no longer recommend Casanova Italian Restaurant in Dana Point. The new management is noticeably apathetic and seems to have lost the "hospitality" part of the hospitality industry. We were loyal customers, but after being nickel-and-dimed over bread charges on a $600 bill—amidst already rising menu prices—it’s clear our business is no longer appreciated. There are too many great restaurants in town to settle for being treated like a transaction. 1/5 stars.

Richard Sink

A disappointing end to years of loyalty! It’s a shame to write this, but I can no longer recommend Casanova Italian Restaurant in Dana Point. The new management is noticeably apathetic and seems to have lost the "hospitality" part of the hospitality industry. We were loyal customers, but after being nickel-and-dimed over bread charges on a $600 bill—amidst already rising menu prices—it’s clear our business is no longer appreciated. There are too many great restaurants in town to settle for being treated like a transaction. 1/5 stars.