Mangia Bene Cucina

Went here based on the reviews of the food. The garlic bread and entrees were delicious!!! The service was a bit slow but the food made up for it. Looking forward to making this a regular restaurant stop.

Front Staff were very helpful and friendly. Food was delicious as always. Only downside of my takeout experience was that my go-to entree seemed to be shorted, portion-wise (this was not a kids item). They added meat to our child’s item even though no protein was selected. Not sure why that happened, but it was “fine”, kid doesn’t hate chicken thankfully. I will absolutely be back though, just probably not for takeout.

Definitely the best Italian cuisine in Orange County. Great menu, nice selection of carefully prepared pastas and seafood, and nice bar and happy hour. Discovered this jewel just two weeks ago and have already been in five times. Tomorrow will be six@

Excellent food, Lasagna and Chicken fettuccine big portions very tasty 😋 Staff very friendly, the owner Chris came up to us and introduced himself. Great desserts we had Tiramasu!

+1

This is hands down one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve visited. The service was excellent, with the staff being both friendly and efficient. For dinner, I had the risotto with mushrooms, and it was divine—creamy, flavorful, and loaded with fresh ingredients. The ambiance is cozy yet elegant, with intimate seating arrangements and an inviting atmosphere that feels just like Italy. From the service to the food and the ambiance, everything was spot on. Highly recommend!

Mangia Bene Cucina is our go-to place when we are craving for sea food pasta and it never disappoints us.

Okay... I'm going to warn you... The little bread rounds that they give you in the beginning are like Crack! You can't stop eating them! Excellent food and service as always! Love this place. Very good Italian food!

Very good food as always! Can always count on this restaurant. Ordered take out and as awesome as ever!

Excellent service: I love it when everyone is helpful and you don't have to wait for your own server. Portions we're good size for the price. Tomato cream sauce was delicious. Everything fresh.

Sat at the bar had a great expresso martini and a lovely lasagna lunch.

I love everything about this Italian restaurant! The food is the absolute best; amazing flavor and excellent service.

Everything was good just one suggestion if your gonna serve a steak have a selection of steak sauces other than that delicious!

The meatball starter was absolutely delicious, and the pizza was just as impressive. The staff is always friendly and attentive, which makes every visit enjoyable. You can tell it’s a local favorite because so many regulars come here. We always leave happy and satisfied. If you’re craving authentic Italian food with wonderful service, this spot is a must visit!

Great place. Food, service and atmosphere… it has it all. I had the best capri salad I have ever had ( see pic) They had peppers with it was delicious. The chicken parm was excellent. Very attentive wait staff. Inside and outside seating. Nice garlic bread to start

It was happenstance that we came across this Italian restaurant, located in the Home Depot center. Lucky for us ! I had the lasagna, really enjoyed it, nice portion, tasty tomato sauce, served on a warmed plate. The table garlic bread was really good, served warm. #1 problem: I asked about what appeared to be available WiFi service, but was told it was not available, unknown problem. It was not a big issue for me, but may be for some. #2 problem: Freddy failed to refill the table bread, which I requested. BUT, to his credit, we were compensated with a cake and ice cream (?)dessert (which I would gladly trade for the bread!). We will be back, recommended.

So we were in a crunch between soccer tournament games on father's day and needed a meal right now. I grabbed the first thing with available seating from open table. I normally don't go anywhere without hours of research first. Anyway, they had a very nice location with plenty of places to park. The seating was well laid out and they say our party of 8 right away. The service was attentive and friendly. Now, food wise, I've had better Italian food, but everything across the board over 8 people was above average and everyone had a great time. I got the ravioli do zucca. It listed brown sugar in the ingredients on the menu so I was expecting a sweeter ravioli but it was mostly a savory dish. I thought it went pretty well with the pine nuts. My wife loved the chicken panini she got. The iced tea was also pretty great. Service was swift, and we were in an our just in time to get to the game. What an unexpected treat.

Lovely place! There’s happy hour everyday wow! I believe it’s from 1-6pm. We missed happy hour this time. I got the Rigatoni norcina and it was amazing🤤. The flavoring was great. The proportion of meat🍖 to veggie 🥦to pasta 🍝is perfect. And the leftovers taste so good. 👌My dad got the linguini tutto made and omg I almost liked that one better than my own. The shrimp 🍤is huge and juicy. There’s a little spicy kick 🌶️ to it which I love love love. And they give free unlimited bread (toasted garlic) 🍞and you can take a fresh little baggie to go as well! Great place for a casual date, as it’s not too fancy but just right! Really great. Loved it here!

The meatball appetizer is delicious. We loved the pizza. The service is always great. There are a lot of local regulars that come here, which is a great sign. We have always left happy with the experience. We recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a good Italian restaurant with excellent service!

The calamari appetizer was excellent - perfectly breaded, seasoned and fried. My Gluten Free Pepperoni Pizza was delectable, and I managed to eat two slices saving the leftover two slices for lunch today. The pizza had a delicate crust and mozzarella was fresh - it was not out of a package. Can’t wait to return for their pastas! Update 2021: Today I ordered the Taglio Salad, gluten free pepperoni pizza and the lasagne. The salad was fresh, tasty; and the peppers melted In your mouth! The pizza was perfect either the right amount of cheese vs. crust and pepperoni. Now the lasagne.... This is the lasagne that your Italian grandmother would make in her kitchen for dinner. Don’t have an Italian grandmother?? Try Mangia Bene for that true, homemade Italian food!

Sometimes you wanna do something local without sacrificing taste and ambiance and service. Mangia Bene epitomizes that place. The seating area they gave us this time was admittedly “under repair” but still, the food more than made up. And the waitress was a sincere doll, committed to our comfort. I’ve been here many times solo, typically at the bar chopping it up with new friends and interesting vinos. It’s nice to bring my friends. Btw be sure to do the bread. I know. I know. But do it anyway. Ciao Bella

Leo North

The meatball starter was absolutely delicious, and the pizza was just as impressive. The staff is always friendly and attentive, which makes every visit enjoyable. You can tell it’s a local favorite because so many regulars come here. We always leave happy and satisfied. If you’re craving authentic Italian food with wonderful service, this spot is a must visit!

John Elmer

Great place. Food, service and atmosphere… it has it all. I had the best capri salad I have ever had ( see pic) They had peppers with it was delicious. The chicken parm was excellent. Very attentive wait staff. Inside and outside seating. Nice garlic bread to start

W Perry

It was happenstance that we came across this Italian restaurant, located in the Home Depot center. Lucky for us ! I had the lasagna, really enjoyed it, nice portion, tasty tomato sauce, served on a warmed plate. The table garlic bread was really good, served warm. #1 problem: I asked about what appeared to be available WiFi service, but was told it was not available, unknown problem. It was not a big issue for me, but may be for some. #2 problem: Freddy failed to refill the table bread, which I requested. BUT, to his credit, we were compensated with a cake and ice cream (?)dessert (which I would gladly trade for the bread!). We will be back, recommended.

John Kahwaty

So we were in a crunch between soccer tournament games on father's day and needed a meal right now. I grabbed the first thing with available seating from open table. I normally don't go anywhere without hours of research first. Anyway, they had a very nice location with plenty of places to park. The seating was well laid out and they say our party of 8 right away. The service was attentive and friendly. Now, food wise, I've had better Italian food, but everything across the board over 8 people was above average and everyone had a great time. I got the ravioli do zucca. It listed brown sugar in the ingredients on the menu so I was expecting a sweeter ravioli but it was mostly a savory dish. I thought it went pretty well with the pine nuts. My wife loved the chicken panini she got. The iced tea was also pretty great. Service was swift, and we were in an our just in time to get to the game. What an unexpected treat.

Betty Jones

Lovely place! There’s happy hour everyday wow! I believe it’s from 1-6pm. We missed happy hour this time. I got the Rigatoni norcina and it was amazing🤤. The flavoring was great. The proportion of meat🍖 to veggie 🥦to pasta 🍝is perfect. And the leftovers taste so good. 👌My dad got the linguini tutto made and omg I almost liked that one better than my own. The shrimp 🍤is huge and juicy. There’s a little spicy kick 🌶️ to it which I love love love. And they give free unlimited bread (toasted garlic) 🍞and you can take a fresh little baggie to go as well! Great place for a casual date, as it’s not too fancy but just right! Really great. Loved it here!

Ron Pineda

The meatball appetizer is delicious. We loved the pizza. The service is always great. There are a lot of local regulars that come here, which is a great sign. We have always left happy with the experience. We recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a good Italian restaurant with excellent service!

Scott P

The calamari appetizer was excellent - perfectly breaded, seasoned and fried. My Gluten Free Pepperoni Pizza was delectable, and I managed to eat two slices saving the leftover two slices for lunch today. The pizza had a delicate crust and mozzarella was fresh - it was not out of a package. Can’t wait to return for their pastas! Update 2021: Today I ordered the Taglio Salad, gluten free pepperoni pizza and the lasagne. The salad was fresh, tasty; and the peppers melted In your mouth! The pizza was perfect either the right amount of cheese vs. crust and pepperoni. Now the lasagne.... This is the lasagne that your Italian grandmother would make in her kitchen for dinner. Don’t have an Italian grandmother?? Try Mangia Bene for that true, homemade Italian food!

Cornel Hunter

Sometimes you wanna do something local without sacrificing taste and ambiance and service. Mangia Bene epitomizes that place. The seating area they gave us this time was admittedly “under repair” but still, the food more than made up. And the waitress was a sincere doll, committed to our comfort. I’ve been here many times solo, typically at the bar chopping it up with new friends and interesting vinos. It’s nice to bring my friends. Btw be sure to do the bread. I know. I know. But do it anyway. Ciao Bella

Dyeysen

Mangia Bene Cucina is our go-to place when we are craving for sea food pasta and it never disappoints us.

Made a reservation for my sister's birthday 🎂 and the food (the linquine with seafood and butter nut ravioli) was awesome and the atmosphere had a fine dining feel without being stuffy! Next time I will remember to take photos of the presentation of the order! Mangiare!!❣️

Love love love this place! Delicious food, happy hour great options friendly service. Have been going to Mangia Bene since they opened un the 90s and I still love it!!!

A very special place indeed. Family friendly atmosphere, fantastic food and a service staff beyond measure. Either large groups or a small gathering, each time just as special.

Always a great meal with great service. We ordered online and it was ready for me to pick up. The lady behind the bar was busy yet took the time to help me and went out of her way to add extra frills to our dinner. She continued to smile and converse with me the entire time. This is our go to for Italian food!

This resteraunt is near my sister, and she loves it the people, the food and the Bar! I have been there a few times now and I love their garlic bread that is free appetizers. Every meal has been great so far! The last meal I shared with my wife was Blackened Salmon with Mash and Asparagus and a salad!

Food is delicious & very reasonably priced. Service excellent, great staff. Nice atmosphere. Literally the inky negative was that it was chilly & a side door kept opening & letting a cold draft in.

Mike Jaschek

A very special place indeed. Family friendly atmosphere, fantastic food and a service staff beyond measure. Either large groups or a small gathering, each time just as special.

Amy Hanapi

Food is delicious & very reasonably priced. Service excellent, great staff. Nice atmosphere. Literally the inky negative was that it was chilly & a side door kept opening & letting a cold draft in.

Debby Lambert

Made a reservation for my sister's birthday 🎂 and the food (the linquine with seafood and butter nut ravioli) was awesome and the atmosphere had a fine dining feel without being stuffy! Next time I will remember to take photos of the presentation of the order! Mangiare!!❣️

sue Kurland

Always a great meal with great service. We ordered online and it was ready for me to pick up. The lady behind the bar was busy yet took the time to help me and went out of her way to add extra frills to our dinner. She continued to smile and converse with me the entire time. This is our go to for Italian food!

RON SMITH

Dinner for 4... everyone love every meal. I was the only one that had dined there about three years ago and it never disappoints. The tiramisu is off the charts, 3 of us shared 1 large piece. Atmosphere only gets a 4 star because it is just slightly to loud for my parents to hear buy again the food is crazy delicious.

Malia Ogden

Front Staff were very helpful and friendly. Food was delicious as always. Only downside of my takeout experience was that my go-to entree seemed to be shorted, portion-wise (this was not a kids item). They added meat to our child’s item even though no protein was selected. Not sure why that happened, but it was “fine”, kid doesn’t hate chicken thankfully. I will absolutely be back though, just probably not for takeout.

Friendly service. And warm outdoor area. Menu is very home style comfort food. Great prices.

+1

We arrived during Happy Hour, but it is only in the bar area, which seemed full. We elected for outside dinning. Max the Bernidoodle found it acceptable. We parked curb side which seemed full but with more distant mall parking plentiful. We had a stuffed mushroom with spinach leaves for a first course with pizza and salad for the main event. The pie and salad would encourage our return.

The food came out really quick for lunch. I had the risotto Del Mar with clams, shrimps, and scallops. It was really fresh. My pomegranate martini tasted like rubbing alcohol, it was not pleasant. The other noodle plate was not on the menu, it was custom made with red tomato sauce and chicken.

Dan Hogan

We arrived during Happy Hour, but it is only in the bar area, which seemed full. We elected for outside dinning. Max the Bernidoodle found it acceptable. We parked curb side which seemed full but with more distant mall parking plentiful. We had a stuffed mushroom with spinach leaves for a first course with pizza and salad for the main event. The pie and salad would encourage our return.

Yen B

The food came out really quick for lunch. I had the risotto Del Mar with clams, shrimps, and scallops. It was really fresh. My pomegranate martini tasted like rubbing alcohol, it was not pleasant. The other noodle plate was not on the menu, it was custom made with red tomato sauce and chicken.

I went to this place with coworkers for a welcome lunch for a new employee. The busser was rude and short with our table. The waiter was good, but the food was delayed, given that we were a large party that wasn't a big issue. When the food arrived, the presentation was excellent. However, it did not taste as good as it looked. The sauce in the pasta tasted as if it was out of a can, slightly sweet with a tin canney after taste. There was no Italian seasoning or salt in it at all. The salt I can forgive but the seasoning is critical. The chicken parmesan was too soggy and lacked that signature crunch in the right places and seasoning was mossing once more. Portions were more than generous and the deco was great. My colleges had similar complaints about bland taste and lack of seasoning. Overall I might try it again they just need to improve the seasoning a bit and it will be a home run. Would have been a 4 star if the service was a bit better. The expectation at these prices is high.

Good food and menu selection. Servers are attentive and quick to help. The food was good but not large servings like some Italian places but was definitely enough food. We especially like the garlic toast / bread which was different than we've seen before. We did feel a little bit rushed to get in and out of there but if you need to eat quickly this is a place to be. They move tables.

Reviews are opinions so this may be silly to some… but I associate good Italian food with good bread to accompany it. This restaurant has an amazing staff, great menu - loved every pasta, soup, drinks - you name it. Except the bread! The bread is so bad. Consistently. Just all around so bad and it amazes me how no one around here raises this. Easy fix; come on Mangia Bene :) I believe in you! 😆

I have been at this restaurant many times but just now doing a review. I believe it changed. Management in the last 15 years. There are plenty of food options and they are huge portions. I came here for a birthday lunch for my friend. We ordered food family style to share. Service was good except the waitress messed up one of the orders; it was supposed to be the Penne with chicken and artichoke but she brought the rigatoni with sausage and asparagus. This dish was very salty. Everything else was good most especially the stuffed mushroom appetizer.i highly recommend it. It wasn't so busy so the ambiance was really nice, we could talk comfortably without having to raise our voices.

As you can see in the picture, the cioppino is not very exciting (and the sauce is too salty). Lasagna is decent. The dining room is very loud so it's hard to have a conversation with your companions. The service is pretty good, busboys are very quick at refilling the bread and drinks.

Alexandra A W

I have been at this restaurant many times but just now doing a review. I believe it changed. Management in the last 15 years. There are plenty of food options and they are huge portions. I came here for a birthday lunch for my friend. We ordered food family style to share. Service was good except the waitress messed up one of the orders; it was supposed to be the Penne with chicken and artichoke but she brought the rigatoni with sausage and asparagus. This dish was very salty. Everything else was good most especially the stuffed mushroom appetizer.i highly recommend it. It wasn't so busy so the ambiance was really nice, we could talk comfortably without having to raise our voices.

nee

As you can see in the picture, the cioppino is not very exciting (and the sauce is too salty). Lasagna is decent. The dining room is very loud so it's hard to have a conversation with your companions. The service is pretty good, busboys are very quick at refilling the bread and drinks.

Food was delicious but staff was not responsive or friendly otherwise this would have been a five star review.

Had a reservation at 6pm, owner decided to give the table away to someone else. Goodluck with that service, you gonna need it

My family dined at Managua Benne Cucina, Laguna Niguel on Saturday, October 1 at 7pm. We were seated in the back right corner of the restaurant. My two kids got spaghetti with meat sauce. My older daughter, age 8, sent it back because she said it tasted bad. I tasted it, and it was a little off. They replaced it with marinara. My younger daughter, age 5 ate her spaghetti. An hour later she threw up all over her bed and carpet. I spent all Saturday night caring for her and cleaning up the disgusting garlicky smell. She was fine when all of the spaghetti was out of her. We called the restaurant this morning, October 2 and spoke to "Reggie," who was EXTREMELY rude. He offered only to refund my daughter's $10 meal. Unacceptable! I'm posting this review to advise other patrons, and will be calling the Orange County Health Inspector on Monday. Zero stars.

+1

I ordered the pesto pasta with only chicken and they out asparagus cuts in the pasta. My son is allergic to asparagus. When I contacted the manager Regi he was extremely kind and apologetic and offered me a refund or a remake of the pasta and told me to come by any time Saturday or Sunday. I called Sunday and spoke to Victor and he was extremely rude, cocky and didn’t care, regardless of the fact I had pictures with the time stamp for proof. His customer service was awful. I asked to speak to someone higher than him and they offered me no options. Now I have to wait to 3+ more days to speak with Regi again. I feel bad for the employees that have to deal with Victor. I can’t imagine how he is to work for, let alone deal with. Hopefully this gets resolved professionally as it should, since this is a medical matter as well with my son.

We ordered the Vitello Piccata and Vitello Saltimbocca. Our food was so salty that I couldn't eat it. The dessert tasted like it was an old cake that had been sitting in the fridge for weeks. I'm not happy at all

I had a reservation for 6pm and arrived on time. I was told t by the hostess they were just getting the table ready. I watched another party that arrived after me be seated by another host, i think the owner. Waited until 6:20 and then questioned the hostess what was happening? Was told that they werel waiting for table to clear. Our party left and won't ever be back. Horrible way to treat a customer.

Stuart Smith

I had a reservation for 6pm and arrived on time. I was told t by the hostess they were just getting the table ready. I watched another party that arrived after me be seated by another host, i think the owner. Waited until 6:20 and then questioned the hostess what was happening? Was told that they werel waiting for table to clear. Our party left and won't ever be back. Horrible way to treat a customer.