Pasta on Your Mind? Try Some of South Orange County, CA's Best in Italian Cuisine

If there's one type of food that's popular in anythat they will customize dishes to your dietary
cuisine its pasta. In South Orange County Californiarestrictions or tastes and do it as if you were a
we are fortunate enough to have some of theguest in there home. Everything is homemade from
county's best Italian restaurants. Every family haspastas to desserts. For my clan, who have been
their favorite spots when they crave carbs-here areregulars, more or less, the owners will come over and
some of the top choices for the area:sit down and chat. Very cozy, very tasty and now,
Romano's Macaroni Grill-Yes, it's a chain, but whatvery lovely. Spasso's is in Laguna Hills.
makes this kind of neat to go to isn't the food. It isCapriccio's-Making it's home in a little nook inside a
decent fare, don't get me wrong-they even havestrip mall in Mission Viejo, this tiny place has wine
plenty of choices to please everyone from veganspairing meals and prix fixe menus. My husband and I
to carnivores. Why does it get a vote as one of theloved the rather unique menu and our waiter. I have
better places? The ambiance. Comfortable tables thata dairy allergy and he said chose whatever you'd like,
are meant for families-crayons and paper tableclothesI'll make sure it's safe and delicious. And he did. What
to encourage your group, no matter what the ages,more could anyone ask?
to be creative while waiting for dinner. The plentifulMangia Bene-Another fine place that is located inside
and tasty bread that's served (non-stop, if youa strip mall, this one in Laguna Hills. From the outside
dare)with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. And if youryou'd never guess how beautiful the Tuscan decor is
wait staff isn't too overloaded-ask them to sing aninside. The menu is Northern Italian and very fresh.
aria for you! Located in Aliso Viejo.My husband loves the pasta with smoked salmon and
Cosmos Italian Restaurant-Also located in Aliso Viejo,vodka sauce. I usually love any of the grilled fish
this is a family run little place that is always crowded,specials.
but eager to please. Very family and budget friendly!Mario's By the Sea-Located in Dana Point, this family
They even have certain theme nights where it's eatfriendly restaurant is always packed! The portions are
all you want ravioli or spaghetti. Call ahead to seeso huge that the last time our group of 10 went-my
what the specials are, but even the regular menumom, sister and I shared the linguini and clam sauce!
won't scare you off.All dishes come piping hot and somehow stay that
Spasso's-Another family run and friendly place.way, which is very unusual for past dishes. Don't miss
Recently, the owner's re-decorated. Very warmMario's, but please-bring a crowd or make sure you
colors and inviting. They also have entertainment ahave enough room in your fridge for the leftovers!
few nights of the week. With the new look, Spasso'sMangia!
is great for dates and family parties. What I like is