| If there's one type of food that's popular in any | | | | that they will customize dishes to your dietary |
| cuisine its pasta. In South Orange County California | | | | restrictions or tastes and do it as if you were a |
| we are fortunate enough to have some of the | | | | guest in there home. Everything is homemade from |
| county's best Italian restaurants. Every family has | | | | pastas to desserts. For my clan, who have been |
| their favorite spots when they crave carbs-here are | | | | regulars, 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 what | | | | very lovely. Spasso's is in Laguna Hills. |
| makes this kind of neat to go to isn't the food. It is | | | | Capriccio's-Making it's home in a little nook inside a |
| decent fare, don't get me wrong-they even have | | | | strip mall in Mission Viejo, this tiny place has wine |
| plenty of choices to please everyone from vegans | | | | pairing meals and prix fixe menus. My husband and I |
| to carnivores. Why does it get a vote as one of the | | | | loved the rather unique menu and our waiter. I have |
| better places? The ambiance. Comfortable tables that | | | | a dairy allergy and he said chose whatever you'd like, |
| are meant for families-crayons and paper tableclothes | | | | I'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 plentiful | | | | Mangia Bene-Another fine place that is located inside |
| and tasty bread that's served (non-stop, if you | | | | a strip mall, this one in Laguna Hills. From the outside |
| dare)with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. And if your | | | | you'd never guess how beautiful the Tuscan decor is |
| wait staff isn't too overloaded-ask them to sing an | | | | inside. 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 eat | | | | friendly restaurant is always packed! The portions are |
| all you want ravioli or spaghetti. Call ahead to see | | | | so huge that the last time our group of 10 went-my |
| what the specials are, but even the regular menu | | | | mom, 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 warm | | | | Mario's, but please-bring a crowd or make sure you |
| colors and inviting. They also have entertainment a | | | | have enough room in your fridge for the leftovers! |
| few nights of the week. With the new look, Spasso's | | | | Mangia! |
| is great for dates and family parties. What I like is | | | | |