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