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