Huntington Beach is a whole hell of a lot in a very small stretch of sand. But beyond the surf shops, sunburnt tourists, and endless volleyball games are some worthy detours—including the best damn Italian food this side of the Pacific. Forget the tourist traps; here’s where you’ll find the real deal.
Caffe Gazelle
$$ | (714) 846-2694 | WEBSITE
Caffe Gazelle has a menu that feels like it’s been perfected over decades, and it’s one of those local spots that regulars swear by, maybe a little too loyally. But the experience is so genuinely comforting, delivering dishes that taste like they’re made just for you, that you really should give it a try at least once. Specifically for the gnocchi that’s so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue.
Plus, they do the classics right, like chicken Marsala with its rich wine sauce, chicken picatta bright with lemon and capers, and filet mignon cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The cozy space is filled with warm lighting and homey touches, and it’s run smoothly with attentive servers like owner Rick moving gracefully between tables, ensuring every meal feels leisurely. They’re open daily, but visit on a weeknight for a quieter, more relaxed dinner where you can truly savor the TLC service.
Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant
$$ | (714) 846-9606 | WEBSITE
Here’s a quick Italian comfort food lesson for you: Don’t confuse the New York Tuscan vibe, which blends classic Italian-American traditions with Tuscan warmth, for just another red sauce joint. Vittorio’s, which feels both cozy and classy with its beautiful red leather booths, tablecloths, and cloth napkins, offers everything made from scratch, from the scrumptious bread to the crave-worthy pasta.
It’s a fantastic spot for celebrations with helpful staff providing perfect service and live music adding to the atmosphere. Come for dinner to try their lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs, and bites like the appetizer sampler featuring fried mozzarella, calamari, fried zucchini, and fried artichokes. The restaurant feels like most traditional Italian restaurants with reasonable prices, a fun bar atmosphere, and that must-visit quality that makes it a top choice in Huntington Beach.
Bella Roma
$ | (714) 378-5122 | WEBSITE
When it comes to Italian restaurants in Huntington Beach, nobody is doing the kind of quality comfort food that you’ll find at Bella Roma, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot on a small street close to the ocean. Not to mention also operating as a place that supports local high school sports teams and has a kind and attentive owner.
The menu stays consistent, but you’ll always find generous pastas, variations on pizza, salads, and sandwiches that pack a punch—their garlic cheese bread is an explosion of garlic, cheese, and herbs. The Tuscany chicken pasta is a local staple, but Bella Roma makes it their own by adding a rich sauce, tender chicken, and plenty of flavor.
Snag a spot on the outdoor patio that makes you feel like you’re in Europe or simply miles away from the beach crowds, with a great ocean breeze and casual vintage Italian ambiance.
Massimo’s Pizza
$ | (714) 964-1888 | WEBSITE
There’s plenty of pizza in town, but Massimo’s is a standout for that comforting homemade taste in every single pie. They’re very particular about the basics—the dough has that perfect chew and crispness that makes it the ideal foundation for the quality toppings. Try and snag one of the cozy tables near the counter where you can watch the staff carefully assembling each order.
Start with a few well-cooked appetizers, like the wings and meatball sub, and then prioritize the classic cheese pizza—it’s all about the rich combination of the tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil, which all come together beautifully. The friendly and helpful staff offer great suggestions, and don’t skip the yummy cannolis to finish. While the seating area can feel a bit tight, the food is well worth the trip, making it one of the better pizzerias in the area for takeout or dine-in.
ZeroZero39 Pizzeria
$ | (714) 969-2929 | WEBSITE
Huntington Beach is no stranger to popular pizza places—yes, we’re talking about those spots with lines longer than the entrance to the pier. But for our favorite Roman-style pie, head to ZeroZero39 Pizzeria. Unlike the city’s other pizza joints, they have (gasp, shock) outdoor seating and a quaint look that adds to the atmosphere as you enjoy a slice and take in the California sun.
Order the truffle porcini pizza and watch the friendly crew assemble your masterpiece with high-quality ingredients that make taste buds soar. We also like the chicken and spinach pizza that’s topped with fresh spinach and served with a perfectly balanced crust. For a sweet finish, try the gluten-free mini red velvet cake—it’s a stunning surprise, rich and moist, and pairs perfectly with the warm, inviting vibe.
With affordable prices and a philosophy of family and friendship, ZeroZero39 is more than just a pizzeria—it’s a little pocket of light that delights with every bite.
A Slice of New York Pizza
$ | (714) 846-1900 | WEBSITE
A Slice of New York Pizza is a bit like your favorite old-school pizzeria that still believes in doing things the right way—they simply refuse to cut corners on their pies (and of course, this is why we keep coming back). The owner has been perfecting this Huntington Beach gem with its wafer-thin golden crust, whole milk mozzarella, and NY sports memorabilia lining the mid-modern walls since they opened.
If it feels like every family in the neighborhood knows them, that’s because they probably do. Parents and kids sit next to each other in the welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces, sharing laughs and stories, and digging into perfect slices of white pizza or classic pepperoni. Everything is delicious, but don’t expect any fancy toppings or gimmicks—dining here is really like grabbing a slice with the New York-style pizzeria you wish was in every town.
Get here at lunchtime to secure a spot before the play area crowd arrives.
Crivello Ristorante Italiano
$$ | (714) 593-9099 | WEBSITE
This family-run Italian restaurant isn’t where you come for generic red-sauce dishes or predictable chain-restaurant fare. It’s part of Huntington Beach’s reliable lineup of neighborhood Italian spots that serve classic comfort food with genuine warmth. Think perfectly al-dente pasta tossed with fresh ingredients, crisp calamari that arrives piping hot, and lunch specials that actually feel special instead of just discounted.
Crivello’s warmly lit dining room with cozy patio seating has tables typically full of locals chatting, laughing, and enjoying glasses from their well-curated wine selection, and it’s generally pretty welcoming in here. It works for either a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner—whenever you stop by, say hi to the owner and their family and always trust their menu suggestions.
Mona Lisa Cucina
$$ | (714) 965-9900 | WEBSITE
Anyone who’s been to Huntington Beach has likely been to Mona Lisa Cucina, and they probably still remember deep diving into their signature lobster ravioli, or having a long leisurely lunch with standout items like spumoni. Now, it skews popular and it’s a bit harder to get into (book at least a week in advance), but the charm and quality are still there.
The caring servers like Scott are as much part of the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere as the food itself, and they’ll never pass up an opportunity to recommend the Moscato d’Asti. Focus your attention on the generous portions and don’t miss anything from the recent visits, especially the Italian sausage and meatballs.
It’s more budget-friendly than other Italian spots, but it’s a Huntington Beach favorite with superb linguine pescatore—flavorful, generous, satisfying—and an amazing rigatoni con petit de pollo.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (714) 847-8874 | WEBSITE
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is right there in the heart of Huntington Beach. So while it might be a little bit of a chain (it’s part of a nationwide group), it’s worth checking out this reliable Italian spot where families have been happily clinking glasses of soda and chatting over each other for years.
The printed menus are straightforward, so let us be of assistance: start with some classic mozzarella sticks, tack on an order of meatballs pasta, and follow it all up with the lasagna, a hearty plate of layered pasta with cheese, meat sauce, and ricotta. Also worth noting is the very satisfying service—Nalani and the team provide attentive help, frequently checking on tables and ensuring everyone’s comfortable.
Go during a weekend dinner and don’t be afraid to enjoy the lively atmosphere amongst all the locals catching up after a long week. Reservations (online or by phone) are recommended.
Golden Olive
$ | (714) 840-8249 | WEBSITE
Huntington Beach is known for its casual beach-town vibe, so you might expect the Italian restaurants here to be laid-back and simple. But Golden Olive couldn’t be more different. They serve some of the best cheese pizza in town, all while the owner and his wife smile and share stories about their family recipes and how proud they are of their Mediterranean heritage.
Even those who are skeptical of seafood will fight over the grilled Singari sea bass, which is fresh and flavorful with a perfect char, and the fried calamari is crispy but balanced with a light lemon aioli. The star of the show is that generous cheese pizza with a perfect dough, crust, and sauce that’s baked in a wood-fired oven for just the right amount of time.
All they add is a little garlic butter for the fresh, hot bread and the result is a comforting slice best paired with a crisp white wine to complement the richness. The restaurant is also tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, which makes for a perfect hidden-gem discovery.
Pizza D’Oro
$ | (714) 536-9383 | WEBSITE
Pizza D’Oro in Huntington Beach is like a neighborhood pizzeria inside a family kitchen—the space hums with warmth, golden light, and the scent of baking dough. The menu sticks to the Italian-American classics, with dishes like their crowd-pleasing deluxe pizza loaded with a generous heap of toppings over a perfectly stretched crust. Don’t miss their comforting menu staple, the eggplant parmesan entrée made with tender slices and a rich tomato sauce, served alongside a side of spaghetti.
Another bonus is the friendly and helpful staff, who take the time to teach customers how to stretch the dough just right.
Sebastiani’s Italian Bistro
$$ | (714) 841-3619 | WEBSITE
Huntington Beach has its share of flashy, overpriced Italian spots vying for tourist dollars, which makes Sebastiani’s Italian Bistro a genuine find. It’s the most reliable (and satisfying) choice in the area for both lunch and dinner. This cozy neighborhood restaurant features warm lighting and closely spaced wooden tables, and is often filled with lively locals enjoying generous portions of classic dishes.
Whatever you do, don’t expect a quiet, sterile atmosphere—the place hums with conversation and entertainment, creating an energetic vibe. It’s a refreshing departure from the many restaurants that feel more like Instagram backdrops than authentic dining experiences. This is a great place to try the linguini with clams in a tangy wine sauce, but they also do exceptional pasta like chicken pesto pasta or the meat raviolis, and the Chianti filet mignon risotto special is truly memorable.
Hank’s West Pizza
$ | (714) 841-4795 | WEBSITE
Sure, there are the neon signs and cardboard pizza boxes at the chain spots like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. Skip all that, the delivery drivers, and the corporate menus and head to Hank’s West Pizza for dinner. The family-run restaurant opened years ago and is one of the last remnants of local Huntington Beach serving pizza classics like pepperoni and sausage pizza, hot subs, and bowls of Chicken Alfredo with mushrooms.
It’s one of the few places where you’ll see date-night couples and quick-stop regulars together, and it’s worth grabbing one of those two-slice-and-drink deals for about ten dollars. They also do pretty good plates of pasta and antipasto salad if you don’t want to put some pizza in your stomach.
Mazara Trattoria Cucina Italiana
$$ | (714) 465-4874 | WEBSITE
This cozy bistro has been serving comfort food from the Italian culinary vault to tourists and locals in Huntington Beach for years. And it’s a total crowd-pleaser thanks to its varied menu full of must-try classics like lobster ravioli with saffron sauce and creamy carbonara, along with an amazing plate of Caesar salad and homemade tiramisu that’s creamy and light.
The dining room is intimate, which makes it great for small gatherings—especially when finding a spot for something like a family dinner or date night can be a mission in the area. There’s warm lighting and rustic décor with family photos to match the rest of its kitschy Italian furnishings, so it’s the perfect Huntington Beach time capsule to think about when you’re back home.
Basilico’s Pasta e Vino
$$ | (714) 963-7980 | WEBSITE
This patriotic gem in Huntington Beach feels straight out of a vintage East Coast neighborhood, complete with military flags displayed throughout and a cozy, romantic atmosphere. It’s an all-evening establishment, but the magic always seems to happen during dinner, which is when you should visit. Join the regulars who stop by for generous portions of authentic pasta and handcrafted cocktails before heading home satisfied.
A special occasion meal is also a good option, where you can soak in the ambient lighting before digging into some red sauce better than a Brooklyn native’s own mother’s or a creamy plate of fettuccine Alfredo.
Baci Italian Restaurant
$$ | (714) 965-1194 | WEBSITE
Baci Italian Restaurant is the top option on the Huntington Beach coast, perfect for either a romantic dinner or a weekend outing. They really excel at authentic Italian food and exceptional service, and it’s not impossible to land a table last minute with their cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This is a special place for subtle twists on traditional dishes and consistent quality, like Chef Angelo’s beef stroganoff with homemade noodles and tender ribeye steak with creative accompaniments.
Don’t miss the desserts, either—they do a great strawberry pistachio cake and have family-made treats that feel like Maria’s personal touch. With live piano music enhancing the ambiance, Baci delivers a beautiful dining experience worth checking out.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant
$$ | (714) 891-4666 | WEBSITE
Yes, this restaurant is known for its fun and lively dining experience and generous portions where ‘small’ size dishes can feed up to three people. And it’s a top spot for large gatherings where you’ll encounter attentive servers like Julio and Griselda and the energetic Pope room perfect for celebrations. The food is really all over the place, though, thanks to their focus on Italian classics and family-friendly atmosphere, and they often host work functions or group events.
In addition to delicious dishes and helpful recommendations from the staff, expect things like occasional noise near the bar area and sometimes slower service during busy times. Even though this is a popular spot for special occasions, it’s not stuffy, but rather welcoming and cheerful with plenty of seating and a positive atmosphere overall. This is Buca di Beppo, after all.