We’re here, we’re hungry, we’re craving carbs: this is Tustin’s unofficial motto for Italian food lovers. Nestled in Orange County, Tustin becomes a haven for those who like their pasta al dente (no shade to the overcooked), making it prime territory for authentic Italian eateries. We’ve gathered the top spots so you can twirl your way through town like the hungry little foodie you are.
New York Pizza
$ | (714) 838-1944 | WEBSITE
For a hearty meal or a late-night craving, you can’t go wrong with New York Pizza in Tustin. This NY-style pizzeria serves some very satisfying pies, crafting their pizza with quality ingredients and a well-done cook. Stick to classics or customize your own creation—we love the garlic knots, perfectly seasoned breadsticks that come with every order. Their desserts are equally on point with options like tiramisu for whatever suits the sweet tooth.
The premises are clean and well-maintained, with exceptional customer service provided by a friendly staff who make you feel welcomed and appreciated. This small business is highly recommended for its delicious pizza, featuring juicy meat and a crispy crust with the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio, though it can get a bit tough toward the end. Overall, it’s a go-to spot where the food is made to order and the atmosphere makes you want to return.
Italian Express
$ | (714) 669-3800 | WEBSITE
The inside of this Italian restaurant is straightforward, which is fine because the generous portions and reasonable prices are where all of the action happens anyway. In here, families share plates over ample tables. Friends dig into dishes of tasty cheese from seating overlooking a welcoming atmosphere. The menu is generous but very solid. The pasta, like baked rigatoni or pesto chicken, is an easy pick to pair with your meal.
If you’re having a ‘pizza over pasta’ day and need a heavier dish to go the distance, go for a thin-crust, delicious white knight pizza with perfect olive oil and cheese (a Chicken Parmesan version is available).
Roma D’ Italia
$$ | (714) 544-0273 | WEBSITE
Roma D’ Italia’s chef and owner has been a Tustin fixture for decades, dishing out authentic Italian flavors. While it’s hard picking favorites, we lean more toward this community staple because it takes notes from old-world traditions. If the Italian Mussels appetizer is on the menu, get it. These plump shellfish are bathed in a savory garlic broth that we’d happily drink. We also love the seafood pastas—a menu mainstay that showcases quality ingredients with generous portions and rich sauces.
Roma D’ Italia’s complimentary yeast rolls are also a must—indulge at your own risk in the warm, freshly baked bread with butter. Their lively dining room is a hit with families, so grab a reservation if you’re looking to wow the group (or if you need a cozy, memorable meal).
Ameci Pizza Kitchen
$ | (714) 368-1446 | WEBSITE
If New York-style pizza with an unbelievable sauce is your kind of thing (it is definitely ours), then Ameci Pizza Kitchen is the place for you. With its location in Tustin, you’re always just a few minutes from a crispy, fresh calzone and a slice of turkey bacon pizza. The pizza options run deep here, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
But if you need some direction, we like the plain cheese and the turkey bacon, made with Italian flour dough and excellent marinara sauce, and we’ll always have love for the calzones that…well…(dabs eyes at the fond memory) we’ll never forget. Also, Ameci Pizza Kitchen has some of Tustin’s best salads by pizzeria standards, so be sure to stop by for a quick and satisfying meal to have your local-gem-for-the-culture moment.
Luna Rossa
$$ | (714) 259-0861 | WEBSITE
Luna Rossa means red moon, but you’ll be dining like a Roman emperor at this charming Tustin establishment. The housemade pastas here are definitely ones to write home about—try the lobster ravioli and be forever changed—as are the classic Italian wines. And they spotlight tradition since the complimentary bread features warm focaccia and an array of dipping oils. Order pasta by the plate, especially since their impressive selection is affordable even without specials on weekdays.
And if date night’s going well, feel free to keep things going since the restaurant features live music on Friday and Saturday nights. A little Sinatra never hurt nobody.
Barolo Italian Cafe
$$ | (714) 734-8882 | WEBSITE
Serving up authentic Italian cuisine in a Tustin shopping plaza, Barolo Italian Cafe is always a good time—whether for a family gathering, a date night, or just to unwind with a glass of wine and that delicious focaccia bread after work. With cozy outdoor seating that allows easy conversation even during busy times, you’ll still ask for another basket of bread even if you’re full. And that’s likely since portions are big here.
We’re fans of the halibut special, which features perfectly cooked fish, and the spaghetti with shrimp and broccoli, which is outstanding and worth trying. Dinner, while delicious, can get packed, but you can head to the indoor seating, which is a smidge less crowded.
Prego Restaurant
$$ | (949) 553-1333 | WEBSITE
If a classic Italian meal with flawless service makes you pause, then pause no longer and head straight to Tustin to experience the many delights of Prego Restaurant. This spacious, elegant spot with its huge parking lot is perfect for special occasions since there’s a dish to satisfy every craving.
And the professional kitchen team is always crafting memorable events—we’re forever dreaming about the lobster raviolis, which come with perfectly cooked pasta, rich sauce, and finished with fresh herbs. And don’t even get us started on Prego’s wine and whiskey dinners. Grab a table in the lovely atmosphere and dig into a generously portioned Shrimp Diavolo.
Sal’s Pizzeria
$ | (714) 352-5216 | WEBSITE
Nothing says Tustin like craving a perfect slice, but Sal’s Pizzeria is alwaysalwaysworth the stop. Though its classic pizzeria vibe hints at a history of origin, the current team has kept that authentic New York-style pizza alive. The straightforward menu is a tribute to pizza lovers, starting with the consistently excellent NY style pizza that should’ve earned a cult following by now. We also love The Works, where better pepperoni mingles with great toppings and plenty of cheese.
Even when the restaurant is buzzing with take-out orders or events, the friendly service from staff like Fabiola somehow remains quick and efficient.
Piadina Italian Market Sandwich
$ | (714) 417-9660 | WEBSITE
This Tustin sandwich spot, with a clean but cozy vibe, is perfect for a quick lunch break. Piadina Italian Market Sandwich’s menu celebrates Italian street food, featuring creations like the California sandwich, which showcases sun-dried tomatoes and pesto bursting with flavor and nestled in a flaky piadina flatbread. And with consistently fresh ingredients, there’s always something satisfying to enjoy.
But many of our standing favorites happen to be on the beverage menu, which is thoughtfully presented thanks to their friendly staff. Try the cappuccino—served with raw sugar cubes and a piece of chocolate—and prepare to get your taste buds delighted.
The Parlor at Stafford Prime
$ | (714) 760-4325 | WEBSITE
Once upon a time, Italian food lovers had slim pickings in Tustin, but that’s changed in recent years. The city’s now home to a solid selection of authentic spots, including The Parlor at Stafford Prime. The Guanciale pizza crust is on the char-fired side with just the right amount of crisp. We love the Fiori e Limone Pizza, which features unreal squash blossoms with fior di latte and fresh herbs on top.
And our pasta-obsessed friends happily join us for this dinner invitation since they do the in-house fresh pasta thing right here. Stop by on weekends, when the cozy workspace-style dining area with warehouse vibes hosts casual gatherings with friends.