Barolo Cafe is a true hidden gem in Tustin. The food is excellent, the service is warm and attentive, and the overall experience feels authentic. As an Italian and someone who loves to cook, I'm very particular about dining out for Italian cuisine--and Barolo absolutely delivers. Highly recommend. read more

Italian heritage this is a real spot. Been coming here for over a decade the tortellini is just hands down the best. How was the service? There is no service you feel like family. read more

5 = food 5 = service 5 = ambience We had a large party so it was a wonderful evening. The focaccia bread is so buttery. I like the bottles that hold the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. So fun. We started off with their two styles of calamari. They were both delish but I always prefer the fried calamari. I had their Chilean Sea Bass which was one of their many specials for the evening. It was cooked with a white wine sauce. I ordered it with veggies. With the first bite of the fish, my mouth was in its happy place The portions are HUGE! No joke. Everybody took leftovers home. They have a large menu selection especially with the abundance of specials for the night. The service was great and they were attentive in filling our glasses and asking if we needed anything. We ordered the cannoli. I wouldn't order it again. The shell wasn't fresh and crunchy. It was nice to have the permanent tent. Plenty of parking for a weekend dinner. This establishment has been here for a long time and has great catering too. read more

Barolo Cafe - Chilean Sea Bass - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

Great little hole in the wall gem. Spotted it with a line out the door on the weekend and felt I needed to come try it out! Sonia was our waitress and she was so nice to connect with and guide us toward customer favorites. We went with the pesto chicken bow tie pasta, lamb chops which were very good, short ribs special and the seafood pasta special. Highly recommend getting the calamari frittata to start, lamb chops and short ribs, tiramisu for dessert. Everything is made In house and service was great!! I'll be back! read more

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Okay, we, my hubby and myself, are definitely foodies. We have lived in our home for almost 31 years, just about 5 minutes from this restaurant, and for some reason we have never tried it until last week. We decided on Italian, and had been talking about trying Barolo Cafe, so we went for a late lunch/early dinner, 4pm. We were the first ones there and sat inside at the front window. The server came over, an artsy young kid, not super friendly, but fine. The owner, I could tell by the voice and words, I couldn't see him because my back was to him, but he was yelling orders and demands, very loud, deep voice. I have owned restaurants/ bakeries for years, so I enjoy the back story of the place, almost more than the food itself. The owner was yelling "Sell the fish!!" So we asked the kid, Alessandro, to tell us about the fish since the owner/chef really wants it sold. He was quite embarrassed and said, "Oh, don't let him pressure you. Order whatever you'd like. He's always like this!" My hubby and I had talked about who he may be. I knew he was the kid's father. I could just tell, even without seeing him. My husband asked if he was related to him. He said yes, my father. I said I knew that. I told him I owned restaurants in the past and my daughter worked for me too. He asked if I was on her all the time. I told him of course, that's just the way it is. Lol. Anyway, we ordered one of the calamari appetizers. It was yummy. The bread was too toasted for my taste. It was foccacia and very crusty, but good flavor. I ordered the Linguine with Clams, good, but not a lot of flavor. I had to use quite a bit of parmesan. My husband ordered the Chilean seabass. It was delicious. They both came with a plate of lettuce, great dressing, and his came with pasta in marinara sauce, which we took home. I also took most of my pasta home and ate it later. I got full with the appetizer and salad. My husband ordered a Lemon cello sorbet, which really was the star of the meal, so flavorful and refreshing!! We had a wonderful time, good food, interesting back story, which we pieced together. In the end we got used to the owners voice, the team of servers were all very good, even Alessandro and I don't remember her name, a server. She was an extremely tall, very thin gorgeous, black young lady, looked like a runway model. She had a beautiful smile and used it, which changed the ambience of the room for the better. Also, within about 25 minutes of arriving, the place was packed, inside and out, almost all regulars with standing reservations. So I definitely recommend a reservation when you go. And please go. You will be glad you did!! read more

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great food! I never tried more than pizzas from chain restaurants. My first exposure to great italian pastas! Its above my price range but totally worth a try read more

I don't even know what to say here. The food is amazing! This is the freshest food you will get anywhere. The wait staff is on top of it bringing you the bread and the meals right on que -otherwise Chef Giuseppe will accuse them of sleeping on the job. It's a perfect place to eat inside and I even sat on the new outdoor patio and that was awesome and comfortable. read more

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Great food, great service. We enjoy Barolo as one of our local favorites. Highly recommend.

Service here is always outstanding with a warm greeting. The place reminds of a an old charming Italian bistro. Food is fresh abundant and delicious. read more

Barolo Cafe - Fettuccini bolognese - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

Nice little real Italian food restaurant. Moderately priced despite excellent quality food. You can even sit at the counter and see it prepared if there is space . . I did once . This is the second time I ate on the patio . I ordered fussilli rustica . There was a nice little salad and bread and the meal was great . Will definitely return . read more

Phenomenal! This dish was bursting with flavor! The salmon was tender and juicy with the perfect amount of citrus and capers! So good! Service is amazing and the starter bread is a must try. Veggies have a great texture with still crunch in the bite but cooked through. Yum! read more

Barolo Cafe - Salmon - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

The food was fantastic. Easily the best bread basket I have ever had. It was soft and fluffy, and it paired perfectly with the pasta sauces. The ambiance is undefeated. There's no loud music, which made it available for great conversation throughout the meal. We felt extremely welcomed. read more

This is the best Italian restaurant I can find in town. Compare the quality of the food it's the price is super cheap..because we sit off side of the room, it was a little of noise. read more

We love barolo cafe! It is such a hidden gem. Every time we've come here it's never disappointed! The food is amazing and very authentic and the service is excellent! It's also cozy inside and feels just like home. I will definitely be coming back to try more from their menu! read more

Barolo Cafe - Dinner time! - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

Interesting little place tucked away in a little strip mall on Newport Boulevard. Easy to miss actually. Food five stars really great food. We had the Carpacchio and the shrimp scampi, which were both amazing. Really fantastic. Service was actually quite excellent. I'll give that five stars. Ambience it's not bad. I'll give it four stars just a little tables. He has a nice little patio also. Beverage list was good not great. Lotta California wines some a lot of Italian wines but nothing that's really amazing so I'll give it four stars. Hospitality yeah I think it's OK. The owner is very Italian. He seemed upset. Maybe I don't know. I wasn't having a good day, but I had a great experience. Overall food is really phenomenal. I have to say maybe the best Italian food I've had in Orange County so that's a lot. read more

This is a cozy italian spot with generous portions! I ordered the Penne Arrabiata ($19.95) which had a nice kick to it and came out al dente, just how I like it. The place felt like its own community with regulars coming in and out chatting with the employees. read more

Barolo Cafe - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

My family (group of 7 total) went this past Saturday evening for my mother's birthday. The place is small, and felt even more so with two other large groups, so definitely make a reservation as you may have to wait a while for a table otherwise. My family also reports they're usually packed every day of the week. There are a couple of small tables outside, but they face the parking lot so probably not the best ambience. Inside however, their kitchen is open so you can see all the action and they have hockey memorabilia on one wall and kitschy art on the other. It's definitely a mom and pop vibe, nothing fancy but cozy and homey. We got the shrimp scampi and lightly fried calamari to share as appetizers. These were pretty standard. The focaccia bread that came with all of our pastas was a highlight for sure. I got the pesto farfalle which I enjoyed, and tried a little of my BF's linguine bolognese. We both preferred the pesto farfalle. I liked that the portions were huge for the price (you get two meals out of one pasta dish) and they were very understanding of my niece's severe food allergies. Our server was also kind enough to provide a mango sorbet on the house since we were celebrating my mom's birthday. I don't know if they make their sorbet in-house, but that was probably the best mango sorbet we all had! Overall, my family and I will be back next time we are craving Italian. Thanks, Barolo! read more

Magnifico! A great little hidden gem as one might say. Tucked in the back of a strip mall on Newport in Tustin. Food: muy delicioso! Started with a bottle of their Italian wine (Selenito Brunello de Montalcino) and bruschetta. The four of us had something different from fish to chicken to pasta. Everyone enjoyed their food. I had the Fusilli Rustica (minus peppers). OMG! It got better with every bite. And Tiramasu for dessert. Service was outstanding. We ate in the covered area outside for better ambiance and conversation. They have heaters for cooler weather. Can't wait to go back! Grazi Barolo Cafe!! read more

Have been here a couple of times and it has always been wonderful. Staff is knowledgeable and provide good service. The food is always delicious and they can help you pair it with a wine as well. Pistachio dessert is my favorite! Cozy outdoor seating, always warm and inviting read more

Good solid Italian comfort food. Fettuccine bolognese: nothing to complain about. Large portion sizes Fettuccine with shrimp and mushrooms. This sauce tasted better than the bolognese. Only issue was the shrimp was slightly fishy. Each meal comes with a house salad and bread. I thought the bread was delicious. Everyone there was super friendly and the service was great. No wait for a weekend early dinner. read more

Have been for lunch a few times it's amazing fresh and tasty .. nice service it can be crowded worth the wait

The best Italian restaurant in Orange County. Authenticity at its finest! I need to thank Andrea, Giuseppi and Albi - family owners and servers for their warm hospitality. Without them, Barolo cafe won't be where it is at today. Everything is fresh, authentic, and flavorful. We brought our kids there and they were kind enough to cater the pasta to their needs and even split the meals evenly for the kids to share. I do recommend their pink sauce concoction pasta with chicken for the kids. My favorite dishes that I've tried so far were the Linguini Vongole (baby clams with white wine sauce), linguini cardinale, and their catch of the day fish dish that is just simply divine! Let's also be clear that they serve the freshest seafood dishes - cooked to perfection! If you like spicy, do ask for their imported, homemade chili that you can complement with your dish. Oh, and their complimentary bread as a starter is just perfect with the olive and vinaigrette! All the customers are happy and most of them know the owners. Maybe that's why the ambience is just so warm and inviting! Thank you again for everything! read more

Barolo Cafe - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

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Met a group of friends for dinner at Barolo Cafe, which is a small family-owned restaurant. I had farfalle with chicken and not only was it delicious, it was enough to feed two people! My husband had the spicy seafood pasta and practically licked the plate! The dessert selection is quite large so save room! Can't wait to go back! read more

Barolo Cafe - Leftover farfalle we shared the next day! - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

Barolo is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in OC. It's small but cozy and fits any occasion. I've seen everyone here, ranging from families, dates, to groups of friends. I've been here multiple times and haven't had any problems with service. They are really accommodating and give out complimentary focaccia bread, which tastes amazing! I've tried many of their pastas, but the pesto farfalle with chicken is my favorite. I especially love that they bring you a free side salad when you order pasta! I am always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables in my life, and I appreciate that they offer this because in most places, you'll have to order it on your own. Portions are huge, so I usually save some for leftovers. If you still have room for dessert, they will hand you a dessert menu. There is a wide selection of desserts with pictures, and they all look great! I've tried the spumoni and tiramisu before, and I have no complaints! All in all, Barolo is perfect for anyone, and everyone should give them a try! read more

Barolo Cafe - pesto farfalle - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

The best authentic Italian food I'm 100% Italian and this is my favorite place. Get the seafood pasta the best. And their fish is excellent the Seabass the best ever anywhere. read more

Always a good place and a good choice. We had their special dishes. The food is always delicious, the service is consistently great, the atmosphere is perfect for a family dinner. read more

I love Italian food and this is the best I've found in California. I'm from New York so I've had some great food and Borolo Cafe is just as good. read more

Barolo Cafe is passion on a plate. The food is absolutely amazing. I remember having the Chilean Sea Bass for the first time 17 years ago. Still the most beautiful meal. The service exceptional. Welcoming!!!! read more

Barolo Cafe - Chillean Sea Bass - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

Pick up is terrible I called, told them I wanted to make an order they told me to hold I happily did and left me waiting over 15 minutes. I tried calling back and it was as if the phone number didn't exist. Good in person but terrible pick up. read more

I called in a lunch order on a random Tuesday and picked it up to bring it back to my office. I ordered a fettuccini bolenaise which came with a small Romain lettuce salad and focaccia with grilled onion on top. I paid $21 without tipping. The portion size was good for the price. The pasta was good and the sauce was very meaty. I would give it a 7.5 / 10 pm taste. read more

Barolo Cafe - Italian Near Me - Tustin, California

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From the great service to the delicious food and wine at an affordable price!!! We will most definitely be returning!

I ordered chicken piccata and love that very much. Everybody in my party of 10 love their dish. Thank you so much for a great food and amazing service.. read more

My in law raved about this small restaurant since she previously went and was impressed by their food quality and the nice added touch that the owner/cook seemed to really know his customers. She brought us here and we called 30 minutes before open time to make a reservation and we were glad.. there were some other groups who didn't plan ahead and they had to sit outside and it was a windy day. The style inside is a little crammed with about 8 tables total, and one bathroom in the back where I stood waiting and saw the kitchen staff organize about 4 large tubs of pasta sauce for the evening and a stock of pre-made pasta. There were some areas that could be cleaner in my opinion - like the oil jar on table or bathroom. However the busser boy overcompensated by providing lots of water and an extra basket of their delicious focaccia bread. Open kitchen that is very humble (small) and you can see the chef cranking out the dishes but the frequent yells for staff to take the pasta to table kind of added a chaotic vibe. The matriarch of the restaurant made a fuss about my tea beverage being an outside drink that's not allowed in since they had a former complaint that someone got sick at their restaurant-- she was over the top about this and I felt like it was borderline rude. I didn't take it personally though, but maybe their hostess should kindly screen for this so if doesn't become an issue mid dinner ? Overall - highly recommend to try this local gem for speedy service and the dishes came with salad and bread. Good value. Seems they are very busy -make a reso. read more

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Oh my goodness, what a gem! Great ambiance, good service, and fantastic food! The pasta I ordered was cooked to perfection. Every item we tried was delicious. This is our new goto Italian restaurant. The quality of the food was as good as any fine dining restaurant I've been to at a fraction of the price. Because it is a small place in a strip mall, there simply isn't room enough to create the full fine dining experience, but the food is just great. I highly recommend making a reservation as we did. There was quite a line outside, which is always a good sign. Happy dining! read more

Best kept secret of OC. The largest portion sizes where you will always need to take home leftovers - lunch for tomorrow! Service is always quick and fast. Casual place with a handful of tables. Definitely always coming back. Trump all other mainstream Italian restaurant. read more

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Sat at the counter watching the cooks and staff efficiently preparing the meals beautifully plated. The bread was very good followed by a spectacular Lamb chop . My wife had a lamb fussili. Service was almost as good as the food read more

Attentive service. Patio dining is lovely on a chilly night under the heater.We started with the chicken egg and spinach soup. The soup is light but hearty, prominent earthy notes from the spinach are a beautiful companion to the pieces of egg. They serve fresh house made pillowy focaccia bread topped with thinly slice onion that tastes on a subtle sweetness during the baking process. We also enjoyed the perfectly cooked pasta, with a rich garlic, olive oil and blistered cherry tomatoes mingled with tender flavorful pieces of filet minon. This dish was topped with fresh parm! The whole meal was marvelous. It was also a very generous portion. My partner and I shared an entree and still took food home! Please try this local gem no wonder they have been around so long. read more

This has been one of my favorite local Italian restaurants for years. The owner, chef really seems to care about every dish that is served.

Good food, great service and charming ambiance! I can't believe this restaurant has been in Tustin for 32 years. On Thanksgiving eve for early dinner and it was packed full of happy guests inside and outside. The food was absolutely delicious and nice portions. The tiramisu was the best I have ever tasted. This place is truly authentic Italian cuisine. The owner is the chef and he is terrific! Great experience and will definitely become a regular! read more

I was always curious to try this place because it's always busy. Decided to finally try it tonight and I am shocked at how I was treated. The food was ok however I'm shocked at how I was scolded for helping myself to some to-go boxes. Service was slow and we were sitting for a while waiting to ask for the check and boxes. A short woman finally approached me with the check and scolded me for grabbing my own to go boxes. When I asked her for a to go container for some chili sauce she claimed I could not have any and claimed the chili sauce costs thousands of dollars to make. I offered to pay for some and she again refused to offer any to go and took the sauce with her. If grabbing my own to go boxes was an issue, any of the workers watching me do so could have approached me. Terrible service! read more