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    Centro

    4.2 (37 reviews)
    ModerateCafes, Italian, Gelato

    Centro Photos

    CENTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Jared K.

    I came to Centro on a whim while in the Orange Circle and here's my thoughts. The food is okay... we ordered a Caesars salad and a pizza. The Caesar salad is true to the flavor including sardines on the side but be aware that it runs a little more fishy than used to. Also, if you don't like sardines, be sure to ask for them to exclude them (seen in photos). The pizza is a thin crusted pizza. It was good and flavorful, but not great considering the cost. (Trying the pasta is next on the list, since I've been told that's the highlight of this place.) I also ordered a beer and loved the flavor. It was the Honey Cream and it was delicious - especially if you like a lighter, creamier beer. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice and we were seated quickly. The staff overall was nice, but our server didn't seem to be at the happiest of moods. For casual, social eating with drinks this could be a cool place, just be prepared to pay a little more than used to. If you are a foodie, I would recommend going elsewhere.

    Rear entrance off parking lot and I to patio.
    Jose H.

    Came here for lunch and the place was busy. We were first seated at one of the patio tables in the sun. After about 10 minutes of working on our tan with no server coming by we asked to move inside. By then, the 2-top indoor table had been taken. There are two small tables off to the side marked "café tables," which felt odd. We were asked to wait there while they cleaned a dining-room table, which took a good 15 minutes. Once we were finally seated, I had to flag down the hostess to let her know we were ready to order. At that point, we'd been seated at three different tables and had been at the restaurant for over 30 minutes. We ordered the vegetarian lasagna and the carbonara. Both were disappointing. The vegetarian lasagna had good flavor, but it was served less than room temperature, and the eggplant was undercooked and still hard making it difficult to cut. I don't expect every restaurant to use guanciale for carbonara, but using bacon instead of pancetta? I know my carbonara my ex is Roman. On the positive side, the hostess was sweet and our server was nice.

    This is what we ordered for dinner and yeah... we ate GOOD!
    Megan Y.

    Centro is officially a new favorite! The outdoor patio is beautiful and the whole space has such a great vibe! The food feels elevated but still comforting. Everything is incredibly flavorful and authentic. The vodka ravioli was a standout, rich sauce, perfect pasta, amazing cheese. The Caesar salad was also excellent. Crisp lettuce, anchovies, and generous Parmesan done just right. The experience honestly feels like it deserves a full, intentional place setting. Cloth napkins would be such a nice finishing touch for a restaurant doing this level of cuisine so well. Great food, great service, and a spot I'm already excited to return to!

    Lunch side salad
    Jenny D.

    My bf took me here for their lunch special and we enjoyed it. He got the vegetarian pizza and I got the pesto pasta. Both came with the house side with our choice of dressing. We arrived at 11:15am but they said we'd have to wait for our server at 11:30am. 15 mins isn't a big deal but if you mind the wait, don't arrive earlier than that.

    Graham Cracker Latte

    Amazing coffee & sexy baristas, what more can you ask for? Favorite neighborhood coffee shop!

    Prosciutto pizza and added burrata with side of olive oil and vinegar, highly recommend!!
    Heather W.

    Okay so finally got to try this spot, and it's very similar to the Tustin location. Got the fried calamari came with lemon and a marinara sauce, very lightly fried and fresh. Then we got the pesto gnocchi (shareable portion) and the prosciutto pizza and added burrata with a side of olive oil and vinegar. My god everything was so fresh, authentic and delicious. I also had the French rose (really light colored with no hint of pink fyi) I guess the Italian rose is more pink colored. Lots of staff to help with anything, dining is minimal, on the week days they seat only the upstairs and patio area, weekends the basement is open. I recommend it, service was quick, food was great, and to give you a price point, 3 glasses of wine, 1 app, 1 shareable pasta, and 1 pizza came out to $150 excluding tip.

    Inside
    Clarissa D.

    I usually go to the Tustin location but I love the Orange circle and wanted to check out there new place out and see if it comparable to one another. The location was very nice and aesthetic. I came during early dinner and was able to be sat right away. The waiter that helped us out was very informative and friendly. He asked if we had been to the Tustin location and gave us some of he's favorite dishes. Ended up ordering a carbonara, funghi, and a ravioli. All the dishes were super tasty and great overall. My favorite was the carbonara but I also liked how all the dishes went well with one another. I was extremely full after this meal and all the orders were ordered in half size even though you could do a full if wanted. I would highly recommend this place and also recommend taking a stroll around the circle to not feel super full and sleepy. I love how they kept the vibe of the building while trying to make it cute and modern. Bring your family and try a couple dishes out.

    Shandi C.

    Had the lavanda latte and it was great! It was hard to find the spot since it is new but it is walking distance and will be back!

    They are open!
    Zachariah O.

    I have been waiting for this place to open for a while now and was very happy to try it at lunch today. The atmosphere was fantastic and the menu was such that I want to come back for more. Fantastic place to hit on a warm day.

    Sandwiches & Panini's on another level!
    Carrie F.

    Since opening in Orange we have gone twice. We had originally gone to Tustin location (yummy & beautiful) and were so excited it opened in our circle! And it did not disappoint. We tried pasta's, the sandwiches (which were so authentic), and the pizza might be the best I've tried! They have mastered their dough! Each time we've had a wonderful waitress! So friendly. Centro makes me feel like I'm in Italy.

    Salame Pizza - amazing!

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    Daniella was delightful server and got us all the anchovies chili oils and cheese to accompany our delicious pizza w spice salame

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    We tried the new location in Orange and love it. This place has the amazing pizza and pasta just like the one in Tustin.

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    Food is delicious and the service is great! Well I hope this sentence brings me up to 85 characters.

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    Francoli Gourmet

    Francoli Gourmet

    4.0
    (996 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I'm surprised I haven't written a review here yet! My husband and I are becoming quite the regulars…read morehere so this is definitely past due! This is one of our go-to date spot that our friends introduced to us to. From my understanding this is Italian owned business with not only great quality food but also a wonderful assortment of rich olive oil, balsamic vinegar, jam, wine, packaged noodles you can buy straight from Italy. The service is always friendly but they can get very busy. Highly recommend a reservation. They've been so busy before they wouldn't even do take out orders. Ambiance is quaint. I love the beautiful Italian chandeliers they have. I've had a hard time with the chairs if I have a thick coat or a clutch hand back hard to put on the seat My husband orders the carbonara everytime which is our favorite item on the menu. Very authentic to us. I've tried many different pastas and just tried the lasagna last night which is not super heavy if your hesitant on feeling too full, was a great portion amount and wasn't super greasy either. Other items I've tried are the but my favorites are the fettuccine Alfredo (not on the menu), the short rib ravioli - super tasty!, and this mozerella crusted Pattie's in balsamic and creamy tomato sauce (seasonal or not on the menu sometime) that we love! I wanted to love the seafood risotto but I've had better. I used to order paccheri alla boscaiola which a popular item but I have to be in the mood for all the red onions which can be overpowering if there's a lot. We have tried some Of the apps which are always super fresh but we tend to order insalata calabrese which has a bit of everything Italian salad and great for sharing. The free bread is a plus too. Highly recommend coming for date night, family night, or even a small special occasion. Thanks for the great food and service!

    Came here on our first date since having a baby…read more Wanted to come here last Valentine's Day but it was booked two weeks ahead. Jamie was our server , she was energetic, bright, super friendly and set the tone for the night. Place has a full bar! My wife and i had martinis, had the calamari (tomato sauce without the frying) , carpaccio (super interesting w the celery) - the risotto and i got the cioppino - super delicious! 5 stars, fantastic experience !!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Mozzarella
    Mozzarella
    Strawberry Panna Cotta

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    Strawberry Panna Cotta
    Pasta Party

    Pasta Party

    4.5
    (803 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$
    Catering service
    Family-owned & operated

    I came to eat at pasta party a few days ago after telling myself to visit for a long time now. I…read morestill remember the old deli that was there prior to this restaurant and I've seen numerous social media ads and posts about the place so I wanted to check it out. I think I was a little hesitant because in my head I was thinking how good could possibly really be? In my head spaghetti/pasta is something I can make it home and almost thought it a waste of money to go out of my way to go out specifically to eat this dish. I ordered the Arrabiata pasta with the sausage. I'll admit I was a little thrown off by added cost of each tolling and also added cost of the Arrabiata sauce and I also did wait until a fair amount before the food was ready for takeout. But the pasta really blew me away. I'm still thinking about how good it tasted. I would definitely come back and I actually wanna bring my dad who loves spicy pasta like this. It was really that good. I can't think of another place that has this level of pasta let alone this price. The only negative I would say in regards to one of the workers. The cashier was manned by wonderful woman who did every and all tasks from taking the orders to putting food items in the oven to answering the phone I'm probably much more than that. I don't know. In contrast there was an Asian man with a black shirt who was also working. He looked lost and completely helpless. There was a moment where this woman was so busy and there was a ringing that I assume was from either a phone call or a delivery order. This man did not offer to help more nor did he help from what I saw. He was utterly helpless and unhelpful. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt with the encouragement "Hey help your team out!" The woman on the other hand was doing so many things simultaneously and yet was really kind at the same time. Anyways, I'm giving my review of a five star because I wanna see this place succeed and I'll definitely come back .

    I'm not sure why this place has good reviews. Their prices are unreasonable and their portions are…read moresmall. Their chicken parmigiana was just okay with such small portions. The bread they served while we waited for food was extremely salty and inedible. Their steak Italian sandwich was dry. It needed sauce or something. Even with discounts through inkind, the meal was expensive and not worth it. This is a party I wish I didn't attend.

    Photos
    Our short rib pasta sells out fast!!!
    Our short rib pasta sells out fast!!!
    Parpadelle bolognese with a meatball
    Parpadelle bolognese with a meatball
    Our lasagna made from scratch

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    Our lasagna made from scratch
    Fratellino's Italian Kitchen

    Fratellino's Italian Kitchen

    4.3
    (147 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$
    Established in 2000
    Kid friendly

    Delicious sausages and meatballs! The paninis are huge and delicious! Perfect amount of…read moreeverything! Thank you!

    when my friends and i decided on a craving for some italian, we had planned a little dinner date…read morehere tonight. we hadn't known at all what to expect, but it was the perfect girl's night simple dinner. when you enter, you go up to the counter to place your order at the register. then they give you a metal number to place on your table for the waiter to bring your dishes to you. none of us waited more than 10 minutes for our food to be ready, and they made sure to bring our appetizers first as well. the calamari was so nicely cooked (the server told us they bread it themselves in house) and the mozzarella sticks had some incredible cheese pulls. you could tell the bread was going to be delicious as well just based on the color and seasoning, and they did not disappoint. i had ordered the clam sauce with linguine, creamy style; this meant they added some alfredo sauce to the sauce to make it a little thicker in consistency. when i got my dish, the sauce was still fairly thin but i think the alfredo helped a lot for what i was wanting in flavor. the clams were exquisite and, if i hadn't stuffed myself so much on the carb appetizers, i would have polished it off right there. my friends said their dishes were also incredible. the only thing was the pizza; my friend didn't seem to detect any tomato sauce on her dough, only olive oil. she ended up using our dipping sauces to add, but she said it was still delicious. despite being so incredibly full, we still made room for dessert because how could we leave without trying the gelato? the strawberry cheesecake was exactly the perfect sweetness for me to balance out what i had just eaten, though the other flavors were just as good too. overall, it was an incredible dining experience. the staff was all very friendly, happy to provide recommendations or explain what deals came with adding on anything to your order. they were very attentive in checking in with us. the ambiance of the place is also so pretty and so quaint. i definitely intend to come back for another meal!

    Photos
    Counter
    Counter
    Garlic bread with every entree is delicious
    Garlic bread with every entree is delicious
    Very cute interior, romantic music playing, smells of great ingredients.

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    Very cute interior, romantic music playing, smells of great ingredients.
    Roman Cucina

    Roman Cucina

    4.4
    (2.2k reviews)
    7.2 mi
    $$

    Had a great meal!! Our waiter was super friendly, welcoming, and very informative about the menu…read moreand customization options. We loved being able to get a combo of the sausage and meatball mozzarella appetizer to try both. The mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta paired nicely with the meats. The Rosa pasta was creamy and flavorful, though the pasta was slightly overcooked for our preference. The Pasta Gianni had a well-balanced oil-based sauce, and the shrimp and mushrooms added great flavor. Generous portions, great service, and plenty of menu options. We'll definitely be back to try more dishes.

    This place is a hidden gem of the city. It's a small hole in the way that opens at 5 pm daily and…read morecan have a wait-list. Here are the cons of this place: 1. Small spacing Pros: 1. It's very intimate, great for a date 2. The menu has a little of everything. 3. The staff is knowledgeable and can tell you what they recommend as in if anything you usually gets changes from ingredients to how it's made. 4. They got a killer offer on week days. **Tuesdays: Half off pasta on the second order! Look try this place out. Impress your partner. Pro move: leave your card with the server without them knowing so the bill is paid before they try to fight you to pay the bill. I always getting the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken but my wife won't budge from their lasagna.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Shrimp Scampi7t
    Shrimp Scampi7t
    Raspberry Martini

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    Raspberry Martini
    North Italia

    North Italia

    4.2
    (5.9k reviews)
    8.0 mi
    $$

    Great place to host a celebration with a modern sleek interior. We were quickly sat on the patio…read moreMonday afternoon. Waiter was friendly and knowledgeable of the various dishes and provided good variety of recommendations. The table started with a white truffle garlic bread dish and it was delicious!! This summer they are offering a summer selection menu of a small plate and entree for $25. I opted for the arancini and roasted salmon (extra $5). Everything was very yummy and I would order it again. The arancini had good depth of cheese. The one thing that was slightly annoying was the arancini would not hold shape when dipped in the sauce on the side.

    We decided to come here for lunch totally unplanned. I've been here several times, but it was more…read morethan four years since I dined there. I expected it to be crowded as usual and that parking would be insane. Fortunately, and surprisingly, there was plenty of parking. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a hostess. When I observed the dining area of the restaurant, it was approximately thirty percent full. The bar contained about the same amount of occupants. We waited two minutes and the hostess took us to our table. Once we were seated, our server immediately came to our table to greet us and take our beverage order. When she came back with our waters, we both ordered the parmesean chicken sandwich. Our orders arrived and I realized I made a huge mistake as I didn't read what was included in the sandwich. I don't eat pork and prosciutto is included. I apologized to our server and told her about my error. She said it would not be an issue at all to make me a new sandwich without the prosciutto. Once my sandwich arrived, I dove in, and it was good! I wish the chicken was a little meatier and juicy, though. I also didn't really taste too much of the mozzarella and provolone. I love that melted cheese you get with the bite, but it sort of was lacking. The sauces were prevalent and tasty. It wasn't the best I've had, but still good, nonetheless. I had a side of salad and it was just a regular mixed green salad. The service was fantastic! Our server was extremely attentive and friendly. I didn't catch her name, but she had her long, blondish-brown hair in a ponytail braid. I love the ambiance with how open, bright, and airy it feels. Here's the breakdown: Food - 4/5 Service - 5/5 Ambiance - 5/5 I would definitely recommend this place for drinks and appetizers with a really nice ambiance and great service!

    Photos
    NORTH ITALIA - IRVINE
    NORTH ITALIA - IRVINE
    North Italia
    North Italia

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    Centro - cafes - Updated July 2026

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