Have you ever been hanging out with friends and one of them goes "I have a craving for Italian!" and then two more say the exact same thing? Now you may be thinking: "Alejandro, that's not how most normal conversations go!" and yes, you're right. I just didn't know how else to start this review while also making use of the clever pun of a name that this place has. We got here LATE (think 20 mins before closing time), and the place was already empty, cleaned up and organized, and ready to be closed, yet the cashier and server was still courteous enough to offer us assistance and prepare a table for us. The menu is varied and has every type of pasta dish you could ever want. I went with an always delicious Spaghetti Bolognese and honestly, it did not disappoint. The portions are large, the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce was exquisite. Will certainly be back if I ever get a hankering for more Italian food! read more

We didn't even know this restaurant was here. Found it simply by finding parking across the street, by the yoga studio. Driving home from LA is long so San Clemente is a usual spot. We noticed that they had outdoor covered seating which meant that they were dog friendly. That's a huge plus in my book. We sat down and Carlos V. brought our menus. He was very welcoming, great attitude and attentive. We ordered... Sangria Peroni Italian beer Fried calamari Special of the day, Lobster ravioli The marinara that came with the bread and calamari was delicious! It was so good that I could eat it with a spoon like soup. I wish I could buy a tub of it. The actual lobster ravioli was delicious. The sauce was slightly salty. I ended up taking the ravioli home and adding a little more cream to offset the salt. It was delicious! Calamari was standard. Nothing so spectacular that I'll be back for it. It was a great location and customer service. I will be back to try other items on the menu. read more

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If you're looking for a casual Italian food spot where you don't have to compromise on the dishes, then this is your spot. It's located super close to the Main Street through downtown San Clemente and the dishes we got were very yummy. Additionally, the restaurant was relatively calm for a Saturday evening which was a refreshing step away from the otherwise busy strips in the main areas of town. The Mama Mia pasta dish was my favorite from what we ordered and was packed with flavors. The bread was also freshly baked and delicious. read more

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Veggie Pizza is as described. It was nice with some parm on top. It took a bit for it to come out to the table, but didn't keep me from finishing it. read more

Italian Cravings - Veggie Pizza is as described. It was nice with some parm on top. - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

I had the fettuccine Alfredo and it was delicious. I also recommend the garlic cheese bread!

Have walked past this restaurant many times over the last few years. We decided to check it out. Customer leaving gave a recommendation. We went on service was great food delicious! This will be one of our go to places when we visit this city. read more

We ordered pickup tonight for Monday night Football. My Penne Cravings Mama Mia dish was Super salty tonight. I was disappointed. I had to put salad dressing on it to calm it down. read more

The food was delicious! So we get to the restaurant. We are standing outside because we were iffy if we should go in or not because we were coming from the beach and I didn't feel dressed up enough. Then this guy peeks out and is like welcome, come on in guys! We are celebrating 20 years so we have some wine tasting and cheese boards help yourselves." He was so welcoming and friendly that we decided to stay and we did not regret it one bit. We started with an appetizer. We got the meatballs and an order of the garlic cheese bread and wow as soon as we tried the meatballs we knew we were in for a treat. You can usually tell if a place will be good by how good the appetizer is. The meatballs were so savory. Then we ordered the chicken vodka which was my favorite and the chicken pesto which was so good too. We also ordered a bottle of the Cabernet because we sampled it and it was so delicious and they had a special $10 off the bottle. Everything was so good and had so much flavor. We had an amazing time and they were so attentive. Definitely will be coming back! read more

Italian Cravings - Chicken Pesto - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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The food was good. Not crowded, but service when we arrived was slow. It had a relaxed feel. We will be going there again. read more

Italian Cravings - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

First, we ordered a wine from the menu which turns out they don't sell anymore so they gave us one that was "exactly like it"... ok whatever it was good. Second of all, we were helped by a girl who was "in training," which is fine, except she didn't know how to answer our questions about the pizzas (size and number of slices), and she made no effort to find out for us. Third, we ordered a "Hawaiian style" pizza with pepperoni instead of ham, and we got a pizza with pepperoni and ham, no pineapple. We asked if they could fix it and the same girl in training said she was sorry. We insisted that we wanted the pineapple so she went to talk to the cook, came back, and offered us a side of pineapple. We proceeded to explain that it tastes different when the pineapple is cooked into the pizza. So she took the pizza and brought it back 5 minutes later, with raw pineapple thrown on top of it and reheated for 2 minutes, which made the pizza all burnt and hard, and the pineapple still raw. It wasn't even packed and they didn't offer to remake the pizza. Not coming here again. read more

Italian Cravings - They threw raw pineapple on top instead of re making their mistake... - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

It was pretty good. Limited menu. More than enough food to fill you up for every order. Drinks were served immediately and appetizers came out quick. read more

Love, love, love everything about Italian Cravings! The vodka gnocchi and fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli (you can request to add) are our favorites. The wine selection is excellent and the staff friendly and knowledgeable. It's the cutest little Italian gem located right in the heart of San Clemente and has a sweet little outdoor patio in front. Inside is a classic Italian old country vibe with a beautiful mural on the wall - makes me believe mama is still cooking in the kitchen! I visit my daughter, who lives in town, frequently and literally never leave town without having a meal at this restaurant. Very highly recommend - I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would give this iconic restaurant less than a 5 star. read more

We have been to this restaurant ten or twenty times. Their food is good, and it is even better for the price. The usual waiter call us by name and remembers what we like and suggests more. Yesterday we had their salmon and it was delicious! We recommend this place for maybe the least expensive good food in San Clemente. read more

Just had a calzone from here and have to say what a DISAPPOINTMENT... 40% of it was just bread.. the sauce has absolutely NO FLAVOR. Liquid cheese was unsatisfying.. First time trying this place and I couldn't feel any more regretful.. wish Tina and Vince's never closed or I wouldn't have wasted my time coming here. Waste of 10$.. read more

Italian Cravings - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

This place is great! I've tried a few of the pastas and the chicken vodka was my favorite. It's delicious!!! The service is really good as well. I highly recommend it. read more

Great eats. Great service. Vegetarian options. Dog friendly. We were looking for a wonderful casual experience where our dog would be welcomed. It's was the perfect place to enjoy a late afternoon meal, and the outdoor patio made it all the better. read more

Never had a bad meal here. Never had bad service here either, but they can get busy at times Pizza crust is right in between medium and thin( so... perfect?) but not chewy,with delicious red sauce. The pastas are always cooked and drained right. Love the eggplant. Sandwiches are good too. They do a lot of take out here. Inside dining is typical 1940's style-dark wood and large murals. They do have a pleasant outside area too read more

Have eaten in the restaurant a few times and also ordered through Door Dash many times, never disappointed. The restaurant is always empty when we go by and we have no idea why. We haven't had a single thing from here that we didn't like. The Cajun shrimp app, craving mama Mia pasta, and their pizza are some of our faves. Delivery always arrives hot. I've ordered from here for meal trains and to feed our movers as well, everyone has loved their food. The cannolis are good as well. Really enjoy this restaurant. read more

The service was pretty good, very fast. The server was very polite and did his job well. The pizza was good, what you would expect from a pizza joint. It was better than normal, but was not fantastic. Would definitely recommend the BBQ chicken pizza, and the Pepperoni pizza. read more

A little hidden wish it was out in the open for everyone to enjoy. Love the place! The food is amazing people are great especially the cashier. The place is very clean and comforting. I recommend there ravioli, chicken Parmigiana and bbq chicken pizza!! Love this Hidden gem read more

Italian Cravings - a restaurant with a counter and a bar - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Food and service was great! The menu has many good options to choose from. Great atmosphere and the restaurant is really clean. Definitely will be back read more

Enjoyable place I'll visit again! So it was my first time visiting last night, even though it's local. My wife and I were pleasantly surprised. We've seen it several times while walking down Del Mar, but have never stopped in. It's off the main drag and this outside doesn't scream "Come Inside", but once you do I think you'll like it. LOCATION & AMBIANCE (Rating 3.5) The outside's curb appeal isn't exactly high and the surrounding area is a bit questionable, but don't let that stop you. The inside is nicely decorated, clean and you won't have to wait forever like some other "Italian" joints in SC. SERVICE (Rating 4.5) Our server was very nice and took care of us well checking back and making sure everything was handled. She gave us suggestions from what she liked and was extremely pleasant. Mama Mia (Rating 4.5) Penne pasta with chicken, sun dried tomatoes and artichoke. This cream based red sauce was extremely rich and the sauce cooked to perfection. It had a bit of spice which I enjoyed quite a bit and it was extremely filling. Great job. read more

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The food was average and very overpriced for what you're actually getting. Service was good.

My boyfriend and I ordered a small pizza and antipasto salad. We rode our bikes to the shop as we were staying in Dana point. When we were served the pizza, my boyfriend and I looked at each other and asked, is that a small? at this time the waiter said no it's a large. I informed him that I ordered a small he said well it's our mistake. We Will only charge you for a small.. when the bill came I was charged for a large pizza which was $10 more. I informed the waiter that we had already discussed he would be charging me for a small, at this time he said since we ate the entire pizza, his boss told him to charge for the large, I informed him that I usually don't eat that much but because I didn't have a way to carry it back to our hotel, we over ate. The waiter said that the owner was willing to give me five dollars off, even though it was their mistake. I left there very unhappy.i wont go back and will not recommend. Terrible service. read more

I found this little Italian restaurant and thought I would check it out. It was 12:00pm and it was dead so I was a little concerned. The guy and the register had no personality. I ordered the chopped Salad to go, He just handed me the salad no bag, no thank you, just sent me on my way. Took a few bites of the Salad and it was fresh and tasty, then 4 bites into it I found a black hair .. so gross. I could not take another bite. I don't understand why they don't make it the law to wear hair and BEARD Hair nets. Sorry I won't be going back. read more

This is the best place ever the food the service (Sheena) is the best ever thank you Italian Cravings

Probably one of my favorite places to eat. I'm surprised Italian Cravings didn't get a higher score. Every time we come the food is delicious. I tried most of their pastas and my favorite is Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken. The pizza's are awesome. Last night I had the Veggie Alfredo Calzone. It was so good! The crust was crispy and the inside was bursting with Alfredo sauce, cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms and artichoke hearts. My son had Chicken Parmigiana. Huge portion of chicken and linguini. It tasted delicious! My husband enjoyed his Lasagna. We will definitely be coming back. read more

Italian Cravings - The Veggie Alfredo Calzone was perfect! Crispy crust and creamy goodness inside! So good! - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Visiting family in San Clemente. Decided to stop and eat at this quiet little Italian restaurant. Food was amazing and prices were very fair. Ordered the pesto chicken and it was delicious. The server was on top of it. I highly recommend this place for its food and service! read more

So gross, ordered Chicken Picata, here's a pic from the website and what was actually delivered so gross!!! I will not eat there again. read more

Italian Cravings - Christmas corn Picata website photo and what they delivered. Had to toss it! - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Came here with friends for dinner on a Tuesday night. Our server was a lovely young man who was patient and helpful with us. We had a variety of selections, and everyone was happy with their choices. Between us we tried Chicken Parm with Fettuccine Alfredo, Minestrone Soup, a fruita de mara, and a fourth dish that I cannot recall. All of us really enjoyed each morcel. The decor inside is modern and comfortable, much nicer than the faded outdoor sign might imply. Tthe space was spotless and comfortable. But what will bring us back is the food. Delicious. read more

Italian Cravings - Nice décor lovely ambience - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Very unwelcoming atmosphere. Walked in to order to-go and the man behind the register was rude. He was cursing at the cooks in front of customers. The food is not worth it for how much you pay. Don't recommend the garlic bread with cheese, there was barely any cheese, small pieces, and did not taste anything like garlic bread. If you're craving Italian don't go here. read more

Italian Cravings - Garlic Bread with Cheese - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Family owned and run which is always nice to see. Cute place a block off the beaten track. Have eaten here and had delivery many times and always very good solid Italian faire at a very reasonable price....until Ordered a pizza and an antipasto to pick up. They're always fast and this time was no different...maybe to fast. Pizza was excellent, as usual. The antipasto no so. If fact...sad. A pile of romaine with a sprinkling of onions and olives with a slice of cheese. Sans meat. Being in the restaurant business all my life I know sh*t happens. I called to offer my opinion, not to complain but to let them know a mistake was made. Unfortunitly I encountered a very defensive person who tried to persuade me that it was me who was wrong and that they could not have made a mistake. I hope in the future they google Italian antipasto and see what goes into this eye pleasing dish. It's not a garden salad with Italian dressing. The customer is not always wrong! Would have been a 2 star but our history has been a 5. read more

Very pleased with the staff. Quick, efficient and the food was delicious . Driving back to San Diego from Newport and was having a Italian craving and this little place hit the spot. Little bummed about not having beer on tap but I settled for the Lagunitas IPA bottle. It was served with a ice cold glass and the cravings special was yummy in my tummy! Herd good things about the garlic cheese nots so I got those to-go! read more

Italian Cravings - Cravings mamma Mia w/house bread - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Surprisingly delicious! My food review and a-most place to go psa. It's been a while since a posted food reviews;-) And honestly, because I been lazy but this place deserves a spot light. Stop in for lunch after walking up and down San Clemente street market. Initially, as we walk up, it was empty. Husband asked me, "Are you sure you want to eat here?" " nobody is here" Hence: crowded place is usually an indication that the food are amazing. I said, "lets give it a chance" Since we always go to Sonny's for italian cravings and have been ignoring this place. I ordered clam linguine in white wine sauce and husband ordered meat lover pizza. As we wait for our food. Couldn't help think, I hope our food are good and was just enjoying the view of San Clemente's main street (people watching) and the ocean breeze (a nice break from the sun's heat) When our food came, the serving was generous and looking good. Surprisingly, I wonder why this place is not crowded, compare to Sonny's, as Sonny, I thought now is over-rated. One of the best clam linguini in white wine sauce with nice ocean breeze and the view of San Clementes main street; And, Husband was happy with his pizza. The price was affordable also, we have spend 4x somewhere else for just an okay seafood linguini. Husband even told our nice waiter, " we will come back again and we will tell people about this place." Ohh, btw... It is dog friendly patio;-) read more

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Took a train ride to San Clemente and went walking and got hungry for lunch and stumbled upon this place . Server was really nice loved the outdoor seating but our group was to big for that. Ordered a salad that was supposed to feed like 2-3 People but was kinda small. The pizza was delicious. The crust was so good. Everything tastes fresh. read more

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I do not give one or two star reviews regularly, nor do I take it lightly but tonight's dinner was truly an unfortunate experience. At 5:10, we walked in for an early dinner. There was one other couple who appeared finished with their meal. We were directed to "sit anywhere" and the young man who instructed us to do so came over and asked if we wanted appetizers. Note: this is one of many times over the last 8 or so years that I have been to this restaurant. In the summer, it is quite hot as they have no AC and tonight, it was uncomfortably cold as they had the front door open. We sat as far from the door as possible and it was chilly. Nearly all of their pasta dishes are cream based, with a few in either pesto or marinara. Their linguine vongole is served with either a marinara (which is misspelled on the menu) or Alfredo sauce. Two of my three dining companions (aunt and daughter) and I all wanted traditional linguine vongole. We very nearly got up and went up the street to Carbonara but we decided to stay. A mistake. We asked if we could have the pasta with the traditional white wine and garlic sauce and were assured that we would get that. I noted that our server and the other two servers returned to each of their tables to "double check" the orders because they hadn't written them down (or listened). This is a skill that should be either perfected or left to finer dining establishments. My daughter and I ordered a Caesar salad to share and the other two had a side salad and soup. Thirty five minutes after we ordered, my husband's soup arrived. He liked it and it was a good thing he did (just wait). Another 10 minutes passed and a lackluster Caesar arrived with two plates but no way to serve both of us. It was uninspired with tired lettuce. We had to request the side salad. It was requested with oil and vinegar but what came was mostly vinegar. Another 10 minutes pass and my daughter and aunt's pasta arrive. And nothing else. We are two entrees short. My daughter is over half through her meal and mine comes. And my husband's salmon is nowhere to be found. Our server indicated that she messed up because a table of two placed a similar order to our table of four, and she gave my husband's dinner to the woman at that table. An hour and ten minutes after we ordered, our server gave my husband an update that it was coming and asked how our pastas were. They were not all that good. Linguine vongole is a simple dish to make. Garlic, olive oil, clams, red pepper, parsley, butter, pasta and wine. Mind you, we took full responsibility for ordering off menu but at no point should linguine vongole come with tomato and basil. They did linguine vongole alla checca. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't what we wanted. An hour and twenty minutes after we arrived, my husband went to front of house and requested that his salmon piccata be boxed to go. See picture. What came home looked gruesome. He said the fish was nice, the rest went in the trash. They removed his meal from the bill and applied a coupon to two of the pastas which was the appropriate thing to do. Total bill came to $48.00. What was once a nice small, non-chain restaurant has become a poorly run disaster. read more

Italian Cravings - This is the salmon piccata that was boxed to go. It was not a soup dish... - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

I have been here twice and I'm going to go out on a limb here and give them a bright red 5 star review. First time I came here it was towards the dinner hours. We didn't even plan on going here but found this location with the trusty iPhone. Sitting outside is a must, especially in San Clemente. One complaint with the tables outside is that they are super nasty sticky, even when cleaned... might be the salty air, not sure. None of the servers that served us on either occasion were rude or slow. It might be due to the fact that there are not a whole lot of people in there at any given point in time. There food is authentically yummy and not at all over priced. The inside of the restaurant is super cute. If your inside or out, it is a perfect date spot for non federal pound me in the ass date price. If you want a nice lunch or decent dinner spot to go with a couple friends and bull shit, or take the females for a good time, start your trip here and end up here _______ (fill in the blank). read more

Italian Cravings - Store Front. - Italian Near Me - San Clemente, California

Food was excellent! We had an order of garlic bread to start that was tasty. Had minestrone soup, very nice, but a bit of a small portion. I had chicken parmesan that was out of this world! So crispy and so tasty! I want it again! My boys all had pasta... they all cleaned their plates. Destiny, our server, was attentive and really focused on our needs. It was so busy and she kept our drinks refilled and still took the time to chat a bit. I cant wait for the next visit! read more

Used to be a favorite place but Greatly disappointed! Went there for dinner tonight. 2 out of three servers did not have mask on. One cook could be seen with no mask on. If they aren't following the mask health requirement, what other requirements do they ignore. read more

Plenty of parking quaint atmosphere very friendly service Hidden Gem definitely must go very good pizza