Cibo Eccellente!!! Which in Italian means Excellent Food!!! WOW! This hidden jem bistro serves real authentic Italian cuisine that will transport to Italy. Located in Laguna Hills on Cabot Road between Crown Valley and Oso Parkways, Mangi Con Amore is hands down the BEST place for real Italian food. Owner Michelle makes everything from scratch, including the pizza dough and pastas. She cooks everything to order, which you will immediately realize after your first bite. The Caprese Salad was so good! The fresh mozzarella was just that... fresh, unlike what you get at other places. The tomatoes, basil, and right amount of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and black pepper make this a great appetizer. The Spinach Ricotta Ravioli was so tasty, especially since it was literally made to order! Filled with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, parmesan and romano cheeses and perfectly seasoned. You can select from 5 different sauces, the Arrabiata sauce was devine! The Meat Lasagna Bolognese is the bomb! Best I've ever had. Filled with premium ground beef, perfectly seasoned and layered with cheese and covered with the house made marinara sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese. Trust me, if you can't finish it, it makes a great lunch leftover! The Garlic Bread is made to order with homemade garlic butter and is served HOT. And finally, the Cannoli's were AMAZING! These are also made to order, as I saw Michelle filling them before she served them. All the food is served hot and with a smile from owner Michelle, who is truly amazing and very friendly. She prides herself on using only the freshest ingredients and staying true to the family recipes. Stop in for lunch, dinner, or take out. You won't be disappointed. Arrivederci! read more

Everything for years was amazing! The wonderful owners came to CA from Bologna Italy and literally brought that towns recipes (now theirs too) along with them! Their signature dish, a large pan Lasagna will bring you back for more! Great Pizza too, in several varieties, Cheese& Pepperoni like no other! GREAT MENU, always happy to prepare it fresh and ready to go home with you, or have it there! Highly recommended, for sure! Don E Ward / Laguna Niguel, CA read more

I was not impressed with the food and portions of the plates, however I was appreciative of the fact they were open when no other options for Italian were available. They've been there for a number of years so I am happy to note they must have a solid following to keep them going. Wish them well but don't think I'll be heading back there - Ciao read more

Oh my goodness!! Let me just say, this place is delicious Healthy AND delicious italian food!! Ive tried the salads which are great, but the pizza and lasagna are amazing. My friends like the paninis's, but I think its safe to say everything on the menu is to die for!! Must try!! read more

Mangi Con Amore - Italian sausage with peppers. - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

We always see this wonderful restaurant at the farmers market in Laguna Beach. They have the best spreads tomato sauce pizzas that you can just bring home and pop in the oven. They're so delicious. Everything is so authentically delicious at Mangi con amore We actually ended up buying our dinner Saturday morning and having it Saturday night delicious, one of our favorites is the squid pasta read more

First time coming to this place and it's quite nice. Indoor ambiance is very Italy like and they even have an outdoor table set up for outdoor dining. Plenty of parking as it's a small restaurant in a chain of businesses. I ordered the short rib ravioli and it was delicious. It comes with butter and Parmesan but I also got the marinara sauce in the side. Quite tasty. Also for an extra $8.95 you can get a side salad with dressing as well. My friends got their combo pizza and I have to say the thin crust was perfectly cooked. Thin and crispy and was able to hold up on those toppings. I was so hungry I forgot to take photos but I will definitely be back again soon. Their complimentary garlic bread was superb tasting. Just the right amount of yumminess. Super clean and friendly staff. Had to ask for a refill of tea and water a couple of times. But overall still a good experience. read more

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Run!! You found THE SECRET SPOT! Amazing food, excellent service you won't regret hitting up this hole-in-the-wall Italian gem The pizza, the pasta, everything was delicious! Amore We'll be back for more soon. read more

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Michelle made an amazing pizza -- my first pizza of the year, and it couldn't have been better! The team at Mangi Con Amore is so down to earth and personable, and you can truly feel how much care they put into what they do. They work incredibly hard -- running the store five days a week and still showing up at farmers markets two days a week. That kind of dedication says everything. This is a business I genuinely support. They care deeply about the quality of their ingredients, which tells you they care just as much about their customers. You can taste the intention and love in every bite. If you haven't tried this pizza yet, you are seriously missing out. Highly recommend supporting this local gem! read more

This is one of the best pizzas I have ever had! So authentically Italian tasting. Michelle you outdid yourself with that pesto and I even took one home to bake the next day! Delicious!! I love this place and love the owner Michelle. read more

Mangi Con Amore - Sausage Pesto Pizza - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Still one of our favorites! Amazing owners, outstanding food, at home in Italy vibe inside. We always get the lasagna and the four cheese ravioli. We also always bring an ice chest and take some of their frozen foods to go! Check hours if you want to go on the weekend. read more

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I truly recommend the minestrone soup, and Short rib ravioli. I also got to try the minestrone. I highly recommend this place. I got two meals out of my order, and purchased two of my lavender blueberry lemonades for later bc they tasted beyond fresh! Cheers! read more

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What a charming little spot, with the most delicious Italian food. We've tried many of the dishes, including the Panini's, pasta, pizza and salads, and everything is delicious. The desserts are amazing as well! Everything tastes fresh, and homemade. The service is outstanding, so kind and hospitable. I would highly recommend this spot! read more

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Passed by this building complex so many times but never knew there was an eatery here! Saw people walking out with food so went to check it out. I've been looking for an amazing sandwich shop in the area and haven't found anything yet. Something like the godmother in Santa Monica. Was hoping this was it. Tried it, it was good but not omg good. I'll definitely try other items on their menu but so far, it's ok. read more

Mangi Con Amore - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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So Good, so quick and easy to eat here. Salads are great, Minestrone Soup and Caprese Salad super tasty. Even the expresso is worth coming for. Michelle is awesome and takes great care of everyone - try the pistachio bites to go read more

Mangi Con Amore - Me Happy and Full! - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Delicious food. They added fantastic pizza now with flour imported from Italy. Lasagna was delicious. The this is a very quaint, very clean, Restaurant. Very homey feel. The service is impeccable. The food is absolutely delicious and authentic. Highly recommended. Handmade pizza was delicious. Also, there is a side where they sell Vegan as well. read more

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I visited Mangi Con Amore yesterday for my first time after reading about it on Nextdoor. We ordered 2 pizzas one gluten free and one regular. The pizzas are out of this world. We did take and bake and the delicate GF was so light and tasty. The regular one was gone in minutes. If you love pizza you must try this. After eating this pizza you don't feel like you had pizza. It's so incredibly light but substantial. Hard to perfectly describe. Just go for yourself and you will not be disappointed. The owner is just delightful and hand made the pizza. Can't wait to go back. read more

I love this place! I have yet to dine in, my husband takes it to go. My husband has asked me to come in next time as the owners are really nice. I've had their pizza, the sandwiches, short rib ravioli, lasagna - all is great! Clean, sweet cozy restaurant! read more

Been by here a thousand times and never knew it was a restaurant. It's tucked in amongst a bunch of industrial units but the red umbrella should have been a clue. 1st, the bad news. Food in a restaurant should be served with a knife and fork on the napkins. We only got forks, which was fine for the lasagna but not for the eggplant parmigan. That's all the bad news. Now the good: the food is excellent. It's a very no frills presentation but that's good in my book, as it cuts down on waste. The lasagna Bolognese was meaty, layered with what seemed like a wheat pasta in texture, but I'm no gourmand so I'll just say that it was terrific. The eggplant parmigiana was great, according to my friend. His son had a loaded pizza (you pick your own toppings) and he thought it was excellent, and took half of it home. The man working the counter was very friendly and didn't get upset when I asked if the place had just opened. Not bad pricing considering where restaurant prices have gone these days. No frills in the decor. Just good food, good service, good prices. That's a 5 star to me. EDIT: I added photos, and have to mention the caprese we had and I omitted from the review! Delish! read more

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This is a cute mom and pop shop in a hidden part of Laguna Hills. I happened to stumble across it while I was picking up some items from the shop next store, and I am so glad I did. I ordered the minestrone soup, which was delicious. I could tell that it was homemade. I also ordered a full sized salad that came with the works ( peppers, cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, chickpeas) and it did not fall short. The current owner, who was pleasant and kind, spoke to me for a little bit about the restaurant and the new ownership. I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant and the food. I will definitely be back. read more

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Great service, delicious food. We ate at a table but many people called in and picked up. We will be visiting often. read more

Mangi Con Amore - This is only part of the menus. - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I'm extremely disappointed. I used to live around here and came frequently, but it seems the owner has changed. This place used to have the best panini and tiramisu I've ever had. However, when I visited after a long time, everything had changed. The panini price has gone up significantly, but the cheese is thinner and the prosciutto seems lower in quality. It used to be a solid 10 out of 10, but now it's barely a 3. The worst part was the tiramisu. It used to have an incredibly rich combination of mascarpone cheese and espresso. Now the flavor is bland, there's no aroma of espresso, and to top it off, instead of cocoa powder, they sprinkled cinnamon sugar! Unbelievable! That's not tiramisu anymore--it's basically a churro. My cherished memory of the taste was completely destroyed. Unfortunately, I only took a few bites and threw the rest away. Zero out of ten. Not worth eating. Goodbye--I will never come back. read more

"SHORT RIB RAVIOLIS"IS A MUST! I'm not one who usually post but "OMG" I was recommended by a close friend to try Mangi Con Amore since I love Italian food! Why have I not been here before! The Short Rib Ravioli..... TO DIE FOR! So freaking good and light! Yes is there such a thing as light ravioli, yes if it's done right and they nailed it! Thank you for the delicious lunch Very cute, clean and quaint bistro. read more

My wife and I came here for anniversary. The food was great! The pizza was delicious. We were spoiled with the service. The tiramisu was so fresh, even the lady fingers were still firm. We will for sure come back again! Highly recommend making a visit. read more

Mangi Con Amore - Yum yum pizza - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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We arrived just 5 min before closing but, the lady helping us (I presume the owner) was super kind enough to let us order and she was super friendly and in no rush. Fast forward, we brought it home and when we opened the containers, the food was steaming hot and smelled great. We ordered the spinach ricotta and eggplant Parmesan with a side of meatballs and everything was delicious! It tasted so fresh and well prepared, I'd love to come back to try more! I can't wait to stop by and get a pizza or a sandwich. The interior was also really clean, mom and pop vibe. 10/10 all around, see you soon!! read more

Mangi Con Amore - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I stopped by while I was getting my windows tinted and it was a very surprising delight! I ordered the turkey panini that comes with quinoa salad and it was AMAZING! I am actually writing this review as I am eating it because it deserves recognition! I will absolutely be back to try more of the menu. Staff could not be more friendly or sweet. The restaurant is very clean and nice to spend time in. Also the prices are so reasonable for what you get! Can't wait to come again! read more

Mangi Con Amore - Turkey panini and ollipop - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. Stopped by for a takeout order. Originally I was thinking pasta but today I chose the eggplant parm. The sauce was the highlight of the meal. You get 2-3 layers of heavily breaded eggplant, which is moist not mushy and somehow the texture seamlessly blends with the eggplant. The breading on the eggplant itself lacked flavor. The dish has a very light sprinkle of cheese on top of the sauce. It is served with a piece of garlic bread. I also got the cannoli to go. They have the filling in it's own piping bag to ensure the shells stay crunchy! Smart move. The chocolate chips are pre-mixed into the ricotta filling and disintegrate as you bite so you don't get crunchy chocolate chip texture while eating the cannolo. Highlights of my meal were the marinara and crunchy cannoli shells. But overall pretty average meal. The service was friendly. It took about 20 minutes to get my food, which is always worth it for really hot food. The restaurant was clean and bright. read more

Mangi Con Amore - Eggplant Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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I stopped in this nice little spot hidden in an commercial center. It's on Cabot rd between Oso and Crown Valley. I ordered a pizza. It was an oval shape. Very crisp crust and I had a combination of Mozzarella and Feta. It was a really good tasting pizza. This a a small cozy little spot with a friendly team. I attempted to phone in my to go order but the call kept getting disconnected. This was my fault because my number is blocked. So, if you want to phone in, make sure to unblock your number. *82 is the dialing prefix for most phones. They also sell take and bake pizzas and some spices, oils, dressings and desserts. It's worth finding. read more

Very small but quaint interior. Wonderful customer service: friendly, welcoming, and attentive, making one feel valued and special. Our pasta entrees were tasty, served on nice dishes. Ahh, but they don't have a liquor license -- I love a nice (at least 1) glass of Italian wine with my pasta. We enjoyed our entrees -- perhaps just not what we were expecting on a Friday night out; however, now we know. Maybe take-out next time. My husband labeled theirs the best tiramisu around (amazingly generous in size, light-&-fluffy, flavorful -- not overpowered by the taste of rum). I'd love to return, perhaps during an afternoon, to taste their pizzas, sandwiches, and other pasta dishes. read more

We've been looking forward to trying a local Italian restaurant, and we are so glad that we found Mangi Con Amore...What a hidden gem this place is. The food was amazingly delicious, and the service felt like my Italian Grandmother was catering to my every need. The Spaghetti and Meatballs were so flavorful and yummy. Come Hungry! Leave Happy! read more

This place has the most welcoming owners manning the counter, and some of the best Italian food in OC. The wild mushroom ravioli and the butternut squash ravioli are standouts - just excellent. It is in a very unexpected location in a very small space with only a few tables inside, but it's quite charming and well-worth a visit! read more

We went for dinner on a recommendation from a post on Mission Viejo Connection because we LOVE pizza! The server told us that they have been there for 15 years, who knew?! The best part was the owner, Michelle, who stopped to talk to us and told us her story when she bought it three years ago. She was formerly a bartender at Antonucci's which we realized, THAT'S why she looks familiar! She added pizzas to the menus and each one you order is personal to your liking. And they come out quick! The crust is imported directly from Italy and is amazing! She also sells homemade things like healthy nut butters, trail mix, oils, etc which she also sells at different farmers markets on the weekends... which is why they're closed on the weekends. It's not a fancy place but cute! Who needs fancy on a weeknight anyways? Check it out and tell Michelle, the word is out!! read more

Most amazing food I ever had!we split the spaghetti and meatballs, and the Turkey Panini, it was as the perfect!!!

Delicious!!! Brett and Michelle are so nice and welcoming! Michelle suggested a few different pastas and each one was amazing. Short rib ravioli was my fav!! Pasta was cooked perfectly. Can't wait to try some more dishes! Highly recommend. read more

SIX STARS! LOVE this food! Everything is high-quality, fresh, homemade, delicious, and made with love! I have been buying homemade pizzas at the farmer's market from the owner, Michelle. Love them! The flour for the crust is imported from Italy so the crust gets nice and crisp...and way healthier too! The nut butters are divine! And Brent's pistachio energy bites are super healthy and yummy! Today I got an incredible pizza and tried the delicious homemade ravioli that just melted in my mouth! Everything they make is waaaaay too good! I also Love the Italia dip...pesto, feta and sun-dried tomatoes too. Cutest bistro with sweet vibes of Italy! Next time I'll try the veggie panini!!! AMAZING food and sweetest owners ever! Just truly awesome people. Highly recommend. Thank you!!! read more

Mangi Con Amore - Pizza - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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There is no equal in south Orange County. Amazing food, amazing prices. This spot is the definition of a whole in the wall. Owners are super nice and attentive, they have a fantastic selection of superfoods. Do not sleep on this place, support local homegrown businesses! read more

I posted a couple of days ago how great this little deli was. It's better. We had their take home and bake pizzas. Absolutely the best we have ever had. Dough had flavor, pizza toppings were fresh and plentiful. Not the easiest place to find but once you do, you won't be disappointed. read more

Wonderful and highly recommend. They use high quality ingredients and really make delicious authentic dishes that are healthful. Such a difference between this food and other restaurants. The owner is amazing! 5 STARS!!! read more

Browsing Yelp to find an Italian place between my friends place and mine. Tired from a stressful work week, Italian is the only comfort food I need. But wait they're closing in 30 minutes so I quickly called and asked for something not spicy or salty, we settled on the lasagna. I got there at n 5 minutes and it was ready in 10! It's a true blue family restaurant with a big pic of the founder, Stella, on the wall! I took my first bite and realized with the creamy, non tangy bite this was a Northern Italian recipe that I always dreamed of trying! It was the best lasagna I ever had! Talking with the owners I got to know a little more! I took half home with a box of fig cookies. So delish! I'm going to try the eggplant next time. The owners were busy closing but not too busy to chat! Thank you, Brett and Michelle for a wonderful experience! I love this place! A MUST TRY! South OC right off the freeway! No possible chance you won't like it! read more

Mangi Con Amore - Meat Lasagna Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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Someone posted on a fb city page talking about how this place was the best sandwich they've ever had, so I had to try it. Needless to say, we've been here several times. Always get the turkey sandwich and turkey panini. I can say that everything in the sandwiches were carefully thought of - just so good. The pizza and short rib ravioli was good too, but the sandwiches is where it's at! Totally recommend read more

We were really looking forward to eating here after seeing them at the Dana Point market. Our server was pleasant and attentive. There are only about 4 or 5 tables in an otherwise plain appearing counter-service space. We had the eggplant Parmesan and butternut squash ravioli. Both were average at best. The red sauce for the eggplant had an unpleasant flavor and the dish was gooey in consistency. After the meal I had a cappuccino which tasted like it came out of one of those machines at 7-Eleven. There are way too many excellent Italian restaurants around to eat here. read more