Staff: The team here is so nice. Our server was Fankie and she was great. Everyone from the hostess, to the buss boy, to the support staff, they were all so nice. Quality: This is a beautiful restaurant that I've seen for well over a decade but never visited. I always drove by and never knew just how popular this place is. We came in on a Monday night and it was packed. The food was delicious in every way. Along with the garlic bread for an appetizer, we ordered the lobster ravioli, kids penne pasta, and angel hair pasta. For dessert we ordered the chocolate cake. Value: Pricing was fair at approximately $94.00 before tip. This is not bad for high end dining. Overall: We really enjoyed this place and plan to return again. read more

See all

This is my local Italian restaurant and I love it so much. The price is reasonable and the portions are big. We came here to celebrate Mother's Day with my family. We got the calamari salad which was a very good choice since the salad balanced the fried calamari well. My favorite is the linguine vongole - they use real large clams and they put so much of it I almost couldn't finish it all. The cioppino is also very delicious and full of different seafood. Their tiramisu is very flavorful without being too heavy. The service was great and the restaurant can get a bit loud when it's busy. read more

See all

I absolutely love the gnocchi here, probably one of the best gnocchi in the states. Soft, pillowy with a cheese filling. The sauce is dreamy, rich and so delicious. I wonder if I could order extra sauce for next time. Calamari was a bit undergone for my taste -batter wasnt crunchy. Vongole pasta was good, clams tasted fresh. I dont think this was my favorite dish though. Chicken sausage rigatoni was delicious and so flavorful. The complimentary garlic bread was delicious and i had 2 servings of it. Customer service was ok, I think just understaffed that weekend. Overall, a gem of an Italian restaurant. read more

See all

This place is nostalgic. The childhood restaurant where we celebrated most of our birthdays and graduations at. Since we no longer live in the area, we don't come here as often. Reviewing specifically for the Christmas Eve reservation we had at 8PM and we waited over an hour to be seated. Giving them grace that it was a very busy evening... but we had elderly people in our party. We kept checking in with the hostess who kept promising us that they were just cleaning a table and we were next... then 10 other parties were seated before us. Lol. We love their calamari and the fresh cheese bread for starters. The bread is the star of the show here. My parents love their tutto mare. The spicy rigatoni, lasagna, chicken marsala, and the chicken parmigiana are also our favorites. The food here is great. The service we received that evening... not so much. But it was definitely nostalgic to be back here after a long time. read more

See all

Great local Italian place to dine out with the family. Came out for Mother's Day and was surprised that it was not super packed. He restaurant is family friendly and lively. The boys love having the Alfredo fettuccine. I usually order the chicken parmigiana but wanted to try something different and ordered the cioppino which was full of seafood and was great to dip with the bread provided. read more

See all

We ordered take-out, this place is amazing. The order was HOT and accurate! The chicken was tender. The amount of sauce on the entrees was perfect. The vegetables, potatoes, and pasta were tasty. The meatballs were melt in your mouth tender. The salad was crisp and fresh. Delivery was quick. Order summary Pollo Parmigiano Light sauce on pasta. Potatoes and pasta for sides (no veggies) $26.95 Cesare Dressing On Side with Chicken $19.95 Side Meatballs (2) $8.00 Pollo Mustardo Light sauce on pasta, please $26.95 Total $118.19 read more

First time trying this place, we wanted to find an Italian restaurant for our employee holiday lunch, for 10 people and this location looked very spacious and was only about 10 minutes from our office. The plaza it was located in was super busy, probably because of the holidays, but also not too big of a lot for all the shops/restaurants. The restaurant was really nice, clean, well lit and comfortable for our party size. I ordered a cappuccino before my meal and it was really tasty. Our server was very good, made sure we had drinks, and checked on us throughout our stay. We all ordered various food items, and everyone was happy with their meal. Lobster Ravioli was great, the cream sauce wasn't too heavy. Portions were good, not many leftovers, so just enough for a lunch meal. The bread they give to share is yummy, small, crusty cheese and fresh bread. Definitely a good Italian place with great service and tasty food options. read more

See all

The best seafood I've had in a long time! I'd come all this way just to eat it again, we ordered in on a staycation and it was the best linguine seafood I had with so much seafood and sauce like I love it!!! Highly recommend! read more

See all

The first time I came to Mangia Bene Cucina was in 2001 with my two oldest children. I was new to the area and wanted to celebrate my birthday with my kids somewhere nice and it instantly became a favorite of ours! I would get my taxes done at HR Block and it became routine to leave all our paperwork with the CPA and walk over for dinner while she did what she needed to do. Years later, we found that my daughter's partner has also been coming here for years and has to stop at least once at Mangia Bene each time he's in town. This last visit was with my daughter, her partner, a friend of his from the UK, and my granddaughter. On a Friday night at 7:30 pm they were able to seat us fairly quick even though the restaurant was full. We always get the best service! Waters all around and the most delicious cheese toast brought to the table. We ordered some calamari for the table but I didn't get a photo because they ate it all so quickly. The staff kept the waters and sodas full and made sure any bar orders were brought very quickly. For dinner we ordered two chicken parmesan with fettuccine alfredo instead of spaghetti, tortellini romano, penne campagnola, and the ravioli di zucca. I usually get the gnocchi with pesto but I'm so glad I tried the ravioli di zucca this time! It was a perfect balance of sweet and savory with pumpkin, butternut squash, sage, pine nuts, and dried cherries! I also struggled to stop tasting my granddaughter's tortellini! The sauce was so garlicy and creamy with yummy pieces of pancetta and plenty of mushrooms! The meal prices reflect the quality of the food, service, and ambiance without being overly expensive. read more

See all

My first time after a recommendation from my sister. Delicious dinners all around the table. I selected the spinach and chicken ravioli in a tomato cream sauce. Amazing delicious dinners. Perfect portion! Yummy garlic bread that just appears on your table. Fantastic choice of beverages. Very good service. We were happily greeted and treated from the moment we arrived. Highly recommend!! read more

I have never dined in at this location but always enjoyed their takeout meals via DoorDash. The orders always arrive piping hot and absolutely tasty. Love the options to customize pastas to my liking. I love the shrimp rigatoni's and the chicken Parmesan. It's absolutely delicious! It's also nice they include ample supplies of garlic bread or roasted vegetables to accompany the meals. Have never failed to cure my pasta / Italian food cravings! Price is very reasonable given the amount of portions too. Zero complaints and wouldn't mind ordering again and again! read more

See all

We have been there many times.and this place never disappoints the servers are always polite and helpful. The owner will always stop by the tables to see how everything was and stays to talk with you took my sister and she said the best Italian food she ever had. And would be coming back very soon. Have recommended this place to several people when in town or to take a ride. Love it read more

Dropped in for a quick bite on a Saturday afternoon. They have happy hour at the bar. Drink prices reasonable. The caprese salad was delicious. I ordered poke. Husband said why would you order poke at an Italian restaurant? He was right. So salty and inedible. Had to have them take it back. Please take this off your menu. Not good. read more

See all

Great dining spot. We had reservations this evening for a nice Italian dinner. Jasmine and Romero took care of us with quality customer service. We started with Martinis, bread and the eggplant appetizer which were terrific. I also had a salad which was very good. My wife had the chicken, spinach ravioli, angnolotti rosati and I had the penned campagnola. The food, service and ambiance was fantastic. We finished with coffee and tiramasu. Highly recommended read more

See all

The server was friendly and was accommodating, we came here with friends to celebrate her birthday. The ambiance was very casual and the food was alright! It wasn't something that I will be craving for or come back to as most of the dishes were super garlicky ! If you like garlicky food then this is for you but it was too much garlic that it almost overpowered most of the flavors of the pasta! read more

See all

We came for my friends birthday last year and now I will come back every chance I get for this pesto. LIFE changing, creamy salty sweet rich goodness read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - Gnocchi Genovese - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

We've have been coming here for years. The restaurant is open, has outdoor seating and a nice open bar area with plenty of seating . They have a large menu from salads, pizza, panini's and a large selection of pasta dishes. My husband's favorite dish is the lasagna. I've had several of their salads and my favorite pasta dish is the Penne Sonato. Each plate could easily feed two people. The bread is amazing. The staff is friendly. We've never had bad service. Ambiance 4/5 Food 5/5 Service 4/5 read more

See all

Ordered for delivery, so this review is only about the food. THE FOOD. - Mangia Bene Salad | Big salad energy. Lots of chicken and mozzarella cheese amongst the artichoke hearts, red onion, and yellow bell peppers. Balsamic vinaigrette adds acidity and sweetness to this salad. - Maiale Pizza | Loved the toppings on this pizza! The flavorful sausages and creamy ricotta stood out for me. I also liked that the crust wasn't too thick and the fresh basil was a nice touch. - Zuppa Inglese | Creamy, sweet and raspberry tart to balance. Finding a side of complimentary garlic bread in our delivery bag was a cool surprise! THE RETURN? Yes! I can't wait for another meal from here. read more

See all

The complimentary bread that is given has changed my life in the most positive way possible. The service and owners are excellent, I love how attentive they are. Obviously it is packed on a Friday/ Saturday night, can be overstimulating lol, but amazing vibes and the food is even better read more

Had a good time at mangia bene Cucina. Nice garlic bread to start off. Good portion sizes and fantastic sauce for the rigatoni. In a convenient location and our food was quick to the table. Nice louder vibe in the restaurant. read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - A combo of things - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

See all

I had the linguine with clams and it was excellent. We will be back soon. Prices are reasonable. The bar area is also nice. We went back for lunch and sat in the bar area. It was also very good. read more

Awesome bar. Amazing food. Great happy hour deals. Addictive complementary garlic toast. Great owner.

Came here to celebrate my bday with some friends. We practically had the restaurant to ourselves on a mon at 1 pm. Normally this place is packed but we got lucky. Great service, Great prices, Great choices, Great portions and drinks are good too. My friends recommended I bring my family. They also have a kids menu. read more

See all

Excelente Italian food...my wife and me order rigatoni manga bene and penne sonato those dishes are the best pasta plates . Celestino give us a great service amd he suggest a Chardonnay Wine La Creme. Combine 100% with those dishes of pasta . We fall in love with this place . Recommended ! read more

See all

This place has been here forever so they must be doing something right... located on La Paz near the Sprouts and Home Depot center this has plenty of parking and easy access. Service is very good and sometimes a reservation (not always) is best to ensure a quick seating. As most people know the garlic bread they bring to every table is legendary. The best 2 items on the menu in your opinion are the Pesto Gnocchi and the Lasagna. Order either one of these to share and then order one of the daily specials to share as well. Full bar and indoor or outdoor seating. read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - Garlic bread - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Last night I ate here and had one of the worst service experiences in a long time. I was alone and sat at the bar. I ordered the chicken milanese which was delicious and a glass of banfi Chianti classico. it was after 8pm and the place was starting to empty out. it did not seem busy, but yet, other than taking my order, the bartender paid me no attention. The Chianti tasted bad, like the bottle had been opened yesterday, I only drank half of it, but the bartender didnt notice. I wanted to ask for some of their great bread before the food came, but not only did she not look at me until well after the food came, she didn't ask if I needed anything else with my meal. The chicken was very good but a little dry, it took her 15 minutes to look at me, for me to ask for some olive oil and vinegar which was right under the bar, so that only took a second for her to place in front of me. That was the highlight of the dining experience. 1 second for oil & vinegar. it took another 10 minutes for her to look up at me so I could to get a glass of water. Her lack of attention was so bad that I timed how long it would take for her to bring a check or ask about dessert (7 minutes), at the bar. I asked for a check, paid in exact cash and only left 15% for the first time in maybe 20 years. That type of bad service is not only a bartender problem but a floor manager/lack of training problem too. Their food is good, and the waiter service in the dining room is usually good. but last night, the lack of service ruined the dining experience. Dining out is not cheap anymore. $48 dollars for a pretty good chicken dinner, a bad glass of wine and horrible service does not represent value to me. I might go back, but Ill never sit at the bar again. food 7/10, wine 2/10, service 0/10. read more

Was looking for a nearby Italian place and ended up here. The decor is traditional and nice. Large tables for families available. Portion sizes are great. Service is helpful. Unfortunately the food is just not that great. The pizza was pretty ok and the minestrone soup was ok but the pasta and the steak was lacking. The food is more American than Italian. The pasta was just soft and limp. The food was more like fancy cafeteria food. For the prices, there are better options nearby. read more

See all

Great food / happy hours ... Servers are amazing!! Recommend the Caprese & the stuffed mushrooms (off the regular menu). Will be back for sure read more

Came for a birthday dinner with my 3 daughters and husband and it was fabulous! Bruschetta appetizer was delicious and abundant, chicken alfredo and chicken spinach ravioli came out pipping hot and SO incredibly tasty. Our girls said the cheese pizza was the best they ever had lol. Rounded out the carbs with extra sugar and had a tasty cannoli that was lights out! A must try for Italian lovers. We will definitely be back again soon! read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - Cannoli - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

Great chicken Paramasigan. I loved the perfectly seasoned, tender chicken served with a flavorful sauce, making the dish truly delightful.

Very delicious and affordable. The bar is underrated they have great coffee based cocktails . Loved the Cesar, pumpkin ravioli, and lasagna. Service was good too, the restaurant is cute. read more

Great neighborhood hang out. Good food, great bartenders. Our local hang out. Very good martinis.

service at the bar was great! i didn't like the food, ahi was not fresh & baked ziti was bad. i know it was happy hour but everything from the veggies to the pasta was very undercooked. i know i should have ordered the meatball sliders instead but saw another patron order & it wasn't presented as a slider or sandwich at all, it was a bowl of meatballs & sauce. it did look good but when i saw that i opted for the ziti & ahi. we all have our preferences but the veggies tasted like they had just been cut & thrown on the plate, not cooked at all. which would be fine but it's supposed to be baked?? meaning it would be cooked through. drinks were good & staff was ver nice. food was the issue. read more

Always amazing food , service and ambiance. I've been going for years. Never disappointed also great happy hour.

The food was great, the server wonderful and a nice place for dinner. The young hostess kept us standing there when we walked in as it sounded like a personal call she was on. Then she told us we were early and could go sit at the bar and wait for the rest of our party to arrive. We asked her where she was going to be seated when the full party of the 9 of us were there. She showed us the worst table in the restaurant, way in the back corner where we couldn't see a thing and next to a family with 2 loud children. I asked if we could have one of those round tables in the middle of the dining room, and she said they are not big enough. I went over to the Manager, and he said of course, we're here for you. He was a doll! I think the restaurant as good as it was, would flow better without that young hostess, who we caught rudely talking loud enough about us to 2 other servers. Not cool! read more

See all

Second time visiting Mangia Bene Cucina. I ordered the Cioppino special and it was full of clams, gigantic shrimp, calamari, and scallops. The tomato sauce was good but I had to add pepper flakes and lemon to make it better. I got a dirty martini with Gorgonzola stuffed olives that made me very happy. For dessert we had the tiramisu and I was delicious. I'm normally not a fan of tiramisu but this one was a winners. The lady fingers were soft but not soggy. I could have eaten a second one! Every buss boy we interacted with with helpful. Our server was busy but she made sure we had everything we needed. I was there with a party of 8 and the service did not lack. read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - Martini with Gorgonzola stuffed olives - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

When plans for a "fancy" anniversary dinner fell through, we decided to go to one of our long time favorites, Mangia Bene. As always, the service is impeccable, the food is delicious and authentic, the menu is comprehensive, and the portions are generous. The owner, Chris, stopped by our table to chat and make sure everything was to our liking. I mentioned that we were regular customers through Door Dash during COVID, and he thanked us profusely because it helped to keep the restaurant open. When he heard that it was our anniversary, he sent us two of the best cannoli I have ever eaten outside of Italy. If you would like a meal comparable to an excellent meal in Italy ( I've had the good fortune to go twice!) definitely try Mangia Bene. You will not be disappointed. read more

Consentino is the best!! i love the meatballs & basically all the food. they will take great care of you here. Don't snooze on this Italian gem! P. S. they have the BEST {{FRESH}} parmesan!! read more

See all

This used to be a great place, today we had lunch there, food had very little flavor, wait staff was apathetic and it felt like they were doing us a favor by letting us eat there. The restaurant was understaffed and it didn't seem like the manager was helping, the staff seemed unhappy. So sad. read more

Michelle and Isaiah were a dream team! We had a large party and they were both so attentive towards us and so kind to help us celebrate a birthday. Large portions of food and everything was delicious. Pear martini was amazing!! Will definitely be back. read more

Mangia Bene Cucina - Italian Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California