To start, the pasta here is ridiculously fresh. I'd challenge any restaurant to try to beat it. It's unreal. I'll take you through our courses. First up, the bread. Normally I'd skip mentioning the bread, but it's worthy of talking about. Baked fresh and served warm with chimichurri- so, so good. Some of the entrees come with a house salad. I wasn't sure of the rhyme or reason here, as some entrees did and other comparable ones didn't. Kind of annoying, as some in our party were working on salad while others weren't served one. The stracciatella was phenomenal. The obvious table favorite for us was the fettuccine alla fantasia (Alfredo with spinach and egg noodles alongside peas and Italian sausage). The serving size was very generous and I left uncomfortably full. In other dishes made with marinara, we found the sauce had an interesting tang to it. Some loved it, others not so much. I wasn't a fan, so I'll stick to the Alfredo or pink sauces. The gnocchi was another favorite--made in-house and perfectly plump. We'll be back! read more

Delish!! Came here twice already with the groupon we got online. It's a home style restaurant with ample seating for larger parties and serves very authentic pasta and pizza dishes. Noodles are home made! Dinner time comes with house bread that's served with chimichurri and butter. The Chimichurri is derishus. (and tastes even better with butter underneath the chimichurri. hehe.) I recommend eating here family-style (everyone trying a bit of everything). Highly recommend: Fugazetta pizza ($16): a large pizza dish with an Argentinian flare. It is actually two pies baked into one! one pizza on top of another pizza!! The toppings are onion, mozzarella and ham. It's worth the try! Just note that the menu says this dish takes 45 minutes to make (we actually got our order in less time than that), so if you want it and you don't want to keep your table waiting, just order this dish as soon as you sit down, and then take your time to order the rest. We ordered this both times we were here! :) Also, don't come at closing time if you want this. Tutto Mare ($18): A pasta dish with lots of sea food and a red sauce. The highlight of this dish, is the seafood. and the noodles. And the sauce. For my family, it's also one of the best dishes that we ordered! Also ordered this both times we were here! Pagila Fiend ($18) Spinach (green) Fettuccini noodles with sausages and peas in Alfredo sauce. This is another dish I would order again next time. So good. Alfredo sauce here is more thin then what's usually at chains like cheesecake factory, so just don't expect that. It's very tasty, and probably more authentic! :) oh yeah their fettuccine is also home made! I loved this and wanted more but didn't want to take too much so that the rest of the family didn't have some heh. Chicken Marsala ($17) Chicken Marsala is made so differently across restaurants. But this is probably one of the ones that stay true to its heritage! Basically a chicken steak buttered up with lots of mushrooms simmered in marsala wine. I've had ones with lottssss of creamy sauce to it. This one here is not a creamy dish. Its more like an entree, and which comes with a side of potatoes or spaghetti marinara. We got potatoes this time, but I'd probably opt for the spaghetti on the side next time. We ordered the above dishes for a party of 5. Ate everything but 2 slices of pizza left over! I would go there anytime we go back to newport! read more

Best Italian food in Orange County! Staff is amazing and so friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect for a date night or family meal. Get the empanadas, calamari, pasta connection especiale, or the spaghetti and meatballs, or any of their desserts with wine or coffee, you won't be disappointed! read more

We love this place! We live nearby and often go for their breakfast, which is pretty standard. But it is their dinners which are amazing! They make all of the food (including pasta) fresh on site. It is heavily seasoned, especially garlic, so be prepared for that. They have a garlic oil they serve with the bread that is amazeballs! We haven't had a dish we didn't like. read more

The best beef empanadas!!!! They are so flavorful and not dry at all! Most places around here have dry empanadas but not this place! The lasagna is also really good! Great service and nice family homey vibes. read more

Was having a lunch today, the food was delicious and the service is great. Bought a bottle in the end (just as a memory of the place and of the day - was in the process of buying a car), and found out that they sell expired alcohol. read more

Pasta Connection - Expired - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Delicious, authentic Argentine food. The empanadas were great and the chimichurri was spot on. Sándwich de Milanesa was fresh and a good size. Definitely will be going again. read more

Pasta Connection - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I LOVE their spinach ravioli. In fact, I don't think I've ever ordered anything else there. I have been going here for about 4 yrs.

You would probably never, ever, ever find a Soprano here -- the place isn't fine dining, plus it's pretty far off the New Jersey Turnpike (but pretty close to the Costa Mesa Freeway) -- the Pasta Connection serves pretty good pedestrian fare for an Italian place. My favorite is the #18 -- lots of veggies, decent pasta. Some of the other normal dishes (Spaghetti and meatballs, for example) I would avoid because they just don't do these dishes well. They always have good size portions so you never leave hungry. The biggest complaint that I have about the place is that some off the dishes come off soggy, like the didn't drain the noodles well enough. read more

I've only eaten here once, and our dinner for two went fairly well. I had the churrasco steak, with an extra helping of delicious chimichurri sauce on the side. You can dip anything in this stuff and it'll taste so much better. My girlfriend had a pasta dish, and she enjoyed how you can select your dinner from the pictures on the table. This isn't the most well-kept restaurant we've ever visited, it seemed on the verge of being ancient, but the staff was friendly, and it had a family-style vibe to it that we liked. Ignore the "world's greatest pastrami" sign outside and the picture of the kid with the pasta on his head -- this is a place to get well-prepared Argentinian meat dishes and decent to average pasta. The prices were very decent, and all things told, we had a fine time. Not upscale dining by any means, but a good place to get a meal during the week if you're not going out on a date to impress. read more

When I was in culinary school, my classmates and I would go here a few times a month. It was just a given to go here since we got out of class late and it was down the street. The food is HEAVY and rich and starchy and salty. I mean, it's not bad but it's not super good either. My friend would purge the food a lot of times driving home because it was so rich, yet she'd continue to come back... that has to count for something, right? They have a lot of choices, so that's a plus, but it all seems to come out looking the same. I like their chimichurri a lot. Their service leaves quite a bit to be desired but it's laid back and kind of like stepping into a hole-in-the-wall back alley place in Italy. read more

Had a late breakfast here on the weekend -Yeah! they serve breakfast until 1:30PM everyday!! I had 1 pancake and a side of House Potatoes... Wow! their pancakes are HUGE! I don't know how anyone could eat more than one...And their house potatoes were awesome. We need to return for dinner -I could see their fresh pasta displayed in their deli case... yummm... read more

Pasta Connection - House potatoes... Yummm... - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've only been here for the $3.99 breakfast special (3 pancakes, 2 eggs, and 2 bacon or sausage.). Fills you up, cost great, short wait time. My room mate and I come here for the breakfast at least once a week. We call their pancakes "crack pancakes" they're just so addicting and delicious. read more

This place is pretty freaking small, but it adds to the intimate atmosphere. On a Wednesday night at 8 pm, my friend and I were the only patrons in the dining room. It did, however, start to fill up moderately later on. The calamari fritti was great! The accompanying marinara sauce was heated and added such a wonderful tang to the salty crunch of the calamari (tentacles included - my favorite part!!). I had the fettuccini alla fantasia, which was OK. The pasta was fresh (you can tell), so the texture of the dish was amazing. And I love peas, so that was another great addition. Overall, though, it could've done with some sea salt and fresh cracked pepper (both of which were not on hand). My friend had the linguini tutto-mare, which had a heady aroma. If you like garlic and seafood, this is the dish for you. The tomato-based sauce was incredibly deep and flavorful. Wonderful. The service was nice. The waiters were attentive and polite. Good enough for me. read more

Ordered Chicken Cacciatore, with a side of pasta and marinara. The Cacciatore was very unpleasant, chicken full of bones sitting in oil and water, only flavor I could taste was sadness. The marinara tasted like ground dirt.. at least the bread I received was good. read more

Fabulous Fresh Daily made Pasta, good chianti, quaint casual and relaxed. Best Spinach ravioli and pampa steak ever!!!

Food is worth the wait. Where else can you get authentic Argentine-Italo food in OC? The pricing is good for the portions. Expect to spend about $25 for two people. Highly recommended. read more

Unfortunately this restaurant is going into my one and done list of places to eat by my house. It was the closest place I could find, but sometimes its better to drive a little further than risk a new place. I tried the chicken parmigiana with the side of spaghetti and marinara and the mozzarella marinara as an appetizer. The prices were decent and they claimed to have fresh pasta which I do love when it is done right. The pile of spaghetti that I got was a clump or mush, it was over cooked and it surely was not made to order. On to the sauce, it did not have all that much flavor to it and it had chunks of what I hope was onion which I am not a fan of. It is a texture thing in that I do not like crunchy items in my past sauce. Most sauces are cooked so well that the onion disintegrates and just adds the flavor. Being from the east coast, NY to be exact, I have never seen this appetizer which is basically fried mozzarella topped with sauce. It is more like a giant mozzarella stick and seems like a shortcut to the original mozzarella stick. This is now the second place I have found this. Maybe it was my choice of meals, but if their main pasta sauce doesn't do much for me, nor does the Argentinian menu items I can be pretty sure that the to-go menu I picked up will not be needed anytime in the near future.....I guess I can hope that Luggattis re-opens somewhere in the HB CM area. read more

Making this post to warn you all of this place. One of friends and I were looking for a place to eat and found this "gem" on yelp. Based off reviews the placed seem great. Empanadas, salad, and bread came and they were awesome. However when I ordered my entree (seafood pasta) it was extremely bland and the fish looked like it had been through a blender. Now I am not the kind to send food back because I just think it's rude and I get embarrassed. However this was flat out not worth the money, so Instead of sending it back I just wanted to get it modified. Maybe add some salt or lemon, however when I informed our waiter of this she just sat there and glared at me. Mind you I was very polite and sweet about the entire thing. She then snapped at me and said "We take pride in our dishes and this is not a take back food type of place." I again was being very very polite and questioned why she was being so rude to me. I didn't want it sent back or taken off my bill, just add some salt or something. She was so unbelievably rude and I have never in my life dealt with that type of customer service. When I tried explaining to her I just wanted more salt she said " I don't have time for this. I have more important things to do than waste my time listening to you." She then slammed our bill down on the table and at this point people are looking and I get up to go speak to a manager to which I'm told "She's not here, I'm the only one here. I took it off of your bill so you can go." However as I'm saying this the manager comes up and I then explained everything that just happened. The manager was great and apologized but didn't even offer to discount our stuff. I am not the kind to leave reviews, say anything, and or warn people of places but after my experience with them today I feel it is warranted and will never come to this place again. Sorry this was long, but take it from me when I say you're better off not coming here. Also note to management... I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me and apologizing for your waitress. I understand she has been there long and was the only waitress there but coming from someone who has a family owned business and has worked in the restaurant industry for years, it was not packed whatsoever. Regardless of what she is going through, she just represented your business in the worst way possible. I will not be coming back and feel very sorry you have someone with her demeanor representing your name and business. read more

I ordered the tortellini and added shrimp on DoorDash to be delivered. I got food poisoning within the hour and was throwing up with the worst stomach ache and feeling so wheezy!! I tried to get a refund through the app and I spent around $20 and they only refunded me $6. That could be on the app but I am disappointed as I can see now this is a common review from other people and this is not the first food poisoning from them. read more

My boyfriend and I were craving Italian food, so we went on Postmates and discovered Pasta Connection. Our Postmates came and the order was correct (for once). This is probably our new favorite Italian place. I highly, highly recommend it. read more

I've been going here for more than 20 years (I'm not that old), and was absolutely gutted when I found out that the place had gone out of business (or so I thought) when I returned from a 4-year work stint in the Bay Area. You cannot imagine my delight when I drove by the place, by happenstance, a few weeks ago. i literally turned around, drove back, and went in for a meal. The dining room, the decor, and a few other minor details don't scream "great meal" but give it a chance. The menu hasn't change and the quality is still amazing. I'm the kind of guy that eats the same one or two things on a menu once I lock into a favorite spot. And I can honestly say, I've never once left in a state that of anything other than pure contentment. read more

This place is one of my favorite restaurants ever ! I usually get the spinach ravioli (sometimes beef) and it is the best! I love that it's served in both a cream and marinara sauce. The combo is to die for and I love to dip my bread in it and let it soak up the flavor. Yum! I have also tried their chicken parm with a bunch of different sides (which is also delicious) but the best side to eat it with is the mashed potatoes. You definitely have to share this plate because you won't know when to tap out of you eat it on your own. The staff here is also always very kind and professional. 10/10 recommend ! read more

It's one of my favorite Argentina/Italian restaurant in Costa Mesa/Orange county. Pasta is always fresh and hot. They have some empanadas that are always on point. I recommend the corn and beef ones. If you have kids or teens I recommend the chicken Alfredo pizza is so good they will love it. Services here is great, it can get busy at times but the staff always pull thru and do their best. read more

This is a small family restaurant and they make their own pasta! Breakfast here is great. Sundays are always busy. The service is awesome and the pricing is decent. Highly recommend! read more

Well, I'd driven by the sign with a little kid with a bowl of pasta over his head for years. I'd been to this place once when they were still in their smaller location just a block or two down the street but this was my first venture into the somewhat larger spot across the street from my friendly neighborhood Toyota dealership. I walked around to the back/parking lot - that's where the customer entrance is located and looked at a near empty restaurant at 12:30pm on a Monday afternoon. There was one other couple at a booth - I chose one for myself near the front window. After a few minutes a server, dressed all in black, asked if I'd like anything to drink - a large glass of water was all I needed while I looked over the menu. I opted for the turkey melt with a side of sweet potato fries - exactly what you'd expect to find on the menu at Pasta Connection, right? I supposed I could have gone with pasta - but I was livin' dangerously. The young man took my order, left to check on his other guests, then chatted with the woman behind the bar. I made a phone call. As I finished it up my food was ready - how's that for timing? The turkey melt was hot, tasty, and filling. The fries were nicely seasoned. Just a bit sweet, just a bit salty. It took a little too long to get/pay the check - but that's the only knock against this fine establishment on a very ordinary lunch hour. I'd definitely come back again to get connected to some of their pasta. read more

If you don't pay attention, you'll miss the grapes overhanging outside the main entrance. Yes I picked and ate them! Had the seafood soup and it was light and fulfilling. Pasta lovers you gotta check this restaurant out. read more

There empanadas are really good I also thought there breakfast was delicious too have not had any of there pasta but I'm looking forward to it! read more

I have been coming here for years. Even supported their orange location when it was still in business but today was by far the worst experience I have had at any restaurant in a while.( I get better service at Dennys). The "Waiter" if you want to call him that was rude and has no idea how to do his job. He needs too pull his head out of his a**. The service was slow, missing tables and every bad thing a waiter can do, this guy did. If you want to have a good dining experience then go on a Friday or Saturday. Food is great, service went down the sh**s. read more

This place is excellent, they have Argentinian Italian Food, the best of the Italian with the best of Italian Argentinian combination, Milanesa, Noquis, all the pastas are fresh , and the service is really awesome. I go there at least once a week. Ohh, as desert ask for Panqueque con dulce de Leche. read more

O.M.G. delicious!!!! Ordered to go for my office. They did take awhile to make it, had to wait 45 minutes but oh my gosh was it so worth it. THE EMPANADA! Soooooo amazing. I cant even describe my mind right now. Just mind blown. So glad I tried this place for the office read more

If you want Italian food or Argentinean food, go elsewhere. Very slow service too. Bathroom in bad shape

Costa Mesa location is closed. If you had the benefit of eating their lasagna, then lucky you. If not, they have a second restaurant up in orange, but I've never tried that one. Hopefully just as good. read more

This is all for the service that one can expect there. I was born in Argentina, but been in this country for most of my life. I imagine that at Pasta Conn. thinks that an Argentinian would expect their style of service, slow with no efficiency since most Argentinians probably wouldn't notice since they are running at the mouth while waiting, but this is The United States and we look for somethig better. This afternoon I was there lunching alone and waited from 20 to 30 minutes without having been offered a menu. Somewhere in that time, someone asked for my drink order and got it quite soon, but then.............and then...........well I left. Now I've been in busy restaurants, but really! Oh, by no means was this an isolated incident. I've been there early for breakfast and the sole waiter fumbled all around with no rhyme or reason like, well, he had never been trained. I love the food there since few restaurants serve Argetinian fare, but I am seriously considering never going back. Oh, and yes, I did attempt to pay for the coffee, but they did compt it for me. read more

This was our first time at this location, and it was great. There were 6 of us, and we decided to go family style so everyone could try a little bit of everything. Complimentary chimichurri sauce & bread are excellent! Appetizers: We got the empanadas, which were very flavorful. Main: #35 Pasta Connection Speciale is a must! We ordered 3 of these. 1 order per couple. #36 Romano is similar to #35, but bigger pasta & no alfredo sauce #59 Gnocchi: They only serve this once a month, but it is definitely worth going on that one day to try it out! #60 Chicken Marsala: I liked it, but everyone else thought it was too sweet. Dessert: The Tiramisu was excellent and a must! The Spumoni Ice Cream had great flavor, but it was a bit icy. Wine: The Pinot Grigio wasn't that great, so we got an Argentinian Chardonnay after that, which was a little better. Wines are reasonable priced around $20 per bottle. Service was good. We made reservations and were seated right away. Pasta is made fresh. This is one of my boyfriend's favorite places to get pasta. I enjoy it too, but like to stay away from too many carbs. Freshly baked bread is one of my weaknesses, and I find myself eating a whole loaf of bread at this place with the chimichurri sauce. read more

Seeing bad reviews about this place has me skeptical, because with my overall experience of almost 25 years coming to this place since when it was originally opened in front of triangle square NOT ONCE have experienced a problem. This is NOT a luxury dinning restaurant. I think people get confused or mislead. It is a family owned business owners are from Argentina & Michoacan. Its main focus is flavor and quality of their food. If you are a high maintenance person this place is not for you. Their service is great and they are passionate in serving their customers. We will continue coming here. read more

Does anyone know if it's closed for good, or just for remodeling? I really really like this place and would be disappointed to see it gone. I am going to have to give the orange location a try and report back. read more

They're BACK! Just got an email that they are reopening on Harbor in the building that has been home to Taco Mesa, Sandals, a German resaurant etc. across from the Toyota dealership about a half mile north of their old location on the other side of the street. They are going to offer pizza at the new location and are offering free pizza and soda from 5pm to 10pm on Sunday 12/6/09 Somehow I wrote this back in December but never posted it. Been there many times since they reopend. It's exactly the same food as before which is a good thing. The restaurant itself is almost the antithesis of the old place, it's a large open space as opposed to the cramped dark front room of the old place. The food here is very good. Large portions, great variety of styles. Do yourself a favor and get the Pasta Fagioli soup. Easily one of the best soups I've ever eaten and also one of the most unique. If you are not really hungry, you could easily make a meal out of it. read more

I really like their red/white sauce combo plates. I'm guessing alot of italian places would do the same thing but for some reason this place seems to scream you try both sauces! I really enjoy their ravioli & fettucini dishes! Great prices and great setup makes for a good meal. read more

This is my favorite place for pasta in Orange County! I had no idea what tetrazzini was but now I love tetrazzini! It came out hot, creamy, and perfectly cooked! I love the Italian sausage ($3.50 - 1 sausage) which came well smothered in Marinara and great with the bread and perfectly shared with another person. Another favorite and seemingly the Pasta Connection specialty is the tortellini which I always order and love. The staff is awesome and patience is a virtue they definitely subscribe to. They have the greatest bread and olive oil/pesto? dip to start with and are awesome for birthdays. I do miss the old blue roofed location they used to reside in, but I understand the need for the change of venue. read more