Luis was our waiter he was great. The food is by far the best Italian food I've had in a very long time. Sauces made to order fresh ingredients made with love that's for darn sure! This was our first time and we can't wait to return. The soup was delicious heck everything we had was amazing!! We loved sitting on the patio looking into the street of Grand & Chapman it really was relaxing. Luis put my ice cream in to go container and he put ice in the bottom of the bag and it kept it nice and frozen til we got back home. Yummy yummy in my tummy Thank you for a wonderful experience Happy Mother's Day to all the mommy's read more

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Not good! Ordered DD and they forgot part of my order. Fine, I got credit back to my account. But what the didn't forget I kinda wished they had: Watery fettuccine Alfredo. That's what they should call it on the menu. Don't serve an Alfredo dish unless its creamy and delicious. This was like water, or a microwave meal, which it may well have been. Whats more, no parmesan, no napkins, no utensils, no quality. Take some care with your orders and work on your quality. read more

A real taste of italy! The service was very friendly and good. Tiramisu was really good too. read more

Have always seen this location on my walks and finally went with a friend for dinner to check it out. It was very warm inside but I'm not sure if it's always like that so I'd dress cool and take a jacket incase it was just that night. Ordered the bruschetta as an appetizer and it was very good! Only difference I'd do is ask them to toast the bread. Ordered the farfalle and it was amazing! I forgot what my friend ordered but it was very good as well. Stall was very kind and helpful on my pronunciations. A go to spot on my list. read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Farfalle Genovese - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

Small but packs of mighty punch. This place is super deceiving from the outside. You won't catch any flashy signs or any unnecessary flare at this place. And with the food as excellent as it is, they don't need any extra flare. I stop by on a Thursday evening around 7 o'clock. The place is very small on the inside, definitely a good place for a sitdown intimate dinner, or even a first date. The menu itself is not super extensive, which is nice. All the dishes were classic Italian dishes. I went with the penne Sinatra. And it was absolutely excellent. The portion sizes are spot on for what it is that you're paying and the flavor is absolutely fantastic. I finished off with their lemon cello dessert and it was perfect to end the night. Not overly sweet and not overly heavy. If I'm in the area again, I will definitely stop by this place again. Or if you're in the area and you're just looking for some wholesome old school Italian food definitely give this place a shot. The restaurant itself was clean. The staff was friendly. They were limited on seating. I would say maybe 10 tables of four in the entire restaurant. They did offer some outdoor seating as well. read more

Charming place in the Old Town circle , I ordered the lobster spinach raviolis, a Cabernet Avignon, small house salad, and spamonifor dessert. read more

Very delicious food, friendly waiter . I got the special dish charbroiled chicken with tortellini, it was packed with flavor. The setting was peaceful and quiet. read more

Our go-to when we have a sudden hankering for Italian. Dishes are always served fresh and great selection. Ben and his team continue to provide a very nice, relaxed atmosphere. read more

My family and I had dinner this evening to celebrate Christmas Eve. We have eaten here several times before, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tonight, our party of 10 had a fantastic evening; the food was exceptional, as we had experienced in the past. Ben was a super host, making recommendations to our family, and each dish we received was delicious. The service, however, was sorely lacking. It was not overly crowded (noted several empty tables), and we had to remind the server to bring the bread they recommended to the table. In addition, we could not get them to refill our waters. We will be back; not sure if Ben was shorthanded, but the service missed the mark today. read more

Absolutely delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere. Large menu and the staff are knowledgeable about everything and friendly. The sauce on the lobster and spinach ravioli was insanely good. This will be my #1 Italian restaurant. And the tres leches dessert was the best I've ever had. read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Lobster and spinach ravioli with mushroom cream sauce with mixed vegetables. - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

So, this whole experience is almost like a tribute to the older American Italian restaurants from the 1980s. There was a singular gentleman who sat us, took our order, and served us as well. Very friendly gentleman (the owner?), who made sure we were well taken care of. The spaghetti was not necessarily groundbreaking, but quite delicious, and the portion was perfect. My mom ordered the lasagna, and while I enjoyed the spaghetti, I was envious.....as good as their spaghetti was, lasagne is the way to go. The prices were more than reasonable for the amount and quality of the food. Enjoy....and talk to the nice gentleman read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Spaghetti with meat sauce - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

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Ben was an amazing server... We haven't had service like this in years. He is so caring and warm and upbeat and generous. The food is awesome... Don't miss this restaurant read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Gorgeous stained glass in ruby red and Emerald Green dan - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

We had a great experience at Renata's last night. It was nostalgic and felt like we ate a delicious home-cooked meal from Italy. read more

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The food at Renata's was delicious. I had gamberoni (large, flavorful tiger prawns) and my friend had veal marsala. We were both pleased with the food quality/taste and our entrees, with pasta and a vegetable side, were less than $25. Renata's offers a large selection of wines by the glass, all for about $9. The only improvement would be to have air conditioning or more air movement on the patio . . . it was pretty toasty on a summer evening. I will be going back! read more

Amazing host and server! Everything was homemade with fresh tastes. Felt like we were brought back to Italy! Can't recommend enough. Went here with the wife around 6 for dinner, our new favorite spot! read more

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Service was attentive,, came with a smile, happy to give advice on the menu and daily specials. Food more than hit the spot satisfied and then some for our party it hurts our heart to see that this place has a bad review at all read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - So good beat me to the photo - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

Stopped in here with my kiddo to get a slice of their Limoncello cake. Did not disappoint. The gentleman who helped us was very friendly and the establishment was super cozy. We had the most delicious cake while there and I very much enjoyed how soft and lemony it was. read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Limoncello cake - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

The food was delicious! My husband and I came on a date here and the service was amazing! The food was just WOW! The food is homey and you can just tell they put their heart into it! We are so coming back here! Totally recommend! read more

Great atmosphere. Amazing food. Reminds me of Italy. Best Italian place in Orange. Prices are reasonable. The Carbonara was terrific and they don't skimp on the pork portions. The only disappointment was they didn't have fresh Parmesan cheese. Will definitely be back. read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Linguini Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

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The food is authentic and delicious! great atmosphere with a touch of romantic ambiance. The service was top notch and the staff are always so friendly. I like that the food is always consistent also. I highly recommend!! read more

Been here a few times for lunch and have tried a few of their sandwiches out. They are filling and pretty good. They either come with a house salad, soup, onion rings or french fries. Sandwiches are between $10-15. Their meatball and chicken parm ones are delish!! On my latest visit i got their italian sandwich - the bread was so soft and they were not skimpy with the toppings. Service can be a little slow during the lunch hour - i think its only one guy working then? But the food is worth the wait! read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Jumbo Italian Sub - delicious! - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

This is always a steady winner in my book! The food is consistently delicious . Plus, the place feels good, it's relaxed but friendly, clean and nice. A great place for a date, as you can actually talk to each other. read more

Best Italian food in the city! The Lasagna is the on OC. Eat the soup! Lentil bean is so tastie! read more

My god the food is absolutely authentic in every way. I can't endorse Renata's enough. DELICIOUS!!!! Craving Italian? This is the spot!!!!

The gnocchi was amazing ! The proprietor was very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere was quaint.

Not at all like the old Renatas I have been to. Stuffed mushrooms were weirdly prepared and nothing like we are used to. I should have gotten the Ravioli with the lobster sauce because I got cheese ravioli with the creme sauce and there was absolutely NO SAUCE on any of them. It was so dry. Not up to our standards. Back to Roma D we go. And not even an after dinner cappuchino. They don't serve them. read more

I have had come to this place with my family a few times. It has always been good. Tonight everything was more than 10 out of 10. Everything we ordered, from appetizers to desserts was beyond delicious. Excellent flavors and freshness for everything. My top Italian restaurant now! read more

Recently went there for lunch! Great food, great price and great service!! What more could you ask for?

Went there for an engagement surprise the food was better than I remembered from years ago. I had the chicken piccata and one of their salads that the group ordered service was great and we had one long table and lots of flowers too help the ambience of the new engaged couple read more

I love this place. I've been coming for years, but just not as much as I'd like I don't know why to be honest. Last night was my anniversary and I wanted to bring some flowers and surprise my fiancé so I called up and the owner was so gracious. I wasn't sure if he was gonna do it because he didn't know me very well but he didn't hesitate. It made the evening along with the fantastic food great service. It's just an amazing place , highly recommended. The Caprese and calamari are divine. The sea bass melts in your mouth The pastas are flavorful, fresh coffee, and the tiramisu ended a perfect night. read more

Saturday lunch 2-7-23 we noticed the cook, waiter, and busboy were all the same person. I'm guessing staffing problem for slower lunchtimes. Unfortunately this made for a long wait time, no bread, and cold sides. The chicken parmesan that I had was pretty good and hot, but not the side spaghetti or veggies. He did an amazing job for going solo waiting on tables, going back cooking the food, serving the food and drinks. But really too much for one person. Other mistakes were made up for and promptly as he could. Breaking it down, Nice classic Italian decor, tables, and patio. Some parking in back, else street parking. Food 4-stars Staffing problem 1-star One man doing everything 5-stars Overall 2-stars as it did not make for the pleasant experience that was expected. read more

Renata's Cafe Italiano - Restaurant from the street - Italian Near Me - Orange, California

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We love this place. Yes, service can be slower... but it's not a major restaurant. The food is great. The prices are awesome! Good ambiance, friendly service. read more

Best Fettuccini around Love the Alfredo sauce " this is what makes it sooo good " Add some chicken a must .. We also tried the Italian sausage sandwich and the Chicken Parm sandwich was also loved. Would had posted pictures but we love this place that we attack the food as soon as served. Nice spot east of Orange circle. Service always good since not that busy of a spot. Hidden gem for sure.. read more

Great find. Searched yelp while at Disneyland. To find a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal. With family. So 8 of us. Went to renatas. We called first for such a large party they were happy to accommodate us. The food was amazing! Everyone had a wonderful meal. Great drinks as well. It was a great experience. When back in California. We will be back. It's not that far from Disney. And worth the drive. Also the prices were magnificent. read more

My go to for a delicious salad, pasta and vino. Lovely patio ambiance plus great service keeps me coming back.

Unbelievable service tonight. Insanely horrible if I could give negative I would. Had to get up for every single thing at the table. Was never checked on while all other tables were checked on regularly. When we asked for stuff they'd disappear for 10-15 minutes until we got up and got it ourselves. When I called the guy over to ask what the deal was he was totally complacent with the issues and said ok what do you want me to do. Food was bad service was ridiculous. As a guy who rarely complains this was S H I T!!! read more

Nestled in the heart of the Orange Circle, Renata's Cafe is nothing short of a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a slice of Italy. From the moment you approach the charming exterior, adorned with inviting greenery and an understated elegance, you know you're about to experience something special. What truly sets Renata's apart, though, is the incredible care and attention to detail provided by its owner, Ben. He doesn't just run the cafe--he curates an experience. From greeting you warmly at the door to taking the time to chat and learn your name, Ben makes every customer feel like family. During my visit, he went above and beyond, offering personalized menu recommendations and sharing stories about the inspiration behind certain dishes. You can tell that this isn't just a business for him; it's a labor of love. The atmosphere is unparalleled. The cozy interior is reminiscent of a classic Italian trattoria, with warm lighting, rustic decor, and a sense of timelessness that transports you straight to a quiet café in Florence or Rome. The music is perfectly curated to complement the vibe--soft, soothing, and authentically European. Even when the cafe is bustling, there's an air of calm and intimacy that makes you want to linger a little longer. Now, onto the food--where do I even begin? Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pasta was another standout, clearly handmade and cooked to perfection. For dessert, the tiramisu was heavenly--light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. Each bite felt like a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine. One of the most heartwarming aspects of Renata's is the sense of community it fosters. It's not just a place to eat; it's a place to connect. I noticed Ben checking in with every table, ensuring that every customer felt cared for. It's rare to see this level of genuine hospitality these days, and it makes Renata's a place you'll want to return to time and time again. If you're looking for a dining experience that combines incredible food, warm ambiance, and the kind of personal care that makes you feel like a valued guest, Renata's Cafe is the place to go. Whether you're a local or just visiting the Orange Circle, make sure to stop by. Thank you, Ben, for creating such a magical little corner of Italy right here in Orange County. I can't wait to come back! read more

We have been comming here of and on for yearsvand always enjoy the food, service, and ambiance. One of my wife's favorite Italian restaurant. read more

Hidden Gem. This place has been here for 30 years and we are finally here for the first time. It's casual and unpretentious, but also elevated. Food was really good and very reasonably priced. Service was great. Our server Ben was so nice. Homemade Tiramisu was delicious. We will be back for sure! read more

Food was delicious, incredible service from Ben made our experience even better. Delicious blush sauce, can't recommend enough. Even had gluten free pasta which was great! Thank you for a wonderful meal. read more