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Italian restaurant in Irvine, California
What should I order at North Italia?
What to order
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🥇
Braised Short Rib Lumache
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish. Reviewers praised its rich sauce, tender beef, and perfect bite, calling it a show-stealer and strongly recommending it.
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Funghi Pizza
Repeatedly recommended for being tasty and well-made, with reviewers saying it was as good as pizza can get and delicious even on a return visit.
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Garlic Bread With Ricotta
Frequently highlighted as delicious and extraordinary, especially because of the homemade ricotta on top. Several reviewers said it was a favorite item.
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4
Chicken Parmesan
Praised as one of the best versions reviewers had ever eaten, with a crispy exterior, moist chicken, and well-balanced seasoning.
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5
Tiramisu
Recommended as a nice, delicious dessert that was enjoyed even as a complimentary finish to the meal.
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6
Squid Ink Tonnarelli
Called perfectly cooked, bright, and especially memorable. Reviewers also suggested it pairs well with richer pasta dishes.
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7
Salted Caramel Budino
Loved for being well balanced and so delicious that one reviewer said they could not get enough of it.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 10 PM |
About North Italia
North Italia is an Italian restaurant in Irvine, California, with Northern and Southern Italian dishes, a bar, and brunch, lunch, and dinner service. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh, well-prepared pastas and pizzas, along with standout dishes like White Truffle Garlic Bread, Squid Ink Tonnarelli, chicken pesto, and prosciutto pizza. The restaurant has a casual, trendy, upscale feel with outdoor seating, an open kitchen, and a lively atmosphere that can get crowded and noisy during busy hours. It is priced around $20 to $60, and reviewers note that it costs more than some other Italian restaurants in the area.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Valet parking
Frequently asked
What is North Italia known for?
North Italia is especially known for White Truffle Garlic Bread, which is the most mentioned dish in the reviews, along with fresh pastas and pizzas. Reviewers also repeatedly call out the Squid Ink Tonnarelli, chicken pesto, and prosciutto pizza as reasons they return.
What dishes are most recommended at North Italia?
The most recommended items include White Truffle Garlic Bread, Squid Ink Tonnarelli, Chicken Parmesan, and Braised Short Ribs Lumache. Reviews also praise the Lasagna Bianca, Calamari Fritti, and Bombolini, with several people saying the pasta is cooked well and the short rib dishes are especially tender and flavorful.
What is the atmosphere like at North Italia?
The vibe is casual, trendy, and upscale, with a modern Italian interior, an open kitchen, and outdoor seating. Reviewers describe it as lively and welcoming, but it can get crowded and noisy at dinner, so it suits groups, friends, and date nights better during less busy hours.
Is North Italia good value, and what is the price range?
North Italia is in the $20 to $60 price range, and reviewers say it is more costly than some other Italian restaurants in Irvine. Even so, many feel the food and service make it worthwhile, especially for dishes like the chicken parmesan, short rib pasta, and desserts such as Bombolini and Butter Cake.
When is the best time to visit North Italia?
Happy hour runs from 3 pm to 6 pm, and reviews say dinner gets very busy after 6 pm, with the restaurant often nearly full. Several guests recommend going earlier or making a reservation because wait times are common during brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Is parking available at North Italia?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Valet parking is available.
Does North Italia have vegetarian options?
Yes, North Italia offers vegan options.
Is North Italia kid-friendly?
Yes, North Italia is good for kids.
