It’s that time of year when we’re all craving comfort food. And there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty plate of pasta topped with rich sauces, gooey cheese, and colorful herbs and spices. Here are 11 Italian restaurants in Southern California that serve some of the best pasta you can find in SoCal. Is your favorite spot on the list?
1. The Original Mama D's Italian Kitchen -- Newport Beach
As if the pasta here wasn't enough to make your mouth water, your taste buds will be even happier when you take a bite of the signature pink sauce that everyone knows and loves at this Orange County gem. Mama D's is located at 3012 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach.
2. Pasta Espresso -- Pacific Beach in San Diego
This hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant serves simple pasta dishes that will make you feel right at home. Pictured here: angel hair pasta smothered with vegetables and marinara sauce. Pasta Espresso can be found in Pacific Beach at 4480 Haines Street.
3. Basilico's Pasta e Vino -- Huntington Beach
For seafood linguine that's out of this world, you must head to Basilico's Pasta e Vino to experience this flavorful dish. Even though you'll have to wait to try this mouthwatering dish after its grand re-opening coming up on January 5, the wait is well worth it. The restaurant is located in Huntington Beach at 19171 Magnolia Street.
4. Al Dente -- Palm Springs
This inviting restaurant in Palm Springs offers an abundant menu of hearty pasta dishes that are bursting with flavor. Pictured here: Caprese pasta. You can find Al Dente at 491 N Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
5. Chicago Pasta House -- Moreno Valley
There's nothing fancy about Chicago Pasta House in Moreno Valley, but the food sure is extraordinary. In addition to piping hot plates of pasta, you will also find that they serve a tasty Chicago style pizza pie.
6. Salvatore's Cucina Italiana -- San Diego
You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here, but a personal favorite is the lasagne. Tons of cheese and the perfect layering of pasta and marinara sauce make this the ultimate comfort food. Salvatore's is located at 750 Front Street in San Diego.
7. Pasta Sisters -- Los Angeles
The fresh pasta at Pasta Sisters will melt in your mouth and the simple homemade recipes are bursting with flavor. This casual eatery is located at 3343 West Pico Boulevard.
8. Mario's Place -- Riverside
Elegant food and an elegant atmosphere are what you'll find at Mario's Place. You can count on comforting pasta dishes topped with fresh parmesan at this stunning restaurant right across the street from the historic Mission Inn. Mario's is located at 3634 Mission Inn Avenue in Riverside.
9. Napoli Italian Restaurant -- Loma Linda
There's nothing like a warm plate of baked ziti to bring a smile to your face at this classic restaurant in SoCal. Huge portions and flavorful sauces are what you can expect at Napoli. Located in Loma Linda at 24960 Redlands Boulevard.
10. Osteria Romantica -- La Jolla
The charm and ambiance of this cozy restaurant are unquestionably romantic. And how about the pasta? It's so delicious you may want to order a second entree to take home so you can enjoy it the next day as the flavors are to-die-for. Osteria Romantica is located in La Jolla at 2151 Avenida De La Playa.
11. Maccheroni Republic -- Los Angeles
For a fancy night in downtown LA, Maccheronni Republic is the perfect treat. Indulge in decadent pasta dishes with rich sauces and fragrant spices. You can find this restaurant at 332 S. Broadway in Los Angeles.
There are so many great Italian places to choose from in SoCal that it’s hard to know where to start. This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but these spots should definitely be added to your restaurant bucket list. Where is your favorite spot for pasta in Southern California?
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