Last Updated on February 22, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
One of the best parts about our 17.5-month engagement period was hands-down the “countdown dates” that we started at the one-year mark to our destination wedding in Puglia.
If you’re unfamiliar with a countdown date, here’s the gist: It’s a date for you and your fiancé that takes place on the same day of each month leading up to your wedding to help you count down to the big day! Our wedding was on June 11, 2025, so our countdown dates started one year earlier, on June 11, 2024. We went on a date on the 11th of each month, up until our wedding day — the ultimate “date night!”
There are a few rules for a countdown date, however. That is, if you choose to follow them:
- Go somewhere or do something NEW! This could be a new restaurant, a new activity neither of you has done, a new spot to watch the sunset, etc. It just has to be new to both of you!
- DO NOT talk about the wedding. This one’s hard, but trust me – so worth it. Of course, you can explain what you’re doing & talk about it a little bit if your waiter/waitress asks you what you’re celebrating! But keep the conversation between you and your fiancé wedding-free throughout the date. I can’t say we always followed this one, but we did our best!
- Take a photo. Trust me, you’ll want to remember these 12 special moments once they’re over – even if it’s just a quick snap of something you ate on your date to bring back memories down the line!
We really leaned into rule #1 but put a fun little spin on it—which is why this blog post exists! We decided that since we were having a destination wedding in Italy, we wanted to try a new Italian restaurant in Orange County for each date. Not only do we love Italian food, but each date made the wait to get on the plane for our wedding feel less far and got us more and more excited about all the fun in Italy!
A good majority of this list is in the southern part of Orange County simply because that is where we live, but here are the restaurants we visited:
Trattoria Trullo – Aliso Viejo
Trattoria Trullo was the perfect place to kick off the celebrations with 1 year to go until our wedding, as they specialize in Apulian cuisine! I stumbled upon it on my Instagram Explore page, and I am so glad we made a reservation. Chef Marco brings traditions from his family and hometown recipes from the region of Puglia to his quaint spot in Aliso Viejo.
Chef Marco is big on only sourcing the best of the best, so you will see him regularly using seasonal produce in his dishes, and it is oh-so-delicious! When our waitress asked what we were celebrating, we told her what we were doing, and we were very lucky for her to bring Chef Marco over to our table to share more about Puglia with us and make recommendations for our stay. Fun fact: He also owns an Airbnb in Puglia!
What We Ordered:
- Focaccia Pugliese – A light and tasty bread from the Puglia region of Italy, the focaccia is moist and airy with a perfectly crispy edge. Chef Marco’s special touch includes fragrant rosemary, sea salt, and your choice of toppings (quite literally the best focaccia I’ve had in my life, make sure to pair it with burrata!)
- Rigatoni alla Bolognese – Bolognese Sauce made from Pork, Beef, and Veal
- Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa – “Little ear” Shaped Pasta, Broccoli Rabe Sauce, Italian Sausage, Pecorino Cheese, Breadcrumbs. Also available without sausage (a traditional Apulian pasta dish that is amazing!)
- Torta Pasticciotto – Shortcrust, Pastry Cream, Amarena Cherry Sauce
It was the best Tuesday night date ever! And, we’ve been back a few times since because we had to take our parents!
Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana – Irvine
Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana has been right down the road from us for more than two years, but our countdown date was the first time we ever popped in! I’m usually a pasta girl, but leaned into the pizza at Angelina’s!
This spot in Irvine is one of two Angelina’s locations, this one specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza made using traditional techniques and cooked in wood-burning ovens. The quality of the pizza was amazing! I love a good Neapolitan-style pizza, and Angelina’s did not disappoint. The pizzas are large, so I highly recommend sharing if you have a small appetite like me!
What We Ordered:
- Caprese al Pesto – Heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto, EVOO
- Fettuccine Bolognese – house-made fettuccine pasta, Bolognese sauce, dry ricotta
- Burrata e Tartufo (Pizze Bianche) – Prosciutto, Burrata cheese, sliced summer black truffles, mozzarella di Bufala, cherry tomatoes, basil, arugula (truffle on pizza is something on an entirely different level!)
A few other menu items that stood out, but we did not order, were the Focaccia Al Rosmarino and Risotto al Limone con Gamberi e Asparagi!
Molo Osteria – Newport Beach
Molo Osteria in Newport Beach is a trendy Italian spot that combines a modern vibe with a laid-back coastal style. For Orange County natives and Newport Beach locals, Molo took over the space that used to be Sabatino’s Lido Shipyard Sausage Co. The space is both cozy and welcoming, perfect for enjoying delicious Italian dishes on the patio!
All of the pasta and other dishes are made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu has something for everyone, all paired with a great selection of wines. We got to talking with our waiter, and even found out that the sweet owners were from Puglia! He made it a point to come over to speak with us and congratulate us, and it was truly a great experience overall.
What We Ordered:
- Citrus Avocado Salad – oranges, grapefruit, arugula, avocado, almonds, balsamic, goat cheese
- Spaghetti alla Vongole – manila clams, white wine sauce
- Pasta al Pesto – trofie pasta, basil pesto, pine nuts, parmigiano cheese
- Bombolone – basically an Italian donut (the best dessert option if you want something light but incredible!)
We had their pizza a separate time when our parents were in town visiting, since they deliver next door to those tasting at Lido Tasting Room, and it’s delicious, too! Next time we return, I want to try the Focaccina, Orrechiette Salsiccia, and the Risotto al Rosmarino!
Casanova Ristorante – Dana Point
For our fourth countdown date, we ventured to Casanova Ristorante in Dana Point—an unassuming spot that blends Venetian warmth with the casual vibe of Southern California. Tucked into a quiet shopping plaza, the restaurant is cozy with its red booths and soft lighting. The ambiance is nice, complemented by classic tunes from Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The menu has typical Italian dishes that you’ll find on many menus, but it is ultimately an homage to Northern Italy.
What We Ordered:
- Calamari Fritti – crispy calamari, spicy marinara
- Bolognese – spaghetti, beef ragu sauce, parmesan
- A rigatoni special with a creamy pesto-like sauce and scallops
- And Tiramisu, of course!
Luciana’s Ristorante – Dana Point
Luciana’s in Dana Point is the kind of spot that feels like a secret date night gem. Think candlelit tables, cozy vibes, and an old-world Italian charm that makes you wanna put your phone down and actually talk. The air’s full of delicious aromas of pasta, garlic, and all the good Italian food scents!
It’s all about those fresh, Italian flavors, from burrata starters to their next-level pappardelle. And don’t even get us started on the wine list—it has so many good options with wonderful waiters to point you in the right direction or help you find a good pairing with your order. Wrap it all up with some tiramisu and good conversation for the perfect 8-month countdown date!
What We Ordered:
- Bruschetta – Grilled ciabatta bread topped with diced tomatoes, capers, onions, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil
- Linguine Vongole – Linguine pasta, fresh manila clams, garlic and parsley in a white wine sauce
- Pappardelle Ragu Di Agnello – Handmade Pappardelle pasta in a lamb ragu with a dollop of ricotta and spinach
- Tiramisu – so, so good that it might just be one of the best I’ve ever had!
Trenta Pizza and Cucina – Costa Mesa
Trenta Pizza and Cucina is the perfect spot when you’re craving a taste of Italy in Orange County, situated in a small spot in Costa Mesa. Their wood-fired pizzas are as authentic as it gets, with fresh ingredients that make every bite incredible. The menu has all the classics—think Margherita pizza, creamy burrata, and homemade pasta—plus a few creative surprises to keep things interesting.
The cozy vibe makes it a great place to relax with friends or family while enjoying some seriously good food. The owners’ “passion for authentic Sicilian-Italian food, delicious flavor and unique imported ingredients.” If you’re into real-deal Italian eats, Trenta is a must-try.
Aside from wine & cocktails, we were really in the mood for pizza, so that’s all we ordered on this visit, but we will be back to try more!
What We Ordered:
- Caserta – San Marzano Tomato / Mozzarella / Prosciutto / Mushrooms / Shaved Parmigiano / Truffle Oil
- Reggio Calabria – San Marzano Tomato / Mozzarella / Calabrese Salame / Italian Sausage / N’duja Spread / Mushrooms
If you’re going with a group, our sweet waitress, Luna, also mentioned that they have a 30″ Trenta Trio, where you choose any 3 of the pizza styles on the menu and create your 30″ x 12″ pizza!
Storico Spaghetteria – Tustin
Given that we live in South Orange County, we noticed that a lot of the restaurants we go to, even outside of our countdown dates, are in cities like Dana Point, Irvine, Laguna Beach, etc. We try our best to change it up, and when we found Storico Spaghetteria in Tustin, we were excited to be in a different spot that we don’t tend to venture to super often (which will be changing because the little downtown is so cute).
The restaurant is a small family-owned spot in Old Town Tustin, with a cafe where you can get coffee and gelato, and also a full bar. They make their pasta fresh themselves, which makes a difference when you taste the dishes!
What We Ordered:
- Bruschetta – classic, tomato bruschetta on toasted bread
- Ragu Bianco (Paccheri) – a white cream sauce with Italian sausage
- Arrabiata (Penne) – San Marzano tomatoes, red chili flakes & garlic
- Cannolis – they were out of the pistachio, but the chocolate chip was delish!
They also serve their own Puzzuoli Family Wines from Paso Robles and craft beers from Archaic Craft Brewery in Tustin. They unfortunately ran out of the specific family winery’s red I wanted to try, so I enjoyed a Barbera from Lombardia instead!
Ospi – Costa Mesa
We were fortunate to score a reservation to eat at Ospi’s new Costa Mesa location for our 5-month countdown dinner! I did not realize that they only take reservations two weeks out (I tried to make one about a month out), so I thought I was having issues and emailed them to see if I was doing something wrong or if their system was glitching!
I explained the situation of our countdown dinners, and their manager was so sweet to make a reservation for us on the backend so that we could celebrate with them. Not only that, but when we were seated, we were brought a glass of prosecco each, compliments of the bar! It was a very kind, simple extra touch that made a difference and showed that they cared that we were there to celebrate with them!
We had heard a lot about how good Ospi was from friends who had visited their Brentwood and Venice locations, so we were excited to try it, and it did not disappoint!
What We Ordered:
- Kale Insalate alla jame, almond dressing, avocado, grana padano
- Tagliatell’ bolognese – so unbelievably delicious!
- Pepe-roni Pizze cacio e pepe, single origin black pepper, fonduta, pepperoni
We’ve heard great things about the CRISPY PROVOLONE, the TONNARELLI, and the RICOTTA GNUDI, so I guess we’ll just have to come back! Oh, darn! 😉
Ciao Pasta Trattoria – San Juan Capistrano
For one of our countdown-to-Italy dinners, we headed to Ciao Pasta in San Juan Capistrano—and it hit the spot. Tucked right near the Mission, this cozy little spot has all the charming trattoria vibes with twinkle lights, rustic tables, and even a cute patio if the weather’s nice.
What We Ordered:
- Calamari Fritti – Fried Calamari + Pomodoro Sauce
- Trofie – Homemade Short, Twisted Pasta + Basil Pesto + Stracciatella Cheese
- Brasato di Manzo – Slow Cooked Short Ribs + San Marzano Tomato Sauce + Red Wine Reduction + Homemade Orecchiette Pasta (Chef Pasquale’s mother’s special recipe from hometown Puglia)
Ciao Pasta gave us all the warm, comfort food energy we needed—and made us even more excited for the real deal in Italy.
Romeo Cucina – Laguna Beach
Given our 10th countdown dinner was a weekday after an in-office workday, we decided to stay close-ish to home and head down to a spot we’ve driven by probably 800 times…Romeo Cucina! It’s a local spot, which we thought was so special: to see Laguna Beach locals getting drinks and dinner with other local friends, on a first-name basis with the bartenders and servers, having a “typical” Tuesday night!
What We Ordered:
- Calamaretti Misti – Lightly fried calamari, shrimp, and fresh fish of the day, arrabbiata sauce
- Tortelloni al Pesto – Homemade Tortelloni, braised rib eye filling, house pesto, cream, fresh arugula & shaved Grana Padano
- Spaghetti Costa Degli Dei – “Romeo Family favorite,” fresh clams, garlic & olive oil, white wine
Modo Mio Rustic Italian Kitchen – Newport Beach
Luckily, there was availability when we checked, because we kind of forgot about our 11th countdown dinner and made a reservation that morning! We’ve been to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center so many times, but had never stopped into Modo Mio before, and we’re glad we did! It’s a more unassuming spot. The food, service, and ambiance were great! I’m a vongole girl, but there’s something about eating it when you’re close to the water…it just makes it even better. I also don’t typically see Prosciutto and Melone on menus, so that was a nice treat (it’s one of my favorite bites for a light appetizer)!
What We Ordered:
- Prosciutto e Melone – cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto di Parma
- Bolognese – fresh made tagliatelle pasta, signature meat sauce of ground beef & pork, marinara
- Vongole – linguine pasta sautéed with Manila clams, garlic, onion, shallots, basil, parsley, in white wine
Bello by Sandro Nardone – Newport Beach
For our very last countdown dinner, we visited Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach. This modern Italian restaurant, helmed by Chef Sandro Nardone, offers a contemporary take on traditional Italian food. The sleek, minimalist interior, with bold artwork and an open kitchen, sets the stage for the menu that you’ll enjoy!
What We Ordered:
- Frittura di Calamari – Calamari, Shishito Peppers, Lemon (the freshest we have ever had, and the shishitos were a fun addition!)
- Dolce Diavola – Tomato Sauce, Di Stefano Mozzarella, Calabrese Salame, Wildflower Honey
- Amatriciana – Rigatoni, Guanciale, Peperoncino, Pecorino, Pomodoro
And for dessert, we had a special option that they were serving for Mother’s Day – a Spanish French Toast with a yuzu jam, and a miso gelato. Max was in heaven; it was so good! Bello by Sandro Nardone offers a dining experience that is both innovative and rooted in Italian tradition. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking to indulge!
I know my list was only supposed to be 12 spots; however, there are a few other Orange County Italian restaurants that I feel the need to mention. The only reason they aren’t on this list is that we’ve already been to them (some of them, multiple times), so they did not fit the criteria of our countdown dates!
- Truly Pizza — Dana Point – a tried & true favorite of ours!
- Buona Forchetta — San Clemente and Newport Beach (they also have locations in San Diego)
- Bottega Angelina — Laguna Niguel
- Cucina Enoteca — Irvine and Newport Beach
- Oliver’s Trattoria — Irvine
Max and I had such a fun time eating our way through OC’s Italian restaurant scene for a year — and honestly, it made the wait for Italy feel a little more bearable every single month. We hope this list helps you find your new favorite spot.
If you’re visiting Orange County and need a home base, search available hotels on Booking.com or check out my guide to the best hotels in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach (my top recommendations for where to stay) for a curated starting point.
And if all this Italian food talk has you ready to book a flight — same. Start with my Italy destination guides or browse my favorite Italian-inspired finds if you want to bring a little more Italy into your everyday life.