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Agostino's Ristorante Italiano
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Pizza Nightlife Bars Italian, Pizza, Bars [Edit]
34700 Coast HwySte 100
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
(949) 661-8266
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Agostino's Ristorante Italiano
Review Highlights
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"The minestrone soup is tasty but the house salad is crispy..." In 2 reviews -
"...when we come back to Dana Point --- or within 100 miles of..." In 3 reviews -
"...Ziti Quattro Formaggi were great too; a good unique flavor." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Kaitlin L.
San Diego, CA
2/7/2012
I've been coming here for years and years with my family and have never had a bad meal or service. I'll continue to come here for as long as I can
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Review from Loner Z.
San Ramon, CA
1/6/2012 3 photos
The food is so so. Food wise, can only be a 3-star max. Nothing specially good or bad. A bit pricy for the quality of food/service.
Places are dark and a more romantic sense of lighting. But as they put quite a lot tables in the same area (to me this restaurant used to be a big apartment unit or two units). So the restaurant is a bit noisy for the environment they aimed for.
Food service is quite fast, same as them taking your plates away.
So! if you have no other options and want some pasta, this is a good place to go. But if you want a good dinner, drive a bit.
Bar area is even more noisy and the tender truly knows how to save. hehe... My drinks doubled the amount of my bill comparing to other places. -
Review from Amanda J.
San Diego, CA
3/22/2012
Here is my take-- the people who say this place is amazing must be going on a weekend when they are busy and make their stuff fresh. Unfortunately, on a Wednesday night, the bread was EXTREMELY stale, the salad was literally five leaves of iceberg that had seen a better day and the restaurant had PLASTIC table cloths over the cloth ones. Literally!
However, the main course was good. The service was good but quick. I agree with the other reviewers that it is pricey, but you get a salad and soup and my chicken dish came with a little side of pasta. The piccata sauce was FULL of capers which I LOVE but it was quick oily. All in all the two stars are for main dish and atmosphere. Don't come here expecting high class. -
Review from Johnny X.
Ventura, CA
10/3/2011
Never saw a restaurant with mostly 1 stars and 5 star reviews on Yelp and very little in between. We are at a time share nearby and so we thought we'd give it a try. Our take...the 1 stars must have been visiting a different restaurant! So-so Bread? You kidding...it was excellent Italian bread with fresh butter. Watered down minestrone? Homemade, fresh ingredients...wonderful! Blah salad with watered down dressing? Salad was mostly iceberg lettuce but the house combo of blue cheese and Italian was very good. And the Salmon Picatta was great. I love veal & chicken picatta but have never seen salmon picatta. Not over-powering, the flavors were excellent. And the salmon was cooked perfectly. Portions were just the right size. The side pasta was the right size (not too much) with a marinara sauce to die for.
Wine list is limited but excellent choices...BV Vineyards is one of my favorites.
The service was outstanding. Gina was so cute, attentive and helpful. She was familiar with the wine selections but she admitted she has never been to a winery...someone needs to take her to a winery tour.
Ambiance and view are spectacular. We sat at the corner windows looking out over the beautiful and romantic ocean sunset. It was the perfect beginning to our vacation.
Should probably be a 5 star but I don't want to fall into this one vs five star battle.
We'll be back! -
Review from Amit P.
Fullerton, CA
11/8/2011
Visited this place over the weekend after reading the reviews on yelp and it did not disappoint. It's a small family-owned place with a great ocean view (reserve ahead of time and ask for a view). Food was very tasty and fresh. Start off with the garlic cheese bread (very addicting) and the mozzarella fritta. Pizza is light and crispy yet full of flavor. Pastas such as the Ziti Quattro Formaggi were great too; a good unique flavor.
Definitely end your night w/ their tiramisu. One of the best I've had. -
Review from Steve R.
Petaluma, CA
8/11/2010
My wife and I have been going to Agostino's for at least 10 years. We moved away several years ago but every time we go back to Southern CA, like an annual mecca, we plan around at least one dinner at Agostino's.
They still know us even though they only see us may be twice a year now if that. We sit down and after getting the fresh bread and water, it goes something like this, "Chicken with penne in orvietto sauce, and capellini pescatore in red sauce" that's not us, it's whoever comes to take our order asking if we still want our usual. Impressive is these are alterations to dishes they normally have on their menu, accommodating and yes, delicious.
In terms of dessert, you can't beat the chocolate mousse. In terms of service, good luck finding better.
Great place. Take a peek from the parking lot (like we do) as you pass the kitchen to see if Luigi is working his magic with the entrees. We miss this place. -
Review from Rich n Nancy C.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
3/7/2009
We are always searching for a new favorite Italian restaurant and so far, for South OC, none has topped Agnostino's. Located in Capo Beach, Agnostino's is a real jewel but off the beaten path on South Coast Highway.
It is actually located in the ground floor of a beach motel. Nothing fancy but the food rocks! On weekends, make a reservation or be prepared to wait as the place gets jammed. Parking is also a zoo - suggest you try the lower level and go left to the end.
Their prices are quite reasonable and entrees come included with soup or salad. The minestrone soup is tasty but the house salad is crispy fresh and a favorite with their house dressing, which is a combo of Blue Cheese & Italian. Their claim to fame is their seafood. The Halibut, Salmon and seafood pastas are all outstanding.
They also make a very good red sauce for any of the basics like Spaghetti or Lasagna.. My wife loves the eggplant parmesan. For veal, try the Vitello Saltimbocca -- simply outstanding. Also try the Osso Bucco if it is available as a special. The wine list is very basic but corkage is reasonable at $15.
And the desserts are de-friken-licious. The Tiramisu is tasty and you can't go wrong with any of the gelatos -- the Coppa Coffee is a favorite. Oh, and the homemade Cannoli's are to die for. Tasty lil buggers, the best this side of New York.Listed in: Neighborhood Favorites
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Review from Doug R.
Olathe, KS
4/27/2011
After all the 5 star reviews, who wouldn't venture to such a place so highly recommended? I must say that my fellow Yelpers let me down or else the restaurant went to HELL IN A HAND BASKET! First, the view is awesome from the dining room, I'll give you that and it gets you one full star. After that, the evening went down hill. After getting some ice water, we placed our order for the lasagna and veal. My wife got soup. It was lukewarm and bland, no flavor. The house salad was less than fresh and had a tasteless Italian dressing that appeared to be commercial grade. The bread was stale and tasteless but after asking, the wait staff went back to the kitchen and toasted it up. Still tasteless. The lasagna was over salted and less than ordinary. The veal was dusted in flour and not cooked long enough to get done properly. Very tough and chewy. We did not eat more than 3 bites and were unable to get beyond that. The waitress came to the table and asked if we needed to go boxes and we expressed our disappointment in the food quality and preparation. I handed her our credit card and she came back with an apology and a check for $43.00. We had ordered no drinks or appetizers. This was just the two entrees. This was one of my worst restaurant experiences and I was really shocked that the restaurant did nothing to right the wrong. I mean come on, we didn't eat the dinners and it was obvious that our concerns were valid. This restaurant must cater to transient tourists for their revenue as I cannot imagine running a business with this mindset. I would highly advise anyone to AVOID this place. Drive a couple miles up to Dana Point and eat at the Salt Creek Grill.
NOTE: After I posted this review the restaurant sent me a nasty private message on YELP and stated that I was trying to "get away with something".... What did I get away with? I paid for everything, tipped the lady..... I am certainly entitled to my opinion. I happen to be an Italian American (Sicillian) and I know good Italian when I eat it. This was awful and if I continue to get harassment from this restaurant, I will file cyber stalking charges. -
Review from C R.
San Clemente, CA
6/18/2009
What a gem of a restaurant in Capo Beach.
First, the bartender, Ray, is a true mixologist. Name it and he can make it. He's fun to talk with also.
Second, they are very accommodating.
You want angle hair, you got it.
You want it with a blush/vodka sauce, you got it.
You want chicken milanese style, you got it.
You want capers, you got it.
And on and on.
Third, none of this matters if the food is below par. No worries here. We have never had a bad meal or even just an ok meal. And as some other reviewer noted their house Italian salad dressing is awesome.
And do save room for dessert. They really are something special.
Manja!! -
Review from Russ B.
Laguna Beach, CA
4/1/2011
How to describe a true family Italian restaurant - both family run and for families - with phenomenal food, happy and constant - but unobstrusive - service by staff that care about you personally, in a warm dining room and bar with sunset views of the Pacific? Bellissimo? No! E molto bellissimo!!! Jeez, Louise...it's that good.
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Review from Ashley D.
Santa Ana, CA
5/4/2011
Everytime I go to Agostino's, the staff is friendly and I couldnt imagine seeing them any other way. I am at the restaurant very frequently, but I am not the only one- I see several familiar faces when I go to this restaurant. But who can blame us? The staff knows you personally. The view is beautiful. The service is great. And the food is excellent!! It's a family owned restaurant. Chef Luigi really knows how to make a true Italian dish! I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. Check it out!! You won't be disappointed! Also, Say hello to Ray, he's usually making knock-out drinks behind the bar or helping out somewhere else- The man is a worker! Not a day that goes by that he isn't on top of things. I have nothing negative to say about this family or the service they provide. Simply amazing! Thank you AGOSTINO'S! :)
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Review from Arick S.
Ellicott City, MD
4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
They feature california wines and a beautiful sunset along Capistrano Beach. All the food was spectatular. Great Italian dishes.
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Review from Jay B.
Redondo Beach, CA
6/24/2011
I was surprised to see a few bad reviews about this restaurant, but I guess everyone has a bad day! My wife and I were visiting Capistrano and decided to try Agostino's. My wife is from Brazil (some of the best pizza in the world next to Italy itself) and after our meal she said it was the best pizza she has had in the United States (and yes she has been to New York and Chicago)! Our bread was warm and great, the salad seasoned perfectly and the pizza, well as you may have figured we were quite pleased. We have actually told a bunch of people about it and are driving all the way down tonight (6/24/11) from Redondo Beach with some friends to turn them on to Agostino's, and to get some more of that incredible pizza! Maybe we will try something else while we are there!
Side note: We also tried the Tiramiso, home made(of course) and although it is very different from any I have had in the past it was excellent. -
Review from ashley G.
Dana Point, CA
Updated - 4/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
i was craving agostino's yesterday but was home with a bad cold, so i made my husband get take-out. now i know i can't get the same agostino experience without actually dining there, but just wanted to say their take-out is great too!
and the portions seemed even more generous than in the restaurant, if that's possible. a whole loaf of bread, and the side of spaghetti that came with my saltimboca was more like and entree portion, and covered with meat sauce and melted cheese. so f-ing good! even with my stuffy nose i could taste all that yummy flavor. i love you agostino's!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/17/2010
agostino's is fantastic. you can't wrong by eating here when you are craving hearty italian food.… Read more »
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Review from John D.
Orange, CA
8/14/2008
Great Italian food! As I sit in Puerto Vallarta Mexico after probably the worst meal I have ever eaten I think of Agostino's where the food has always been good. I especially like the Gnocchi Pesto and the seafood. Now that's good food! Next door is a small deli with homemade sausage that is great too.
The environment is quaint. When I was dating I took many a date there. -
Review from jessica s.
Huntington Beach, CA
PHONOMENAL!!!! totally personable service, fast, simply amazing in every way!!!! Best pizza on the planet... great cocktails and bartender!! Everything extremely fresh and tasty!!
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Review from Andy B.
8/27/2009
Yes it really is as good as everyone says. We booked in to the nearby Best Western by chance as we travelled to San Diego and I checked on Yelp for somewhere to eat, all the reports said this is the place to go and they were all correct. It's as good as you will get anywhere if you like Italian food. If your near here try it if not get yourself here.
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Review from T S.
Capistrano Beach, CA
3/12/2011
Went to Agostino's last night after reading it was good. The house salad was made inedible by the overly tart blue cheese/italian dressing it was saturated in, I never leave my salad, gave hubby heartburn. I had linguine with shrimp and changed the sauce. The waitress said my choice of sauce would be too strong with the shrimp, but I fancied it. It was so watered down it had almost no flavour. Even when I heated up the leftovers the next day, still no flavour and unmelted clumps of cheese. Hubby had fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp and vegetables and it tasted watered down. I tried the Chianti the waitress recommended,it seemed watered down and the Inglenook Cab blah. Either the restaurant was having a bad night or we were.
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Review from Deb B.
San Tan Valley, AZ
1/26/2011
Agostino's *is* that good, and more. From the service, to the food...outstanding. We had the salmon piccata and spaghetti carbonara...the best *ever*. The minestrone soup is great. We couldn't find anything about our meal that was average. We will definitely return here when we come back to Dana Point --- or within 100 miles of this restaurant!
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Review from Tony M.
Dana Point, CA
6/24/2011
Seriously?? As an Italian and a long-time Dana Point resident, I have to set the record straight on this place. I have been curious about Agostino's for awhile and the 4.5 stars on Yelp made me go for it. Excellent location/view, nice ambiance, good service... some of the worst Italian food I have had in my life. I ordered their special "Rissoto Tutto Mare" and I couldn't believe my tastebuds. I think it was on basmati rice (not arborio or carnaroli -- something thick and sticky) so it was like eating seafood smothered in marinara on a bed of loose rice. Really?? Rissoto is supposed to stick together and the ingredients are cooked into the rice, not laid upon it. Who taught these people to cook? So I moved on and tried my wife's dinner which was a Spagheti Carbonara, made like alfredo with slices of ham thrown in (not bacon, sauteed in). And this place wasn't even cheap. Mario's By The Sea (awesome in comparison) only gets 3.5 stars on Yelp? By that measure, this place is a 1.0 to me. I can only chalk up the inflated ratings to California tastebuds, maybe. It seems like the bland food packs the house around here and good, authentic Italian restaurants go under. Too bad.
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Review from Robert W H.
Prescott Valley, AZ
3/7/2010
Wonderful atmosphere, good cocktails, and some of the best escargots I have ever eaten! They run a close comparison to those I ate in Paris many years ago. Agostino's serves a delicious eggplant parmesan which is second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant.
