Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana Brings Tasty Italian Classics to Orange County

Fresh Pizzas to Uber Sweet Cannolis, Angelina’s is Your Next Go-To

Written By: Olin Chow Angelina’s Pizzeria

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is run by restaurateurs, Filippo and Sho Fusco. With two Angelina’s locations in Dana Point and Irvine, their goal is to bring the most authentic Italian eatery experience to customers. I had the opportunity to visit the Irvine location, which serves as the brand’s flagship location, that opened a year ago. Located in the corner building of Los Olivos marketplace, Angelina’s offers guests plenty of free parking and complimentary valet. When walking into the restaurant, I notice the room is dominated by beautiful modern furniture, high ceilings, upbeat soft music and bright, white-blue colors. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, including additional seats at the bar.

Angelina’s imports most of its ingredients directly from Italy, including cheese, flour, tomato, pizza boxes, salami, risotto—even its silverware. Anvedi!

During my experience on a fine evening around 7 p.m., I was greeted right away and seated immediately. I started out by ordering Angelina’s specialty cocktail, The Angelina, a refreshing drink with clarified milk. Another popular drink to order is the Aperol Spritz infused with strawberries.

I enjoyed my appetizer – Polpette Al Sugo, tender giant meatballs with San Marzano tomato sauce (GMO-free) and topped with fresh basil. Followed by Salsiccia al Forno, sausages with sweet pepper, topped with a gorgonzola cheese fondue. The Ravioli Mimosa, ravioli stuffed generously with ricotta cheese and spinach, San Marzano DOP (Denominazione d’ Origine Protetta) pomodoro sauce and topped with baked ham.

For their absolutely delicious pizzas, they use an imported wood-fired oven set at 900 degrees to make a homemade warm dough. The crust is perfectly light brown and toasted around the edges; right on point for Neapolitan-style pizza. I highly recommend the Margherita pizza, a thin crust pizza that uses San Marzano DOP pomodoro sauce topped with some basil and imported bufala mozzarella fresh from Napoli. The Diavola pizza is similar but a bit spicy since it uses Napoletana-style salame.

I was somewhat full, but hey, there’s always room for dessert. I gobbled down the tiramisu and still recall the light creaminess mixed with strawberries and a taste of rum. Do not forget to order a cannoli. This little tube-shaped pastry shell is filled with light sweet cream drizzled with chocolate syrup and dusted with powdered sugar.

Most of the food portions here are a decent size for a family-style meal. This goes back to Angelina’s cultural roots, highlighting Italian eats with good laughs and great wine, which are handpicked by COO, Antonio Bevacqua, a native Italian with experience in two Michelin restaurants in Italy. The service at Angelina’s was superb, thank you to my server, Daniel. He was friendly, prompt to accommodate our needs and gave excellent menu suggestions, always with a smile.

Do not forget to take advantage of Angelina’s happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and daily from 9:00 p.m. to close. Monthly events include “Angelina’s Sound,” where they bring in a DJ or guest performer, and holiday celebrations where special dinner options or menus are served.  

Authentic, delicious and fresh; Angelina’s Pizzeria is definitely bringing Italian eateries to another level. Buon Appetito!

Native Knowledge: Although they are not gluten free, Angelina’s uses double zero flour without any GMOs.

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana
8573 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA, 92618
949.536.5200
With Two OC Locations, Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is What’s for Dinner Tonight

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