Italians in Orange County, California
A Travel Guide to Italian Culture, Food, and Heritage in OC
Orange County does not have a traditional historic Little Italy. Instead, Italian life here is spread across the county — in Costa Mesa restaurants, Newport Coast architecture, Chapman University’s Italian cultural programs, Italian markets in Tustin and La Habra, Italian American organizations, and parish-based festivals.
This makes Orange County unique: you explore a network of Italian culture across beach towns, suburban neighborhoods, and historic districts.
History of Italians in Orange County
Unlike San Francisco or San Pedro, Orange County never developed a dense Italian immigrant enclave. Most Italians arrived after World War II, settling in suburban communities like:
- Anaheim
- Orange
- Fullerton
- Tustin
- Costa Mesa
- Newport Beach
Rather than forming one Little Italy, Italians built parish communities, social clubs, restaurants, and professional organizations.
Italian cultural life today centers around:
- Italian Catholic Federation branches
- UNICO National Orange County chapter
- Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America lodges
- Parish festivals (St. Joseph's Tables, Italian dinners, feast days)
- University-based programming at Chapman University
These groups host St. Joseph's Tables, Italian dinners, Festa Italiana events, and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Top 10 Italian Stops in Orange County
- Ferrucci Institute — Chapman University (Orange)
- Claro’s Italian Market (Tustin)
- Claro’s Italian Market (La Habra)
- Cortina’s Italian Market (Anaheim)
- Antonello Ristorante (Santa Ana)
- Anaheim White House Restaurant (Anaheim)
- Bello by Sandro Nardone (Newport Beach)
- Filomena’s Italian Kitchen & Market (Costa Mesa)
- Il Girasole (Costa Mesa)
- Resort at Pelican Hill (Italian architecture)
Italian Cultural Attractions
Ferrucci Institute for Italian Experience & Research
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: (714) 997-6815
Website: https://www.chapman.edu/ferrucci
Italian lectures, language programs, and events.
Resort at Pelican Hill (Italian Architecture)
22701 Pelican Hill Rd S
Newport Coast, CA 92657
Phone: (888) 507-6427
Website: https://www.pelicanhill.com
Inspired by Renaissance Italian villas.
Italian Organizations (Events Year-Round)
Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)
Website: https://www.icf.org
Orange County branches meet at Catholic parishes.
Events include:
• St. Joseph’s Table
• Italian dinners
• Scholarship events
• Festa Italiana
UNICO National — Orange County Chapter
Website: https://www.unico.org
Italian American service organization
Hosts scholarships, heritage events, dinners.
Order Sons and Daughters of Italy — Anaheim Lodge
Website: https://anaheim2076.org
Italian cultural events and dinners.
Italian Markets & Specialty Shops
Claro’s Italian Market — Tustin
1095 E Main St
Tustin, CA 92780
Phone: (714) 832-3081
Website: https://claros.com
Claro’s Italian Market — La Habra
121 N Harbor Blvd
La Habra, CA 90631
Phone: (562) 691-7000
Website: https://claros.com
One of the best Italian delis in north Orange County.
Cortina’s Italian Market
2175 W Orange Ave
Anaheim, CA 92804
Website: https://cortinasitalianfood.com
Where to Eat
Anaheim White House
887 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
https://anaheimwhitehouse.com
Antonello Ristorante
3800 S Plaza Dr
Santa Ana, CA 92704
https://antonello.com
Bello by Sandro Nardone
Newport Beach
https://bellobysandronardone.com
Filomena’s Italian Kitchen
Costa Mesa
https://filomenasoc.com
Il Girasole
Costa Mesa
https://il-girasole.com
In addition, there are hundreds of lesser-known spots throughout the country. For a more complete listing, click here: Search
Where to Stay (More Hotels & Budget Options)
Luxury
Resort at Pelican Hill
https://pelicanhill.com
Lido House Newport Beach
https://www.lidohousehotel.com
Mid-Range
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa
https://www.ayreshotels.com
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
https://www.hyatt.com
Embassy Suites Anaheim South
https://www.hilton.com
Budget-Friendly Hotels & Motels
Best Western Orange Plaza
https://www.bestwestern.com
Holiday Inn Express Anaheim
https://www.ihg.com
Motel 6 Anaheim
https://www.motel6.com
Days Inn Anaheim
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Best Western Stovall's Inn Anaheim
https://www.bestwestern.com
Travelodge Anaheim
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Super 8 Anaheim
https://www.wyndhamhotels.com
Budget Inn Anaheim
https://budgetinnanaheim.com
Neighborhoods with Italian Presence
Italian communities are strongest in:
• Anaheim
• Orange
• Fullerton
• Costa Mesa
• Newport Beach
• Tustin
• La Habra
These areas contain Italian markets, churches, and organizations.
Festivals & Events
Hosted by:
Italian Catholic Federation
https://www.icf.org
UNICO National
https://www.unico.org
Sons of Italy Anaheim Lodge
https://anaheim2076.org
Chapman University Ferrucci Institute
https://www.chapman.edu
Common events include:
• St. Joseph's Table
• Festa Italiana
• Italian Heritage dinners
• Scholarship banquets
• Christmas Italian festivals
• Italian language and culture events
Transportation
Airport
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
https://www.ocair.com
Public Transit
OCTA
https://www.octa.net
Best option: Rent a car
Best Time to Visit
Best months
April–June
September–October
Summer
Best beach weather
Winter
Fewer crowds
Weather
Year-round Mediterranean climate
Winter: 60s°F
Spring: 70s°F
Summer: 75–85°F
Fall: 70–80°F
Weekend Itinerary: Experiencing Italian Orange County
This 2-day Italian Orange County itinerary is designed to match your blog style—balancing culture, food, scenery, and heritage while reflecting the reality that Italian life here is spread out.
Day 1 — Culture, Markets & Classic Italian Dining
Orange → Tustin → Costa Mesa → Santa Ana
☀️ Morning — Italian Culture in Orange
Start your trip in Old Towne Orange, one of the most walkable historic areas in OC.
Stop 1: Ferrucci Institute for Italian Experience and Research
📍 One University Drive, Orange, CA
🔗 https://www.chapman.edu/ferrucci
- Check for Italian lectures, exhibits, or events
- Walk the Chapman University campus
- Explore Old Towne Orange shops and cafés
👉 Travel tip: This is the intellectual and cultural heart of Italian OC.
🥪 Late Morning — Italian Market Stop
Stop 2: Claro's Italian Market
📍 Tustin, CA
🔗 https://claros.com
- Grab a classic Italian deli sandwich
- Shop imported pasta, olive oil, and cheeses
👉 Optional second stop:
Claro's Italian Market (North OC travelers)
🍝 Afternoon — Costa Mesa Food Scene
Head to Costa Mesa, one of OC’s best Italian dining hubs.
Lunch options:
- Filomena’s Italian Kitchen & Market
- Il Girasole
👉 Both offer modern Italian cuisine with a local OC feel.
🏛️ Evening — Classic Italian Dining Experience
Dinner: Antonello Ristorante
📍 South Coast Plaza area
- Fine dining Italian since 1979
- White-tablecloth, old-school Italian American atmosphere
👉 After dinner: Walk South Coast Plaza or enjoy nearby lounges.
Day 2 — Coastal Italy Vibes & Community Roots
Newport Coast → Newport Beach → Anaheim or San Clemente
🌊 Morning — Italian-Inspired Coastal Luxury
Stop 1: The Resort at Pelican Hill
📍 Newport Coast
🔗 https://www.pelicanhill.com
- Walk the grounds (open areas accessible to visitors)
- Enjoy espresso with ocean views
- Experience architecture inspired by Renaissance Italy
👉 This is the closest thing to “Italian coastal luxury” in OC.
🛥️ Midday — Newport Beach Exploration
Head down to Newport Harbor:
- Balboa Peninsula
- Harbor walk
- Coffee or gelato stop
👉 Pair this with lunch:
Bello by Sandro Nardone
🍷 Afternoon Option A — North OC Italian Community
Head inland to Anaheim:
Stop: Anaheim White House Restaurant
- Historic mansion setting
- Northern Italian cuisine
- Strong Italian American community ties
👉 Nearby:
- Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America events (check schedule)
🌅 Afternoon Option B — South OC Coastal Culture
Instead of Anaheim, go south:
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
- Mediterranean-style villa
- Ocean views
- Cultural exhibits
👉 Perfect for a quieter, scenic ending.
Evening Wrap-Up
Finish your trip with:
- Sunset in Newport or San Clemente
- Espresso or dessert stop
- Reflect on the “hidden” Italian network of OC
Bonus Add-Ons (If You Have More Time)
- Attend a St. Joseph’s Table (seasonal — hosted by ICF/churches)
- Check UNICO or Sons of Italy events
- Visit additional Italian markets
- Take a day trip to Los Angeles’ Italian American Museum
Pro Travel Tips
✔ Rent a car — everything is spread out
✔ Stay in Costa Mesa or Newport Beach for central access
✔ Check event calendars before visiting
✔ Mix culture + food + scenery (that’s the OC Italian experience)
__________________________________________
Orange County Italian Travel Guide — FAQ
General Questions
Is there a Little Italy in Orange County?
No. Orange County never developed a historic Little Italy. Instead, Italian culture is spread across multiple cities including Anaheim, Orange, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Tustin, Fullerton, and La Habra. Italian life here centers around restaurants, churches, markets, and organizations rather than one neighborhood.
Are there a lot of Italian Americans in Orange County?
Yes — but they are dispersed suburban communities, not concentrated enclaves. Many families settled after World War II and built:
- Italian restaurants
- Catholic parish communities
- Social clubs
- Professional organizations
- Italian markets
What is the most Italian part of Orange County?
There is no single Italian district, but the strongest Italian presence is in:
- Anaheim
- Orange / Chapman University area
- Costa Mesa
- Newport Beach
- Tustin
- La Habra
- Fullerton
Is Orange County worth visiting for Italian culture?
Yes — especially for:
- Italian restaurants
- Italian markets
- Italian organizations
- Church festivals
- Italian-inspired architecture
- Cultural programs at Chapman University
Italian Culture & Events
Are there Italian festivals in Orange County?
Yes — but they are smaller and community-based, not large street festivals.
Events are hosted by:
- Italian Catholic Federation (ICF)
- UNICO National (Orange County)
- Sons of Italy lodges
- Catholic churches
- Chapman University Ferrucci Institute
Common events include:
- St. Joseph’s Tables
- Italian dinners
- Festa Italiana events
- Heritage celebrations
- Scholarship banquets
- Christmas festivals
Where can I see a St. Joseph’s Table?
St. Joseph’s Tables are typically hosted by:
- Italian Catholic Federation branches
- Catholic parishes with Italian communities
- Italian clubs
Check:
Italian Catholic Federation
https://www.icf.org
Are there Italian parishes in Orange County?
Yes — several Catholic churches with Italian American communities host events throughout the year.
These often include:
- Italian dinners
- Feast days
- St. Joseph celebrations
- Community festivals
Does Chapman University have Italian events?
Yes. The Ferrucci Institute hosts:
- Italian lectures
- Film screenings
- Cultural programs
- Guest speakers
- Italian Perspective series
Website
https://www.chapman.edu/ferrucci
Food Questions
What is the best Italian restaurant in Orange County?
Top picks:
Antonello Ristorante — Santa Ana
Anaheim White House — Anaheim
Bello by Sandro Nardone — Newport Beach
Il Girasole — Costa Mesa
Filomena’s Italian Kitchen — Costa Mesa
What is the best Italian deli?
Claro’s Italian Market (Tustin)
Claro’s Italian Market (La Habra)
Cortina’s Italian Market (Anaheim)
Where can I buy imported Italian food?
Best Italian markets:
Claro’s Italian Market — Tustin
Claro’s Italian Market — La Habra
Cortina’s Italian Market — Anaheim
Travel Planning Questions
How many days should I spend in Orange County?
Ideal Italian-themed visit:
Weekend (2 days) — Perfect
3 days — relaxed pace
1 day — possible but rushed
Where should I stay?
Best areas:
Costa Mesa — central location
Newport Beach — coastal + restaurants
Anaheim — budget-friendly
Orange — historic + Chapman University
What is the best budget-friendly area to stay?
Anaheim offers:
- Affordable hotels
- Central OC access
- Close to Italian restaurants
- Easy freeway access
Do I need a car?
Yes. Orange County is very spread out.
A car is strongly recommended.
What airport should I fly into?
Best airport:
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Other options:
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Weather & Timing
Best time of year to visit?
Best months:
April–June
September–October
These offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Is Orange County warm year-round?
Yes. Mediterranean climate:
Winter: 60s°F
Spring: 70s°F
Summer: 75–85°F
Fall: 70–80°F
When are Italian events most common?
Most common seasons:
March — St. Joseph’s Tables
Spring — cultural events
Summer — Italian dinners & festivals
Fall — heritage celebrations
Christmas season — Italian club events
Italian Heritage Questions
Why doesn’t Orange County have a Little Italy?
Most Italians arrived after suburban development, so they settled across the county instead of forming dense urban neighborhoods.
Are there Italian clubs in Orange County?
Yes:
Italian Catholic Federation
UNICO National
Sons of Italy lodges
Professional Italian associations
Are there Italian neighborhoods still today?
Not officially — but clusters exist around:
Anaheim
Orange
Costa Mesa
Newport Beach
Tustin
La Habra
Is Orange County similar to San Pedro’s Little Italy?
No. San Pedro has a defined historic district.
Orange County is decentralized Italian culture.
Trip Planning
Can I visit everything in one day?
Yes — but it will be rushed.
Best to split into:
Day 1 — Orange / Costa Mesa / Tustin
Day 2 — Newport Beach / Anaheim
Is Orange County family-friendly?
Yes — very family friendly:
Beaches
Parks
Restaurants
Markets
Museums
Walkable districts
What should I not miss?
Top must-see:
Ferrucci Institute
Claro’s Italian Market
Pelican Hill
Anaheim White House
Antonello Ristorante
What makes Orange County unique for Italian travelers?
Instead of one Little Italy, you experience:
Italian food
Italian organizations
Italian markets
Italian-inspired architecture
Italian community events
All across the county.
