Real Italian food!! You will not be disappointed! Canolis were great too ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prosciutto and Arugula, Cannoli
Liz M.
Came here for a group lunch (4 adults and 3 kids) and had a wonderful meal! We started with salads and also their Fennel Caprese appetizer. The salads were super fresh, quality veggies and perfectly seasoned. The Fennel caprese was a delicious and refreshing starter, slices of sweet juicy orange on crisp fennel and with a creamy slice of mozzarella, and topped with pops of pomegranate seeds- flavors fondly reminded us of our travels to Sicilia. Then we had the short rib ravioli- a must-try! Tender chunks of short rib fill each ravioli, and topped with plentiful mushrooms, earthy and rich- decadent for sure (and well balanced with the salads). Our friends had the Amatriciana bucatini which was another winner- rich tomato sauce with satisfyingly salty guanciale and a hint of spice. We had their house white wine (Pinot Grigio) that went perfectly with our meal. Great friendly service - and appreciated that they let us blab away and didn't rush us for the bill (another lovely reminder of Italia). Highly recommend and looking forward to returning next time we're in town!
Christina S.
The people are definitely passionate about what they do here. It's a little small but that's what makes it so cozy and intimate. I was deciding between the truffle fettuccine, the bolognese, and the short rib ravioli. I was told to go with the short rib ravioli and it was outstanding. I tried to eat it as slow as I could because I didn't want it to end!!! On Wednesdays, they also have a wine tasting menu where you get to try four different wines and they tell you a little bit about each bottle. I also really enjoyed every wine he brought out which had a mix of reds and whites. I definitely recommend!
Sergio Melissano
I am Italian born and raised, and this place is amazing!I just randomly walked in one evening and checked their wine list. That's when I knew I had to pay attention. Their selection, offerings and options are unparalleled - anywhere in OC. Trust me, I have been searching for true authenticity and a diverse wine list for years, both mainstream and niche: they cover all the flavor profiles and all the geographical varietals from North to South both by the bottle and by the glass. And that is even more unique and rare to find. This is true Italy, and if you don't want to commit to a full bottle, you can taste wines you simply cannot find by the glass anywhere else. That's the fun what makes it an experience. The manager/owner, Adriano, took pleasure in walking my friend through the various wines and helped her choose, and chatted with me about all the flavor profiles. I enjoy coming here for an aperitivo, tastings, a meal, and always for a good experience. With dimmed lights after dinner, this is a great ambience for a lounge/wine bar. I am not sure if they have happy hour, but that's next for me to find out. I never expect a red carpet when I walk in, but they are always kind, welcoming, and they care. Also, the ingredients they use are honestly high quality, not just items to "assemble" some dish and you have to know better to appreciate them: not just parmesan, but the Parmiggiano aged 24 months, not Prosciutto, but the seasoned 14 months plus: if you ever traveled to Italy, you can discern and appreciate the difference (most places do not spend for quality level). And if have not been to Italy - yet! - you can try the experience at Pronto Cucina.
Nicole P.
This restaurant is a TRUE Italian restaurant. I am not Italian but I am gluten and dairy intolerant meaning I can't eat pasta or breads at the typical American-version "authentic" Italian restaurants. However, at this restaurant they use authentic Italian goods (they import their flour to make their bread, the pasta, cheese, etc.). Because of this, I can actually EAT PASTA! Without feeling crappy or sick after!! Just like in Italy (I miss it so). So bravo to Chef Adriano and thank you for redefining true Italian in San Clemente. I wish there were more restaurant owners with as much integrity and pride in their cuisine as Pronto.
Sergio M.
I am Italian born and raised, and this place is amazing! I just randomly walked in one evening and checked their wine list. That's when I knew I had to pay attention. Their selection, offerings and options are unparalleled - anywhere in OC. Trust me, I have been searching for true authenticity and a diverse wine list for years, both mainstream and niche: they cover all the flavor profiles and all the geographical varietals from North to South both by the bottle and by the glass. And that is even more unique and rare to find. This is true Italy, and if you don't want to commit to a full bottle, you can taste wines you simply cannot find by the glass anywhere else. That's the fun what makes it an experience. The manager/owner, Adriano, took pleasure in walking my friend through the various wines and helped her choose, and chatted with me about all the flavor profiles. I enjoy coming here for an aperitivo, tastings, a meal, and always for a good experience. With dimmed lights after dinner, this is a great ambience for a lounge/wine bar. I am not sure if they have happy hour, but that's next for me to find out. I never expect a red carpet when I walk in, but they are always kind, welcoming, and they care. Also, the ingredients they use are honestly high quality, not just items to "assemble" some dish and you have to know better to appreciate them: not just parmesan, but the Parmiggiano aged 24 months, not Prosciutto, but the seasoned 14 months plus: if you ever traveled to Italy, you can discern and appreciate the difference (most places do not spend for quality level). And if have not been to Italy - yet! - you can try the experience at Pronto Cucina.
zacharias abel
Never been here before. Got some food to go. Was treated like crap for some reason. They didn't even put to go utensils in the bag. How was I supposed to eat my food? With my fingers? At least give me some bread on the side. Average taste and definitely not worth the price. All hype and no byte. Do better pronto.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Krista M.
I ordered a meatball sandwhich which was no longer listed on the menu. It was like eating bad hamburger helper. (2) Meatballs were very dry and falling apart. When mentioned to the waitress she took my plate to show to cook, but didn't take it off the check! I paid $28 for a diet coke and a horrible meatball sub! This place is way over priced, it's priced as if they are the best italian food in SC... I would not recommend them and have spoken to others that have eaten their veal dinner and said it was terrible... Wouldn't have minded the high price if it was good.
Nico L.
The Italian sandwich is definitely a winner. Family-owned, great ambience and an unbeatable location off Del Mar. The shop next door is stocked with hard-to-find imported goods straight from Italy. Other great quick bite is their homemade meatballs. With so much on their menu, it's hard to try it all but look forward to going back.
Satya P.
Stopped here for a quick and latish dinner. Delicious and authentic food, clearly made by people that care about feeding their guests well, served with unpretentious and easygoing charm. The fare is pretty diverse and includes the full portfolio of antipasti, salads, pasta and meat and fish courses. And sandwiches. And Pizza. I got the Buccatini Amatriciana which was every bit as tasty and hearty as I'd hoped for. The sauce was so good it needed extra bread at the end to mop up my plate with. Staff and service were also genuinely welcoming and solicitous and made me feel at home. Highly recommend.
This is the BEST restaurant in San Clemente. Not only is the food absolutely devine, the service makes you feel at home. Adriano had done an amazing job turning this place into a place where you feel like family. There aren't enough good words about this resturant! We love them!
Phillip Brutocao
Gargonzola gnocchi was fabulous, as was the short rib ravioli. We will be returning for their monthly tasting dinner in February.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sheree H.
We just moved here last February. It took us so long to find the best Italian restaurant, and boy are we hooked! The chef has really put his heart and soul into his cooking. He will actually come out to see how your food tastes. Katie is our favorite waitress there. If you have the pleasure of having her serve you it will actually feel like a family meal. We've tried gnocchi, pastas, salads, and pizzas. You can't go wrong. The vibe is slow, so come to relax and enjoy. It's as if you're in Italy! Our favorite thing to do is enjoy coffee and dessert on the patio. Thank you for making this feel like a home to eat at. Must try!
Lexi G.
We come here for the amazing cooking and the best service in town. Katie makes Pronto feel like home. Catch us here for the bucatini, tiramisu, and Katie!
Cassi G.
Pronto Tasting Menu offers a fantastic dining experience with a European flair. Every penny is well-spent on an immaculate menu tailored to each diner. The abundance of wine and delicious desserts enhances the culinary journey. The restaurant creates a wonderfully communal atmosphere, making it a truly community-centric event. A delightful and delicious experience overall. Adriana and Matt are amazing!!!
Real Italian food!! You will not be disappointed! Canolis were great too ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prosciutto and Arugula, Cannoli
Came here for a group lunch (4 adults and 3 kids) and had a wonderful meal! We started with salads and also their Fennel Caprese appetizer. The salads were super fresh, quality veggies and perfectly seasoned. The Fennel caprese was a delicious and refreshing starter, slices of sweet juicy orange on crisp fennel and with a creamy slice of mozzarella, and topped with pops of pomegranate seeds- flavors fondly reminded us of our travels to Sicilia. Then we had the short rib ravioli- a must-try! Tender chunks of short rib fill each ravioli, and topped with plentiful mushrooms, earthy and rich- decadent for sure (and well balanced with the salads). Our friends had the Amatriciana bucatini which was another winner- rich tomato sauce with satisfyingly salty guanciale and a hint of spice. We had their house white wine (Pinot Grigio) that went perfectly with our meal. Great friendly service - and appreciated that they let us blab away and didn't rush us for the bill (another lovely reminder of Italia). Highly recommend and looking forward to returning next time we're in town!
The people are definitely passionate about what they do here. It's a little small but that's what makes it so cozy and intimate. I was deciding between the truffle fettuccine, the bolognese, and the short rib ravioli. I was told to go with the short rib ravioli and it was outstanding. I tried to eat it as slow as I could because I didn't want it to end!!! On Wednesdays, they also have a wine tasting menu where you get to try four different wines and they tell you a little bit about each bottle. I also really enjoyed every wine he brought out which had a mix of reds and whites. I definitely recommend!
I am Italian born and raised, and this place is amazing!I just randomly walked in one evening and checked their wine list. That's when I knew I had to pay attention. Their selection, offerings and options are unparalleled - anywhere in OC. Trust me, I have been searching for true authenticity and a diverse wine list for years, both mainstream and niche: they cover all the flavor profiles and all the geographical varietals from North to South both by the bottle and by the glass. And that is even more unique and rare to find. This is true Italy, and if you don't want to commit to a full bottle, you can taste wines you simply cannot find by the glass anywhere else. That's the fun what makes it an experience. The manager/owner, Adriano, took pleasure in walking my friend through the various wines and helped her choose, and chatted with me about all the flavor profiles. I enjoy coming here for an aperitivo, tastings, a meal, and always for a good experience. With dimmed lights after dinner, this is a great ambience for a lounge/wine bar. I am not sure if they have happy hour, but that's next for me to find out. I never expect a red carpet when I walk in, but they are always kind, welcoming, and they care. Also, the ingredients they use are honestly high quality, not just items to "assemble" some dish and you have to know better to appreciate them: not just parmesan, but the Parmiggiano aged 24 months, not Prosciutto, but the seasoned 14 months plus: if you ever traveled to Italy, you can discern and appreciate the difference (most places do not spend for quality level). And if have not been to Italy - yet! - you can try the experience at Pronto Cucina.
This restaurant is a TRUE Italian restaurant. I am not Italian but I am gluten and dairy intolerant meaning I can't eat pasta or breads at the typical American-version "authentic" Italian restaurants. However, at this restaurant they use authentic Italian goods (they import their flour to make their bread, the pasta, cheese, etc.). Because of this, I can actually EAT PASTA! Without feeling crappy or sick after!! Just like in Italy (I miss it so). So bravo to Chef Adriano and thank you for redefining true Italian in San Clemente. I wish there were more restaurant owners with as much integrity and pride in their cuisine as Pronto.
I am Italian born and raised, and this place is amazing! I just randomly walked in one evening and checked their wine list. That's when I knew I had to pay attention. Their selection, offerings and options are unparalleled - anywhere in OC. Trust me, I have been searching for true authenticity and a diverse wine list for years, both mainstream and niche: they cover all the flavor profiles and all the geographical varietals from North to South both by the bottle and by the glass. And that is even more unique and rare to find. This is true Italy, and if you don't want to commit to a full bottle, you can taste wines you simply cannot find by the glass anywhere else. That's the fun what makes it an experience. The manager/owner, Adriano, took pleasure in walking my friend through the various wines and helped her choose, and chatted with me about all the flavor profiles. I enjoy coming here for an aperitivo, tastings, a meal, and always for a good experience. With dimmed lights after dinner, this is a great ambience for a lounge/wine bar. I am not sure if they have happy hour, but that's next for me to find out. I never expect a red carpet when I walk in, but they are always kind, welcoming, and they care. Also, the ingredients they use are honestly high quality, not just items to "assemble" some dish and you have to know better to appreciate them: not just parmesan, but the Parmiggiano aged 24 months, not Prosciutto, but the seasoned 14 months plus: if you ever traveled to Italy, you can discern and appreciate the difference (most places do not spend for quality level). And if have not been to Italy - yet! - you can try the experience at Pronto Cucina.
Never been here before. Got some food to go. Was treated like crap for some reason. They didn't even put to go utensils in the bag. How was I supposed to eat my food? With my fingers? At least give me some bread on the side. Average taste and definitely not worth the price. All hype and no byte. Do better pronto.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I ordered a meatball sandwhich which was no longer listed on the menu. It was like eating bad hamburger helper. (2) Meatballs were very dry and falling apart. When mentioned to the waitress she took my plate to show to cook, but didn't take it off the check! I paid $28 for a diet coke and a horrible meatball sub! This place is way over priced, it's priced as if they are the best italian food in SC... I would not recommend them and have spoken to others that have eaten their veal dinner and said it was terrible... Wouldn't have minded the high price if it was good.
The Italian sandwich is definitely a winner. Family-owned, great ambience and an unbeatable location off Del Mar. The shop next door is stocked with hard-to-find imported goods straight from Italy. Other great quick bite is their homemade meatballs. With so much on their menu, it's hard to try it all but look forward to going back.
Stopped here for a quick and latish dinner. Delicious and authentic food, clearly made by people that care about feeding their guests well, served with unpretentious and easygoing charm. The fare is pretty diverse and includes the full portfolio of antipasti, salads, pasta and meat and fish courses. And sandwiches. And Pizza. I got the Buccatini Amatriciana which was every bit as tasty and hearty as I'd hoped for. The sauce was so good it needed extra bread at the end to mop up my plate with. Staff and service were also genuinely welcoming and solicitous and made me feel at home. Highly recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the BEST restaurant in San Clemente. Not only is the food absolutely devine, the service makes you feel at home. Adriano had done an amazing job turning this place into a place where you feel like family. There aren't enough good words about this resturant! We love them!
Gargonzola gnocchi was fabulous, as was the short rib ravioli. We will be returning for their monthly tasting dinner in February.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We just moved here last February. It took us so long to find the best Italian restaurant, and boy are we hooked! The chef has really put his heart and soul into his cooking. He will actually come out to see how your food tastes. Katie is our favorite waitress there. If you have the pleasure of having her serve you it will actually feel like a family meal. We've tried gnocchi, pastas, salads, and pizzas. You can't go wrong. The vibe is slow, so come to relax and enjoy. It's as if you're in Italy! Our favorite thing to do is enjoy coffee and dessert on the patio. Thank you for making this feel like a home to eat at. Must try!
We come here for the amazing cooking and the best service in town. Katie makes Pronto feel like home. Catch us here for the bucatini, tiramisu, and Katie!
Pronto Tasting Menu offers a fantastic dining experience with a European flair. Every penny is well-spent on an immaculate menu tailored to each diner. The abundance of wine and delicious desserts enhances the culinary journey. The restaurant creates a wonderfully communal atmosphere, making it a truly community-centric event. A delightful and delicious experience overall. Adriana and Matt are amazing!!!