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Casanova Ristorante

33585 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, CA 92629
949-496-0992
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Ranked #1 of 75 restaurants in Dana Point
Cuisines: Italian, Pizza
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, After-hours, Dessert
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, Takeout, After-hours, Dessert
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83 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    68
    7
    5
    2
    1
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Laguna Niguel, California
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

Wow, here we are just finishing our early dinner. To start, the drinks are just what you order (I had a Cosmo, husband had a grey goose martini). We started with the calamari - cooked to perfection with an authentic marinara. I am a authentic New Yorker and this restaurant takes me back to Brooklyn and little Italy! We just... More

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See 4 more reviews by Nancy M for Dana Point
Tucson
Top Contributor
87 reviews 87 reviews
59 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
30 helpful votes 30 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 April 2013

We walked into this place and you just knew you were in the right place! Being from KC, MO I grew up around great Italian restaurants, and this place just oozes with all the right flavors of Italy/Chicago/NYC. It's packed, people waiting to get in the door, older clientele, younger clientele, great wine list, great appetizers, we ended up going... More

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See 3 more reviews by Maria44Tucson for Dana Point
Sacramento, CA
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 April 2013

I don't know where to start. Just go eat here, you won't be sorry. Eggplant cooked to perfection - I've never had anything so good. Waiters were so very knowledgeable about wines, suggested perfect pairing, and their after-dinner port was amazing. Don't be fooled by the non-descript strip mall location - the ambience and the food make this restaurant a... More

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TN
Top Contributor
105 reviews 105 reviews
58 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 March 2013

Nik puts on quite the show. Gratis wine as you walk in th edoor w a big party. fast, efficient service. Admittedly...the strip mall location is all that great, but the expereince inside and the food more than make up for that.

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Dana Point, California
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 March 2013

Is it true Nik is selling the place? Hope not, great food and service. Staff are attentive and professional. Great happy hour.

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See 3 more reviews by konalynn for Dana Point
Long Beach, California
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
66 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
110 helpful votes 110 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

First of all thank you Tripadvisor as we found this place because of you.Wow we had a great meal.I ordered Eggplant as it is one of my favorites and it was excellent.My husband had spaghetti and meatballs and he was very happy.I asked for a spicy marinara to use for a dipping sauce for the bread.I recommend you do that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 6 more reviews by PeggyChism for Dana Point
Salt Lake City, Utah
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2013

We ate at Casanova's based on Tripadvisor recommendations. It didn't disappoint. This is family-owned and run Italian restaurant that is a good cut above the usual pasta-and-red-sauce format. The atmospherics remind me of places in Staten Island or Jersey, with deep booths and dark lighting. Bread comes to the table warm. The menu has good combos of a wide variety... More

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See 2 more reviews by Marc J for Dana Point
San Antonio, Texas
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

This little hard to find gem is amazing! Such a great Frank Sinatra atmosphere whether you sit and enjoy the fabulous bar or dine in. Terrific attentive service. They have the most delicious lasagna I've ever had. I also tried the veal piccata which was equally wonderful. If only I lived closer.... I'd be a regular!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
San Diego, California
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 February 2013

Nik, the owner of Casanova, so graciously invites non-profit organizations each year to hold an event in order to raise awareness and funds for their cause. In addition, the food is tremendous authentic Italian cuisine. The atomosphere is great for a fun evening out with friends or for even a private dinner with your sweetheart! LOVE IT!!!!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
San Juan Capistrano, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2013

Went to a fundraiser at Casanova and it was a huge success!! The food was delicious and the bottomless champagne was a hit! Thanks to the owner, Nik, and his attentive staff for their continued support in participating and helping raise money for non-profit organizations.

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