You don't have to fly to Italy to experience a pizza built around Neapolitan tradition.
In Irvine, Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana brings that tradition to Orange County with pizzas made using Italian ingredients, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala and other carefully selected ingredients.
But Angelina's is more than a pizzeria.
It is a fine-casual Italian restaurant where pizza shares the menu with pasta, seafood, steaks, salads and Italian desserts.
THE NEAPOLITAN FOUNDATION
Angelina's proudly serves what it describes as Verace Pizza Napoletana—true Neapolitan-style pizza.
The approach is immediately apparent on the menu.
The Margherita uses mozzarella di bufala, basil and extra virgin olive oil.
The Marinara keeps things simple with garlic, oregano, basil and olive oil.
The Diavola introduces spicy Napoletana-style salame.
The Capricciosa adds artichokes, Taggiasca olives, mushrooms and prosciutto.
THE "ANGELINA" PIZZA
Every restaurant needs a signature.
Here, it is literally called The "Angelina" Pizza.
The pizza combines Vesuvius Pachetella tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, basil and extra virgin olive oil and is sliced tableside.
It is the kind of presentation that makes the dish feel like part of the dining experience rather than simply another menu item.
FOR DINERS WHO WANT SOMETHING DIFFERENT
The menu moves well beyond the basic Margherita.
The Saporita combines Napoletana-style sausage with gorgonzola and mozzarella.
The Calabrese adds smoked mozzarella di bufala, roasted peppers, red onion, spicy nduja and sausage.
For vegetarian and vegan diners, Angelina's offers options including the Vegana, made with roasted vegetables, tomatoes, mushrooms, basil and olive oil.
COME HUNGRY FOR MORE THAN PIZZA
Angelina's menu includes Napoletana-style meatballs, eggplant Parmigiana, burrata, calamari and housemade rosemary focaccia.
There are also pasta dishes, steak and seafood options.
That makes Angelina's a practical choice when a group can't agree on one type of Italian food.
Pizza lovers can order their pie.
Pasta lovers can choose pasta.
And everyone can share starters.
LUNCH HAS ITS OWN APPEAL
Angelina's also offers a Lunch Express menu featuring an antipasto, a primi course and dessert.
Choices have included Caprese, pear and Gorgonzola salad, Gnocchi Sorrentina, The "Angelina" Pizza, tiramisu, gelato and sorbet.
For an Irvine lunch, that's a different proposition from the standard quick restaurant meal.
HAPPY HOUR IN IRVINE
Angelina's current happy hour is offered Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., with additional late-night availability at the bar, pizza bar and patio.
The menu includes smaller bites such as meatballs, bruschetta, pizzetta, burrata and Italian cheeses.
That makes the restaurant equally suited to an early evening gathering or a more relaxed dinner.
A RESTAURANT FOR GROUPS AND EVENTS
Angelina's also offers catering and group dining.
The restaurant describes its catering program as covering everything from office lunches to weddings and events.
That makes the Irvine location useful beyond an ordinary dinner out.
THE SOCALEAT TAKE
Angelina's succeeds by taking the traditions of Italian cooking seriously while creating a dining experience suited to Orange County.
The pizza is the obvious attraction.
But the larger menu is what makes the restaurant worth returning to.
For Irvine diners craving Neapolitan pizza—or anyone looking for a full Italian meal in Orange County—Angelina's offers plenty of reasons to pull up a chair.
VISIT ANGELINA'S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA
Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana
8573 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 536-5200
Visit Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana
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