Renata's Cafe Italiano & Catering — Restaurant in Orange

We made a reservation for 14 or 15 people at 6:30pm. Some of our party was late and arrived at 6:45, and we ended up with 14 people. The waiter didn't come and check on the party, bring waters, or ask for drink orders until after 7. We had to ask several times to order. We finally ordered at 7:20. We ordered 11 entrees, 2 people split a meal, and 1 person ordered an appetizer as a meal. I pointed out to the people splitting that there was a split charge and asked them if they wanted it split or if they just wanted an extra plate (most restaurants only charge if they actually split the dish onto 2 plates), and the waiter said he wouldn't charge. He asked if we wanted bread and someone asked if it was garlic bread and he said “sure”. Our food didn't arrive until 8:15.

At the end when we received our bill there were charged $18 for 6 orders of garlic bread, and 2 split charges. I went up to the counter to discuss it with the server. I told him it was fine, but we were unaware that the garlic bread was an extra charge and we would have appreciated if he would have told us that it was an upcharge. He immediately said "its on the menu!" I said that's fine, it was very good and we don’t mind paying, but we just wish we would have been notified when it was ordered. I asked about the split charges since he said there was going to be no split charge and nothing was actually split by the kitchen. He said he would take 1 off but he couldn't take the other one off because one girl came late and didn't order anything and ate some food off her mom's plate. The man then started going off on me saying "I lost money tonight because of your table. You originally had a reservation for 16, then when we called to confirm your reservation at 4pm you said it was only going to be 15, and then only 14 showed up, but 2 people had to leave. There were only 11 entrees. I lost reservations because of your party." He tried to show me his reservation book. I clarified that some people ordered appetizers for their entrees and he just kept saying how there was “only 11 entrees and I could have split that table off and served another party. You said there was going to be 15 people and that's not what you had and you only ordered 11 entrees" I was flabbergasted. I asked for the manager and he said he was the manager. I didn't even know what to say so I walked back to the table and told the people in my party. Another family member went and had the same conversation with him and he started getting really angry. She came back to the table to discuss with us. That's when we noticed that he also added 20% tip to the bill (about $50) when the menu clearly says 18% for large parties. It is illegal in California to charge anything other than what is disclosed to the patrons before ordering. He told us he was calling the cops and we calmly sat at the table until the police arrived.

We were on the patio and were able to talk to the police before they talked to the manager and we explained what he problem was. The manager then ran (literally ran) outside and stopped them from talking to us so he could talk to them. We gave an officer all our information, and told him that we were only going to pay what our food bill was and not the added gratuity and he said ok. We went up and gave it to the hostess and started to leave. As we were leaving, he left the officer that he was giving a statement to, ran into the restaurant, looked at what we paid, and ran back out after screaming to never come to his restaurant again. A police officer had to stop him from running after us down the sidewalk.

After leaving the restaurant, 4 people out of the party got stomach aches and a couple had to rush to the...

Renata's Cafe Italiano: A Missed Opportunity in Old Towne Orange

Renata's Cafe Italiano sits in a prime corner spot near the Orange Circle, but unfortunately, that's about where the charm ends. My most recent visit left me scratching my head about the lack of effort and care put into the experience.

The interior feels like an afterthought. A dimly lit space with visibly burned or discolored light fixtures might aim for cozy but lands squarely in neglected. The staircase leading to what could be a charming upper-level balcony is instead cluttered with storage, giving off a disorganized and claustrophobic vibe. The covered outdoor patio, where most diners were seated, felt more functional than inviting.

Service was no better. Staff seemed disengaged, with one person on the phone looking outright unhappy and another with limited communication skills. As a DoorDash driver, I noticed an unsettling lack of attention to detail--open bags handed off with no sealing or reassurance for customers, a basic standard in today's takeout world.

The restaurant's aesthetic choices--or lack thereof--add to the confusion. The large wall painting is one of the few bright spots, though it leans more "corporate Italian chain" than unique charm. It feels like the owners have checked out, with no effort to elevate the ambiance or inject creativity into the space.

Food-wise, my previous dine-in experience was unremarkable, and the lack of enthusiasm from staff didn't inspire confidence in the current order I was delivering. The restaurant was empty, which speaks volumes, especially when compared to the bustling Italian spot just down the street.

While I want to root for small, local businesses, it's hard to care when the owners seem like they don't. Renata's feels like a half-hearted attempt, and unless major changes are made, it's hard to recommend this place to anyone beyond its small,...

Renata's 🍝 Cafe Italiano 🍝 located in 🧡 of Orange County California is nestled directly within Old Towne Orange's charming Plaza Historical District. Literally has Plaza Sign as wall. 1st establishment in District- Renata's can be found on corner of Chapman Ave/Grand Street opposite city hall & Orange 🍊 's BBB Renatas offers a slice of authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere steeped in history. The restaurant's intimate setting provides a perfect perch #fore epic people-watching as you savor classic dishes.

As a double amputee and cancer patient, I've found Renata's to be more than just a restaurant - it's an extension of family. The Staff goes above and beyond to accommodate my needs & displays their kindness. Testament to the true spirit of this establishment. Pricing is actually below what they should be charging! Garlic bread has most wonderful butter garlic 🧄 spread then toasted...must have imho. They even recognize my voice during takeout orders, a touch that speaks volumes about their care.

The food itself is also testament to culinary passion. The veal dishes showcase the chef's expertise, always tender and flavorful. But the true star, in my opinion, is the elegant & colorful Spumoni Egg 🥚 dessert. Presentation is artistic 🎨! This unique and delightful treat is the perfect, sweet capstone to any meal at Renata's.

If you're seeking a large portion, multiple course, delicious Italian meal, excellent prices, a window into Orange's history, and a heartwarming sense of community, look no further than Renata's Cafe Italiano." Highly...