Barolo Italian Cafe — Restaurant in Tustin

We really enjoyed ourselves tonight. My husband and I were sorely in need of a date night...so we took to Google. We wanted to go somewhere with great flavor and Barolo looked promising, based on reviews. Plus, we like to support local businesses.

Marco took excellent care of us. He was friendly without being intrusive. We enjoyed the conversation with each other and with him. He spoke knowledgeably about the food and the restaurant (including its history) and provided helpful recommendations.

While some music would have been nice (we sat outside), we were pleased that we didn't have to yell to hear one another.

They already give you foccacia and salad with the entrees, so we ordered caprese instead of bruschetta (though they have many appetizer options). I suspect the bruschetta would have had more flavor than the caprese, but that was easily fixed with some balsamic vinegar and salt. I don't typically eat lots of bread, but the focaccia was delicious and cut into manageable, toasty strips with onion baked into the top.

I ordered the mushroom tortellini and my husband ordered the osso bucco - both specials. His was super tender. No knife required, and the tomato sauce pleasantly surprised me (I usually prefer cream sauces). The tortellini was good, too, but something in it tasted a bit bitter - more than I prefer. I suspect it was one of the mushroom varieties. I noticed it less and less as I ate. I wish the tortellini were a bit more consistently filled, but that's a nitpicky observation.

We finished with cannoli and profiteroles. The latter was a little too rich for me, but the cannoli were awesome. Even my ricotta-disliking husband enjoyed them!

Overall, tonight hit the spot, and we are grateful to have found Barolo! This was a good reminder to break out of routines and look for hidden gem restaurants. Definitely give...

A Hidden Gem in Tustin – A+++++++ My partner has lived in Tustin for 25 years and somehow never dined here until last night—what a discovery! Tucked away in a strip mall, Barolo Italian Cafe is easy to miss at first glance, but once you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy Italian restaurant offering a mix of fine dining and casual charm.

As an Italian from Boston who has frequented the North End’s renowned Italian eateries, I have high standards—and Barolo more than delivered. The outdoor seating was charming, with a few scattered tables (we were told an enclosed patio is in the works). Inside, the atmosphere is casual yet intimate, with tables set close together and the chef-owner's bustling kitchen in full view. Part of the experience includes hearing the chef call out orders to his team—an authentic touch that adds character.

Now, onto the food: I absolutely loved my Veal Sorrento, paired with perfectly cooked fresh vegetables (you can opt for pasta as well). My partner’s Rigatoni Bolognese was equally incredible, and every dish we saw being served looked outstanding. Bread and salad are included with the meal, and both were exceptional—fresh, flavorful, and a great start to the evening.

The service was impeccable. Our server was attentive and friendly, but the rest of the team also made sure we were taken care of—someone else checked in on us, and another kept our water glasses full without us even asking. It’s clear the staff works together seamlessly. My partner enjoyed a generous pour of wine for $12, which was well worth it.

So how did we find this gem? A friend from Newport Beach recommended it, and instead of going to our usual Italian spot, we decided to give Barolo a try. We’re so glad we did! This will definitely become a regular spot for us, and I can’t wait to come back to explore more...

Carpaccio ($10.95) is thinly sliced raw beef topped with grana cheese, capers, and olive oil. It is the perfect marriage of the sweet raw beef, salty cheese, briny capers, and just a smidgen of lemon juice. You don’t need to eat all of the capers, just add some to your liking. Rating: 4/5

Calamari Fritti ($10.95) is a very generous portion. It is very lightly breaded like tempura so the outside gets crispy but not golden brown. The calamari is so tender. The sauce has a robust kick and works really well with the calamari. Rating: 4.5/5

Veal Marsala ($16.95) is thinly sliced veal in Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. The veal is very tender and has a very light beef flavor. The Marsala has a luscious consistency and coats the meat and mushrooms just right. Mushrooms are fresh, spongy, and have an earthy flavor. The sautéed vegetables are a great accompaniment with bright, fresh-picked flavor. Rating: 4/5

Fettuccine con Scampi e Fungi ($19.95) is shrimp, mushrooms, and fettucine tossed in a tomato cream sauce. The sauce really makes this dish pop with just the right amount of seasoning to bring the shrimp, mushrooms, and fettucine together in a harmonious dance of flavors. The mushrooms add a rustic, earthy component. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and plump with a nice snap. It is a very healthy portion with enough to take home for another meal. Rating: 4.5/5

Cannoli is handmade and filled to order. The cannoli shell is crispy and not too hard like a good cannoli should be. The creamy mascarpone cheese is not super sweet. The chocolate chips and the fresh fruit add a decadent layer of flavor – sweet chocolate and sweet, tart...