Each year, we ask Orange County Register readers to choose their favorite places to shop, dine, play and do business in OC.<\/p>\n
Here are the top picks for Best Italian restaurant:<\/p>\n
1. Fratellino\u2019s by Cesar Lomeli<\/p>\n
Brea, Orange; 714-255-9100, 714-941-6005; fratellinos.com<\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s another year, another win for Fratellino\u2019s Italian Restaurant, which by now is a regular in the Best of Orange County ranking. Cesar Lomeli and his wife founded Fratellino\u2019s in Fullerton in 2000 and moved it to Brea in 2010. Throughout the years, the restaurant has been transporting diners to Italy through its homey food as much as the ambiance, which includes murals depicting Italian lake scenes. The name Fratellino means \u201clittle brother\u201d in Italian, a nod to Lomeli\u2019s past working with his brother.<\/p>\n Over the years, Fratellino\u2019s has maintained the quality of its food and service, earning industry recognition and securing its place as a beloved local institution.<\/p>\n The traditional, family-friendly sit-down restaurant with a full table service delivers hearty portions of classic Italian dishes. They include beef lasagna with meat sauce or meat ball, chicken, eggplant or veal parmigiana, shrimp scampi and much more as well as a selection of pizzas featuring exclusive recipes. All complete dinners come with minestrone soup or salad, garlic bread, ice cream and house wine for those 21 and over. The restaurant is also known for its take-out party trays, which make up a significant part of the business.<\/p>\n Fratellino\u2019s has a second location in Orange, which opened in March 2025. It has a similar menu, but a more relaxed and casual feel with customers ordering at the counter. Unlike Brea, the Orange location serves up paninis and gelato.<\/p>\n Also see: Best of Orange County 2026: See all the winners<\/a><\/p>\n 2. Roma D\u2019 Italia<\/p>\n