Overall I wasn't a huge fan of this place - the service here was excellent and everyone was very friendly and accommodating. The food here to me misses the mark - and while there are many raving reviews, personally I felt the pasta dishes we ordered were just okay, something about it didn't taste homemade or authentic versus other neighboring places, or didn't stand out as much. read more

This place is a not really a hidden gem but a great family style Italian restaurant. I like it better than the other two Italian restaurants on Harbor. Good food portion and pricing. And their breakfast burritos are pretty good as well. Last star needed would be for service. read more

I absolutely love this place ! It is by far the BEST ITALIAN food ever . Really home made and just wonderful every single time . We decided to go yesterday the 29th with some friends . Well turns out they serve Gnocchi ONLY on the 29th of each month. So I decided to give it a try with creamy pesto . Oh MY GOD! This was so darn good I can't even explain. Why do they only do this once a month ?!! It is that good !! We also had the calamari, fried mozzarella , lots of the bread , fettuccine Alfredo , and the manicotti. Every one loved what they ordered and had no complaints. We ended with the tiramisu and called it an evening . We will continue to come to this place and probably make it a thing to come on the 29th of the month just for the Gnocchi . If you are looking for a good home cooked meal come check them out. You won't be let down read more

We found this place from a recommendation at another restaurant and we couldn't be happier. We've been there for breakfast and dinner and both occasions the food and service were top notch. Picture mom and pop experience. Very personal and homie. This will be our new breakfast spot. read more

My neighbor took me here for the first time yesterday. I love pasta, especially anything with alfredo sauce. OMG, this place blew me away! I had the agnolotti with alfredo sauce and it was DIVINE. What a hidden gem of a place I never knew about! They have Argentinian specials too, and their empanadas are to die for. I tried the spinach and the ham & cheese one. I can't tell enough people about this place - I will be going back often! read more

This is the best italian food you will find in Costa Mesa/OC. Best staff on top of amazing food, breakfast is also a serious . Dont be sleeping on this place read more

Pasta Connection - These fine gentlemen come here twice a week and talk and celebrate life. Such a great spot for dinner - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is amazing!!!!! Food was spectacular and came out really fast. The empanadas are a must. Service was quick and attentive. 10/10 recommend! read more

Enjoyed an early Saturday evening dinner on the outdoor patio. Costa mesa weather is amazing for outdoor dining, and the 10 or so patio tables are spacious. Food is hearty and tasty. We ordered Italian food but there are also Argentinian steaks. Service is attentive and friendly. Will surely return. read more

This place is a gem tucked within Costa Mesa. The aesthetic is so inviting and the service staff were so kind & welcoming. I would *highly* recommend the fettuccine alfredo & the flan. I think I can safely say the flan was the best I've ever had. read more

Pasta Connection - Flan - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Delicious food!!! My brother has been recommending this place for a long time and I never got around to going. Let me tell you, I was missing out! If you are looking for some wonderful Italian food, go here!!! read more

I had the entraña (also called pampa steak). I am 33 years old, and a life-long hedonist. This steak has the most delicious flavor I've experienced in a meat. It has the savory/fatty flavor of cuy, the texture of asada, and the beef flavor of a filet mignon. Mouthgasm. Also, the ambiance is delightfully peaceful. The wait staff is top-notch; ask for their recommendations like I did. read more

Pasta Connection - This is the Entraña. In one word: mouthgasm. - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

How this place has 4 stars, I will never understand. This place is 1000/10! I thought I knew good Italian food but boy was I wrong. I'm not from the area and was going to a event down the street. We all wanted to eat before we went out and had some drinks. We were all HANGRY! I searched yelp as I always do and as usual none of us could agree. Italian food is my absolute favorite so after like 30 mins of searching everyone decided to go with my option with was obviously pasta lol. We come here and it's a cute little place and instantly the smells of pasta hit my nose and I knew we made the right choice. We were seated and they gave us some bread with some oil thing which made me and my starving stomach happy! It was so good! We ordered and got our food in a timely manner. We all decided to try something different. One of us got the chicken parm, one got pesto, one got some other chicken dish with bell peppers in sauce and I got the spinach raviolis with shrimp. The waiter said I picked a great combo. When I tell you that all of our dishes were so dang delicious, literally chefs kiss, im not lying! My favorite was the what I ordered, the spinach raviolis! I'm still dreaming about them. Ok weird thing about me is I love shrimp but sometimes big shrimps gross me out after 1 or 2 of them. The shrimps in my dish were so delicious that I was sad when they were gone, like if they were cooked in a way I've never had! My second favorite was the pesto! Soooo delicious! The noodles in all our dishes tasted like they were made that day! I will definitely be back and bringing more people with me. Hands down my new favorite Italian restaurant! read more

This place was good back in the day, the original owner knew how to run a good Argentinian restaurant. The time passed, business was sold a couple of times, location changed and things got worse. I still put up with it, but noticed portions got smaller, service became slow (but I'm not talking about the ladies that serve, there's is a young man there that needs customer service training badly), and then one day I decided that it was not worth it. I was served food that was leftover from another order, I called the owner and she became confrontational and argumentative. That was the end for me. Maybe I will return one day, but when someone takes over that is focused on quality and service. The restaurant game has evolved a lot, sad this place did not. read more

Hrmmmmm this place is interesting. I wanna try it again to make sure bc I'm kinda on the fence for some reason. Outside.. Like in the nicest way possible it looks drab and uninviting... but with the amount of stars this place had.. there haaaad to be a reason! Service is good enough ahha. Side salad is aight. Baguette bread is pretty good w the olive oil/basil. Actually.. really good w the pink sauce lol. Pasta is actually really good.... like this is why I'm on the fence..? Bc I think the pink sauce tastes a little better than mama d.....? Awkward bc mama d is my favorite lol. Anyway you end up spending about 20 ish per plate bc pasta itself is like 15 then add chicken and whatever else. I wanna come back and try the gnocchi! That'll be my determining factor for this place hehe. read more

Had a terrible experience. I used come in 20 years ago and it was always good. Food was mediocre and it took 10 minutes after being seated to even get someone to bring us drinks. If we were not super hungry I would have just left. 45 minutes to get food. I'm willing to give it another try, but wasn't happy at all. read more

Pasta Connection never disappoints! Food is outstanding!! The tutu Mare seafood pasta is so delicious and mouth watering! one bite and you are hooked! Let's not forget the oversized plate that can feed 2-3 people! you definitely get your monies worth!! So much good food accompanied with the best customer service keeps me coming back!! read more

Had to get my car washed so the attendant recommended this place and I'm so glad I came. Cute little place Argentinian and Italian. Great selection for breakfast I had the eye opener 2 eggs corned beef hash choice of potatoes and toast. Delicious. I couldn't even eat half of it. Home fries are the bomb green onions, mushrooms, Jack and cheddar cheese. YUMMY. Will be coming back great local place read more

Pasta Connection - Waiting for Sassy's much needed bath having the eye opener for breakfast I'll be bringing half of it home - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Delicious food and friendly service! I will definitely be going back again soon! Yummy!

I really wish I could give 0 stars...After reading all of the positive yelp reviews, we decided to order to go from this restaurant and was EXTREMELY disappointed. The sauce from one of the dishes was all over the bottom of the bag. Other 2 dishes were horribly cooked. Tortellini was overcooked. I guess that's what we get for ordering to go. Horrible! read more

Pasta Connection - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Don't miss out on this understated GEM of an Argentinian-Italian pasta restaurant by being put off by its "hole-in-the-wall" appearance or its neighbours: car dealerships, dodgy apartment complexes, psychic reading and questionable costume shops. This is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING restaurant! The pasta is handmade and cooked to perfection. You can't go wrong with any dish! I ordered the Milanesa Parmigiana, my dad ordered the Fettuccini Alfredo, my mom ordered the Tutto-mare (seafood pasta). The portions were so generous that we had plenty of leftovers for a second meal! The bread was fabulous and the basil oil dip to die for. The service is prompt and friendly. They even have a little section in the restaurant with food stuffs from Italy and Argentina (tea, coffee, cookies &a biscuits), flour (?), and other tasty treats. I would definitely come back again! read more

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This place is sooo good!!! Food is really fresh and so tasty!!! We come here once a month and it's become a top 10 fave easily. We try something new everytime and it never ceases to be deeelish!!! read more

Very good chicken Alfredo. The pasta was so tender I my kids and I loved it. It definitely tasted homemade along with its sauce. It was on the pricy end for one dish but it was well worth it! read more

The service was amazing, the food came out super fast. The food was very fresh and well prepared. Very much recommend and will be back very soon! The pizza cheese pill was impeccable, best pizza we've had in our life. The garlic oil the comes with the bread was delectable! read more

Empanadas: We ordered the spinach and ham & cheese ones. Both were excellent but I preferred the spinach ones because it wasn't as dry. Seafood soup: wow! I was blown away! There were lots of seafood in the soup and the broth was super delicious. Short ribs: the meet was a bit tough. Definitely wouldn't order it again. Tiramisu: mediocre Flan: decent. I liked it how it wasn't too sweet Will be back for more seafood soup and try out the pasta and other Argentinian desserts! read more

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Love this place! Hadn't been here in a few years and the quality was still the same. Very glad the portions are great for the price you pay. Professional and polite service. I didn't have any issues and was pleased with the food I ordered. Thanks Pasta Connection! read more

Their vodka sauce was probably the best I've ever had and I'm from NYC so have tried many Italian restaurants, it's tops them all by far! The pasta tasted home made and fresh for the meat raviolis. The fried calamari as well was cooked to perfection crunchy outside and the inside was tender, delicious spicy marinara as per my request on the side. I left very satisfied , and will be a returning customer. I just wish it was closer to home but worth the hour drive ! read more

I ordered empanadas through grubhub and after I placed the order, I called pasta Connection to make sure they include chimichuri... (like ALL OTHER EMPANADA ESTABLISHMENTS) there was no answer... I called several times! My empanadas came with no chimichurri... LAAAAME!! read more

I have been a customer for 28 years. Today I placed an order for two. I received two pieces of bread that belonged to two different rolls, obviously left overs from other orders. Clearly a health code violation, and worst off, they did this during the COVID pandemic. You have been playing fast and loose, now you lost good customers. read more

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Absolutely fantastic restaurant! Empanadas we're the bast I've ever tasted. Also highly recommend the soups and the pasta.

I ordered their seafood pasta and plain fettuccine Alfredo to go. The seafood sauce was delish, hint of spice loaded w seafood. The one downer is the noodles were like wheat noodles and not a pasta noodle, so they didn't hold up, kinda got soggy. The alfredo was delish, a classic, creamy, buttery version. Their Bread was hot piping, toasty goodness. They looked like the size of hoagie rolls, pretty big n generous. read more

Old School "Pasta Connection"....Family run...Our favorite for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner...Traditional, Italian / Argentine and American Style. Fresh pasta made on the premises. Hot bread, butter, and an olive, olive oil paste. Yummy! A new beer and wine garden (simple) under grape vine and new fencing. Very clean...orders to go and dine in with booths using new classic glass/woof booth partitions. Friendly staff. Eggs, bacon with their home style fried potatoes and OJ, the traditional pasta Connection special with salad, and Spaghetti Bolognese....all my fav and ohhh so good. New menu and a few simple upgrades...check out the lunch specials. PS...the desserts are outrageous! Leave room! read more

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Recently started going for breakfast. What a pleasant surprise. Prices are great and the food is quality. All the servers are great but Cesar is top notch. Genuine courtesy and friendly service is what makes this one of my favorite breakfast spots. Prices are very reasonable and portions are good too. Causal ambiance and quick service are also on par. I would definitely consider Pasta Connection if your looking for a good assortment of menu items and a causal place to have a meal. Thumbs up! read more

The food is excellent and the staff are always friendly to us. Homemade pasta with amazing recipes.

I ordered spaghetti bolognese and they sent me marinara. Then I called and called and called no one answered the phone. It's very frustrating to wait an hour then you won't get what you paid for!!!! Unacceptable! read more

Pasta Connection - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

We've been coming to this place for over 20 years, even though we moved to Garden Grove 9 years ago! Our favorites are the spinach ravioli and the cannoli de carne. The employees are also super nice!! read more

I've been here twice now, once on a Wednesday lunch and another time on a Friday. Business was slow both times, maybe about three or four other tables there. It's kind of sad because I always like supporting the mom and pop shops, and this one is pretty good as far as they go. The food is the highlight of the place. The empanadas are great, especially like like beef one, but they are all good! They have special on Tuesday and Thursday for $1.50 empanadas, and I would like 4 would be an awesome lunch. But I usually come here for the pasta. Everything feels very fresh and the pasta is al dente. I think everything tends to be a little heavy, so definitely not for the health conscious. Some of the highlights: * the seafood paella, huge portion and definitely a great value * alla putanesca, if you don't want a typical red or white sauce * alla fantasia, if you want to take a nap in about an hour The atmosphere is one drawback. It's really awesome that there is a lot of history on the walls, and there's definitely a character to the place. Unfortunately, it is a little dingy inside and the lighting is poor: the overheads are dim and there's not enough light from the windows. It was a little stuffy also, even though there were about a dozen people inside total and outside was in the 70s. Hopefully they can do something about the ventilation problems. read more

i have not stopped thinking about their spinach and cheese ravioli ever since i tried it for the first time last week. it's so GOOD!! you could probably share a serving with two people but i was feeling HUNGRY so i ate the whole thing and knocked out after. my bf got the pesto pasta and we split a chicken empanada. everything was so delicious. highly recommend i can't wait to go back read more

Understandable we are under covid restrictions but seating on the table for almost two hours waiting for my food is unacceptable very bad customer service anyways at the end we decide just left and start driving home all the way to San Francisco, CA read more

We are visiting from Idaho and when we lived in Costa Mesa years ago, this was one of our very favorite restaurants!!! We decided to come have lunch here today and we were NOT disappointed!! Excellent food! We love the Pasta Connection!! read more

Very disappointed! Haven't been there in years. Food was decent, but took in a coupon from the entertainment book. Buy one get one..up to $8 off...this was our receipt...still confused. I've showed a few of my friends to make sure I'm not crazy...my drinks..7.00 Husband drink 3.50 My meal 15.00 Husband meal 13.00 -8.00 Total 34.50 Tax 3.40 Final total....37.90 Hmmm???? Won't be back, and don't recommend! I do have a picture of our receipt, but don't know how to post it. read more

Pasta Connection - Italian Near Me - Costa Mesa, California