My husband and I chose Salerno's to celebrate our first Valentine's Day as a married couple based on the strong reviews. Unfortunately, our experience did not reflect those reviews at all. Despite having a reservation, our seating options were either directly on the curb, where traffic and exhaust were blowing toward the tables, or at an indoor table packed so tightly between others that it was difficult to even move without bumping into neighboring guests. More importantly, after placing our order, we waited 45 minutes with no food, no glass of wine, and no communication from staff. No one checked on us. No one acknowledged the delay. We were given no reassurance that our order had even been placed. Meanwhile, multiple parties seated after us were served their meals. We understand Valentine's Day is busy. We are patient people. But being left without service or communication for that length of time is unacceptable. We ultimately left without ever receiving our food. A simple acknowledgment or update would have changed the entire experience. Instead, we left disappointed and unfed on what should have been a meaningful evening. I hope management reevaluates how reservations and kitchen capacity are handled on high-volume nights so other couples don't have the same experience. read more

Excellent food for a very affordable priced dinner. We have not frequented many Italian restaurants thinking that it's "just" pasta, but this was a very eye opening experience. Fresh ingredients and served piping hot as we can see the open kitchen from where we were seated. We look forward to returning again. read more

My husband and I have been hoping to come to Salerno in years and finally made it. We are delighted with the pasta dishes we ordered. The Pesto Conchiglie Shrimp and Nonna Titina Cheese Ravioli were two excellent choices! They were authentic and delicious. I think the secret to a good pasta dish would be how the sauce is prepared and these two dishes made the mark. They were perfectly balanced and flavorful. The bread and pesto sauce that came with the meal was very good too and served generously. The restaurant is quaint and nicely decorated. Service was attentive. We will definitely come back again! read more

Salerno - Pesto Conchiglie Shrimp - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Bland, bland, bland. Bland, bland, bland. Say it with me now: bland, bland, bland. However, they did make a nice espresso. read more

After spending the evening watching fantastic Cinderella Christmas at the playhouse, we topped it off with a fantastic dinner at Salerno. We had a large party, which was our second time there, and they seated is outside. Plenty of heaters to keep us warm. Quiet street in Laguna Beach. Food was really good. Got to get the calamari fritti for appetizer. One of the best. Seafood pasta and linguine and clams were fantastic. We topped it off with pannacotta. Service was A+. Highly recommend. read more

Salerno - Pannacotta - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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We made a reservation for 4 and were seated right away. We had meatballs and spaghetti, Cesar salad, chicken fettuccine, bolognese, mixed green large which was a big portion, some wine, and dessert- sorbet with limoncello. All was tasty. And wow that dessert was a strong pour. I should've said to keep the limoncello on the side. And took it slowly. lol. Inside was cozy, and service was friendly. read more

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I couldn't recommend this place more! I was a bit hesitant to try it out due to the mixed reviews about the service, but I had a great experience overall and Daniel was a wonderful, attentive server. The food was DELICIOUS- I ordered the bucatini with burrata and arugula and I'm still dreaming about it. It was wonderful, came out fast, and tasted very fresh. Even the complimentary bread with pesto olive oil was to die for. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking for great Italian and a place a little bit tucked away from the noise and crowds on the main strip of Laguna. Thank you Salerno! read more

Salerno - Bucatini with arugula and burrata - fantastic! - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

First and foremost thank you to Alberto, he is phenomenal and really deserves to be recognized as an outstanding server. He went above and beyond to ensure my friend and I had the most pleasant experience. I made a reservation off open table for Friday night at 6:30pm, and I would recommend you do the same! Their sister restaurant up the street is so great so we wanted to try this new one out. Located on a corner with a wooden front of house and flowers lining the outdoor patio seating it's gorgeous. My friend and I opted for a dirty martini and their sunset drink (they were both super strong!) you get your bang for your buck here. We ordered the Burrata appetizer and it was light and delicious, I just wish it had come with a large portion of Burrata. I had the chicken lemon and it comes with perfectly crispy potatoes! They made this dish gluten free for me, which I really appreciate by it by eliminating the flour. They do offer gluten free pastas as well! My dish was to die for good and I took 1/2 home to eat the following day. My friend had the short rib pasta and it was divine, so indulgent with the juicy meat and the fresh pasta. She finished the plate and loved it! We were too full for dessert/ but we'll try again when we come back. I left my credit card there on accident and they were so gracious about calling me back and getting my card to me. Thank you for the prompt service! Inside the restaurant you feel like you're transported to Italy, it was so reminiscent of being in a cafe there. Twinkling lights, beautiful bar, comfortable chairs and moody lighting. This place is perfect for a date night, girls night out, celebration etc! I can't wait to come back and bring more friends with me. read more

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We arrived more than an hour before closing, and there were people in the restaurant. We were refused service, as they said they were closed. It was once a great place years ago. I wanted to revisit Salerno, and it's not close to the restaurant it used to be.. read more

Salerno - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Headline is: great waitress, good food, nice location and no wait. Food was all pretty good. The bread starter was nice and warm, and came with a good pesto dipping sauce. We ordered the calamari to start and it had a nice light and crispy batter. We also ordered the lamb pasta, the short rib pasta, the limoncello and the carbonara. The limoncello was a pretty great dish. It had a nice sourness to go with the seafood. We all thought the pasta was really well made and cooked. The short rib pasta might have been the weakest of the dishes, but other than that we would get all of the other dishes again. Great place to eat if you're in the area. read more

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Italian dishes that taste like Nonna made them. Have been quite a few times and am never disappointed.

My wife and I have walked by this restaurant numerous times and have wanted to dine there. Finally, one night we did. She ordered the Pesto Conchiglie Shrimp and I ordered the Nonna Titina cheese ravioli. My cheese ravioli was simple: spinach and ricotta filled ravioli with tomato basil sauce. It was really delicious and nicely plated too, with a flower in the middle of it when it was served. My wife's dish was equally excellent (also with a flower in the middle of it): seashell pasta, tiger shrimp, basil and pesto. Along with the meal delicious bread with a pesto dipping sauced was served. Our waiter was terrific: friendly, helpful and energetic. He served us a generous portion of parmesan cheese for our dishes. The decor is traditional Italian and it worked. The restaurant was full and had a pleasant vibe to it. For Laguna Beach, the price was reasonable. I would happily return for another meal here. read more

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We had dinner here and had a nice table on the sidewalk. I normally don't like to eat at tables like this but there was little foot traffic so it was ok. We ordered Caesar salad $11.50 good Risotto fungi $20.50 excellent Salmon $28.50 delicious Capellini DOP $17 very nice GF Linguine Vongole $25 very good Crème Brielle $15. Really good but way too smalll of a serving for that price read more

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This was my first time here and I had a great experience. It was a sunday night but surprisingly, it was pretty empty so we got sat down as soon as we got there. My table ordered calamari to start off with. It was delicious but we wish more came in the order for the price. I ordered the linguine marechiaro. The portion was huge. I was surprised to see all the calamari, shrimp and clams in it as most restaurants skimp out, but not this one! I asked for the white wine sauce and it was truly amazing. Such great flavors and pasta was indeed fresh. Everyone else loved their entrees and margaritas that were actually strong. My only complaint is how long it took for us to get our food despite it being pretty empty. Our server was very kind but only came around a few times. Safe to say I will be coming back very soon!! Food: 9.5/10 Service: 8.5/10 read more

Salerno - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

we were catching a show at the Laguna Playhouse and wanted to grab dinner beforehand and walking distance. I've never been here nor knew anyone else that had been here but the reviews looked good and the location was great. Great menu and our food tasted amazing. We got the scamp ravioli, eggplant Parm and short rib pappardelle and loved them all. And they serve my favorite dessert, Panna Cotta! Server was friendly and attentive read more

Salerno - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Salerno's is my family's favorite Italian spot in Laguna. We have all been coming here for years and will be coming here for many more. Every pasta dish is delicious, every waiter is kind and welcoming and the atmosphere of Salerno's is classic and romantic. Every table is typically filled at Salerno's and for good reason. read more

Salerno - Linguine marechiaro - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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When I got here it was pretty quiet. The host/server/manager Cat was warm and gracious and she welcomed me like it was her home. Great first impression! My friend and I ordered the same pasta dish with flat noodles ground beef and mushrooms. Mine was spared of cheese and next time I'll order it with a little more cream, just no cheese. Anyway it was delicious! I ordered an extra dish of Risotto and I loved it too! Next time I'll order it with more cream, and again, no cheese, but cream's OK Our server Cat had to be complemented for her amazing, efficient and quick service. She didn't make you feel like you had to leave right after dinner - it was really a first class dining experience. I'll back, Cat, and I'll make sure we ask for you and only you cuz I'll make sure we bring our girlfriends over. FOOD: SERVICE: PARKING: NIGHT OUT WITH YOUR DATE? read more

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Fantastic food, felt like I was back in Little Italy in New York City. Wait staff is also top notch.

I had one of the worst experiences with this restaurant last week, First, we arrived late, but the waiter gave us a table. In less than 5 minutes, he came to get our order; the first thing that most waiters said was, "Welcome, my name is," and said, sorry, I accidentally gave you guys a table. We are closed. If you want to order, you need to do it right now He didn't give us a chance to check the menu. He brought bread with pasta sauce, but the bread was not tested. We ordered two stakes, both medium, but both were well done and very bad taste No ketchup When I asked for hot sauce, he said we didn't have a source. We have paper flack, but he never brought it. After the worst food, when I came home, I got sick and had food poisoning. I am so sorry for this awful management and worker If I could, I would give 0 stars. read more

Food is fantastic. Chef an artist. Vibe very cool. One of my new favorites. Coming back for sure.

Great date night spot with a wide selection of wines and it's a cute restaurant with a romantic vibe.

gentlepersons were wonderful....accommodating, sweet, bright. but my search for the most delicious eggplant parm wont end here. 'pretty certain what i was presented with were pads out of the freezer......still sitting in my tummy. the salad was old and could have been terriffic Caesar salad. sorry read more

Picked an Italian restaurant last minute and it was a pleasant surprise. It's a little tight inside but reminds me of Europe. They have some tables on the sidewalk too but it was raining the night we went. Several (but not all) of the pastas are made in house. Doesn't matter, they were all good. The pesto that comes out with the bread was really good. The kids loved it. The zucca was definitely a must try. Butternut squash ravioli with browned butter sage sauce. I've had many similar dishes at other restaurants. This is just as good as any others I've tried. The short rib pasta was good but I felt like the ratio of beef was a little high. The bucatini with arugula and burrata was really good. I think my favorite was the porcini pappardelle (but we got it without sausage). Would definitely go back. read more

We arrived early. The server I believe his name is Mathew. So rude. We were sat ourselves. He proceeded to give all the other tables plates, napkins, and silverware. He then sat some other lady's took their order after we were there first. We had to ask for water.. we then ordered and had to ask for napkins and silverware. He was very rude. Never going back there again. It's sad because this is a holiday weekend. He should be on his best! read more

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This is my 2nd time here. Both times before going to see a play at the Laguna Playhouse. Quaint little place, we sat inside both times. Outdoor seating too noisy for me since you sit right up against the street and cars drive there a lot. The menu has a lot of options. Can feel overwhelming what to choose. The whole back menu is the wine menu, felt like a lot to a look at. Maybe just the format of the menu. They bring you bread and homemade pesto to start. The pesto was very good. We started with the Alla Luciana, the lobster reduction sauce is very tasty. I got the lamb pappardelle, it was good, but just a tiny bit salty for my taste. The flavor was still tasty though. Others in my party ordered the Orecchiette, ravioli and the Salmon filet. All of the pasta was made in house. We all finished everything. Would definitely come back. The service was excellent too, our server took the time to answer our questions and give us her recommendations. We came here on a Friday evening , it was a full house when we left. read more

Salerno - All's Luciana (calamari and shrimp) - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Some of the best pasta I've ever had! Stumbled upon this restaurant because we were nearby to see an art exhibit, and the Yelp reviews were good. So we walked over and thankfully we were early enough that there was no wait. Staff was wonderful, and all the food was excellent. Porcini Pappardalle was so flavorful, and everyone thought it was the best dish at the table. Highly recommend checking this restaurant out! read more

Salerno - Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Pretty disappointed all around. 140 for very mediocre. If the service were good then it would be alittle better. But our server couldn't provide wifi password or wouldn't even tho there is a guest one. He forgot our bread for 30 minutes. And they were missing main ingredients from the cocktail menus and substituting it with making weird tasting drinks. The food itself is massively overpriced for what it is. Underfried calamari, portion size is lacking for price. As a east coast Italian this just missed on all levels. Save your money and just go to osteria la bucca in LA. ​ Edit-Even more disappointing the owner and management have avoided responding to this post to make up for the meal or even find out the issues to improve their services. I'd say that's all you need to solidify to never go to this place for dinner. read more

We had a wonderful birthday dinner here for my daughter. We have been to Chef Pirozzi's sister restaurant on Forest, Alessa, but this one was tucked away on a side street, and quieter and less crowded, at least outside. I had the Limoncello pasta w/, tiger shrimp and calamari in a lemony, white wine sauce, served over radiatori pasta (little spirals resembling radiators), perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. We also ordered the Farfallina Rosa pasta w vodka cream sauce, grilled chicken, zucchini and artichokes - good, but I liked mine better. Then my husband had the lamb pappardelle which was amazing - a huge portion of tender lamb ragu slow braised for 16 hours, served over fresh pappardelle - wow. A bottle of their Montevina TDO Zinfandel from 100 yr old vines in Amador paired perfectly with it. The girls (all vegetarian or vegan) had the capellini al pomodoro - large portion of angel hair pasta w/ fresh tomato basil and garlic sauce - they loved and devoured it. No vegan desserts, unfortunately, but went out for gelato afterward. Would definitely return. read more

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When I come to Salerno, I think Italy with its quaint and small restaurants. Cozy family style seating and as they say Food Brings People together. Linguine and Clams was delicious. The clams was not small and a perfect size with hearty portion. Good because when you come with a large appetite it's best to finish hot food at the restaurant. I appreciate the service of our waitress and patience. Thank you for a wonderful meal. read more

Salerno - Inside interior, pasta, meatballs, calamari, linguine and clams - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

I never thought that I would be so disappointed in a place where I wouldn't even try the food. Let's start with the fact that we reserved a table to celebrate our anniversary with my boyfriend. When we arrived, we were met by a tall girl with blonde? hair. We arrived and the restaurant was half empty and they wanted to seat us right by the window (whoever was there will understand) and we asked if we could take a table for two, only to which she began to rudely answer that they had no seats! Let me remind you that the restaurant was empty and we reserved a seat. We told her so, but she avoided questions and ultimately said that she would check again and disappeared. The girl answered us very rudely and it was obvious that she was not at all happy to see us in this place. We waited and waited and just left. It's a shame that we reserved our celebration in this place and wasted our time. As a result, without waiting for an answer, we left to look for another place at the last minute. WE WILL NEVER COME BACK! You need to reconsider your team, it really spoils the picture! read more

Solid 3! We had a decent time here at this quaint spot in Laguna Beach! The food was really good! We enjoyed Eggplant Parmigiana, Spaghetti Con Polpette, a small Cesar Salad, and the special Prawns appetizer! The service was really great as well! Very attentive on all levels! Here are some misses! The dessert menu is pretty good, however, the prices are about 3-4 dollars more than I am willing to pay to finish out the meal. The average price of a dessert is about 15.00, a bit steep in my opinion. My husband said that they make their pasta in house, along with their desserts. Funny, as I was waiting to use the restroom, in the cramped area, along the kitchen area, I noticed a box of De Cecco pasta on a shelf. Additionally, I also noticed them opening a package and plopping down flan on a plate. As mentioned, the restroom is in the back of the restaurant, and it is in a very narrow hallway. If you are waiting to use the one restroom they have, be aware, you will feel cramped and you will be in the way of the staff. There is a partition separating you from the kitchen, and you are leaning against the wall nearest the other side of the kitchen. We may come back, we may not. I do feel it was a good experience, but I certainly think there are better options out there! read more

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Honestly, I would give this place a 4.5 stars if I could. Ambience was absolutely amazing so cozy and comfortable and service was really really good. We got clam linguine, gnocchi, eggplant, Parm, and a seafood pasta dish. All we're good only complaint would be that the eggplant Parm was not quite as good as what we're used to. Absolutely perfect place for a date night! And fantastic location! read more

A little hole in the wall place near Laguna Beach. Very romantic. The service was fantastic and our waiter helped me decide on every thing I chose. You can absolutely tell this is a homemade pasta place, I typically am not a fan of pesto but the pesto sauce was impeccable. I will definitely be coming back. read more

4 stars for the great service by our adorable waiter who's name escapes me right now. The octopus and salmon appetizer with arugula was definitely interesting and worth trying! My ciopinno was a little watery and could have used something to thicken it but okay for being gluten free. Champagne was delish!! I would definitely come back again! It's a very cute spot on Beach in Laguna. read more

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Amazing service And the food was better It was a quiet night on Tuesday in the fall month of October that we stumbled along this unique and amazing Italian restaurant. My son and I had a great dinner and he got one of the specials recommended by the waiter. The three meatballs were the size of Baseballs. I'll be back. read more

Authentic Italian Food that really feels like home! What a honest staff ! My mom and husband dined here last night and had a great time and we left out bouquet of flowers behind without realizing. A true gentleman who works at Salerno's we did not catch his name but he went out of his way to return our flowers with a smile in the freezing cold! Thank you Salerno's for the incredible evening and Thank you to that honest worker who came to find us to return my mom's flowers! read more

We had a fantastic dinner here on Saturday night! The service was impeccable. Our server took amazing care of us. I had the bucatini with fresh mozzarella and my husband had the lobster ravioli and both were wonderful. The atmosphere is cozy and authentic feeling. We had a great experience and we will definitely be back the next time we're in Laguna. read more

Great food. You can order anything...everything tastes really good. Great ambiance. Will go back gor sure read more

Salerno - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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This place is just...woof. Words cannot describe how immeasurable my disappoint is. Bad food, worse staff, even worse bathroom. No clue how this place is still in business. Avoid at all costs. read more

Was at Laguna and in the mood for good Italian food! It was really easy to walk in here and opentable had some reservations available, we sat down around 6:30, and shortly after it was packed with many parties waiting. The restaurant is small, kind of congested but gives the homey feeling of good food! There is bread with pesto to start. My husband and I ordered : Luca - a little to sweet for my liking but the brown butter sauce and butternut squash filling was amazing Eggplant parmigiana - I was so disappointed in this, it had no flavor, no salt. Ceaser salad with it was good and fresh Mushroom and sausage pasta with paperdalle- this was the star of our dinner. Fantastic pasta, loved the flavor- so satisfying! Tiramisu- was absolutely light and delcious! read more

Salerno - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Laguna Beach, California