We’re not gonna lie.  We love food.  All kinds of food.  But this summer, we’re really craving Italian, and we think you should be, too.  Here are our four favorites in all of Orange County.  And yes, we realize they all start with the letter A (it was just a coincidence, honestly).  But come to think of it, they definitely all receive an A+ in our not-so-humble opinion.

Amelia’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant
311 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island. 949-673-6580. ameliasbalboaisland.com.
There are countless reasons why Amelia’s Seafood and Italian Restaurant makes our list.  Perhaps the most intriguing is its local reputation as both a romantic destination AND family-friendly restaurant.  Who are we to argue with 45 years of dining bliss? One of the oldest family-owned and operated restaurants in OC, this cozy Balboa Island landmark keeps loyal customers coming back year after year.  Couples have had their first date here, have become engaged here, have celebrated their anniversaries here, and now, bring their children here.  The ambiance is definitely a big pull.  But the food, well, the food speaks for itself.  Signature dishes include a Black Angus filet mignon and scampi combination, linguini with fresh bay scallops and baby calamari in marinara sauce, bouillabaisse, and Amelia’s Cioppino.

Anaheim White House Restaurant
887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. 714-772-1381. anaheimwhitehouse.com.
Known as OC’s hidden treasure, Anaheim White House Restaurant is a veritable jewel nestled in the heart of Anaheim.  We love that it inhabits a stunning 1909 Victorian-style home.  We love that a meal here makes you feel as though you’re dining with the President and First Lady.  And we love the Salmon Chocolat Romeo Gigli (yes, poached salmon atop white chocolate potato purée).  Of course, that’s just a hint of what its extensive menu offers.  The Northern Italian flare can be tasted in lunch appetizers like the Carpaccio di Manzo Madame Sisi, and dinner entrées like the Filetto di Romeo and Juliette.  This local favorite is sure to please, and it’ll please more than just your palate.  Bruno Serato, founder and owner, formed Caterina’s Girls Club back in 2003, and since then, has raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Boys and Girls Club while feeding 100 hot meals to underprivileged children nightly.

Want to know more?  Click here to read about The Newbie's presidential treatment at this treasured landmark.  Let her be your local tour guide.

Angelo’s and Vinci’s Ristorante
550 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714-879-4022. angelosandvincis.com.
A love of tradition, inspiration and an infinite capacity for taking pains is the secret to the food at the family-owned Angelo’s and Vinci’s Ristorante.  And we still get a kick out of the décor.  Founder Steven Peck (Hollywood dancer, choreographer and veteran actor of over 100 movies and television performances) has covered the walls in delightful photographs of over 40 years of famous stars, directors and dancers.  Though you could ogle the sights all night, it’s the food that keeps us coming back for more.  Delicious pastas are hand-stuffed, tortellini are hand-rolled, the bread is fresh baked, and all sauces are made fresh from a private stock of Sicilian family recipes.  Just don’t say we didn’t warn you about the monsters in the wine cellar.

Want to know more?  Click here to read all about My Two Sense's family feast at Angelo & Vinci's.  Let her be your local tour guide.

Antonello Ristorante
1611 Sunflower Avenue, Santa Ana. 714-751-7153. antonello.com.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of one of Orange County’s most celebrated dining establishments, Antonello Ristorante.  Set in the hip South Coast Metro, and featuring an extensive menu of extraordinary Italian cuisine and a vast wine list, we’d let this venerable institution take us on a journey to the Old World anytime.  The atmosphere is warm and luxurious.  The following is loyal. And the standards and exceptional service are high.  From the simplest of antipasti to the most elaborate multi-course feast, proprietor Antonio Cagnolo and his staff attend to every detail, ensuring that a meal here is never anything but memorable.