Greer's OC

When the OC Weekly says Il Dolce in Costa Mesa makes the best pizza in Orange County—we can’t argue with that.

Celebrating its first year in business, Il Dolce has garnered favorable reviews from critics that restaurants only dream of, even L.A. Times’ S. Irene Virbila says, “Delicious Naples-style pies at Il Dolce in Costa Mesa are just the start. Pasta, salads, mains are strong too.”

The modern pizzeria-restaurant at the corner of 19th Street and Harbor Boulevard offers classical and traditional Italian dishes antipastis, zuppa, insalata, pastas and more —but you’d be missing out if you don’t go with the gourmet pizzas. At Il Dolce, pizza is delicious and serious business, the crust is airy and light easy to bite; just a scant amount of sauce; with just pools of cheese atop the pie.

Chef/owner Roberto Bignes goes out of his way to make the perfect Neapolitan pizza-from the fire wood oven, house made mozzarella, and even his dough is made with Caputo, the world’s best pizza flour. Favorites include the margherita with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil ($13); Napoletana with tomato sauce, anchovies, kalamata olives (no cheese) ($15); Burrata with creamy mozzarella, radichio, finnochionna salami ($18); and pizza al funghi with pesto sauce, mozzarella, fontina, sauté wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, parmesan, parsley ($16).

And remember, Tuesday is wine night, all bottles are reduced 50%. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 1902 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. 949.200.9107