Nardò Italian Restaurant

Walking into Nardò Italian Restaurant for the first time felt less like discovering a new place and more like being welcomed into someone’s well-loved kitchen. Located at 21022 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, United States, it sits close enough to the ocean that you almost expect the salt air to sneak onto the plate. I’ve eaten Italian food across California for work-related tastings, and this spot instantly stood out for how confidently it sticks to tradition while still fitting the laid-back coastal vibe.

The menu reads like a guided tour through southern Italy, with a special nod to Puglia, the region where the town of Nardò is actually located. Dishes aren’t overloaded or complicated. Instead, the focus stays on clean flavors, proper technique, and ingredients that speak for themselves. During one visit, I watched the kitchen prep fresh pasta from scratch, a process that takes time and patience. That hands-on approach matters. According to data shared by the USDA, fresh pasta retains a softer texture and absorbs sauce more evenly than dried alternatives, which explains why the orecchiette here clings so well to olive oil-based sauces.

One dish that keeps coming up in reviews is the burrata served with seasonal vegetables. It’s a simple plate, yet it shows real restraint and skill. The cheese arrives creamy and cool, paired with produce that changes depending on availability. This approach mirrors recommendations from organizations like Slow Food, which emphasizes local sourcing and seasonal cooking as a way to preserve authenticity and flavor. You can taste that philosophy in every bite.

What I personally appreciate is how the staff explains the menu without sounding scripted. On my second visit, I asked about the olive oil used for finishing plates. The server mentioned it comes from small Italian producers known for cold-pressing methods. Cold pressing helps preserve antioxidants and polyphenols, compounds often discussed in nutritional research for their potential heart health benefits. It’s a small detail, but it shows a deeper understanding of what’s being served, not just how it tastes.

The dining room itself stays casual and warm, making it easy to linger. Families, couples, and solo diners all seem comfortable here. That relaxed atmosphere pairs well with a wine list focused on Italian regions rather than big-name labels. If you’re unfamiliar with southern Italian wines, the staff will happily guide you toward something approachable. I once followed a recommendation for a Negroamaro that balanced acidity and fruit beautifully with a tomato-based pasta, a pairing supported by general wine science that matches acidity levels between food and drink for harmony.

Locations matter with restaurants, and being right along Pacific Coast Highway makes this an easy stop whether you’re local or visiting Huntington Beach. Parking can be limited during peak hours, which is worth noting, but most diners agree it’s a minor tradeoff. Reviews often mention consistent quality, and from my experience across multiple visits, that reputation holds up. Consistency is one of the hardest things to maintain in the restaurant world, and it’s usually a sign of strong kitchen leadership and clear standards.

There are a few limitations worth being honest about. The menu isn’t massive, so if you’re looking for endless variety, this may not be your spot. However, that smaller selection allows each dish to be executed with care. Italian culinary experts often point out that regional cooking thrives on simplicity, and this place leans into that idea without apology.

Overall, the experience feels genuine rather than trendy. The food, the service, and the setting all work together in a way that makes you want to come back, not just to eat, but to enjoy the rhythm of a well-run Italian restaurant that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything else.