Barolo Café: Authentic Italian cuisine in Tustin, California

Giuseppe, owner and head chef of Barolo Cafe, is originally from Salerno, Italy. The atmosphere inside Barolo Café is much like in Italy, a small café with Giuseppe in the open kitchen, speaking Italian and treating his customers like family. He has traveled the world acquiring his cooking experience on cruise ships and also from some time spent in Nice, France and Monte Carlo, Monaco. Barolo Café has been open since 1982 and his loyal customers keep coming back for more.

Carpaccio ($10.95) is thinly sliced raw beef topped with grana cheese, capers, and olive oil. It is the perfect marriage of the sweet raw beef, salty cheese, briny capers, and just a smidgen of lemon juice. You don’t need to eat all of the capers, just add some to your liking. Rating: 4/5

Calamari Fritti ($10.95) is a very generous portion. It is very lightly breaded like tempura so the outside gets crispy but not golden brown. The calamari is so tender. The sauce has a robust kick and works really well with the calamari. Rating: 4.5/5

Veal Marsala ($16.95) is thinly sliced veal in Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms. The veal is very tender and has a very light beef flavor. The Marsala has a luscious consistency and coats the meat and mushrooms just right. Mushrooms are fresh, spongy, and have an earthy flavor. The sautéed vegetables are a great accompaniment with bright, fresh-picked flavor. Rating: 4/5

Fettuccine con Scampi e Fungi ($19.95) is shrimp, mushrooms, and fettucine tossed in a tomato cream sauce. The sauce really makes this dish pop with just the right amount of seasoning to bring the shrimp, mushrooms, and fettucine together in a harmonious dance of flavors. The mushrooms add a rustic, earthy component. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and plump with a nice snap. It is a very healthy portion with enough to take home for another meal. Rating: 4.5/5

Cannoli is handmade and filled to order. The cannoli shell is crispy and not too hard like a good cannoli should be. The creamy mascarpone cheese is not super sweet. The chocolate chips and the fresh fruit add a decadent layer of flavor – sweet chocolate and sweet, tart berries. Rating: 5/5

For an authentic Italian meal experience, Barolo Café should be your list! Mangia!

Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars
Décor: 4 out of 5 stars
Service: 5 out of 5 stars
Food: 4 out of 5 stars

For more information:
Barolo Café

13771 Newport Ave. Suite 9

Tustin, CA 92662

+1.714.734.8882

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Closed on Monday