Cucina Alessa

With the party of 4 we were able to make a 6:30 reservation mid day on a very busy HNTB Air show evening. The pastes were great ( We had linguine pescatora (it was a bit over cooked) and spinach ravioli) and nice Lohr chardonnay. It costs $5 more for fresh pasta. The service was nice. While the setup and ambience was nice, with a full restaurant it was a bit too loud inside.

Great environment, good service, tasty eats. Reservations and dietary substitutes available (vegan and vegetarian friendly). My significant other and I went here to celebrate our first anniversary. He is a regular and I'm new to the place, but the servers were very understanding and kind. Tables are available in the main floor, second floor, and sidewalk patio. There's also a bar on both floors. The dining area is clean and quaint, dimly lit and well ventilated. Dining here comes with bread sticks and olive oil dip. Water is free, iced and clean. We ordered Calamari Fritti (light and crispy fried squid with a garlicky tomato sauce on the side). I had the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, thick potato pasta and fresh mozzarella in a thick marinara sauce (pomodoro), and my partner had the Rigatoni Toscana, featuring chicken and sun dried tomatoes in an earthy mushroom porcini cream sauce. We also had a glass of strawberry lemonade on the side. Portions are good and the food is well seasoned. There are meat and dairy substitutes available on the menu, ask your waiter/waitress for availability. The calamari was very nice, fried beautifully and light in taste, paired with a fragrant garlic tomato sauce. Though the sauce was delicious, we were expecting something more similar akin to cocktail sauce. The squid is nice and springy. I would recommend giving it a try. This was also my first time trying gnocchi and I have no regrets. I nearly finished my plate enjoying the plump chewy pasta, though the cheese was my favorite part as they were soft and semi molten from the heat. The gnocchi is a very simple and cozy homestyle dish, wish I can have more in the convenience of my home. (Maybe I'll learn how to make it myself.) Both of us were looking forward to the rigatoni because it's one of the reasons we came to celebrate our special day at this restaurant. We love sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms, but I'm also glad I didn't order the same dish he did. Though it's cooked beautifully and he had little to no issue with what he ordered, I will say that the pasta is tougher than I would prefer. The chicken is flavorful, but the earthy aroma was very overpowering. Both of us also wished there were more sun dried tomatoes in the dish so that the flavors could be balanced. (We counted three in the plate.) Honorable mention goes to the strawberry lemonade. It's refreshing, sweet and tart. Pairs nicely with the savory dishes available here. Although there's no drinks menu, our waiter said that they have all kinds of drinks, soda, tea, coffee, wine, beer, etc. Just ask for what they have or what you're looking for. Would I come back? Definitely, especially on special occasions such as this. The prices are alright but a tad expensive for my taste. It definitely pays for the experience, though. Cucina Alessa gets very busy in the evenings, especially during weekends, so reservations are recommended. Parking is not available, so you'd have to park around the block.

If you're looking for authentic Italian pasta dishes, pizza, or salads, in Huntington Beach, then Cucina Alessa is a must-visit restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. Their daily specials are something to look forward to, and if you're lucky enough to catch them when they have the pork chops, be sure to order them. They're incredibly tender and flavorful, cooked to perfection with a marsala wine sauce and cooked to perfection. One thing to keep in mind is that if you're looking for a quieter dining experience, it's best to sit upstairs as the downstairs area can get a bit loud. However, both areas have a great ambiance that's perfect for a date night or a meal with friends and family. Overall, Cucina Alessa is a top-notch Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach.