About INI Ristorante
Beyond their size, small businesses are defined by their spirit. And at the helm are their intrepid founders—scrappy, ambitious, and resilient. They invent and build things despite uncertainty, because it’s what drives them. Their risks lead to innovation that moves the world forward. And we need them.
Came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon. There was no wait. It wasn’t crowded. The inside is really pretty! There’s a tree in the middle of the restaurant which was cool!!! 🌳 The waiter was super friendly. The food was great. The calamari appetizer had so much. It was like never ending lol. The beef carpaccio was so delicious omg 🤤wow. I am shocked at how delicious it is! We also got a seafood poke pizza, which sounded super interesting. The first bite was a little weird but the more I ate it, the better tasting it became. I was actually really surprised at how delicious it got! Lolol. 🍕 It is pricy here but the food is delicious and I would recommend if you’re in the mood for something out of the ordinary!
A favorite in OC for all the best reasons : top service, delicious and fresh food , and cute interiors. Everytime I visit, it’s busy and the food is consistently amazing - also love the seasonal rotating dishes. Mentaiko pizza and miso carbonara are my two favorite dishes! The fruit salads are always a great appetizer , and the truffle cheese bread is loaded with different cheeses and honey.
Had an amazing experience at INI Ristorante. The food was absolutely delicious — every dish felt thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor. They do Italian/Japanese fusion really well, blending the two cuisines in a way that feels creative without trying too hard. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauces were rich but balanced, and the Japanese touches added a unique twist that actually works. The ambiance is modern and relaxing, and the service was warm and attentive throughout the meal. If you’re looking for a spot that delivers great fusion food with a refined vibe, INI Ristorante is definitely worth checking out.
A truly 10/10 dining experience. The wagyu beef appetizer completely changed my opinion on raw meat! Ea h dish was beautifully balanced and full of flavor. We did notice a small piece of plastic in our noodle dishes, but the staff handled the situation professionally.They immediately offered a replacement. Since we were still enjoying the pizza which I forgot to photo of :( they instead treated us a dessert on the house. We tried the yuzu sorbet, a very refreshing, and the perfect ending to the meal. I can’t recall the exact name of the ‘purple drink’ but it was a coconut taro ale. If you like taro or ube flavors, please try it!
Our visit here was based on recommendations, and it did not disappoint. It was a delight to find items on the menu that were very unique, and I particularly enjoyed the Japanese infusion. As much as I wanted to order everything, I will definitely return in the future to try their interesting pizzas and pasta. As we walked into the their beautiful bar, I noticed that it was fully stocked with alcohol, which is very impressive.