About Renata’s Cafe Italiano
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.
The pasta here was not bad as I ordered the carbonara but there are definitely better options available for pasta in the area. Expect service to be slow at certain times as the person taking the orders is also the one cooking.
Renata's 🍝 Cafe Italiano 🍝 located in 🧡 of Orange County California is nestled directly within Old Towne Orange's charming Plaza Historical District. Literally has Plaza Sign as wall. 1st establishment in District- Renata's can be found on corner of Chapman Ave/Grand Street opposite city hall & Orange 🍊 's BBB Renatas offers a slice of authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere steeped in history. The restaurant's intimate setting provides a perfect perch #fore epic people-watching as you savor classic dishes. As a double amputee and cancer patient, I've found Renata's to be more than just a restaurant - it's an extension of family. The Staff goes above and beyond to accommodate my needs & displays their kindness. Testament to the true spirit of this establishment. Pricing is actually below what they should be charging! Garlic bread has most wonderful butter garlic 🧄 spread then toasted...must have imho. They even recognize my voice during takeout orders, a touch that speaks volumes about their care. The food itself is also testament to culinary passion. The veal dishes showcase the chef's expertise, always tender and flavorful. But the true star, in my opinion, is the elegant & colorful Spumoni Egg 🥚 dessert. Presentation is artistic 🎨! This unique and delightful treat is the perfect, sweet capstone to any meal at Renata's. If you're seeking a large portion, multiple course, delicious Italian meal, excellent prices, a window into Orange's history, and a heartwarming sense of community, look no further than Renata's Cafe Italiano." Highly Recommend bSafebHappybWell 🤙
Renata's Cafe Italiano: A Missed Opportunity in Old Towne Orange Renata's Cafe Italiano sits in a prime corner spot near the Orange Circle, but unfortunately, that's about where the charm ends. My most recent visit left me scratching my head about the lack of effort and care put into the experience. The interior feels like an afterthought. A dimly lit space with visibly burned or discolored light fixtures might aim for cozy but lands squarely in neglected. The staircase leading to what could be a charming upper-level balcony is instead cluttered with storage, giving off a disorganized and claustrophobic vibe. The covered outdoor patio, where most diners were seated, felt more functional than inviting. Service was no better. Staff seemed disengaged, with one person on the phone looking outright unhappy and another with limited communication skills. As a DoorDash driver, I noticed an unsettling lack of attention to detail--open bags handed off with no sealing or reassurance for customers, a basic standard in today's takeout world. The restaurant's aesthetic choices--or lack thereof--add to the confusion. The large wall painting is one of the few bright spots, though it leans more "corporate Italian chain" than unique charm. It feels like the owners have checked out, with no effort to elevate the ambiance or inject creativity into the space. Food-wise, my previous dine-in experience was unremarkable, and the lack of enthusiasm from staff didn't inspire confidence in the current order I was delivering. The restaurant was empty, which speaks volumes, especially when compared to the bustling Italian spot just down the street. While I want to root for small, local businesses, it's hard to care when the owners seem like they don't. Renata's feels like a half-hearted attempt, and unless major changes are made, it's hard to recommend this place to anyone beyond its small, loyal niche. 1/5.
Awesome!! Traditional Italian food. Excellent service. Portions big enough to share. I recommend to anyone who is looking for reasonably priced, excellent food and outstanding service. I will be returning.
We ate outside and it was a really beautiful evening. Got wine and coffee which was very good. We had a salad as an appetizer. I wasn’t a fan of my pasta but I don’t really like marinara sauce. I switched my pasta with the person I went with, I liked theirs more. It was a cute place to have a nice quiet dinner then walk around the circle at night. Had a really great time here just talking and eating after a long busy rushed weekend.