Salerno by Chef Pirozzi

Salerno by Chef Pirozzi Restaurant Review:

This compact downtown Laguna Beach Italian eatery captures the nuance of a properly subdued trattoria in a number of different ways. First, it’s hidden a couple blocks northeast of the city’s infamous foot traffic. Plus, the venue’s warm earth tones, soft lighting and intimate size create a chill, if not comfortably romantic, ambience. It’s a setting that’s slightly unlike the other coastal OC Italian restaurants run by chef/owner Alessandro Pirozzi, whose empire is connected by a through-line of sumptuous, smartly composed fare. He uses this place to sneak in some rather daring options amid a menu of classic antipasti, pasta and main dishes, such as the flavorful ostrich carpaccio starter or the “hard to catch” ravioli stuffed with olive wood-roasted rabbit. Those feeling less adventurous can order up the addictive Gouda filled fried Sicilian olives before diving into a plate of short rib pappardelle. Hearty, satisfying entrées let you pair diver scallops to lamb chops with a nice list of indulgent sauces. Basil sorbetto at meal’s end demonstrates dessert isn’t an afterthought. The international wine list is sizeable, and contains some terrific by-the-glass selections from Italy and California.