Feels like I was thrown into Italy for dinner: very authentic- great fresh pasta, great wine, not so warm service.
February 2024
Great celebration evening, and the food & service was terrific. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a great Italian restaurant in Newport with a nice atmosphere.
January 2024
Sapori is a neighborhood gem. The wine list and menu offer an excellent variety of choices. Our meal was delicious and the service was great. Sapori offers both inside and patio dining. The patio even has a fireplace.
Tucked away in Newport Beach on the thin strip of land between the Coast Highway and Balboa Island, this Italian restaurant offers a Mediterranean-style patio and bright, airy interior dining space. Owner and executive chef Salvatore Maniaci prepares the traditional cuisine of the Old Country. While guests can enjoy some classic American-Italian dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs and a deep array of pasta dishes, the menu also has a wealth of selections that represent the true culinary makeup of Italy. Begin with a simple mozzarella caprese with tomatoes or seared scallops wrapped in smoky prosciutto. A refreshingly light touch is evident among the entrées: lobster ravioli are generously stuffed yet not heavy, while the Chilean sea bass served with lemon and capers is flaky and zesty. Desserts such as tiramisu and the lemon tart also show off the delicate nature of the cuisine. The serviceable wine list features a blend of primarily Italian and California selections, including several special high-end labels.