Filomena's Italian Kitchen•Costa Mesa, CA

Italian•$30 and under

Filomena's Italian Kitchen serves old-world cuisine in a cozy setting in Costa Mesa. The restaurant is a labor of love for owner and chef Linda Johnsen, who has translated her Italian heritage and family recipes into a flavorful comfort food menu. From her grandmother's Sunday sauce gracing the chicken, veal and eggplant parmesan to the classic sauce in the pappardelle bolognese, traditional ingredients stand out at Filomena's Italian Kitchen. Johnsen has put her own stamp on the menu with creations like champagne chicken and agro dolce calamari (shrimp and calamari tossed in a sweet tangy glaze with pine nuts, raisins and sweet peppers).In addition to traditional first-course options like caprese angel hair pasta, entree and seafood specialties, Filomena's also serves a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas and calzones. End your meal at Filomena's Italian Kitchen on a sweet note with tiramisu, cannoli or flourless chocolate cake.