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Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach Reviews List

Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach

Established in 1989, Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach is a culinary experience unique from any other. Owner and chef, Sal Maniaci, has brought his firsthand knowledge of Italian cuisine to Newport Beach. A genuine Mediterranean setting coupled with experienced and knowledgeable waiters add to Sapori's authenticity. The remodeled patio featuring a fireplace and outdoor heaters creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic and warm outdoor dining. Signature dishes include penne otero, farfalle salmone, scalloppine gorgonzola, and several other original pasta and meat dishes. Traditional Italian appetizers and desserts such as calamari fritti and tiramisu and an excellent wine list complete the menu.

The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, private parties, baby showers, and weddings

See more Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach details
65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(65 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(30)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(49)
  • great for outdoor dining(44)
  • romantic(27)
  • special occasion(26)
  • fit for foodies(20)
  • good for groups(16)
Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach Reviews List
Review 1 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food was ok...service not good

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Waiter forgot to mention specials which we heard from the near by table when we were leaving and we brought our own wine which was an expensive bottle of Amarone nd the waiter served it like he was pouring Coke and spilled it all over the table clothe and draping from my glass.....this was the start to my Father's Day meal....spaghetti and meat balls was served and meatballs were cold in the center....poor plate presentation ...ravioli with tomato fondue sauce had no cheese in it and ravioli were stacked on the plate in a lake of tomato sauce....charged $8.50 for affogato...total rip off....$3.50 for shot of espresso ...way over priced...gelato was good but desert tray was not very appealing.....suggest going to Caffe Alessa or Il Barone"
Dined on 6/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food great service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The title say it all. For fish lover try the sea bass."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our Neighborhood Favorite!

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Brought new neighbors to enjoy Sapori for their first time..they LOVED it as much as we always have. Just a perfect spot for a leisurely dinner with friends. So glad they have both a patio and indoor dining available. We'll be back again very soon:-)"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/18/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
4 / 3
Energetic
"Service was okay. However I would never visit again. Not recommend at all. The foods are very cheap, but just waste of money.
Because it is so rough ambience. Noisy, busy, people standing at near the table which customers eating.
It is pitty. They look not enjoying supper at all. Chair and table is so simple like school kitcken room
and also too closed to the next table.
Food taste is so rough not sensitive one at all. It is just home-made foods not restraut's one.
"
Dined on 4/18/2013
0points
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Review 5 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Love Sapori

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Have been going here with my daughter and grandson since the boy was in his stroller. He is now a senior in highschool and it is still our favorite place. The food always good, the service expert and friendly."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Friendly waiters, comfortable

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Friendly waiters, comfortable room, lovely patio, and consistently great food. What more can you ask from a neighborhood Italian restaurant."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 7 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always enjoyable,especially

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always enjoyable,especially outside. Very good meal and good service"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 8 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

overall terrific experience;

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"overall terrific experience; ambiance, food, service, great 'locals' place."
Dined on 04/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Review 9 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We chose this restaurant from

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We chose this restaurant from a list of six for our sons 18th birthday. He wanted an authentic and really good italian restaurant. The food was wonderful food and the service was excellent. However, I was a little dissappointed that the restaurant was located in a strip mall. It really took away from the special occassion feeling and I was a litle embarrassed for my guests. Being in Newport Beach, I expected a nicer location (i.e. ocean view, valet parking, etc.). Also, we were pretty dressed up as per their dress code, but felt very over dressed, seeing many others in jeans and even shorts."
Dined on 04/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
0points
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Review 10 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

True Italian chef expertise

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"True Italian chef expertise here. Service by professionally trained Italian waiters from the old school of service. Everything was anticipated."
Dined on 04/04/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 11 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delightful Gem.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Delightful atmosphere on the patio. Food and service were wonderful! They made my husband's birthday special with a tempting Tiramasu and a special Moscato wine! Very fine experience! Highly recommend this gem!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 12 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

With no family in town for

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"With no family in town for Easter, we celebrated the holiday in superb fashion."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 13 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Gem of an italian restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Gem of an italian restaurant close to us, with perfect mix of good food, attentive and helpful service and intimate location, with reasonable pricing. A sleeper with loyal clientele, deserving of many return visits."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My reservation specifically

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My reservation specifically requested a table outside in front of the Fireplace. Your website confirmed my reservation request. When we arrived, this was not the case. We were placed to the back area [by the entrance] Too cool for our party. So we opted to go inside, because the maitre d' said the tables in front of the Fireplace were reserved for parties of 4 that evening ? ! ? How did that happen? I went expecting all was in line with my reservation request......
Food and Service were great..."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We definitely wil return,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We definitely wil return, and the couple we were with seemed enjoy the dinner as well."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 16 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I was with 5 girlfriends who

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I was with 5 girlfriends who have known each other for over 40 years.........we loved it and had the salmon and
sword fish and both were like butter...........moist and flavorful.......sides were amazing.......loved the spinach....
salads were good as well........we didn't have dessert, but will definitely be coming here again. Thank you!!!
"
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Consistant go to resturant.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Consistant go to resturant. The veal parma is my favorite."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2010
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Review 18 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

No heaters on outside at night,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"No heaters on outside at night, so it was very cold and food got cold quickly.
Great calamari, so-so alfredo. Very friendly staff.
"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 19 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food quantity is very small

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food quantity is very small for the price"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2010
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Review 20 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Went on a Saturday night.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Went on a Saturday night. It is mainly retires and families. Wouldn't recommend for those looking to be away from kids for the night"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2006
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Consistently good food. Service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Consistently good food. Service is mixed. Main waiters are excellent. Support staff can be absent (for example, when he asked if we wanted pepper for our salad, and we said yes, he never came back with the pepper). Beautiful covered patio with large fireplace. Wine choices skewed way too much toward high price wines. The general absence of wines $30 to $55 is one reason we go there only occassionally; a shame, there are plenty of good wines available for lower prices, and otherwise we love the place."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 22 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent food, service, and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent food, service, and ambiance."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 23 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Some of the best service I

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Some of the best service I have ever received. I wish I could remember his name . The food was fantastic."
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The restaurant wss really

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The restaurant wss really good but not great."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The beautiful patio was idyllic.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"The beautiful patio was idyllic. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting. I ordered the lasagne and found it bland and more like a noodle platter covered with tomato sauce, rather than a traditional lasagne. Out of four of us, three of us said we wouldn't order our entrees again.....Our waiter was stern and unpleasant. I felt rushed to order and he didn't crack a smile the whole time we were there. I was very disappointed."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 26 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The restaurant was super quiet,too

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The restaurant was super quiet,too quiet. Needs back ground music or something."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 27 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We usually enjoy Sapori but

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We usually enjoy Sapori but they were not prepared for the Valentine Day rush. There was a line to check in. The same women was answering the phone, taking names and seating people. I ended up waiting at the bar for nearly 10 minutes while my husband checked us in. Our seats were on the boarder of the outside patio. Although we were under a heat lamp it was very drafty and cool because there was no protection from the breeze. Service was certainly not as good as usual, our waiter rarely checked back with us. The food was disappointing as well, unusually bland for Sapori. We will give the restaurant another try on a regular night, they were not prepared for a special night."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A great neighborhhod Italian

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"A great neighborhhod Italian Ristorante! Great Food and Service, very accomodating on choices and a well balanced wine list."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sapori Ristorante - Newport Beach
Based on the average of (37) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
9 out of 10 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
2.2 / 3
Energetic