Pizza Anyone?

Pizzeria Ortica -  650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA is presented by the David Myers Group. 

The pizza dough is hand stretched and fired in a brick oven.  The staff will warn you that the crust around the pizza is burnt but that is the way it is done in a brick oven.  It is not overly burnt and is perfectly done the way I remember in Florence, Italy so no harm no foul.  I must admit that the pizza’s dough to filling ratio is perfect.  It is not doughy.  I recommend the Pizza Margherita made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.   Pizza di Banderas had too much cheese and Kalamata olives were too salty which overwhelmed the flavor.   For those with fancier tastes I recommend the Guanciale, ricotta e cipollotto.  It is made with fresh ricotta, house-cured pork cheek, scallions, and fennel pollen. 

 
There are also different pastas to choose from including the Ricotta Gnocchi made with fresh tomato marinara, Parmigiano Reggiano or the Roasted Kabocha Squash Tortelli sautéed with brown butter, pistachio pesto, and biscotti.  The Roasted Kabocha Squash Tortelli is more a ravioli then a tortelli.  The portions are small so I suggest a complementing the meal with a pizza to share.  The upside is that the pastas are all handmade on premise.  The pasta I done perfectly al-andante as any good Italian would do at home.   

The appetizers and salads are a bit small for the price.  If you are looking to be filled up then family style would be the way to order from the menu.  Order many and share.  This will allow you take part in a little bit of everything.  It also opens you wide up for dessert.  Unfortunately they ran out of Tiramisu so I left a little disappointed.
  

Parking is located at the Plaza Tower behind the restaurant.  The restaurant does provide 2 hour validations.  Remember to tell the parking attendants that you are there for the restaurant NOT the theater otherwise you will have to cough up $10.00 to park. 

Service was good however the bartender was fabulous she came to our table herself to refresh our cocktails.  The drinks she concocted were EXCELLENT.  This place would be perfect for appetizers and drinks after work or before the show.  Not sure I would go back for dinner as it was a little pricey for what you get and I can order that anywhere. All in all 3 forks for effort and the bartender made it a pleasant experience for everyone.

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