Alza Osteria - Brea, California

Troy W.

The restaurant was clean and inviting, but I think they have an issue finding servers as the service was slow even though they only had 4 or 5 tables. They did get busier with people waiting 5-10 minutes just to get seated.

The food was just okay. I have a sea food pasta dish had way too mush lemon; it overpowered the dish. My wife had a different pasta dish and said it was too salty.

I don’t think we will be back.

Scott A.

Alza is my go-to spot for Italian food whenever I crave it. They’ve got a great menu with baked dishes, pastas, and pizzas. Each entree comes with a choice of soup or salad, and complimentary bread is served.

I tried the creamy arrabiata with chicken or sausage. It was a huge portion, and the sauce was just right - not too spicy. The only thing I wished for was that the pasta was a bit al dente. It was a tad overcooked. They also have a huge beer list with tons on tap. They also had five different types of Fortaleza tequila on the menu!

Ngo C.

Not being located in busy areas, no fancy signs or decorations, yet, it is really a local gem.
We ordered calamari as a starter, it was good, with the right amount of breading and a nice marinara dipping sauce. However, the complimentary bread was more surprising. The bread crust was thin and crispy, and the herb butter was delicious.
Our main courses were clam linguine and salmon Mediterranean. We selected white wine sauce for the clam linguine, and it matched perfectly with the dish. For salmon Mediterranean, the skin was super crispy but the inside was still soft and moisted. Delicious! However, I found it slightly too salty for me.
Overall, we loved this restaurant and would definitely go back for more! They could be quite busy during the weekend nights, better make reservations to secure a table.

WakeBoatDad

Amazing Italian spot! We are always trying new places and I must say, this will now be one of our go to spots. Food is phenomenal, service was perfect, small and inviting atmosphere. Not too fancy not too casual. Great family spot or a date night. We had appetizers, salads, soups and several different pasta dishes. If you like Italian food you will love this place.

josh M.

Great place if you like good food! A few things that could improve the experience would be a nicer atmosphere to match the food quality and food preparation could be more presentable but over all the food is great and the prices are even better. A++

Jon C.

I came here on the recommendation of the great beer selection. I stayed cuz the food was just as amazing.
I came in on my birthday (reservations she easy to make) and was not disappointed. They are slightly understaffed and it shows during dinner service but the waiters work hard and are very diligent at maintaining the right service.

Vince L.

This italian restaurant doesn't make any fresh pasta, and I think they don't even make their own meatballs and marinara sauce! My meatball bolognese was one of the sadder dishes I've ever had. The marinara sauce and minestrone soup were extremely salty, and tasted like they were heated straight from a jar (cuz they probably were). My meatballs were undercooked in the center, and the pasta was overcooked. My bolognese tasted like it's from a kitchen nightmares episode, and honestly, I can make bolognese at home better than this. I came hungry, and I left with 80% of my entree untouched.

The server was great, but he seemed overwhelmed. The calamari tasted fresh, which was the highlight of the dinner. The locale and setting was inviting and neighborhood-y, but I just wouldn't come here for the food.

I hate that I'm writing a bad review about an independent neighborhood restaurant, but this deserves it.

Jessica K.

This place is a special little hidden gem! We live within walking distance, and I think we have found out new go to Italian spot! The atmosphere is nice, the servers and polite and attentive… and the door was great! We will be back to try more entree’s and drinks 🤤