Growing up in New Jersey, I’ve had my fair share of great Italian food, so I can be a little picky when it comes to pasta. That’s why I was so happy to find Capone’s Cucina in Huntington Beach—this place just gets it. It’s cozy, family-owned, and serves up fresh, flavorful, homemade Italian dishes that keep me coming back.
❥ Address: 19688 Beach Blvd #10, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
❥ Phone: 714-593-2888
❥ Hours: Monday 4-9PM, Tuesday 11:30AM-9PM, Wednesday-Saturday 11:30AM-10PM, Sunday 11:30AM-9PM
The menu at Capone’s is full of simple, high-quality dishes made with fresh ingredients—the way Italian food should be. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of pasta, fresh seafood, or a perfectly cooked steak, this spot never misses.
Chef Dino runs the kitchen, and you can tell he cares about what he’s putting on the plate. Every dish is made with attention to detail, from the slow-cooked sauces to the house-made pastas.
Everything here is good, but these are a few of my favorites:
❥ Artichoke Carciofi Fritti – Lightly breaded and fried artichoke hearts with a lemon Cajun aioli. This is my go-to appetizer!
❥ Penne Alla Vodka with Sausage – Ask for it spicy!! It’s a large portion so you will have leftovers. Who doesn’t love left over pasta? It’s even better the second time!
❥ Pappardelle – Long flat pasta, Italian sausage, cremini mushrooms, in a Marsala wine glaze cream sauce. SO good! I get mine without the mushrooms.
❥ Lasagna Capone’s – Simply because this is the biggest portion of lasagna I have ever seen. You will not regret it.
❥ Ravioli Fichi – Fig & goat cheese raviolis, brown butter sage sauce, crumbled goat cheese, crispy prosciutto, toasted walnuts, and baby arugula. Need I say more?!
❥ Pizza – Any of their pizzas are amazing. Being an East Coaster it is SO difficult to find pizza up to my standards. Capone’s hits the mark!
❥ You guys, I have so many favorites here I could keep this list going forever! Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. If you do fill up, you won’t regret getting a dessert to go ;-)
Now, you might not expect an amazing margarita at an Italian restaurant, but Jose’s got skills. His margaritas are fresh, balanced, and honestly, one of the best in town. Definitely worth ordering. (I judge a restaurant on how good their margarita is and the margs at Capone’s are my number 1).
Capone’s has that small, welcoming, neighborhood feel, which makes it perfect for date nights, family dinners, or just an easy, delicious meal any day of the week. No gimmicks, no over-the-top trends—just great food in a relaxed, inviting space.
✔ Authentic, well-made Italian food (approved by someone who grew up in NJ!)
✔ Cozy, welcoming atmosphere
✔ Thoughtfully crafted dishes by Chef Dino
✔ A hidden gem for great drinks (shoutout to Jose’s margaritas!)
If you’re in the mood for real Italian food in Huntington Beach, Capone’s Cucina is absolutely worth a visit. You’ll see why it’s a local favorite after just one meal.
If you’ve spent any time in Huntington Beach, you know this city is full of hidden gems—and HB Corner Market is one of them. Whether you’re a local looking for the perfect morning coffee stop, a visitor wanting to experience the best of Surf City, or just someone who appreciates good vibes and even better eats, this little spot should be on your radar.
Located in the heart of Huntington Beach, HB Corner Market is a laid-back, community-driven spot that blends the best of a local café, specialty market, and gathering space all in one. It’s the kind of place where you can grab your morning latte and avocado toast, pick up some locally made goodies, or just hang out and soak up the HB lifestyle.
❥ Address: 601 11th St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
❥ Phone: 657-244-8084
❥ Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 7AM-2PM
As a Huntington Beach local, I’m always on the lookout for places that capture the coastal, easygoing energy of our town. HB Corner Market does just that. Here’s why it’s one of my favorite spots:
❥ Relaxed, Beachy Atmosphere – Whether you’re stopping by after a morning surf or just out for a stroll, this place has a welcoming, laid-back feel that makes you want to stay a while.
❥ Great Coffee & Food – Their coffee game is strong, with high-quality brews that rival any big-name coffee shop. Pair that with their delicious pastries, fresh sandwiches, and seasonal specials, and you’ve got the perfect go-to spot for a quick bite.
❥ Locally Curated Goods – From artisan snacks to locally made home goods and gifts, HB Corner Market is a great place to grab something unique (or just treat yourself).
❥ Dog-Friendly! – Huge bonus for me! Cali and PP (my two pups) love tagging along, and the market is super welcoming to four-legged friends.
If you’re heading to HB Corner Market, here are some of my go-to picks:
❥ Pork Roll, Fried Egg & American Cheese – I get mine on a jalapeño cheddar bagel.
❥ Black or Hibiscus Iced Tea – Perfectly refreshing.
❥ Coffee Cake – It is SO good!
❥ Sweet Corn Cookie – Trust me, just get one.
❥ Best Time to Go: Mornings are perfect if you want a relaxed vibe and fresh-brewed coffee. Weekends can get a little busier, but it’s worth it.
❥ Parking: There’s usually plenty of street parking nearby, but if you’re biking along the beach, even better!
❥ Bring Your Pup: It’s dog-friendly, so your furry friend is welcome to join.
❥ Seating : Seating is an outdoor patio.
HB Corner Market is more than just a market or a store—it’s a community hub that embodies the best of Downtown Huntington Beach living. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee to-go, picking up some freshly made goods, or just soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, it’s a spot that truly feels like home.
So next time you’re in HB, do yourself a favor and check it out. And if you see me there come say hi!
If you’re looking for house-brewed craft beer and some of the best pizza in Huntington Beach, RIIP Beer Co. & Pizza is the spot. Known for their award-winning, small-batch brews, RIIP now serves up fresh, made-to-order pizza, and they’re doing it right. Whether you’re in the mood for a whole pie or just a slice, they’ve got both classic thin crust and Detroit-style pizza, so there’s something for everyone.
RIIP isn’t just a bar that serves craft beer—they brew their own, right here in HB, and their lineup includes everything from hop-forward West Coast IPAs to crisp lagers and smooth stouts. Pair that with a fresh, hot slice, and you’ve got the ultimate meal.
This one is hard because everything on the menu is absolutely delicious! So here are just a few of my favorites.
❥ Anti-Antipasto –Chopped romaine, bowl n’ criisp pepperoni, bacon, cubed fresh mozzarella, sliced pickled egg, roasted heirloom tomatoes, olives, pickled red onion, banana peppers, and parmesan. I go with the Italian dressing. I really have never seen a more beautiful salad in my life.
❥ Sweet Chili Habanero Wings – OMG they are the best wings I have ever had!
❥ Mozzarella Sticks – Always a must. PS they are GIANT.
❥ Fiin’n to Fire Slice – Spicy pepperoni & ricotta, pizza sauce, whole mozz, arugula, parm Reggiano, Calabrian chili. My mouth is watering as I’m writing this!
And of course, you have to pair it with one of their house-brewed beers. Some of my favorites:
❥ Dankster Squad IPA – If you love a juicy, citrusy, hop-forward IPA, this one’s for you.
❥ Super Cali Lager – Light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for a sunny HB day.
❥ Black Belt Schwarzbier – A smooth, dark German-style lager with roasted malt flavors.
Not super hungry? They’ve got pizza by the slice, too. Perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re stopping in for a beer or just need something to hold you over.
RIIP is the kind of place where you can roll in straight from the beach, grab a fresh pint, and just hang out. The atmosphere is chill, welcoming, and all about good food, good drinks, and good company.
❥ Address: 17236 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
❥ Phone: 714-660-RIIP
❥ Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-10PM, Friday & Saturday 11AM-11PM, Sunday 11AM-10PM
❥ They have another pizzeria location on Magnolia in HB!
If you’re looking for a cozy spot with amazing food and a great vibe, The Black Trumpet in Huntington Beach is a must-visit. Owned by Chef Dino (the same mastermind behind Capone’s Cucina), this place specializes in tapas-style dining with flavors from all over the world. Think Mediterranean, Spanish, and even a little Middle Eastern influence, all packed into shareable plates that make you want to try everything on the menu.
Located in Seacliff Village Shopping Center
❥ Address: 7041 Yorktown Ave #104, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
❥ Phone: 714-842-1122
❥ Hours: Monday & Sunday 4-9PM, Tuesday 12-9PM, Wednesday-Friday 12-10PM, Saturday 4-10PM
❥ I would recommend making a reservation if you plan to go on a Friday evening or weekend! My favorite place to sit is at the Chef’s counter.
The Black Trumpet has that warm, intimate atmosphere that makes it perfect for a date night, a girls’ night out, or just a relaxed dinner with great food and drinks. It’s one of those spots where regulars keep coming back and first-timers instantly feel at home.
The beauty of The Black Trumpet is that you don’t have to commit to just one dish—everything is made for sharing, so you can try a little bit of everything. Some of my favorites:
❥ Spiced Garlic Shrimp – Perfectly cooked shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce. Simple but packed with flavor.
❥ Filet Empanadas – Who doesn’t love empanadas? These ones are stuffed with filet mignon and roasted peppers.
❥ Charcuterie Board – I will NEVER pass up a good charcuterie board!
❥ Lamb Lollipops – Cooked to perfection and full of rich, savory goodness. If you love lamb, this is a must.
❥ Any of their Flatbreads – My fave is the Pizzette Fichi. It has figs, caramelized onions, feta and an aged balsamic glazed.
❥ Don’t forget to check out their specials board. They always have something new and yummy!
The wine list here is solid, with great options to pair with the small plates, but if you’re more of a cocktail person, their bartenders know what they’re doing. The sangria is a standout, and their classic Old Fashioned is always a good choice. Of course, for me it is the jalapeno margarita!
❥ Chef Dino’s touch—same quality as Capone’s, but with a global twist
❥ Small plates, so you can try a little bit of everything
❥ Cozy, intimate atmosphere
❥ Great for wine, cocktails, and a laid-back night out
If you’re in the mood for a fun, shareable dining experience with bold flavors, The Black Trumpet is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re going for a full dinner or just a few plates with a glass of wine, you’ll see why it’s a local go-to.
If you’re looking for a great breakfast spot in Huntington Beach, Watertable at The Hyatt is hard to beat. It’s got everything—coastal vibes, delicious food, and a relaxed but elevated atmosphere that makes any morning feel special. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this place is worth making the trip.
❥ Address: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
❥ Phone: 714-845-4776
❥ Hours: Monday-Friday 7AM-11AM, 5PM-9:30PM + Saturday & Sunday 7AM-11:30AM,
5PM-9:30PM
❥ Park on PCH below the walking bridge and walk up the ramp to the gate. The gate will be open. OR you can valet in the front of the hotel.
Watertable isn’t just a hotel restaurant—it’s an experience. They serve high-quality, fresh, and flavorful breakfast dishes that make you feel like you’re on vacation (even if you’re not). Whether you want something light and healthy or you’re going all-in on a full, indulgent breakfast, they’ve got you covered.
If you go to Watertable for breakfast, especially in the summer when it gets busy, here’s a little insider tip: grab a seat at the bar. It’s first-come, first-served, so you can skip the wait and still enjoy the full menu. Plus, there’s just something about sipping your coffee or mimosa at the bar with a view of the restaurant and the ocean air flowing in—it’s the perfect way to start the day.
There’s no bad choice here, but these are some of my go-to breakfast picks:
❥ SoCa – Cornbread waffle, fried chicken, maple slaw, poached eggs, jalapeño bacon hollandaise. It’s next-level.
❥ Zesty Lemon Blueberry-Pancakes – These are the best pancakes you will EVER have!
❥ Any of their Hashes – They change this one seasonally, but every one has been delicious!
❥ Traditional Benedict – You can never go wrong with a traditional benedict!
❥ Here is my hack for the best of both worlds – Order the SoCa with one lemon-blueberry pancake on the side ;-)
And of course, no breakfast is complete without a bloody Mary or a mimosa—both of which they do exceptionally well.
While I love Watertable for breakfast, I also have to mention their Thanksgiving dinner. I went one year, and it was just as incredible. The food was perfectly executed, the ambiance was warm and inviting, and it made the holiday feel extra special. So, if you ever find yourself looking for a great spot for a holiday meal, this is definitely one to consider.
❥ Amazing breakfast with high-quality ingredients
❥ Cozy yet upscale atmosphere
❥ Bar seating is a game-changer in the summer
❥ Great for special occasions—or just a casual weekend brunch
❥ Consistently delicious, even for Thanksgiving dinner
If you haven’t been to Watertable for breakfast yet, put it on your list. Whether you grab a table or post up at the bar, you’ll get a fantastic meal in a beautiful setting—the perfect way to start your morning in Huntington Beach.
In Huntington Beach, selling a home is about more than just putting it on the market — it’s about telling its story. I partner with sellers to carefully brand, position, and market their property with intention and strategy. Through a concierge-level experience, elevated presentation, and thoughtful marketing, I help homes stand out and sell for their highest value.
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