Best Places For Tiramisu in Orange County
If you've ever tried Tiramisu, you'll know that this Italian dessert is so good it could be the main course. Tiramisu appropriately translates from Italian to mean "pick-me-up" which metaphorically translates into, "make me happy." You can't help but smile after a bite or three of this rich creamy dish that includes ladyfingers soaked in espresso, layered with cocoa and mascarpone cheese.
Rothschild Restaurant
2407 East Coast Hwy
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 673-3750
www.rothschildsrestaurant.com
It'll be hard, but you'll want to make sure you leave some room for dessert at Corona Del Mar's Rothschild Restaurant. Voted as one of America's top Italian eateries, Rothschild Restaurant has spent the last 35+ years perfecting their version of Tiramisu. The Tiramisu "Pick Me Up" here features Lady fingers soaked in amaretto and espresso, layered with sweet mascarpone cream cheese. Served with heavy creme anglaise, it's one of the best Orange County has to offer. The secret to Rothschild Tiramisu is the Vanilla Bean Rum Sauce used as a garnish. Owner Heidi Patricola said this secret recipe takes the dessert over the top. Patricola recommends the decaf house cappuccino to accompany the dessert.
Antonello Restaurant
Regency South Coast Village
3800 S Plaza Dr
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 751-7153
www.antonello.com
Since 1979 Antonello Ristorante brings Old World Italy to Orange County. The authentic Italian dishes, including dessert are influenced by owner Antonio Cagnolo's mother, Mama Pina. The decadent dessert here is placed together like a masterpiece of artwork. With layered lady fingers, it is soaked in espresso and a marsala mascarpone cream served with a delicate yet rich caramel sauce just adds to the delicious flavoring.
Ristorante Rumari
1826 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-0400
www.rumari.net
Ristorante Rumari, translated in Italian means restaurant by the sea. This quaint rustic bistro, which has been run by the Crivello family for over 17 years, offers some truly terrific and tasty desserts. But, the tiramisu is a true stand-out. Made from a homemade recipe passed down through the years, it's now shared with their dinner guests and features ladyfingers soaked in espresso and mascarpone cheese. The rest of the recipe is secret but guests can have fun trying to taste the secret ingredients.
Sarducci's Capistrano Depot
26701 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-9593
www.capistranodepot.com
Surrounded by stone brick walls and archways it's easy to forget you're sitting in historic Los Rios District and not an Italian village when you're at Sarducci's. It may be tough to choose just one dessert here, but who says you need to? Whatever you order, you should absolutely order the Tiramisu Plus. Made with sponge cake, it's soaked in coffee then layered with mascarpone creamed cheese and dusted with chocolate. Guests are also treated to a shot of caramel macchiato on the side.
Polina's Salerno
Lumberyard Plaza Shopping Center
220 Beach St
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-2600
www.polinassalerno.com
Salerno's is a quaint casual Italian restaurant in the heart of down town Laguna Beach that was the dream of original owner Tony Manzi. The doors first opened in 1975 with an atmosphere and menu fancied after the traditional New York City Italian bistros. The Tiramisu at Salerno's is unusual in that it uses sponge cake instead of ladyfingers. Instead of ladyfingers Polina's uses sponge cake, which gives the dish a very light feel with mascarpone cheese and crème. The espresso is drizzled throughout with Frangelico and hazelnut and layered with cocoa.
85°C Bakery Cafe
2700 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 553-8585
www.85cafe.us
Specializing in espresso coffee, decorative cakes, and freshly baked breads, the tiramisu at 85°C Bakery Cafe is a traditional one layered with light mascarpone cheese & coffee flavored lady fingers. Decorated with fresh strawberries, chocolate, pecan, sugar & cocoa powder, its one of the more popular choices here. 85°C Bakery Cafe also offers a strawberry tiramisu with strawberry mousse.
