Nonno's Ristorante:
An Italian Gem in the Heart of Murrieta
Tucked into a shopping plaza on Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Nonno's Ristorante has quietly become one of the most beloved dining destinations in the city — the kind of place locals return to again and again rather than save for special occasions. If you're looking for the best Italian restaurant in Murrieta, or simply want a reliable spot for a date night or family dinner, Nonno's earns its reputation as a true local gem.
A Warm, Old-School Atmosphere
Step inside and you'll immediately notice the vibe: dim lighting, a full bar, and a room that feels built for slowing down. Reviewers consistently describe the restaurant as having a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like the kind of place where you can relax and truly enjoy your meal.
The restaurant also offers outdoor seating in the shared plaza, giving guests a choice between the cozy indoor dining room and open-air tables — perfect for those warm Murrieta evenings.
The Food
This is classic, comforting Italian cooking done with real care. Diners often note that the food is beautifully prepared, with incredible flavors and a clear sense of craftsmanship behind every dish.
Standouts mentioned by regulars include:
- Carbonara — rich, perfectly balanced, and a fan favorite
- Ribeye with blackberry reduction — proof that the kitchen isn't afraid to put its own spin on tradition
- Crème brûlée, tiramisu, and cappuccino — frequently called out as the perfect way to end the meal
Whether you're in the mood for hand-made pasta, a perfectly cooked steak, or a classic Italian dessert, the kitchen at Nonno's delivers consistently.
Service That Elevates the Experience
What repeatedly sets Nonno's apart from other Murrieta restaurants is the level of hospitality. Guests often highlight servers who offer genuine, well-informed dinner and wine pairing recommendations, checking in throughout the meal to make sure everything lands well.
It's the kind of attentive service that turns a solid dinner into a memorable one — and it's a big part of why so many locals consider Nonno's their go-to Italian spot in Southwest Riverside County.
What Locals Are Saying
Don't just take our word for it — here's what Murrieta locals think about Nonno's:
"We've been regulars at Nonno's Italian Restaurant for quite some time, but tonight's experience was on another level. Their new lead server Marc gave us fantastic recommendations for both dinner and wine, and every suggestion was a hit. What impressed us most was how attentive he was — checking in multiple times to make sure we were happy with our meals and our wine pairings. That kind of thoughtful service transforms a good restaurant into a great one."
"Nonno's is easily my personal go-to here in Murrieta. Every single bite is packed with authentic flavor, you can really tell they put a lot of care into the food. The selection of Italian dishes is amazing, and everything I've tried has been delicious. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and romantic, making it a perfect spot for a nice night out. Definitely a local gem!"
"Absolutely ridiculously delicious. Everything is stupidly good. I was amazed by the flavors. Started with the artichoke heart appetizer — wow that was something special. I had the Lemon Piccata dish, this is by far the best I have ever had. Hubby had the lasagna and said it was delicious. The cheesecake was throw your glasses off your face delicious. Service was very attentive and friendly. 100% be back!"
"What a great dining experience with a wonderful Maître D' who is very on point. He tells the specials and serves with passion and a great attitude. I highly recommend you go here and get the 16oz Ribeye steak and Cioppino — it's the best I've had in this area."
"Nonno's was such an amazing experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and it feels like the kind of place where you can slow down and really enjoy your meal. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully prepared. Our server recommended a wine pairing with our entrée and it was absolutely perfect. We finished with crème brûlée, tiramisu, and cappuccino which were all fantastic. What really stood out was the service — extremely friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome. Highly recommend!"
"This has become our favorite restaurant for great, authentic Italian dining. Their Cioppino is the best we've ever had. Matthew is an exceptional waiter, good listener, and always gives great recommendations. The support staff are very attentive and courteous. The Chocolate Chip Cannolis are a must have."
Good to Know
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're planning a romantic night out, celebrating a milestone, or just want a reliably delicious Italian dinner, Nonno's Ristorante is one of those Murrieta restaurants that earns its place on the "must-try" list.
Living in Murrieta means having spots like Nonno's right in your backyard — and that's one of the many reasons locals love calling this city home. If you're exploring what life in Murrieta has to offer, from neighborhoods to dining to community events, reach out to Laura Holbert and Cheryl Shadden at Team Integrity Realty — they know Murrieta inside and out.
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