Location: Arcata
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Top 8 Italian food in Arcata, California, United States
Find out what Italian restaurants to try in Arcata. Arcata, originally Union Town or Union, is a city adjacent to the Arcata Bay (northern) portion of Humboldt Bay in Humboldt County, California, United States. At the 2010 census, Arcata's population was 17,231. Arcata, located 280 miles (450 km) north of San Francisco (via Highway 101), is home to Humboldt State University. Arcata is also the location of the Arcata Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Land Management, which is responsible for the administration of natural resources, lands and mineral programs, including the Headwaters Forest, on approximately 200,000 acres of public land in Northwestern California.
Things to do in Arcata
8. Mazzotti's Italian Food
Overall Ratings
3 based on 136 reviews
Mazzotti's Old Town, is a fine dining, yet family friendly restaurant. Featuring traditional Italian entrees and salads, we also prepare delicious steak and seafood menu items too. We are located in the heart of historic Old Town Eureka. We except reserva
Reviewed By Robert S
We have been rather discouraged in finding our go to restaurants since moving to Eureka 3 1/2 months ago. So when a neighbor suggested Mazzotti's as an Italian choice we were optimistic (her Chinese restaurant suggestion had provided that best alternative so far). First of all I'd like to express that the location and the decor are charming. The friendliness and service we received from the hostess, the clearing young lady, and our waitress (with one big exception) was top notch. Their attentiveness and efficiency are the only reasons we did not at a critical juncture get up and walk out. We were seated at an intimate booth close to the bar - but also close to the kitchen. No problem - it was relatively private. My lady ordered Fettuccine Alfredo and I the Chicken Marsala. Along with dinner we ordered a bottle of cabernet. The wine and basket of bread (delicious) with the oil/balsamic dip were served in no time - likewise was the salad. That's when the experience took a dive. The lettuce was wilted but along with our food came an invasion of gnats. Only a couple at first and my wife was amused by my clapping attempts at assassination. When our entrees were served (again quickly) a few more arrived. There were probably never more than 6-8 at a time buzzing around but not the environment/atmosphere in which anyone wishes to dine. My wife gave a thumbs down on the Fettuccini Alfredo saying it was quite bland. The menu described the Chicken Marsala as a "chicken breast sautéed in a mushroom, garlic and marsala cream. Served over fettuccine" - much the same as Chicken Marsala anywhere. Instead it was chunks of relatively flavorless chicken mixed into noodles in a sauce that had only a distant relationship with Marsala. What could easily be described as chicken stroganoff. The presence of the gnats was not adding to the experience and I got the attention of our waitress. I asked her to bend down to my eye level and see the half dozen or so gnats then hovering over our food and wine glasses. Her response was, "That's a new development and we're trying to get it taken care of. Sorry." I was struck dumb and my partner was equally taken back. We expeditiously finished our meal - declined the offer for dessert - and paid the check leaving a generous tip for the service but vowing never to return. There are several positive reviews posted here amongst the 1-3 star ratings and I can only surmise that the lack of really good dining choices in the area has lowered their standards and dulled their tastes.I have often read reviews of newly opened restaurants wherein people state that they will give it another try when they get the bugs out. Well, I suppose we're saying we won't return even if they do get the bugs out.We want to personally apologize for this experience. What had happened is there was a failed pipe under the bar area, and it had been festering for maybe a couple weeks when all the sudden we had a gnat infestation and obviously it took a few more days to figure it out. I called the pest elimination services and they finally ran a camera under that bar area and found the problem. Then we called plumbers and got them in, but it took a few days to get plumbing replaced, dry the area out and to kill off the gnats.We are seriously sorry about this, and we pride ourselves on having modern, clean and healthy facilities to serve our customers in. If there is any way we could make this up to you, we would love too. Please fill free to send me an email to [email protected] and let us at least refund your money or provide you with a gift card to see if you could give us a second chance and let us earn your business back. One walk through our kitchens will tell you we mean business and have a standard not in common with what happened to you.SINCERELY,Joseph Mazzotti
7. PastaLuego
Reviewed By keystonexl
Pastaluego is an experience you don't want to miss. Fresh pasta, ravioli so superb you won't be able to resist. Homemade sauces to go along with garlic bread ready to go in the oven. The deli case is all imported Italian meats and cheeses. Their sandwiches you will always remember. Then the retail items finish your experience. Coco whom is the force behind Pastaluego is a delight. This is one place when in Arcata that is a must see.
6. Mazzotti's Italian Food
Overall Ratings
3 based on 136 reviews
Mazzotti's Old Town, is a fine dining, yet family friendly restaurant. Featuring traditional Italian entrees and salads, we also prepare delicious steak and seafood menu items too. We are located in the heart of historic Old Town Eureka. We except reserva
Reviewed By Robert S
We have been rather discouraged in finding our go to restaurants since moving to Eureka 3 1/2 months ago. So when a neighbor suggested Mazzotti's as an Italian choice we were optimistic (her Chinese restaurant suggestion had provided that best alternative so far). First of all I'd like to express that the location and the decor are charming. The friendliness and service we received from the hostess, the clearing young lady, and our waitress (with one big exception) was top notch. Their attentiveness and efficiency are the only reasons we did not at a critical juncture get up and walk out. We were seated at an intimate booth close to the bar - but also close to the kitchen. No problem - it was relatively private. My lady ordered Fettuccine Alfredo and I the Chicken Marsala. Along with dinner we ordered a bottle of cabernet. The wine and basket of bread (delicious) with the oil/balsamic dip were served in no time - likewise was the salad. That's when the experience took a dive. The lettuce was wilted but along with our food came an invasion of gnats. Only a couple at first and my wife was amused by my clapping attempts at assassination. When our entrees were served (again quickly) a few more arrived. There were probably never more than 6-8 at a time buzzing around but not the environment/atmosphere in which anyone wishes to dine. My wife gave a thumbs down on the Fettuccini Alfredo saying it was quite bland. The menu described the Chicken Marsala as a "chicken breast sautéed in a mushroom, garlic and marsala cream. Served over fettuccine" - much the same as Chicken Marsala anywhere. Instead it was chunks of relatively flavorless chicken mixed into noodles in a sauce that had only a distant relationship with Marsala. What could easily be described as chicken stroganoff. The presence of the gnats was not adding to the experience and I got the attention of our waitress. I asked her to bend down to my eye level and see the half dozen or so gnats then hovering over our food and wine glasses. Her response was, "That's a new development and we're trying to get it taken care of. Sorry." I was struck dumb and my partner was equally taken back. We expeditiously finished our meal - declined the offer for dessert - and paid the check leaving a generous tip for the service but vowing never to return. There are several positive reviews posted here amongst the 1-3 star ratings and I can only surmise that the lack of really good dining choices in the area has lowered their standards and dulled their tastes.I have often read reviews of newly opened restaurants wherein people state that they will give it another try when they get the bugs out. Well, I suppose we're saying we won't return even if they do get the bugs out.We want to personally apologize for this experience. What had happened is there was a failed pipe under the bar area, and it had been festering for maybe a couple weeks when all the sudden we had a gnat infestation and obviously it took a few more days to figure it out. I called the pest elimination services and they finally ran a camera under that bar area and found the problem. Then we called plumbers and got them in, but it took a few days to get plumbing replaced, dry the area out and to kill off the gnats.We are seriously sorry about this, and we pride ourselves on having modern, clean and healthy facilities to serve our customers in. If there is any way we could make this up to you, we would love too. Please fill free to send me an email to [email protected] and let us at least refund your money or provide you with a gift card to see if you could give us a second chance and let us earn your business back. One walk through our kitchens will tell you we mean business and have a standard not in common with what happened to you.SINCERELY,Joseph Mazzotti
5. Paul's Live From New York Pizza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Talisker55
If you like thin crust, New York style pizza then this is your destination. If you want thick, gooey, pre-frozen commercial cardboard then keep moving. Pizzas are made fresh right in front of you. Very large slices that you fold and enjoy. Great service, even better taste!
4. La Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
La Trattoria is a small family run restaurant with a limited menu that features traditional Italian dishes not commonly found in the States. We use only local and seasonal produce, buying direct from Humboldt county farmers. All our meats are sustainably
Reviewed By 720Davis_M
As stated, this is a small, off the beaten path Italian restaurant that serves very good to excellent Italian cuisine. Their food is fresh and local (farm to fork style), with a rotating menu based on local seasonal food. While the setting and atmosphere is basic and no frills, it is nonetheless comfortable. We have been here many times and the service has always been pleasant and food comes out in a timely manner. Other than the house house, which is a little too generic/bland for my liking, I have enjoyed all other menu items I have eaten here over the years. Would highly recommend this place.
3. Abruzzi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
Abruzzi features hand-made, organic pasta and a wide array of seafood, meats and vegetarian options with mouth-watering sauces and fresh, seasonal ingredients. We also serve hand-crafted cocktails, draft beer and cider. Join us for artisan Italian fare at
Reviewed By ShazDenise
We were surprised by how much we enjoyed it here. Downstairs in a lovely arcade, it was reasonably quiet, had a lovely bar, open kitchen, decent seating and service, and the food was good. I found the portions to be average-to-large, and especially the sauces/dressings to be well developed. The potato soup was like a smooth, creamy, chunk-free chowder and delicious. The fish was fresh and excellently cooked. The salads were also very fresh and well thought out. Excellent cocktails.
2. Mazzotti's Ristorante Italiano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 184 reviews
Mazzotti's on the Plaza features an exquisite menu, with exciting daily specials. In addition to beer and wine, we offer a full service bar. Seating at the bar in Arcata provides a comfortable place to wait for friends or a table. The atmosphere is warm a
Reviewed By danielgale
I really want to love this restaurant - the atmosphere is great, especially for a family but the food consistently is only okay. I've eaten here multiple times over the years since they opened up on the plaza, as well as multiple times at their old Eureka location. The Arcata location is spacious and accommodating, especially for a family with kids. The food is okay but it is nothing great, and for the cost of most of the dishes, they really need to figure out how to kick it up a notch or two. We ate here earlier this month for a big family outing. I knew in the back of my head the food would only be "okay" but we had 10-11 people in the party and it was no problem to get a reservation for a party of this size, so we went with it. Between all of us, we ordered a wide array of dishes, some of which were "pretty good", others somewhere between okay and good, and others just flat out bad. The worst was their supposed vegetable soup, which the waiter said was essentially like a minestrone. It was completely inedible - hard to imagine how you can screw up minestrone more than this but it was clear whoever made it never tasted it. An Italian restaurant should nail minestrone with their eyes closed. The salads were okay but nothing special - with all the great local produce options in this area, they really need to figure out how to do a salad right. My son ordered tortellini, which was pretty good - I don';t think it was homemade but it was good enough to pass. My father-in-law ordered the ravioli, which looked homemade and better than I've experienced here in the past. My daughter ordered a salmon dinner on polenta - the salmon was good and cooked correctly but the polenta was inedible...again, an Italian restaurant needs to figure out polenta correctly - this wasn't even close. Someone else ordered spaghetti, which was basically store-bought noodles with some marinara sauce. The sauce was fine but for the prices they charge and for being an Italian restaurant, they really should figure out homemade pasta - it's not difficult. Instead what they served is something anyone could easily make in their kitchen.I keep hoping someday this place will kick up their cuisine to make this place worth dining out here. Until then, as much as I want to like the place, I won't fool myself again into thinking it's worth the cost.
1. Mazzotti's Italian Food
Overall Ratings
3 based on 136 reviews
Mazzotti's Old Town, is a fine dining, yet family friendly restaurant. Featuring traditional Italian entrees and salads, we also prepare delicious steak and seafood menu items too. We are located in the heart of historic Old Town Eureka. We except reserva
Reviewed By Robert S
We have been rather discouraged in finding our go to restaurants since moving to Eureka 3 1/2 months ago. So when a neighbor suggested Mazzotti's as an Italian choice we were optimistic (her Chinese restaurant suggestion had provided that best alternative so far). First of all I'd like to express that the location and the decor are charming. The friendliness and service we received from the hostess, the clearing young lady, and our waitress (with one big exception) was top notch. Their attentiveness and efficiency are the only reasons we did not at a critical juncture get up and walk out. We were seated at an intimate booth close to the bar - but also close to the kitchen. No problem - it was relatively private. My lady ordered Fettuccine Alfredo and I the Chicken Marsala. Along with dinner we ordered a bottle of cabernet. The wine and basket of bread (delicious) with the oil/balsamic dip were served in no time - likewise was the salad. That's when the experience took a dive. The lettuce was wilted but along with our food came an invasion of gnats. Only a couple at first and my wife was amused by my clapping attempts at assassination. When our entrees were served (again quickly) a few more arrived. There were probably never more than 6-8 at a time buzzing around but not the environment/atmosphere in which anyone wishes to dine. My wife gave a thumbs down on the Fettuccini Alfredo saying it was quite bland. The menu described the Chicken Marsala as a "chicken breast sautéed in a mushroom, garlic and marsala cream. Served over fettuccine" - much the same as Chicken Marsala anywhere. Instead it was chunks of relatively flavorless chicken mixed into noodles in a sauce that had only a distant relationship with Marsala. What could easily be described as chicken stroganoff. The presence of the gnats was not adding to the experience and I got the attention of our waitress. I asked her to bend down to my eye level and see the half dozen or so gnats then hovering over our food and wine glasses. Her response was, "That's a new development and we're trying to get it taken care of. Sorry." I was struck dumb and my partner was equally taken back. We expeditiously finished our meal - declined the offer for dessert - and paid the check leaving a generous tip for the service but vowing never to return. There are several positive reviews posted here amongst the 1-3 star ratings and I can only surmise that the lack of really good dining choices in the area has lowered their standards and dulled their tastes.I have often read reviews of newly opened restaurants wherein people state that they will give it another try when they get the bugs out. Well, I suppose we're saying we won't return even if they do get the bugs out.We want to personally apologize for this experience. What had happened is there was a failed pipe under the bar area, and it had been festering for maybe a couple weeks when all the sudden we had a gnat infestation and obviously it took a few more days to figure it out. I called the pest elimination services and they finally ran a camera under that bar area and found the problem. Then we called plumbers and got them in, but it took a few days to get plumbing replaced, dry the area out and to kill off the gnats.We are seriously sorry about this, and we pride ourselves on having modern, clean and healthy facilities to serve our customers in. If there is any way we could make this up to you, we would love too. Please fill free to send me an email to [email protected] and let us at least refund your money or provide you with a gift card to see if you could give us a second chance and let us earn your business back. One walk through our kitchens will tell you we mean business and have a standard not in common with what happened to you.SINCERELY,Joseph Mazzotti
