New dishes and seasonal produce give the Irvine and Brea menus a reason for another look. Roasted butternut squash and Fuji apple arrive alongside burrata; a pasta inspired by Roman supplì leans into tomato, mozzarella and roasted garlic breadcrumbs. North Italia’s fall menu, launched Oct. 14, gives its Orange County restaurants several new starting points for dinner.
At the center is fusilli al telefono, borrowing its inspiration from the cheese-filled Roman snack. Tripoline Alfredo takes another familiar idea and changes the shape, using tripoline with grana padano and white vodka crema. Crispy chicken piccata adds strozzapreti, lemon, capers, arugula, roasted chicken jus and marinated artichoke hearts.
The seasonal dishes give a table room to move beyond pasta. Burrata di stagione pairs the apple and squash with hazelnut, herb breadcrumbs and Calabrian agrodolce. A vegetable salad brings roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower together with grilled broccolini, golden raisins and white balsamic vinaigrette.
Drinks follow the same refresh. The zero-proof Jam Session combines strawberry, pineapple, lime and bubbles; the Diavolo brings mezcal together with Calabrian chili amaro, spice and lemon. Dessert options include a hazelnut torta served with salted caramel gelato.
Irvine and Brea were both included in the location-specific announcement. Check the menu for the restaurant and meal period you choose, since brunch, happy hour and dinner offerings differ. A shared starter and two contrasting pastas would make a sensible introduction to what has changed.
For more information about new updates on the menu visit northitalia.com
Location: 2957 Michelson Drive. Brea: 1500 Brea Mall, Suite 1501
Hours and Dates: Both list weekday lunch 11 a.m.–4 p.m., weekend brunch 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. See each location for closing times and prices.
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of business/venue.
