Nestled in a unique waterfront setting at 251 Shipyard Way in Newport Beach, Sabatino's Sausage Company offers a heartfelt Italian dining experience that captures the essence of old-country charm blended with coastal California vibes. This neighborhood gem invites patrons to indulge in authentic Italian flavors crafted from family recipes, with a special focus on house-made sausages that are both rich in tradition and bursting with bold, savory character.
Step into Sabatino’s and you’ll immediately feel the warmth of genuine hospitality. From the attentive greetings by the staff to the frequent visits by the charismatic owner sharing stories behind the charming wall murals, every detail helps create an inviting atmosphere that goes beyond just a meal. Whether you choose to dine indoors surrounded by rustic décor or enjoy a relaxed lunch outdoors with the gentle shade of a thoughtfully adjusted umbrella, the setting complements the genuine personality of the food.
At the heart of Sabatino’s menu are their specialty salads, like the Exotic Mixed Green Salad, perfectly balanced with their homemade Italian dressing that’s crisp, tangy, and aromatic. The Caesar Salad, featuring chilled romaine hearts hand-tossed with an award-winning creamy dressing, is a must-try for any salad lover. For a refreshing and vibrant starter, the Bufala Mozzarella Platter combines creamy mozzarella, sun-ripened Roma tomatoes, and fragrant sweet basil, elevated by drizzles of virgin olive oil and a zing of lemon.
The true stars here, however, are the savory side orders spotlighting Sabatino’s famous homemade sausages. Choose between the spicy or sweet Italian sausage, each bite delivering robust seasoning and a satisfyingly hearty texture, or the mild Italian turkey sausage that promises subtlety without sacrificing flavor. Complement these with Grandma's Meatballs — tender ground sirloin bathed in rich marinara sauce — or classic pasta sides like Fett Alfredo and Pasta Marinara for a comforting, wholesome meal.
Vegetarian options show thoughtful creativity and finesse. The Eggplant Parmesan, baked to golden perfection with imported cheeses and luscious marinara, brings a delightful melding of textures and tastes. For something more indulgent, the Manicotti Marinara blends delicate crepes stuffed with ricotta and spinach, topped with a harmonious lace of alfredo sauce. The Lasagna Al Forno is a jackpot of four imported cheeses, ricotta, spinach, and both marinara and alfredo sauces, delivering a layered explosion of savory delight.
While some diners, like Nicole Cooper and Jason Nicastro, have noted the location’s unconventional harbor-adjacent surroundings and pricing that leans toward the upscale, many applaud the flavorful authenticity and the restaurant’s inviting spirit. Regulars rave about the Sunday brunch and the sincere care evident in every gesture, from the complimentary minestrone and fresh Italian bread to the server’s earnest invitations to explore the restaurant’s story.
In essence, Sabatino's Sausage Company is more than just a place to eat — it’s an experience steeped in tradition, personalized service, and heartfelt Italian cooking. It's a spot where the rustic soul of Italy meets coastal charm, making it well worth a visit whether you're craving a comforting plate of homemade sausage or a peaceful seaside spot to enjoy an inspired Italian meal.
This restaurant has a unique location. It's right by the water, a mobile home park and boats that are being fixed. I think the location is great. The food is good and expensive.
Awesome place. Some of the best food I ever had. Great Sunday brunch.
Great atmosphere and India our server was great. Food was average Italian food. We had a sausage, pepper, and risotto appetizer that was delicious. Our entrees were ok and I felt a bit overpriced. But if down by the beach craving Italian it’s worth checking out.
Real flavor with old country charm hidden amongst the boats. I loved this place from the moment we arrived. We were greeted repeatedly by all the staff and the owner himself who visited our table numerous times to chat...a genuinely sweet, kind, loving man with a quick whit... very personable. He invited me to walk through the rooms of the restaurant and explained the various wall murals of his family and those who have worked for him over the past forty years. The meat case is amazingly filled with freshly made sausages, stuffed bell peppers, and so much more. We both had the Eggs Benedict with Spicy Italian Sausage. A beautiful fruit plate was also served with fresh toasted bread. The olive relish on the table went so well with the fresh garlic bread. I want to go again and again to try their lunch menu items ASAP. Ciao????????????????????????
At Sabatino's Sausage Company there was dining outdoors. The hostess adjusted an umbrella to make sure I was in the shade. I had lunch. I ordered Italian sausage, green pepper and onion sandwich with a Moscato wine. I was served a complimentary cup of minestrone soup, warm Italian bread. The sausage is made there. It was mild flavorful. There restrooms were very clean. The server invited me to see the murals painted on the walls. She showed me the picture of the owner. I felt relaxed and enjoyed with my experience.
Our server was super nice and attentive. The Italian wedding soup that was given as an appetizer was so good! We had spicy sausage added to our pasta and now we know why they are known for their sausages. I love how parking is free too.
Follow me to this amazing Italian restaurant! Highlights of the menu: 1. Bufala mozzarella platter 2. World famous sizzling sausage platter 3. Italian wedding soup 4. Sausage stuffed red pepper 5. Mixed greens: broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower with garlic 6. Dessert: Cannoli This place is famous for their sausages and their Italian dining vibes. I really enjoy the dinner here with friends and family. There’s also live music someday. Such a cute place to hang.
Sabatino's is the BEST Italian Restaurant in Orange County. It truly feels like family welcoming you to dinner. The menu+wine selection was great. The food is delicious. The sausage platter was out of this world. Highly recommended.