Italian Fine Dining at Baci de Firenza Trattoria

Baci de Firenza Trattoria in Anahiem Hills is the creation of restauranteur, Vittorio Severino. Literally meaning, “Kisses from Florence”, Baci de Firenza Tratoria specializes in cuisine from Northern, Central and Southern Italy. The first thing that one notices when walking into the cozy dinning room is the inviting atmosphere. There are wines from all over Italy on display. The environment makes the patron feel at ease while enjoying a gourmet meal.

The Experience magazine stopped by Baci de Firenza to sample some dishes and chat with Vittorio. As the owner, head chef and proprietor, Vittorio has made Baci de Firenza his life’s passion. Vittorio was born in Southern Italy in Pompei. He has attended culinary school in Sorento, worked in Northern Italy in Sondrio as well as Bellagio, Lake Como, and Diano Marina. Vittorio explains that he then travelled around the world with Princess Cruises as a head waiter until, in 2008, Vittorio fulfilled his dream of owning a restaurant in Anahiem Hills, California. It is here that Vittorio oversees the creation of custom gourmet food that keeps people coming back again and again.

The restaurant is an intimate, quiet place in the hills of Anaheim. A rarity for Southern California. Baci is like a place out of a movie where couples go for candle lit dinners or where business people stop by for a quick and pleasing lunch. Baci doesn’t reheat any of its food. All of the items are made fresh on the spot.

When we sat down for lunch, Vittorio began a memorable lunch service that came with recommendations and superb service. Vittorio oversaw the service while his assistant carried out important duties to all the lunch tables as well. We started with the faboulsly presented Bruschetta and Burrata. The Bruschetta was crisply served with fresh ripe tomatoes, mushrooms and extra virgin olive oil. It was just the perfect size and complimented the Fresh Burrata divinely. Not only did the Burrata feature farm fresh tomato and baby green olives, but a slice of perfectly ripe artichoke as well.

This delightful appetizer led us right into the soup service. We sampled both the Lobster Bisque and the Tomato Soup. It was just the right amount of soup for a luncheon. The main course was presented promptly and with a flourish. We sampled the Melazane Parmigana which had a delicately prepared eggplant topped with mozzarella cheese. In addition, Vittorio prepared a special Vegetarian Mushroom Ravioli. Both dishes were reminiscent of an old Italian, homemade meal, with a complex balance of flavor and aroma.

After a delicious lunchtime meal, we decided to try the Lemon sorbet and the Hazelnut Gelato. We also had a delicious cappuccino that Vittorio made up for us on the spot.

 The service at Baci de Firenza is top notch and has a reputation for being the best Italian restaurant in Orange County. Its easy to see why this hidden gem is a prime destination for people in search of a wonderful restaurant with amazing food.