Although Southern California is filled with plenty of charming restaurants where you can dine on comfort food, there’s one local gem in small town Southern California that serves the best Italian comfort food on the planet. Whether it’s pizza you crave or a giant plate of pasta, this one restaurant in SoCal is worth the drive.

Head to the small town of Julian California and you’ll discover a delicious Italian restaurant that serves some of the best comfort food imaginable.

chris jepsen/flickr

Romano’s Restaurant, established in 1982, is a local favorite where you can devour a hearty plate of all your favorite Italian and Sicilian comfort foods including a variety of pizzas and pastas.

wahzah/tripadvisor

From the moment you arrive to Romano’s you’ll feel a warm welcome. The restaurant, tucked inside a cozy cottage, will make you feel right at home.

romano’s restaurant/google maps

As much as we love the ambience, the food here is what keeps people coming back for more. For starters, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the house salad that eats like a meal. With hearty croutons and fresh salami, you’ll have to pace yourself to save room for the main course.

googlemaps/perlita queen

When it comes to the entrees, you’ll have some tough decisions to make because everything looks so good. Order one of Romano’s signature chicken dishes and you’ll be presented with a beautiful plate overflowing with comfort food.

cassandra torres/googlemaps

You’ll also find a variety of pastas on the menu. From spaghetti with meatballs to a light and fresh pasta with shrimp and vegetables, you’ll find the perfect dish that suits your palate.

cdavidac/tripadvisor

And let’s not forget the pizzas. Whether you order one for the table or you order one as your meal, you’ll be impressed with the thick layer of cheese and fresh toppings.

cdavidac/tripadvisor

No matter what you order, you’ll love the charming surroundings at Romano’s. You’ll find red checkered tablecloths along with a dining room decked out with warm and cozy lighting. It’s impossible not to enjoy a meal at this festive Italian restaurant in small town Southern California.

ronnie sylvester/google maps

Where’s your favorite Italian restaurant in Southern California? If you’d like to learn more about Romano’s, make sure to check out more details on their official Facebook page.

chris jepsen/flickr

wahzah/tripadvisor

romano’s restaurant/google maps

googlemaps/perlita queen

cassandra torres/googlemaps

cdavidac/tripadvisor

ronnie sylvester/google maps

If you love the town of Julian, you may also want to check out this great article about all the other things to see and do while visiting this charming small town in Southern California.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.