Buono Pizzas and Pastas offers far more than their name would suggest. With authentic Italian dishes on the menu like Chicken Monte Carlo and Veal Sorrentino, there’s no surprise that Buono’s has been going strong since 2004.

This casually-appointed San Clemente ristorante serves a wide variety of freshly prepared items that make it attractive to businessmen for lunch, couples on a date or families with a range of tastes and appetites.

Start with the pizza and customize your pie by choosing from 20 different toppings and five sizes. Owner Gerardo Barrera has also created ten specialty temptations that will expand your family’s world of pizza possibilities with toppings like Garlic Shrimp and Pesto Chicken.

Pasta is available in a multitude of preparations. Select from staples like spaghetti and lasagne or move up the culinary chain to Fettuccini Carbonara, Baked Ziti and linguini with clams. For those with truly discriminating palates, there are 24 veal, chicken and seafood entrees that rival dishes from the finest kitchens in the county. Chef Barrera is equally adept at preparing Veal Piccata, Chicken Tequila Fusilli and Halibut Limon.

Preparation begins early each day for Gerardo and his wife, Ana, when they make the dough for their bread, sandwiches and pizza. The dressings, sauces and soups are also made fresh daily and Ana keeps close watch on her guests’ satisfaction by being part of the serving staff.

The portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. Dinner entrees range from just eight to twenty-four dollars. With tempting aromas emanating from the kitchen, good luck choosing just one dish from the vast menu.

Check out Buono’s exceptional specials during the week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, kids eat free (ages 12 and under with 1 adult per child) and on Wednesdays, enjoy all-you-can-eat spaghetti for only $8.95. Don’t have time to cook? Take advantage of Buono’s free delivery to San Clemente and Capistrano Beach.

Buono Pizzas and Pastas is located on the corner of Pico and Presidio, across from San Clemente High School. The restaurant serves wine and beer and the entire menu is available for take-out, delivery or catering. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.