Aliso Viejo, California

The Flavors of
Puglia at Your Table

Housemade pasta, seasonal ingredients, and the warmth of southern Italy — brought to life by Chef Marco Criscuolo.

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Fresh handmade pasta at Trattoria Trullo
22 Years of Culinary Excellence
Our Story

A Taste of
Southern Italy

Trattoria Trullo takes its name from the iconic stone houses with conical roofs found in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Chef Marco Criscuolo, a native Pugliese, has carried the flavors of his homeland to California — crafting every dish with the same care and tradition he grew up with.

We source seasonal produce directly from local farmers and the San Juan Capistrano Ecology Center, pairing California's finest ingredients with imported Italian staples — aged Parmigiano Reggiano, durum wheat, and extra virgin olive oil — to create something genuinely authentic.

Every pasta shape is made fresh daily. Every sauce carries the memory of a family recipe. Every visit is an invitation to slow down and savor.

Meet the Chef
From the Kitchen

Signature Dishes

Each plate tells a story rooted in the traditions of Puglia and the rhythms of the seasons.

Orecchiette
Pasta

Orecchiette

Broccoli rabe sauce, Italian sausage, Pecorino, breadcrumb

Polpo
Antipasti

Polpo

'Nduja marinated grilled octopus, roasted peppers, potatoes, herb & lemon dressing

Branzino
Secondi

Branzino

Grilled Mediterranean sea bass, fennel purée, snap peas, Livornese sauce

"Every shape of pasta tells a story. Every sauce carries the memory of a family, a village, a season."
— Marco Criscuolo, Chef & Owner
In the Kitchen

Marco Criscuolo

Chef & Owner

With 22 years of international culinary experience, Chef Marco brings the soulful traditions of his native Puglia to every dish. Born into a family where food was the language of love, he has spent a lifetime mastering the art of simplicity — letting the finest ingredients speak for themselves.

Marco owns a restored trullo in Puglia — the same ancient stone houses that inspired the restaurant's name — and returns regularly to reconnect with the farmers, producers, and food artisans who supply our kitchen with the best Italy has to offer.

Working alongside Chef de Cuisine Eric Mauro, the kitchen team crafts a menu that changes with the seasons and honors the full breadth of Italian regional cooking.

Marchio Q Ospitalità Italiana Award
Italian Cultural Institute Recognized
Chef Marco Criscuolo
Eric Mauro, Chef de Cuisine

Eric Mauro

Chef de Cuisine

Working in close partnership with Chef Marco, Eric brings precision and creativity to the kitchen each day — executing the seasonal menu with the same dedication to craft and authenticity that defines every plate at Trattoria Trullo.

Upcoming

Events & Special Dinners

May
27

Indulge Without Compromise

A Four-Course Gluten-Free Dinner — a thoughtfully curated evening celebrating the full richness of Italian cuisine, entirely gluten-free.

Private dining and catering available for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations.

Inquire About Private Events
Join Us

Make a Reservation

We look forward to welcoming you. Reserve your table online or give us a call.

Hours

Tue – Thu: 5pm – 9pm

Fri – Sat: 5pm – 10pm

Sun: 4pm – 9pm

Location

26611 Aliso Creek Rd
Unit C, Aliso Viejo
CA 92656

Reserve on Tock