"We stopped at Il Sole Nuova Cucina for the first time last night. We dined early (6:00 p.m. on a Wednesday evening. Uli was our waiter, and his service was impeccable. We had a carpaccio of beef that was excellent, better than most we have had. We both ordered the risotto of the day, which was a four cheese risotto. I had never ordered this particular risotto before and found it to be somewhat gummy; but I think one can expect gummy with four cheeses included in it. So, I give them a pass for this one. I will avoid four cheese risotto wherever I go in future. We sampled a wonderful butternut squash ravioli with fig, which I understand will be a regular feature on the appetizer menu. Don't miss it. I wouldn't have ordered it off the menu; but I will make sure to do so in the future! We had an Antinori Tuscan red that was fine; but it was stored in a place that was too warm. I want my reds to come out at about 57 degrees, and this one was too warm. There are some very interesting dishes on the main menu, and we will definitely return to try them. I recommend this gem to anyone in the Rancho Santa Margarita area who enjoys a small, well appointed atmosphere, excellent service and Italian food."
