11 Best Italian Restaurants in Encinitas

“This is our favorite Italian restaurant in this area. They are vegan friendly, and the food is delicious.They have a small selection of vegan pizzas and have vegan cheese.My husband is from Chicago, so picky about his pizza. So far, their flatbread, is the only pizza he's found that is likes.We've ordered to-go for two large events over the past three years and everyone loved the food.“

“This is a hidden gem in a Vons shopping center! The food is incredible and truly authentic Italian. It is a deli for takeout but they make hot sandwiches pasta too. I love the meatballs & marinara. Just walking in a smelling what's cooking is heaven!“

“From the moment I walked into Maurizio Trattoria, I knew I was in for a genuine Italian treat! This place not only captures the essence of Italy through its staff and ambiance but elevates your dining experience with exceptional culinary creations. The owner and the chef are both Italian, bringing authentic flavors and recipes straight from Italy to the heart of San Diego.The standout dish for me was the vongole pasta; it was nothing short of spectacular! Each bite was a perfect blend of fresh clams and al dente pasta, beautifully seasoned to enhance the natural flavors. It’s clear why there's always a line out the door – the food here is worth waiting for!The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced seafood and fresh ingredients, which reflects in the quality and taste of every dish served. The staff, mostly Italian, are not only knowledgeable about the cuisine but also exceptionally welcoming and attentive, making us feel like part of the family.Maurizio Trattoria is a true gem in San Diego for anyone seeking to indulge in top-notch Italian cuisine. The combination of authentic dishes, a warm atmosphere, and stellar service makes this place a culinary landmark. Highly recommend making reservations to secure a table at this prized establishment. Cinque stelle all the way!“

“Met friends there. Easy to get there. Parking available but limited. We got lucky and found a spot right away.Food was very good. I had a daily special, a clams and mussels risotto.Lots of choices for wine, both foreign and domestic.We sat inside due to the weather, although a covered heated patio was available. It was fairly noisy, mostly from the street.“

“True family Italian meal, nothing pretentious just perfect food for the soul. Who cares about the location and fast food atmosphere when you have such an honest cooking that brought me back to Italy, sharing a joyful meal with my friends. Highly recommend it.“

“We pop in occasionally for lunch. I really enjoy their patio, the bread is tasty and better than many Italian restaurants(I really think a restaurant could win over customers with an excellent bread service). I occasionally get a craving for their Capellini al Pomodoro, which is a simple angel hair with a savory yet meatless red sauce.“

“We were shopping in Encinitas on a Friday night when I spotted the front signage for Forchettaboutit Pizza. We decided to stop in for a couple slices. The joint was jumping on this Friday night and we had to wait a few minutes for an inside table. They do have outdoor patio heaters but it was still too windy to dine outside.We chose the white pizza with chicken and caramelized onions and their meat lovers pizza, and the Caesar salad with chicken. Everything was delicious.The salad was one of the best I've had. The meat was warm, so it was cooked to order and not refrigerated. It was juicy and had great flavor. The chef knows his chicken.The pizza was great if you don't mind a softer crust. It had a wonderful bite and really good char on the underside. Seasoning was great and the toppings looked fresh and really generous.Our waitress gave us a small ramekin of their marinara and it was sooo good. I will definitely try their pasta next time I'm in Encinitas.Service was excellent. All the waitresses had high energy, were fun, and very attentive.The only draw back was soda was from a can so no free refills.“

“This is a great neighborhood place with warm, friendly professional staff. The managers, bartenders, waiters staff and bus people are all excellent. The piano players add a really nice touch as well. We love this place. Oh yeah, the food and drinks are top notch as well!“

“I worked there is high school, and loved it. RALF HAS A BIG HEART AND TREATS HIS STAFF LIkE FAMILY. I LEARNED ALOT ABOUT, WHEN A BUISNES IS RUN LIKE A WELL OILED MACHHINE AND EVERYONE HAS EACHOTHERS BACKS THINGs RUN SMOOTH AND MINIMIZES THE STRESS OF A FAST PACED environment. It has nodoubt left a lasting impression.“

“I wish I could've brought my brotha here because he's from Chicago, he would've loved it! A total Chicago atmosphere and food to go along with it. We had the deep dish pizza which we were not prepared for. This pizza was massive and delicious. We also tried a couple of appetizers which my boy told me do not do prior to a deep dish pizza. Now I know Lol. We will definitely be back to this place when we come back to SoCal. The staff was amazing as well and we believe even the owner came out and said hello to us if you're in the mood for pizza, Make this a must visit!“

“Parking can be a little challenging but with patience you’ll find a spot.Food was great! Service as well.It was a double date. We shared a large pizza and a the Apple walnut salad among the 4 of us. Salad not pictured we do outed it before I could take a picture.My husband also got the chicken Parmesan, with spaghetti.The bread they offer was dangerously good.“