40 Best Italian Restaurants near Poway

“I think the food is very good. I would give it five stars excellent service, beautiful wine had a wonderful night. 🍷🍝“

“This place is excellent! I crave it often. Their antipasto salad is fantastic. I lived in New Jersey for 9 years, so my standards for pizza are unreasonably high. But what Filippis may lack in crust quality and sauce, they make up for with tons of cheese, which works just fine for me. This is good pizza... maybe the best in San Diego.“

“This is a true gem in north county San Diego. The closet to a real NY pizza you'll find in San Diego, period. Thin crust and no frills, just a legit slice of large pizza made the same way it's done in Brooklyn. Owner Tony is always gracious and generous with his food and stories.
Highly recommended.“

“Absolutely awesome food . Never disappoints👌“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Had an excellent experience , I stopped by for a quick buffet late lunch and the cashier Napoli asked me what pizza I preferred since the ones under the ready to grab table were almost all out. So they can make that one next,,, I really appreciate her asking, this place really heats the chic fil a across the parking lot by a mile. Not only can you get salad but pizza buffet. Amazing!!! 🤌❤️Glad i waited on taking lunch to hit this Round Table Pizza for a great exoerience will def come back next time im around. Thank you Napoli 🔥✔️❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“Fast and friendly service. Great food. Been here several times and tonight I am having my “go to” Supreme Pizza with added pineapple and jalapeños. I also like anchovies, so I personally added them. Don’t kink shame me. Garlic Parmesan wings were hot, buttery and delicious as usual“

“The Margarita pizza was the best . Thus far from any pizzaria I’ve had“

“Rosinas is consistently excellent authentic Italian food. The only food downside ( which is why I gave Food a 4 out of 5 rating), is their Ceaser salad...it is consistently bland, really watery, and tasteless...such an unpleasant surprise given that ALL of the other salads are so delicious, and ALL of the other food is delicious. Rosina, PLEASE update the Ceaser salad..it is really awful.“

“Never had a bad experience here. The staff are always super friendly and make you feel welcomed and take good care of us. This is our favorite no-frills, reliably good food, hole in the wall spot. Our son loves the food here too! Highly recommend“

“very delicious pizza great amount of toppings and cheese , really enjoyed their cheesy bread😋😋“

“Tonight I visited Vittorio's for the first time and everything about my experience was first rate! I could see that the hostess had a smile on her face, even before I entered the building. the wait staff was great and the food was wonderful! I've never had a better spaghetti alla carbonara. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I'll be back for sure!“

“This local spot boasts a inviting atmosphere. The bar's dark red seats create a cozy ambiance, complemented by the dining room's wood chairs and classic red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Outdoor seating is available for larger groups. We had a gathering of about 50 people, half adults and half kids, on the rear patio. Our server delivered exceptional service, keeping food and drinks readily available.“

“I wish I would’ve taken a picture, but the food was so good I couldn’t be bothered to even look at my phone! I had the calamari, small Caesar salad, chicken parm w/ pasta and marinara this evening. IT WAS SO DANG DELICIOUS!! Every bit, from the garlic on the roll, the perfectly dressed salad and MOST of all...The marinara was so good I had to resist getting up and smacking everyone in the restaurant. Recommend calling ahead for reservations for groups of 3 or more. A cozy well decorated space to match. I will be recommending this place to all my friends and bringing family!“

“We had my birthday celebration at The Godfather and their private room is ideal for large parties. The food was delicious and the service superb! A huge thank you to Salvatore Ercolano, the new Godfather! He was the perfect host for our event and made sure that everything was perfect!“

“Might i suggest on the weekend...have a reservation in advance. Parking is tuff on a Friday night. Once inside you feel like you have escaped to somewhere other than a strip mall. Very cute and quaint place. Our service was excellent! The drink "the other woman" was quite delightful, we also liked the Barbera wine. Favorable vegetarian options but limited at the same time. The bolognese was quite the presentation and had good flavor but overall it was dry. The bread (yum) and sauce (yum) are excellent. We added the left over bread sauce to the bolognese which made it more enjoyable. You have to try the sweet potato gnocchi dish maybe even share it as an appetizer. Delish! Just a heads up, on the weekends the bar is not available for regular use. We are the type of people to pop in and have a drink or two and learned that wasn't an option. Too bad, seems like a fun place to hang out especially when they have music but it is small so you have that. Check it out!“

“I really enjoy their lunch specials, order a penne pasta and it came with a side salad. Food was excellent and the staff was so friendly.“

“Came here with the family after a day at SeaWorld, the service was great the food was too. The wings were nice and crispy just how we like them they gave us the Buffalo sauce in separate little bowls something new but the Buffalo sauce was really good and the ranch was nice and creamy. We ordered 2 pizza's it was more than enough for all of us there were seven of us, if you like really and I mean really cheesy pizza this is the spot for you. The drinks all tasted great the only thing I found a bit silly is they limit the refill on fountain drinks to 3 if that was removed my rating would go up to 5 stars no doubt. Will definitely eat here aging next time we visit California.“

“A good pasta place - simple, tasty, diverse and customisable. Will try calzones next time for sure.“

“Mama Cella’s Italian restaurant feels like a treasure passed down through generations, offering authentic Italian flavours that truly shine. From the very first bite of the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, I was in love! The dish is creamy and rich in flavor, a perfect example of classic Italian cuisine.

However, I found the meatballs to be a tad salty when eaten on their own. On a positive note, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, eager to share their knowledge about the food and the restaurant. The cleanliness of the establishment was also impressive, which added to the overall dining experience.

Most importantly, the prices are very reasonable! I would definitely recommend Mama Cella’s, and it will be my go-to spot whenever I’m craving Italian food!

Parking: Yes, you can park in the front of restaurant Or find a spot along the avenue.

Wheelchair accessibility: It’s easy to access with wide doorways that accommodate wheelchairs.“

“I have this overall perfect idea of what Olive Garden is, and it feels a little underwhelming. Maybe it was more grand when I was a kid, but it feels like the effort to the whole esthetic has been put off. Nonetheless, the food was amazing. Our server was busy, but she helped with refills and checked in on us when she could. Lastly, it was extremely busy, which made us wait 45 minutes to an hour, unfortunately.

Vegetarian options: Obviously, salads are mostly vegetarian. Other options are labeled with a "V" showing if they are vegan or not.

Dietary restrictions: Believe there are multiple accommodations for lactose intolerance. Aswell as gluten-free pasta.

Kid-friendliness: Depending on the server, very kid friendly.

Wheelchair accessibility: I believe there is a ramp right next to the restaurant that allows for easy wheelchair access.“

“We were served by Skaula (probably miss spelled her name).

But she did an amazing job, made the experience a lot more enjoyable!
Thank you!!

Food was delicious and free refills for drinks, salads, bread sticks, and soups!

Thank you again for the amazing service!“

“Great food, ambiance and staffs. Thank you!“

“This is such a beautiful restaurant. The water scenery is beautiful. Food is delicious, the atmosphere was so cozy and chill. It was worth it to go there. Whenever I am back in California I am going back again.“

“One of our very FAVORITE spots to drop in on our own, to bring by guests we want to take care of, or to have large gatherings - family and business. We have been coming here for many years, from just 2 of us to the largest being 45 of us for a business function with excellent catering and service. The food is always spot on, and they have one of the best stocked bars in the city - items you rarely find elsewhere. The staff is highly skilled and they flow very well as a team, you always feel taken care of here. Highly recommend Yanni's!“

“Great place. True European feel.“

“Love this place. Great food! Great atmosphere! A community restaurant where we go and see friends! We love the pizza, wings and my favs are Brussel sprouts but I tried the artichoke fritte today. LOVE THEM! High suggest trying them out.“

“Amazing STAFF and food. The General manager was super engaging and grit, staff was attentive even under busy and stressful situations- it’s obvious they have a positive working model. Nice work!“

“Pizza Perfection!

If you’re looking for incredible pizza, FOX’S GIANT PIZZA is the spot! From the moment you walk in, the warm, welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a fantastic meal. The staff was super friendly, and the aroma of fresh pizza from the oven instantly had my mouth watering. Steven was so friendly and sweet!

We tried the Meat Lover, Veggie Supreme, and Margherita pizzas—and wow, every bite was pure bliss.

The Meat Lover was packed with perfectly cooked, flavorful toppings—pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon—layered over a rich, tangy sauce and gooey cheese. Each bite was hearty and satisfying.

The Veggie Supreme was a garden-fresh masterpiece! It had vibrant peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, and the perfect hint of seasoning, all resting on a crispy-yet-fluffy crust. Even non-veggie lovers would enjoy this one!

And the Margherita? A classic done right. The simplicity of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and their signature tomato sauce made it stand out. It was light, fresh, and absolutely delicious.

This is hands-down one of the best pizza places I’ve ever been to. Whether you’re a meat lover, veggie enthusiast, or crave a classic Margherita, they’ve got something amazing for you. I can’t wait to come back!“

“We picked up food yesterday during their grand opening in Santee. Best pesto I’ve ever had! Staff was great too. We will definitely be back.“

“Great pizza!! This location is very convenient, quick and the pizza is amazing!! Our whole family loved it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new place to order from! We will definitely be back!“

“Amazing Pizzas and Community Spirit!

We’ve been loyal customers of Pauly’s Pizza Joint for years, and Mona and her team never disappoint! The new restaurant is fantastic, with a welcoming atmosphere and, as always, incredible Pizzas. Whether it’s a regular night out or a special occasion, Pauly’s is our go-to spot. Mona’s dedication to the community really stands out, too—she’s always supporting our local softball league and other events. Highly recommend Pauly’s Pizza Joint for great food and great customer service!“

“I'm glad hubby, son and I finally gave Buca a try. Jean Pierre our server provided us with a phenomenal service. Went above and beyond! His energy and engagement was so infectious and that's what sets this place apart from any other restaurant we've ever been to. The huge portions of food are a plus. We can't wait to go back :)“

“Pazzos is the best Italian in Scripps Ranch. Since 93 they have been serving up good pies and cold brews. The Eggplant Parma is all time. Insider tip....get the 12 inch.“

“Good pizza and service I love it“

“We go here almost every Monday! We call it our spaghetti night. The pasta dishes are outstanding. Food always comes out HOT. (Careful you don't burn your tongue 😝) We also order pizza for pickup a couple of times a month. Best pizza in the area! We've had Birthday 🎂 parties in the back room. The staff is very accommodating.“

“What a great restaurant at the Bernardo Winery. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends for lunch before walking around the cute winery and do some shopping in the boutiques on site.

There are lots of outdoor tables to choose from and most are shaded. It opens at 11am and it was busy soon after. We went on a weekday too.
You can get wines from the tasting room or delicious coffee from Manzanita next door.

You order from the counter and your food will be delivered to your table. Everything we had was delicious though the pizza was a little on the burnt side from the wood fired oven.

Parking: There are two small parking lots and plenty of street parking.“

“Had a bridal shower for 25 ladies and Frank and the staff took good care of us ….. excellent food and wine and loved the Sangria. Perfect day on their patio to celebrate !!!“