41 Best Italian Restaurants near Poway

“It's our place to dine. Great food. Antonio and all the staff are wonderful. John Adams“

“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.“

“Service was quick and straight to the point. Pizza was delicious, crispy and light, but unfortunately the restaurant smelled of bad plumbing as soon as I walked in and was super unappetizing to say the least. If you get pizza here get it to go!“

“BETTER THAN THE BOX! I usually buy the CPK boxes at the grocery store and shove them in the oven, but nothing can beat the in-restaurant experience. It's soooo much better getting my Mushroom-Pepperoni-Sausage pizza out of a brick oven and fresh! The pizza was super tasty and crispy. We got the regular crust and it blew our minds.

My party and I also tried the salad, it was surprisingly fresh and not too bad! It's the Thai Salad I think? For dessert, we had the Belgian Chocolate Cake w/ Vanilla Ice Cream,. It tasted like a soufflé made in heaven.

Overall, our service was great, our waitress Sofia was very attentive and professional. She kept our drinks full on this hot, hot day. Sofia was also courteous and removed our plates without us asking. She deserves a major shoutout! The other staff were pretty nice too, only a couple of odd balls with staring problems, but not too bad.

The ambiance was relaxed for the most part, there were plenty of families and various age groups. It never got wild. This is a fantastic spot to see a Padres game! I got to watch some of the game here and they had excellent screens at the bar and in the dining room.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“This Place was So Cozy, Clean,
And such an inviting Atmosphere... My husband ordered Spaghetti and meatballs (He said he's Never had Spaghetti & meatballs DELICIOUS ?) I had Chicken Alfredo.. OMG!! I highly recommend this place and food“

“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!“

“Their original restaurant on 6th Ave used to be a family favorite back in the 60's and '70's where you could watch the pizza makers tossing the dough. They currently have 2 locations. This family run Italian restaurant is a real gem. Their menu is fabulous and the food is outstanding. You must give them a try. You can thank me later.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Olive Garden Review
I had a fantastic dining experience at the Olive Garden last night! Our server, Jay, was absolutely amazing. He was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed.
We started off with a delicious Italian margarita and a strawberry lemonade. The drinks were perfectly refreshing and set the tone for a wonderful meal. For our main course, we both ordered the shrimp and scallop fettuccine, and it was absolutely incredible. The pasta was cooked to perfection, the sauce was flavorful, and the seafood was fresh and tender.
Overall, I highly recommend the Olive Garden for a delicious and enjoyable dining experience. Be sure to ask for Jay as your server!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Been going to Nicolosi's since I was a kid when they were on El Cajon Blvd. Always have had good experience there. The one area they need to improve on is adding the points to the rewards card. The last two times they took my card but didn't add the points. Waitresses need better training.“

“family owned and run. food and service is excellent. the views and ambiance brings italy to san diego“

“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!“

“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 :)“

“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!“

“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“

“The food was delicious!!!! I had a chicken dish that was sauteed with mushrooms and capers. Melted in my mouth and the sauce was to die for. The best surprise was the amazing red sauce on the spaghetti that came as a side. I never, ever, ever, like red sauce in restaurants. This one was thick and flavorful.
To top off all this delicious food our server was just perfect.
You must try this gem ?“

“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.“

“We had great service from our waitress to our bus boy. The food was delicious and huge portion, too. We like the ambience. However, the music is a bit loud. Overall, I like this place and we will recommend it to our friends. We will definitely come back!“