Buona Forchetta - Encinitas

Perfect place for a nice dinner, family or just two! They accommodate any size parties, and the staff goes over the top for service. Nice atmosphere, inside or outside dining. One of my favorite places to eat in Encinitas!

Excellent pizza and pasta! No challenge getting a table for lunch on a Sunday. Reasonably priced too! I will say the oil and vinegar for the bread is served in an oddly deep bowl. There was too much oil on the top, you don't get the right balance of both when dipping the bread.

Satisfying lunch experience at a Veg friendly Italian place in Encinitas. It is rare to find a Vegan Spaghetti Puttanesca, but it was quite tasty. Someone in my party raved about the Spaghetti with the Aglio Olio e Peperoncino sauce (quite spicy). The pastas with Pesto sauce and Cacio e Pepe sauce also got good reviews. The Focaccia bread was a good appetizer.

Many people consider this restaurant the best in San Diego, and I can definitely see why. The food here is genuinely outstanding. This might've been the best Italian style pizza I've had outside of Italy. The pizza itself is pretty large, but thin enough to be perfect for one person. The tiramasu here was also the best I've had anywhere, easily a top 5 dessert of all time for me. The service was also ridiculous, with our food coming out about 5-10 minutes after we ordered which was shocking given how busy it was. The waiter was also literally from Italy which added to how authentic the whole experience was. For the atmosphere, we didn't want to wait so we chose the only available table which was outside on a cold night, but at least they had heaters and ambient lighting. Overall this is the perfect date spot and a top restaurant in San Diego, no question. Recommendation: Pizza Regina Margherita, Tiramasu

Lucky to get reservations on the same day - even if it was after 7. You’ll definitely be waiting almost an hour if you just show up without a reservation.. After arriving two hours earlier hoping to get a table we were seated after nearly an hour … They give you complimentary focaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic rather quickly - the bread was pretty good . We ordered two pastas one marinara and one cacio de Pepe.l and a caprese antipasto.. the caprese came out first and we really enjoyed that . Then the pastas - the marinara one was good , the caccio was missing something , just didn’t hit the mark for me . Service was great and there were a lot of people. Anyway glad we tried it. One and done ✅

Took me a while to make it here but definitely lived up to the hype. We made online reservations, we were seated quickly and immediately greeted by a waiter. We tried a bottle of Sangiovese wine, calamari for the table and for dinner had several pizzas and the eggplant Parmesan. Everything was great. The calamari was flavorful and expertly prepared. The marinara dipping sauce was good but overpowered the delicate flavors of the calamari. The pizzas were fantastic. I tried the Juna with hot honey. The most developed flavor profile of the night was the eggplant Parmesan. Next time we will try the pastas and leave some room for desserts. Fantastic service from the hostess to the bussers.

So amazing. The food, the atmosphere, the service. Everything was so good. Highly recommend.

I’ve always had great memories of Buona Forchetta Encinitas, so I was looking forward to coming back. Unfortunately, the food just didn’t have the same freshness or flavor I remembered. The service was an issue. The hostess were rude.and our server never introduced himself or made much effort to engage. I hope this was just an off night, because I’d love to see this place return to the warm, welcoming experience it used to be.

We approached this quaint and cozy restaurant on a Friday evening as they opened. I've heard so many great things about Buona F and had to try it for myself. The place was just opening and already a line down the street. I didn't make a reso! My bad. I reach the host stand and cautiously ask for a "table for 4 with two toddlers" under my breath. The host probably wanted to laugh in my face BUT instead she asked us if we can eat quickly (trust me, twins, that is the only way we do it) she hooked us up with a lovely table in the window and we were thrilled. Mad props to her The whole staff was pleasant and quick on their feet. We ordered a delicious pizza and some salad. My husband also had the gnocchi. My friends weren't lying. It was amazing. Such a warm atmosphere and very kid friendly! We will surely be back again. I can't wait to go sans kids too.

TLDR: Food: 2.5/5 Space: 2/5 Staff: 3.5/5 Price: 1/5 Note: This may sound nit-picky and brutally honest but if you're going to have such high prices I have higher expectaions. Space: One thing that bothered me instantly is the cheapness of the interior, all dishes and cups were basic white or clear plastic, didn't appear very clean. Chairs were simple metal, same chairs as in fast food restraunts, not very comfortable for a long sit down dinner. Staff: Noticed something I saw other reviewers mention as well, staff asked to clear plates when people were clearly not ready. Checked in several times, were mostly polite. Didn't really provide a fun or enthusiastic atmosphere though, felt robotic like they were just going through a routine. Food: Portions are large, but quality is meh. Started with polpettine, they were small and without the tomato sauce very bland, with sauce they were probably the best item I had that night. Pizza (Nicola) had soggy cold bottom, couldn't even pick it up to eat it because it was so wet and floppy, tasted very oily and wasn't cut when it was brought to the table. Pasta (bucatini, buona forchetta, porcini, salsiccia) was served warm, pretty ok amount of added mushroom/sausage but sauce wasn't that flavorful felt like a basic cheesy cream sauce, and was very heavy I couldn't eat much of it, I added red pepper flakes for more flavor but wasn't very impressed with it. Ingredients felt cheap and not special. Price: WAY TO HIGH. Didn't feel like quality of food and experience overall matched steep price whatsoever, I mean $35 for a mediocre pasta dish?? For 2 people it was well over $100 with no drinks. If it was less expensive or quality increased I would love this place, but with how it is now you're much better off somewhere else, don't waste your money here.

Tip for solo travelers: they do not have a bar so to avoid waiting, make a reservation, even for just one. Usually traveling alone, you can get into any restaurant immediately by sitting at the bar. The service is really good. The ambience is very nice for a date or I guess a date with yourself. They have a very large menu and plenty of gluten-free options. I had gluten-free pizza and gluten-free focaccia, which was basically just the same as the pizza crust so you can probably skip it. They make most of their cocktails with Soju, which is kind of interesting, but I just had a regular aperol spritz. Is it the best gluten-free pizza I've ever had in my life? No. That was in Chicago at Forno Rosso. They also had the best burrata Ive ever tasted in my life. The second best gluten-free crust was in Miami. But this is probably undoubtably the best in San Diego. It is chewy it is fluffy. It's not a cracker so it is very good. Don't get me wrong. I do wish they had a pistachio pizza with pesto that has been a favorite of mine at Neapolitan pizza places in the states. But overall, it's worth trying it's worth your money.

Located in a charming corner of Highway 101 is the hidden gem Buona Forchetta serving fresh and flavorful Italian cuisine. They are extremely accommodating to food allergies with GF pasta, gnocchi, and pizza crust. The GF pasta was a bit thick and soft textured but the creamy carbonara sauce made up for it. The halibut was light and fresh while the calzone was bubbly and crispy. The patio has warm heaters to make dining outside in the winter a pleasant experience. Definitely recommend Buena Forchetta!

I really wanted to love this place after hearing so many good things, but I think it just fell slightly short of my expectations. I went on a Saturday afternoon and there was no wait, but it is quite a small place so I assume that is not the case all of the time. It's very cute and homely inside, adding to the ambiance. To begin, they have a very large menu and you will likely find that they can fulfill any of your Italian cravings. We ordered the Eva pizza and the buona forchetta pasta. The pizza was absolutely amazing in taste, but just a bit thin in the crust causing it to fall apart upon lifting it up to serve it--I would still order again however. The pasta on the other hand lacked any real deep flavor and it was extra to have your dish use fresh made pasta, which I found odd at an Italian restaurant because handmade pasta should really be the default. Overall I think the sauce could've had a tad more flavor and fell a bit short, but I would definitely come back to try their other pizza flavors.

We typically go to the location in liberty station or South Park, but today we were up in North County and decided to try the Encinitas location. This spot has a few tables out front on the sidewalk and a few more on the side patio, but does offer indoor seating as well. The menu has a plethora of pastas, pizzas, salads and antipastas. I'm a fan of the calamari fritti, polpettine and the Angela pizza which is what we chose these time around. The pizzas are always a good choice as they are wood fired Neapolitan style. The pastas are also very customizable since you get to choose which pasta shape, which preparation/sauce, as well as any additional add one.

We made a reservation at 6:00 and were seated right away on the patio. There were people waiting outside when we arrived & several waiting when we left. The patio is quite cozy. The tables are rather close to one another and you will hear others conversations.My husband had a pasta with pesto & sausage dish & I had the meat lasagne. Both were tasty but not served warm enough so we asked for them to be heated. Great when this was done Had a nice bottle of Sangiovese which went well with our food

Buona Forchetta is a gem with six locations in the San Diego area, and a seventh coming soon in Newport, OC. We visited the Encinitas location several times, and it never disappointed. The interior is cozy and intimate, with a charming, romantic feel. The street-side patio is equally inviting--quiet, well-lit, and perfect for a relaxed meal. The meal started with a complimentary serving of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a nice touch that set the tone for a delicious evening. The staff is mostly Italian, which added to the authenticity of the experience. We were recommended Buona Forchetta by a co-worker from Italy, who said it's the only place where the pizzas taste just like they do in Naples. Having visited Naples in my teens and still holding fond memories of the food there, I couldn't agree more. We tried two pizzas: the Puttanesca (Mozzarella, capers, anchovies, olives, San Marzano tomatoes) and the Nicola (Mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil). The Puttanesca had a perfect balance of salty and savory flavors, with the anchovies and capers giving it a briny punch, while the San Marzano tomatoes added a rich, tangy sweetness. The thin, Neapolitan-style crust was beautifully crisp on the edges, yet soft and airy in the middle. Surprisingly, the gluten-free crust was just as delightful--not too hard or chewy, just slightly less crispy and airy compared to the wheat version, but still a fantastic option. The Nicola was a decadent mix of flavors. The prosciutto di parma was tender and flavorful, and the truffle oil added an earthy, aromatic richness that paired perfectly with the mozzarella and mushrooms. Each bite was a delicious contrast of rich and light, with the thin crust providing the ideal base. We haven't yet tried their pasta because the pizzas are just too irresistible, but one day we'll explore that side of the menu as well. Service was spot-on--attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive. Overall, the ambiance is romantic and perfect for a date night or a cozy dinner with friends. Highly recommended!

We came here for my birthday because we were looking for gluten-free options. They made fresh pasta daily and they were very aware of food allergies. We sat outside and it was a really nice environment. We will definitely be back.

First time here. Was a little nervous because some recent reviews were not good. Our experience was great. Very good service. Short wait because we didn't have reservations and even at 5:15 they were busy. We sat on the side patio and it was fine. They had heaters on so temp was good. Complimentary focaccia and oil and vinegar were good. Had wanted deep fried pizza bites but they were out. We opted for the regular pizza bite trio. We were actually glad they didn't have the ones we wanted. We each chose a pasta dish. My husband had Due Pomodoro with 2 meatballs and I had the tagliatelle with Aglio Olio E Peperoncino. Both were very tasty. We had plenty of attention from many of the staff. The Chianti Classico was a really good choice for wine and we had the vanilla panna cotta with berries for dessert. It was perfection. Thanks for a great Sunday dinner.

Came here with a large party and was seated in a private dining room on a lower level in the back of the restaurant. Service was friendly and I liked the rustic decor in the room. I did notice there was no music, having some light music playing could have improved the atmosphere a bit. Really enjoyed the burrata and the server even brought an extra order on the house due to a mix up. I enjoyed my bolognese sauce pasta and the first wine on the reds list. Great spot for a private party with upscale but still casual dining. Found street parking pretty easily around the block.

First off, the food is really good. The ravioli was tasty! Things that aren't so great: This place gets really busy, it's small and pretty cramped. The service wasn't great when I was there. We saw our server once to order and then at the end to pay the bill. He never checked to see how our food was or to see if we wanted more wine. I cut a lot of slack to servers when it's busy but it wasn't much of a dining experience here unfortunately. It felt like eat and leave.

Really wasn't a fan of the food at buona forchetta. The service was REALLY good and that was honestly the only really good thing about it. The bread was stale and the pasta I got was just untasty. I didn't taste any spice and it really just tasted like slightly sour milk to be honest. The guy at the table next to me also got the buona forchetta sauce and said he rated it a "D" on a grade scale. I would say it was more of a "C" rating but it really just didn't hit the spot. I normally like creamy pasta or pink sauce but I didn't taste much of the marinara and it wasn't salty enough... just tasted like straight cream. After I was done with the pasta, there was a whole pool of oil beneath it which was unappetizing. For the price, a very underwhelming serving of pasta and I think you can get much better in the area. I will say, the pizzas looked very good and my friend's pasta was decent. However, her pasta still didn't wow me when I had a bite :( The staff however were realllyyyy friendly and that makes this experience a higher rating. Staff deserve 5 stars for sure!

On our way home from Carlsbad by lazy driving through scenic Coast Highway 101, we decided to stop by the restaurant for a quick lunch after checking Yelp for suggestions. The restaurant is not big and has a cozy trattoria ambience (one side note: the front entrance door is locked; the real entrance is on the left side). We got seated without waiting since it was almost 3PM. The waiters were cordial and attentive. We got the menu with complimentary bread right away. We ordered one pizza and one build-yourself pasta. The pizza was delicious with fluffy crust edge and generous toppings. The pasta was al dente and chicken breast cubes were very tender. Overall a great experience. It is kind of far from home (yes, very far), otherwise it could be a weekly visit place for us.

Service was okay; around a 20 minute wait to get a table, but the vibe inside was nice. However, the food was lacking. Attached below is the Juno "pizza", which was one of the worst pizzas I've ever had. The pasta was very good, though. After asking the waitress if the pizzas normally are like this, she was unsympathetic and said they all are made this way and walked away. Would not come back.

Cute little place. Almost packed at 730 pm on a Thursday. Ordered vegan Bolognese, it was saucy, which I loved. It wasn't very impressive otherwise. They ran out of take out utensils.

This restaurant has decent pasta if that's what you're craving. They have unique pasta noodles you might not find in other Italian restaurants. I tried the pesto pasta and it was satisfying -- but on the oily side. Considering there's no protein, the price of $19 is kind of steep too. Service was slow, but we did go during rush lunch hour. The servers were friendly and you could tell they were doing their best given the circumstances. We sat outside because we had the pugs with us -- restaurants with nice outdoor seating always get bonus points :) Overall, I'd say this isn't the first restaurant that comes to mind when someone asks me where I want to eat in downtown Encinitas. But if I'm craving pasta, I would definitely come back and maybe try another entree.

Buona Forchetta is my favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego. I mostly frequent the South Park location so it was nice to try this Encinitas one that was conveniently located along Coast Hey. It was consistent in their hospitality, service and quality of food. This location had a cute alley way that was turned into outdoor seating as well as out front on the sidewalk. I did try two items that I've never had before - Juna pizza with vegan mozerella & carbonara pappardelle. The pizza was amazing with a variety of meat and the spicy honey which goes surprisingly well. The carbonara pappardelle pasta was cooked perfectly Al dente with a creamy sauce and bacon bits. The food came out quickly in less than 10 minutes and portions were a good size. I left feeling satisfied and glad that I again had a great experience at Buona Forchetta!

Awesome date night spot with incredible food. We started with a prosciutto, fig, and burrata appetizer that was surprisingly very generous on the prosciutto especially. Dressed simply with balsamic glaze and a nice salad of arugula on top for a lovely, classic bite. Main was seafood and lobster tail risotto and house-made pappardelle pasta with mixed seafood. Both were generously portioned and perfectly seasoned. The different types of seafood (clams, mussels, squid, shrimp, lobster) were all respectfully cooked and nothing tasted overdone or compromised for all being in one dish. I asked for extra bread to sop up the sauce in the pasta dish, and they happily obliged. Intimate spot with tables inside as well as on their front and side patios. Service was prompt and lovely. Couldn't ask for more out of an enjoyable dining experience.

We got take out which was easy to do on their website. The pasta was to die for, we had the alfredo and the house specialty Buona Forchetta pasta. The flavors were delicate with a bit of tang i enjoyed that. With it being take out it seemed a bit on the smaller side when it comes to portions just with maybe how it was packaged. Ultimately i understand this is better for more of a sit down experience where you're having multiple courses. i'd love to come back and try out some of the appetizers and wine. The hostess was so kind and she went above and beyond to make sure we had what we needed. (silverware, parmesan, chili flakes) Can't wait to return :)

One of the best restaurants in Encinitas. I get their pesto gnocchi at least once a week. Highly recommended!

So I made a reservation but they could only give me a table by the kitchen. Even when I asked . Then the waiter ignored us for 15 minutes. I looked online for wood fired pizza and this had great reviews. I ordered a nice bottle of wine . Then the pizza came out completely undercooked. I asked the waiter to put it back in the oven and he said it couldn't be because it was already cut up. Seriously???? It wasn't cooked. So I said "well , it needs to go back in " and my husband said "just cook it some more" . It was kind of uncomfortable. In the end , They did, make us a fresh pizza that was charred more and was very tasty. The ambience is fun and lively and has lovely little lamps on the tables . The menu is fun and you can choose your pasta and what sauce you would like. It was reasonably priced and lots of customers!

The review from Lou S more or less sums it up. I am throwing down five stars for the service. Our waiter was perfect. Food was generally fine. Three star removal not for flies (they must have been sleeping) but for general filth. Invest in a pressure washer! There is black grime on the patio which is the same black grime that is directly in front of the dumpster. Clean Up! See photos if needed. Windows were disgusting. The food is fine as I stated but eating it makes it not taste so good when looking at some much dirt that is not hard to remove.

Excellent pizzas with many choices and toppings. Also many choices for appetizers, and side dishes. The pizza is all handmade and thin in the main center part, with a thicker crust around the edges. Tasty toppings. We like the Juna and the Giuseppe. The meatball appetizers are to die for and are served with a nice tomato sauce. We shared a spinach salad too. Casual and pleasant atmosphere and decent service, portions & prices. Good selection of beers & wines. They also offer pasta dishes and you can customize it.

Went last Saturday night, something has changed. Didn't recognize any of the staff (they used to have great waiters). I got the gnocchi w/ bolognese it was terrible, felt like I was eating wallpaper paste. My husband liked his dish - a seafood special over pasta. We split the beet salad and they changed that also - hardly any beets were in it. We also ate here two months ago and did not like our meals but we thought maybe it was an off night. Sadly, won't be back

Outstanding fresh food! homeade pastas , incredible pizzas and variety of salads! We arrived , got our order taken right away and the food came out quickly and nice and hot !

Ordered off specials menu and pizza was amazing with large buratta in center. Mussels/clams in tomato broth was very good. Daughter ate all of the chicken parm (I didn't get a bite!) and server subbed side for fettuccini noodle which I tried and could have eaten a whole plate it was delicious!

Completely Overpriced Quality of food was mediocre - it was as if they threw together ingredients Salad was wilted and the walnuts were not even candied just regular walnuts from a bag. Been here 3 times but now I am done

Not the greatest parking options, especially for a rainy day, but we felt less slighted after settling on a puddle next to the Ferrari Spider. If they can get their Pirelli's muddy, we can do the same with our Sentry's. It's a small venue on the inside, so we were relegated to the outside dining, yes the area with the corrugated aluminum roof. The fun thing about that roof... because the restaurant is so close to the ocean... is that the occasional ocean gust will lift that mother about 4 feet from its support structure and then slam it down like Shaq. If you're not paying attention, it can send shivers down your spine and expletives out your mouth. Perfect for leaving lasting impressions with your mother in law. Now, the pizza is good. I had the gnocci. Why did I have the gnocci when I knew they were known for their pizza? Because it was one of my mother's favorite dishes, and this was a nod to her legacy. Sorry mom, that's the last gnocci nod you're getting from me. Wont be ordering it again, especially at $26. However, at $17, the Burrata Capresse was very nice.

Fabulous food and service. Despite being very busy our server Antonella kept us well taken care of. The calamari appetizer was very light and crispy with an excellent marinara and the artichoke hearts were prepared in a way we had never experienced before. The tomato basil spaghetti was very fresh and the carbonara with in house papardelle pasta was excellent, prepared correctly with no creme as some places use to short cut the prep time. A couple frothy cappuccinos closed it out. Next time we will leave the gun and take the canolli. We live just 10 minutes away so we will definitely be back.

I absolutely love Buona Forchetta and it's an absolute must for anyone that's Gluten Free. Hands down the best pizza and homemade pasta that's the closest to the real things I've ever had. I've been several times most recently for my birthday with my family. We had the grilled marinated artichokes to start which had a great garlic and herb flavor and were tender to cut into. We shared the gluten free margarita pizza and gluten free pasta with Buona Forchetta sauce and shrimp. The pizza was cooked perfectly, just like the pizza in Naples. The pasta was outstanding, it was a gluten free penne but I loved the texture and the Buona Forchetta sauce is like a creamy vodka sauce with a little less spice. So flavorful. The shrimp were grilled and relatively large and had the perfect taste and texture. I also love that they carry several Italian wines that are very reasonably priced. We chose a Barbera since it was a hot day. We sat on the side patio which is mostly shaded but some sun was peeking through to give it a little warmth. Our server was attentive and offered a kids pasta option that was not on the menu for my kids. I'm always happy with my experience at Buona Forchetta - grazie!

Great service! Great food. Outdoor seating (a little tight). One restroom (probably more needed).

#1 make reservations. We didn't have reservations but were sat within 30 min in the patio which was quite warm during a cold evening. We ordered the, choose the pasta, choose your sauce, and choose your toppings. My husband and I were very impressed best recommendation from our local friend. Will return again. Better than any other Italian food in Encinitas.

We used to love coming here! Sad to report on most recent visit, we were disappointed. Upset to spend a good amount at dinner and to be served on plastic. The pasta had flavor but used to be more flavorful.

One of my daughter's favorite places. (Does she like the cute waiters?!) We had a large party and were well taken care of by a guy with a thick Italian accent. (Or is it the Italian accents she likes?) Anyways, this is a great family place and perfect for bringing kiddos; smiling vibes, loud and happy! The food is great; we had pizza and lasagna, how can you go wrong? Except Hubby wishes they had Stone Delicious!

If you eat gluten free you have to try this gluten free pizza crust. First time I saw it I asked the waiter if they had made a mistake. It's that good. I love the puns on the t shirts, I think it sets the right ambience but that's a personal preference, some might find it corny. The mushroom pasta is the best I've ever had. Of course I wish the servings were larger because it's so delicious. We haven't actually tried that many items on the menu because what we've tried is so good we keep ordering the same dish

AMAZING! Pesto gnocchi is always a banger, don't miss the ravioli specials (sausage porcini alfredo was phenomenal) and can't forget a traditional Neapolitan pizza. Chefs kiss. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients! Hearty portion sizes of pasta are great to share family style. Enjoyed this spot since it opened and the last visit was the best to date!

Yum! Stopped by because I was selling some stuff at Flashbacks and had a few minutes to kill. The windows are filled with insane looking combos of pizza. Had to walk in and spent around $6 for a generous slice of what looked like focaccia with artichokes, prosciutto and mozzarella on red sauce with balsamic. They put it in their pizza oven to get all warm & lovely, then drizzled the top with EVOO and more balsamic glaze before slicing the slice in 1/2 for easy eating. I thought this would be like a focaccia - soft and bready. It was not. The bottom was super crispy and the top was cloud like. Nothing heavy about this. The flavors melded perfectly and there was just the right amount of everything. Absolute perfection. And the one slice was plenty. I was starving and am now full. Should have tried this place sooner but will definitely be back! The service was fast and friendly too. Not much of a vibe but it does have some tables to eat there. Perfect for a walking around snack!

Our family had a great experience here last night. Food was amazing- highlighting the caprese and the buona forchetta pasta. The food came out incredibly fast- wow! Service was great as well- she gave the best recs on wine and food. We would definitely come back.

Quick pizza served in under 10 minutes. Ordered it in a way they a didn't think of and no problem! Thin in middle and bubbly thick edges. Soft pizza. Definitely not fast food type. Another plus real silverware and glassware! Carafe of water delivered to the table. Excellent service.

They don't take reservations. Excellent pizza and pasta. The pizza is Neapolitan style which means it is 1. Very thin crust in the center 2. Tasty chewy edges 3. Baked in a very hot oven which produces the "leopard spots" of char on the underside; 4. Kind of soupy near the center. My mother ordered the Ekaterina pizza which had salmon on it - not very good We ordered the salami and sausage pizza that was very good and even better eaten cold the next AM We ordered the calamari fritti that was so light; IDK what they do the flour coating but it's was perfect. The brussel sprouts that came with bacon was seriously good; my mother even liked it! Tiramisu to finish the meal

I gave up dinner to a really nice italian restaurant nearby to go here since I saw all the great reviews. Well first of all the ambiance is a hole in the wall and outside was quite noisy the people next to us were so loud as the seating is very close. Ambiance well I felt too dressed up as it is very casual the chairs were uncomfortable the whole setting was a small table barely could fit the pizza, pasta and salads waiter had to keep taking things off well i wanted to ejoy my food together. ALso the kitchen is right there and you hear the loud silverware etc. I ordered the Beet salad way too much dressing and cheese so I could barely eat it. Gluten free pizza with the proosciutto which gave me stabbing stomach pain after and the bolognese which I could have done without. I ordered pesto on the side with extra tomato sauce since the pizza did not have barely any. I was really disappointed and would not go back. Also note stomach was upset for 2 days.

The best Neopolitan pizza. Airy, bubbly, crispy, chewy crust. The best vibes always with the friendly staff.

We came here for a bachelorette party dinner over the weekend! There were close to 20 people, so we got to have the back room all to ourselves. The back room is a little hot but they had two fans going which helped quite a bit. The maid of honor ordered everything ahead of time and coordinated with the restaurant on what we wanted and how much. Everything was served family style, so we did not all have to choose individual entrees. The different courses were brought out in pretty rapid succession one after another. We got different toasts, fried calamari, bread with olive oil, and salad as appetizers. Our entrees included pizzas and two different types of pasta. Then we had cheesecake and coffee for dessert! My favorite appetizer was the calamari and my favorite entree was the gnocchi! The gnocchi was soft and served in a delicious creamy tomato sauce. The amount of food we got was actually way too much for our group, but they were kind enough to package the leftovers up for us in togo boxes. They also brought out several bottles of wine for us throughout the meal, we went with a Sauv Blanc and a Chianti which were both really smooth and easy to sip. Overall the food was all very impressive, but unfortunately I got quite sick late that night which was surprising because that rarely happens to me after dining out. I felt fine the rest of the evening and did not have anything else to eat or drink after this meal, so I have to think it was related. I'm wondering if one of the pasta sauces was too rich or the meat in one of the sauces was undercooked. Either way, it was a pretty miserable night and I was up multiple times being sick. I'm still giving this restaurant 4 stars because I thought the food was 5 star quality, but the whole experience cannot be a 5 because of the aftermath. I think I would hesitate on coming back here again because of how I felt afterwards, but during the dinner everything was excellent from the taste of the food to the prompt service by all the waiters.

Definitely some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. From the cheese to the dough it was delicious, fresh with high quality ingredients. Parking can be a little hard to find , but staff were polite and professional, service was definitely on point.

We loved our Italian dinner Buona! The food is so fresh and delicious. Great team service approach and very friendly staff.

Top notch. Wow. Great food and service. Wonderful restaurant. Take a date cuz it is romantic.

Just be prepared to wait for a table. Extremely small restaurant. The wood fired pizza had a burnt taste to the crust, we ordered 2 and one was more than the other. Toppings were delicious. All the pasta dishes were delicious

Buona Forchetta is my favorite Italian food in San Diego - it may be my favorite Italian food that I've tried outside of Italy! The Encinitas location in particular is quaint with a cozy covered side patio and friendly staff. The food is DELICIOUS - as someone who can't eat gluten, I absolutely couldn't believe it the first time I tried their gluten free pizza, it is 1000% the best gluten free pizza I've ever had. Family and friends who have compared their gluten to gluten free crust can't taste a difference. The Nicola pizza is my favorite. They also have amazing gluten free pasta options, even gnocchi! The artichoke dish is incredible as an appetizer too. In addition to gluten free options, they have a number of vegan options as well. I have never had something from Buona Forchetta that I didn't enjoy, I can't recommend it enough!