Brittan A.
Google
TL;DR
Food was fresh and delicious. Service was fabulous. I will definitely be going back.
So to be honest it was never my intention to try this restaurant. After a long busy day at work my partner and I discussed some various options. I tried making reservations at another restaurant and it was an hour wait. Disappointed, we searched for something close to home that would satisfy our hunger. We had decided on a burger joint just down the road. As I waited for the arrival of my plus one I wandered over to the menu board of a neighboring restaurant. I reviewed the menu offerings and pondered the taste of some of the delicious menu items. While reviewing the menu a friendly man approached and offered me a table. I kind of declined his offer and mentioned my current holding pattern pending the arrival of my partner. Walter, as he introduced himself, let me know about the quality of his ingredients imported from Italy and the fresh wholesomeness of his ingredients.
As I strolled away I picked up the phone to advise of a change of plans. She and I both delighted in the prospect of enjoying some fine Italian food and the excitement of trying something new. As she arrived and strolled through the beautiful park-like entrance of the property I mentioned the beauty of the aesthetics of the restaurant's physical design, highlighting the awesome bi-fold glass garage door that tied the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
We were promptly seated upon arrival at an "outdoor" table underneath a warm and welcoming outdoor heater. As we reviewed the menu we had trouble deciding on what to order. There were so many things that piqued our interest on the menu. Walter checked in on us to see if we had any questions about the menu and we explained our predicament. After some brief discussion on our top choices we were assisted with making our selections.
Insalata Burrata - Arugula, Burrata, fresh pepper
Spaghetti alla Francisco - Mild, fresh
Pizza Bianca - White pizza
We started with the Insalata Burrata, which was a refreshing burst of flavors. The creamy burrata paired perfectly with the peppery arugula and a dash of fresh cracked pepper, all drizzled with high-quality olive oil that screamed "imported from Italy." It was light yet indulgent, setting the tone for the meal.
Next came the Spaghetti alla Francisco, a simple but masterful dish. The sauce was mild and vibrant —nothing overpowering, just pure, wholesome Italian comfort. The pasta was cooked al dente, and every bite felt like it was prepared with care using those premium ingredients Walter had mentioned.
The star of the show, though, was the Pizza Bianca from their brick oven. The crust was thin, crispy on the edges, and chewy in the middle. It was minimalist in the best way, letting the quality of the ingredients shine through without any heavy sauces or overload of toppings. We savored every slice
Throughout the meal, the service was impeccable—attentive without being intrusive. Walter stopped by again to check on us, sharing a bit about the restaurant's Neapolitan-inspired roots, which added a personal touch. The outdoor seating under the heaters made for a cozy atmosphere, even as the evening cooled down, and the seamless indoor-outdoor flow gave the place a vibrant, welcoming vibe.
Overall, Del Lusso exceeded our expectations for what started as a spontaneous detour. The food was authentic, fresh, and full of flavor, the portions generous, and the prices reasonable for the quality. If you're in Carlsbad craving Italian done right, skip the chains and head here. We'll be back soon—maybe to try the meatballs or one of their red sauce pizzas next time! 5/5 stars.