Sonny’s Pizza
Restaurant · San Diego ·

Sonny’s Pizza

Restaurant · San Diego ·

Neapolitan-meets-NY-style pizza, 80s vibe, cocktails

pizza
cocktails
outdoor seating
dog friendly
thin crust
ambiance
wood-fired oven
friendly staff
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by Eater - Lists + Maps
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null
Sonny’s Pizza by null

Information

1728 Madison Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 Get directions

$30–50

Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Popular for dinner
Good for groups
Good for solo dining
Touristy

Information

Static Map

1728 Madison Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 Get directions

+1 619 432 1838
letsgetsonnys.com
@letsgetsonnys

$30–50 · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for dinner
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Comfort food
•Credit card accepted

Last updated

Jan 6, 2026

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@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

The Best New Restaurants in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Vintage is all the rage at Sonny’s Pizza, a sprawling indoor-outdoor ode to the 1980s in University Heights. Opened partners Jeff Fink and Matt Sieve of nearby Madison on Park and Madi, chef Tony Gutíerrez and pizzaiolo José “Franky” Pereyra, the wood-paneled indoor conjures gritty Brooklyn pizzerias. The rotating gas-and-wood combination oven churns out plush New York-style personal sized pizzas topped with ricotta, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, and jalapeño, sided with well-dressed gem lettuce Caesar salads and breadcrumb-topped baked clams. To wash it all down, sip on on the Members Only, a rye-amaro cocktail with smoked maple syrup and ancho chile. —Matthew Kang, Eater Southern California/Southwest" - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-new-san-diego-restaurants-heatmap
Eater - Lists + Maps
Sonny’s Pizza
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391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Hot San Diego Restaurant Openings You May Have Missed, May 2025 | Eater San Diego

"A retro 1980s–Brooklyn-style pizza shop opened in a 100-year-old building, a collaboration between Madison chef Tony Gutierrez and Jose "Franky" Pereyra. The menu features pizzas such as No Sleep Till Brooklyn (mozzarella and mushrooms) and Smoke on the Water (rapini, Italian sausage, and smoked provolone), along with non-pizza items like Sonny’s burger, baked clams, and chicken Francese. Music vibes extend to the cocktail list with drinks like Run DMC, made with Drambuie, mezcal, and cynar." - Helen I. Hwang

https://sandiego.eater.com/2025/5/27/24438262/hot-san-diego-restaurant-openings-may-2025
Sonny’s Pizza
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

A Rocking New University Heights Pizzeria Is a Slice of 1980s Brooklyn in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Opened Wednesday, May 7 by the team behind California Mediterranean restaurant Madison on Park and brunch-oriented Madi, this Brooklyn-inspired pizzeria pays homage to the gritty 1980s music scene that saw the rise of hip hop and punk rock. Madison chef Tony Gutíerrez and pizzaiolo José “Franky” Pereyra joined forces to compose a menu of pastas and 12-inch pizzas cooked at 600 degrees that straddle the line between traditional Neapolitan and New York pizza styles, all fired in an Italian-made Marana Forni gas and wood combination pizza oven imported from Verona, Italy. Previously an auto repair shop, the redesigned space by Anna and David Sindelar of Archisects channels the resilience and rebellion of 1980s Brooklyn using reclaimed materials, vintage wallpaper and photos of Italian-American icons, and warm wood panels; photos abound — there are portraits from The Godfather movie set with Sonny Corleone alongside Italian American crooner Tony Bennett at the rear of wooden pub booths in the main dining room. Yankee pendants illuminated by candle wall sconces and pizza parlor–style leaded-glass lamps hang from above, and the mezzanine features dark wood furniture and still life paintings that feel like a nonna’s kitchen. Signature pies include Pereyra’s Blitzkrieg Bop—named after the Ramones’ punk anthem—topped with "cup n' char" pepperoni, fresh basil, and grated Pecorino Romano, while the Beastie Boys–themed No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn comes topped with speck (cured pork), mozzarella, mushroom, and red onion. Diners can also get a plate of Italian American nostalgia, such as chicken Francese, a pan-fried cutlet in lemon butter sauce and fresh parsley, as well as old-school American dishes like jumbo shrimp cocktail and a wagyu burger topped with American cheese, onions, and sauce on a soft potato bun. The menu features natural wines and an amaro-centric cocktail program helmed by Madison on Park bartender Danny Kuehner; Kuehner will have a number of signature Negronis, plus 1980s-themed drinks like the Run DMC, a blend of Drambuie, Cynar, and mezcal. The drink menu also presents plenty of low-intervention wines to enjoy on an elegant copper-topped bar that overlooks a concrete patio shaded by greenery. As the crew's third entry into the University Heights dining scene, the restaurant cements their footprint in the tight-knit neighborhood of eclectic restaurants, coffee spots, and quirky shops; it is located at 1728 Madison Avenue, University Heights, San Diego, CA, and is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m." - Bill Esparza

https://sandiego.eater.com/2025/5/8/24426388/sonnys-new-san-diego-pizzeria-university-heights
Sonny’s Pizza
@eater
391,575 Postcards · 10,993 Cities

Sonny’s, One of D.C.’s Top Pizzerias, Sets Up Shop at an Alexandria Marina | Eater DC

"Five years after introducing Park View diners to its tasty grandma-style pies on a focaccia-like crust, I can see Sonny’s Pizza is ready to expand for the first time. In Park View the retro pizza pad’s rec-room–styled dining room carves out room in the back to enjoy its low-intervention wines and large-format bottles of craft beer across a garden patio, and they run a natural wine and pizza club as a monthly subscription service that includes two, three, or four curated bottles, a whole pie, and tasting events. The team’s operation also includes a sleek sister bar next door and other neighborhood ventures." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/2024/5/29/24167289/dc-best-pizzeria-sets-up-shop-at-an-alexandria-marina
Sonny’s Pizza

Lexie E.

Google
Really flavorful and delicious pizza!!! I'm not a huge fan of cheese on pizza, so I ordered the Rosso pizza and it was incredible. The pizza was nice and thin, lots of sauce, had delicious roasted garlic, and a super amazing crust. The pepperoni rolls were a hit! Not a "traditional" marinara sauce, a bit chunky, but still good. Very impressed with the takeout and quality for the price spent. I'll absolutely be back!

Bashir R.

Google
A Slice of 80s NYC Magic in University Heights! ​If you haven’t been to Sonny’s in University Heights yet, stop what you are doing and go. This place is an absolute gem. ​The Vibe & Decor Walking in right now is like stepping into a holiday movie. They have gone all out with the Christmas decor, making the space feel incredibly warm, festive, and inviting. The restaurant spans two levels, which is a huge plus—even on a busy night, it doesn't feel cramped because there is so much space to spread out. ​The Pizza The concept here is brilliant. It feels like a love letter to 1980s New York style pizza, but with a serious culinary backbone inspired by Sicilian chef Francesco Bonsinetto. You get that nostalgic, foldable NY slice, but with the quality ingredients and depth of flavor you'd expect from authentic Sicilian heritage. It’s the perfect crunch-to-chew ratio. ​Perfect for Everyone What impressed me most was how versatile the seating is. ​Date Night: They have intimate table tops for two. ​Small Groups: Classic, comfy booths for four. ​Large Parties: Open seating areas that can easily handle big groups. ​Families: They are incredibly family-friendly; I even saw adorable small chairs specifically for children, which is such a thoughtful touch. ​Sonny’s manages to be cool enough for a night out with friends but welcoming enough for a family dinner. Between the amazing pizza, the festive atmosphere, and the nod to old-school NY, this is easily my new favorite spot in San Diego. ​Highly Recommended!

Filipe de S.

Google
As soon as I walked into Sonny’s Pizza, it gave off strong old-school Northeast pizza shop vibes — wooden booths, red plastic soda cups, and a cozy, nostalgic feel — but with a modern twist. The décor, cocktails, and overall menu add a contemporary edge that makes it feel fresh while still familiar. There’s also plenty of patio seating, which is great for enjoying a relaxed meal outdoors. I started with a cocktail, which was excellent — balanced, well-made, and a great way to kick things off. For food, we ordered two pizzas: the Blitzkrieg BOP (a pepperoni pizza) and a specialty BBQ Chicken pizza that was being offered that night. Both were good, though the Blitzkrieg leaned a bit too salty for my taste. The BBQ Chicken was flavorful and nicely done. Service was friendly but a bit slow at times. You order through QR codes on the tables, which works fine, but if you need anything extra, you’ll have to flag someone down. That said, the staff was pleasant and helpful once you got their attention. Overall, Sonny’s is a great neighborhood spot — perfect for a casual date night or an early family dinner. If you’re in University Heights and craving some solid pizza in a laid-back setting, it’s definitely worth checking out.

John A.

Google
Great pizza atmosphere. Great service that includes QR code so I don't have to speak much to the waitstaff. Only problem was the ranch. The ranch tasted like tartar sauce not like ranch. Other than that the food was awesome.

Mark W.

Google
Certainly a nice relaxing pizzeria. Bigg screen t.v.s to watch sports. 90's music playing and an ambient atmosphere during the evening. Guests can order online while seated or wait for a server. Food quality and taste is above average.

Cero G.

Google
Man ! I think I found my new favorite pizza spot! Came there with some of my buddies and we wanted to try a little bit of everything. My favorite was the new your cheese pizza classic! It was amazing, you can taste quality in every bite. From the cheese to the dough to the sauce ! It was bomb ! We also got the pesto for the people which was also yummy. The fried calamari was some of the best I had. My 2nd favorite was their margarita pizza and it was amazing ! The sauce on there is something else ! We finished off with their vodka pasta made Fresh! The sauce you put on was super yummy. They have a full bar with an amazing patio ( dog friendly). Restaurant was clean and the service was amazing ! Definitely coming back here!

Kathryn Andreolli, E.

Google
The pizza was pretty good, a couple of burn marks but still ok. I also tried the baked clams which they should have been embarrassed to serve. The baked clams were absolutely terrible. There were no clams ,the breadcrumbs tasted stale and they were overly dry. So maybe go there for the pizza but definitely skip the clams.

Chelsea W.

Google
I wanna leave a 1 star review just for the “focaccia” appetizer. The focaccia is fake !! This is a PSA (see photo of tragic crispy pizza dough not fluffy or spongy focaccia bread). Cocktails are hit or miss. Love the vibe. Pizza is good. Sad that Red House pizza across the street closed down shortly after this new swankier spot opened up…. Not super affordable for a casual pizza place, nice for a date night out. DONT GET THE FOCACCIA !! Youve been warned.

Molly M.

Yelp
Dinner was excellent, again. The pizza here is sooooooo good, service and atmosphere too. So excited this finally opened. Thanks Fede!

Norma R.

Yelp
Stopped in on a Monday night for some pizza, the Pineapple Express was delicious. Fede provided great service!
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Wendy S.

Yelp
Great place!! This months dinner with old friends new places... really fun vibe, great food, the pasta made fresh was my favorite!! Really fun place! Have the option to order yourself off a QR code or have service which is great both ways! Definitely worth a try!! The pistachio pesto handkerchief pasta was my absolute favorite!! Wish they had more beer on tap, but still great options in the larger cans.
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Parada O.

Yelp
Sonny's is a vibey nostalgic spot for pizza. The food is spot on -- pizza is delicious, can't go wrong with the famous original but Blitzkrieg Bop is also good with the pepperoni cups. Do not sleep on the housemade pastas. Spaghetti with marinara is simple but absolutely tasty. Rigatoni alla vodka was good but under-seasoned. (Skip the focaccia though, it's just their baked pizza dough.) Plus a fun drink menu! Service left a lot to be desired. After the hostess seats you -- booths and tables inside, additional seating outside (there's also a bar) -- you're left on your own. If you can flag down a waitstaff, you can order with them. Otherwise you have to order through their QR code. The first time we went, the lack of waitstaff wasn't a problem. But the second time we went, it was definitely an issue. Our food came out very slowly and in no particular order. They also missed an item in our order, so we had to flag someone down twice (it took over 40 minutes for the dish to come out). Sonny's is still a great spot to check out, but adjust your expectations accordingly with their service (or lack thereof).
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Marcie L.

Yelp
I came here with a friend on a Tuesday evening around 6 PM. We booked through OpenTable, which made the scheduling easy, but the restaurant was surprisingly empty with maybe a handful of other people inside. There's indoor seating and outdoor seating with both covered and uncovered sections, outdoor heaters, and a cute bar that splits the two areas. We were seated right away. You can order from a server or through the QR code, but the service was rough from the start. We placed our first order with the server. The pizzas come with six slices and a very thin crust so one person can easily polish one off. Our first pizza showed up in about 10 minutes. We decided to order another, but it took a while to even get the server's attention. He never checked in on us. There were no extra napkins at the table, and none of the tables had chili pepper. They dropped off one container of water when we were seated, but no one ever returned to refill it or check whether my friend needed more soda. When we put in the second order, I asked for my friend's pizza to be made to go with extra pineapple. It came out without the extra topping and not boxed. Easy fix, but the real issue was the wait. It took double the time, which left us rushing to eat before heading to an event. When it was time to pay, we had to ask the hostess because the server was nowhere around. It looked like the whole place was running with one server, a hostess, a bartender, and a couple of chefs. They also add an automatic 4% service fee, and it's honestly unclear what you're tipping on when most of the interaction is just food being dropped off. Food ordered: *Blitzkrieg Bop: Amazing. Thin crust, great flavor, and loaded with pepperoni. *Pesto for the Pizza: 4/10. The pesto was extremely rich with way too much sauce, and the chicken was pretty sparse. Just overall too rich. *Pineapple Express: My friend took this one to go and loved it. The place itself is really cute, and the food--aside from the pesto pizza--was solid. They just need to tighten up the customer service. I didn't get to try the cocktails, but they looked good, and the menu has plenty to choose from.
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Cassandra S.

Yelp
My partner and I have been wanting to try out this new pizza place on our block. We were hesitant because of the prices. We personally aren't big fans of these aesthetic restaurants that have high prices for average food popping up on our block (ie: Vulture, Dream Boat, Madison). On to the food - We thought the pizza crust was delicious but the pizza toppings and sauce on the Pineapple Express weren't well balanced together - salty and too rich. We plan to go back and get a simpler type, like the Famous Original or Margherita. We've heard good things about those. The zucchini fritti was the best part of our meal. It was served fresh off the fryer. Perfectly crispy and well breaded. The side of marinara was delicious and my favorite part of the whole dinner. This marinara is the main reason this review gets 4 stars. I can tell that a pizza with this marinara on it would be delicious. Overall, this is a good place for a date night but is more on the pricer side of pizza, especially since there is sort of no service (QR code ordering) which takes away from the potentially cozy vibe that the restaurant gives off. My partner and I plan to come back but definitely won't be on our regular restaurant cycle, despite it being mere yards away from our apartment..
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Tammie W.

Yelp
If you're looking for a meal and drinks with a large bill and non-existent service, head to Sonny's. We arrived on a Saturday at 6, were seated upstairs, and told to scan a code to place our order. For $80, we shared a pizza, salad, and two drinks. The Caesar was heavily dressed and lacked crunch after being weighed down by the dressing. The pizza was good, crust had a nice chew, but was Parmesan heavy. The drinks were strong and my drink was the same cost as the pizza. The most disappointing aspect is you're on your own once you're seated. We grabbed our own box, grabbed extra napkins, and luckily had a carafe of water or else would probably have to get that too. The interior is great, gives off old pizza parlors vibes but that's where it ends. I really hope Sonny's can figure out what they're going for and improve their service game.
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Kyra M.

Yelp
Such an amazing unexpected restaurant. Very casual atmosphere the service is impeccable especially the bartenders are so friendly and very upbeat attitude. The food and drinks are very fast. We got a pizza and four cocktails drinks came out within five minutes and the pizza maybe came out within 15 minutes. They have a very large authentic pizza oven in the middle of the restaurant . Kids and dogs are welcome . The love story #2 is a great cocktail . The Aquarius is an awesome cocktail that comes with the zodiac card specific to your sign. The round rhinestone cowboy is a great bourbon drink. All the cocktails are very elevated all the exact same price of $15 and great presentation. 10/10
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Elana M.

Yelp
We had a great experience here at Sonny's! Such a cool atmosphere. The inside has a few tables to sit at, it gives such an east coast pizzeria vibe. Outside has a lot more seating. You can order at the bar or through the QR code. The cocktails looked so tasty, but we ended up getting a bottle of wine. The food menu was what we were most excited about. We started off with the baked clams-so lemony and delicious! We got the Caesar salad, rigatoni alla vodka, and the classic American supreme. Everything we got was delicious! I will have to say the pizza could have been cooked a little bit longer to get more of a crunch, but overall the taste was there! Would definitely be back especially to try the cocktails and other pizza options!
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Saleen M.

Yelp
Obsessed. I visited this place twice in 2 weeks. They serve a variety of pizzas, several pastas & more. Order with the QR code on your table. I do wish the workers made rounds & were more attentive because we had to find someone to ask for more water, boxes, condiments, etc. Although this spot is known for their pizzas, their pastas were some of the best I have had, mainly the Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Their best pizza is the Blitzkrieg Bop. Cocktails were delicious. They are dog friendly. Plenty of outdoor seating with heating if you would like. & indoor seating too.
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Rebecca A.

Yelp
We sat outside in their courtyard area. They had umbrellas up for shade and once the sun set, they had a few heaters scattered around. You order from a QR code- no waiter needed. While I appreciated the ease of doing this, it was tough to get questions answered and our waters refilled. The waiters who are walking around are busy so it is hard to flag them down. We tried their pepperoni pizza and their pesto pizza. Both delicious! I also had a nice cocktail. Everything tastes good and I would definitely come back to try it again.
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Kaloni S.

Yelp
My friends and I tried this place last night and it was SO delicious! I was pleasantly surprised, we didn't have high hopes as there are plenty of pizza spots here. There is a lot of seating both indoors and outdoors with heaters/TV/music, and it's dog friendly, which is always nice. Staff were very welcoming and friendly. Parking is always a little difficult in NP. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area. Food review: Cucumbers: (5/5) These were so refreshing! Great crunch and blend of flavors. Caesar salad: (4/5) Simple and delicious. The dressing was very tasty and not too much. Vodka pasta: (5/5) Honestly, this stole the show for me. It was delicious! Loved the creamy/cheesy flavor. We wanted to order another one it was that tasty. Blitzkrieg Bop: (5/5) YUM. I love a pepperoni pizza. Crust was perfect, pepperonis were small, but thick and full of flavor. Def my fav pizza of the night. Pesto for the people: (3/5) This was just OK in my opinion. It was nice a light, with good flavor. Pesto was very subtle flavor. White Riot: (3/5) This wasn't my favorite. The ricotta had a different herb flavor that I wasn't a fan of. However, everyone else at the table enjoyed it!
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Jason L.

Yelp
Fede was a wonderful server. Very attentive even with a packed house. Thanks for your hospitality! Pizza was good but more on the salty side.
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Keri W.

Yelp
Have been wanting to try this place since it opened. The place is super cute with nice outdoor seating so we brought our pup. You go into the main entrance and then pick your own table. You use the QR code to order and then they bring your food and drinks to you. Super efficient. The staff still regularly checks on you to make sure you have everything you need. They were all fantastic and friendly. We ordered the caprese and a pizza. I had a glass of wine and my husband had a cocktail. The drinks were good. The caprese was nice and fresh though I felt it was a bit expensive for what we got. The pizza was yummy! Thin crust and crispy. Very good! We will be back!
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steve j.

Yelp
I was so excited when Sonny's opened and my wife and I had dinner just about a month or so after opening. The place was packed for a Thursday night. We had a short wait and were then ushered upstairs to the additional dining area which is much quieter than the first floor. The service was just non existent. After 20 mins someone came to the table and took our order. Food came at odd times. Pizza came first then an appetizer and the salad. All that aside the food was just ok. The pizza was pretty good but everything else we ordered just wasn't quite there. I'll give them another shot buy overall just ok. .
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Mikey H.

Yelp
We were driving around and searched for pizza and Sonny's came up. I was actually thinking of the other pizza place on Park Blvd. But we turned the corner, saw the patio, went to hunt for parking, which is even more of a challenge in the area since they installed those unused bike lanes. Friendly greeting, you are suppose to order from a QR code, but we sat at the patio bar and a bartender took care of us. We ordered a bottle of wine...no price though but oh well. Since they were about seven weeks new, we ordered the fresh mozzarella. Olive oil, lemon juice/zest, and basil. This was really good! Even better with the wine. We decided to share the Blitzkrieg Bop. Small for the price point, but very good. We also shared the tagliatelle bolognese. This was very lackluster. Not a lot of meat sauce and the pasta was overcooked. Even chili flakes didn't help much. Great outdoor patio that is dog friendly. A number of workers came out to say hello to Cako. She got treats from the twins who worked there, and come to find out, they are actually triplets, but their brother had the day off. The space has a nice chill vibe and the staff was really friendly. I understand the checks appear to be electronic, but we didn't see the total when I asked to pay. After looking at my text receipt, they forgot to add the wine. Now the kid in me was like, "hit the road and go!" But the adult was like, "I want to come back and don't want to be that guy!" So I stopped back by before leaving the area. 3.5, but I rounded up because of the staff. Cako Approves!
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Bhadri K.

Yelp
Brand new Sonny's Pizza by the team of Madison on Park (Right by University Heights) in collaboration with Chef Francesco of Cucina Migrante fame.. This resataurant has lot of character with sort of NYC Italian vibes.. It's also super cozy & family friendly with plenty outdoor seating. In the future they plan to also setup live music etc. in their large outdoor patio. Sonny's has imported a stylish pizza oven from Italy that can make 10 pizzas at the same time (and super quick too). Even their fittings like speakers etc. are designer custom made. As for the pizzas, loved most of them. Just wished that the pizza dough based was not that much charred.
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Vina L.

Yelp
Sonny's has one thing going for it: the ambiance. The moment I walked in, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The booths, the lighting, even the smell reminded me of a classic Pizza Hut from the 90s, and in the best way possible. If you are chasing retro pizza-parlor vibes, Sonny's has it nailed. Unfortunately, the food and service did not live up to the setting. We ordered the Supreme and the Blitzkreg pizzas, calamari, and chicken Francese. The pizzas had a decent crust, crisp edges, good chew, definitely the kind of base you want. But I asked for no olives on the Supreme, and what arrived was a pizza buried in them. Not a stray olive or two, but full coverage, like someone saw the request and thought, "Let's do the exact opposite." The calamari looked fine but tasted like nothing. I have had more flavor in a glass of water. No seasoning, no spark, just fried rings on a plate. The chicken Francese was no better. Lemon is supposed to complement a dish, not become the entire personality. Here it was chicken swimming in citrus, and not in a good way. And then there was the service, or rather, the absence of it. After placing our order, the waiter vanished. No check-ins, no refills, nothing. My drink sat empty for the entire meal, which really drove home the point that once your food hits the table, you are on your own. The final kicker was the bill. For two pizzas, calamari, chicken Francese, and drinks that were never refilled, the total came to $133. For that price, you would expect attentive service and dishes with at least some flavor. In the end, Sonny's gave me a nostalgic trip back to Pizza Hut glory days, but that was about the only highlight. Between the olive overload, bland calamari, lemon-heavy chicken, nonexistent service, and the steep bill, the meal left me more annoyed than satisfied. Great atmosphere, but I will not be rushing back anytime.
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Ryan H.

Yelp
LOVE the vibe here (as well as the food and drink), and a special shoutout to Facundo who always takes the best care of us and lights up our evening with his signature charm and attentiveness
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Emmett T.

Yelp
Earlier this month, the owners of Madison opened an '80s style, East Coast influenced pizzeria around the corner from the overarching 'University Heights' street sign on Park Blvd. The previous tenant of the building was an auto parts business so much refurbishing was needed including the installation of an imported, custom pizza oven. The layout featured a covered outdoor back patio that had the most available seating with picnic tables. You could also sit at the bar or some booths in the main dining room. Menu sheets were available at the unstaffed "hostess" stand near the doorway. You then used the QR code available at each table to place an order. While it saved on labor, I didn't like how this made it difficult to ask questions about items on the menu. I will mention more about this later. "Pizza and Fine Food" was stated on top of the food menu. This consisted of appetizers, salads, charcuterie boards, pasta, a burger, and a few entrees in addition to the pizza pies. From the list of appetizers, I selected the Pepp Rolls which was made up of mozzarella, pepperoni, green onion, parmesan, and a cup of marinara for dipping. The problem was that the order came as four small rolls for a whopping $18! At minimum, there should have been six to eight rolls because one can get an entire small pizza for that price. Had I known the quantity, I likely would not have ordered this item, but this goes back to a lack of a dedicated server. The rolls had a slight burn to the crust to give some crispiness to them. For an entree, my choice was the Tagliatelle Bolognese. A beef and pork ragu made up the sauce with a touch of cream added. A generous grating of parmesan topped the pasta dish which was very savory. The $21 price was high for the serving size of the noodles. A cheery staff member did come by my table to see how I was doing after the food had arrived. I just wasn't sold on the absence of upfront assistance which would have influenced my dining experience at Sonny's Pizza.
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Smitha A.

Yelp
I'm not sure how I feel about this spot. We were a party of two and we were seated upstairs away from everyone. We ordered the capers, gluten free bread which came with amazing marinara, and two pizzas. The crust is pretty good for gluten free. It was charred and thin with a good chew. But the ricotta on my pizza was super sweet. Like ruined my pizza sweet. I will go back because I do like the crust. But it's really pricy for what it is and the minimal service. I had to ask our server for a drink. Maybe we would have a different experience if we sat outside ... I'll keep you posted.
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John R.

Yelp
Tried Sonny's and ordered the Pineapple Express pizza really great pizza. Fresh jalapeños on the pizza , plenty of meat, and the crust was light and crispy. The drink menu had some interesting cocktail and mocktail options at fair prices. Service was excellent our server Fede was really attentive and took the time to explain everything on the menu. Overall, Sonny's is a solid spot and I'd come back to try some more.
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Jessie S.

Yelp
The food was good. The pizza was a good size to split between the two of us. We also got Calamari. It was okay. Not bad, but I've had better. Cocktails were good and I liked how they had a different variety. We sat outdoors which wouldn't have been bad except there were a lot of little flies and bugs. We'd kill then and a minute or two later more would appear. I think it's because we were against their wall.
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Filipe D.

Yelp
As soon as I walked into Sonny's Pizza, it gave off strong old-school Northeast pizza shop vibes -- wooden booths, red plastic soda cups, and a cozy, nostalgic feel -- but with a modern twist. The décor, cocktails, and overall menu add a contemporary edge that makes it feel fresh while still familiar. There's also plenty of patio seating, which is great for enjoying a relaxed meal outdoors. I started with a cocktail, which was excellent -- balanced, well-made, and a great way to kick things off. For food, we ordered two pizzas: the Blitzkrieg BOP (a pepperoni pizza) and a specialty BBQ Chicken pizza that was being offered that night. Both were good, though the Blitzkrieg leaned a bit too salty for my taste. The BBQ Chicken was flavorful and nicely done. Service was friendly but a bit slow at times. You order through QR codes on the tables, which works fine, but if you need anything extra, you'll have to flag someone down. That said, the staff was pleasant and helpful once you got their attention. Overall, Sonny's is a great neighborhood spot -- perfect for a casual date night or an early family dinner. If you're in University Heights and craving some solid pizza in a laid-back setting, it's definitely worth checking out.
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Elaine G.

Yelp
Pretty good! Came here on a Tuesday night, wasn't busy. Opted to sit outside at one of the tables. You can grab a menu at the front if you'd like an actual menu, but they have QR codes at the tables to look at the menu and order through. You can keep the tab open to order more and just wait to pay and tip til after your meal. We got the classic american supreme and the calamari. Total came to $40 without tax and tip. Could be a bit on the pricey side for a casual weekday dinner, especially if you'd like to order a drink. We were starving, so the 2 items were easily finished between the two of us. They also have pasta, so everything could be shared easily as a group. We were satisfied with our meal. I was content with the calamari and we enjoyed our pizza. Just wish we had more of it! It was classic, rightly named. I'm also a fan of the crust. I do wish they had more pizza options with meat. You can also build your own. Each topping ranges $1.50 to $3, so that could add up quickly. Would came back again since the patio is dog friendly and inviting. Also would love to see a happy hour menu! Sounds like they're still working some things out so I'd love to visit again. Desserts are TBD still. Since ordering is online, we also had to wait for someone to come by to get some water. Staff was nice though when they did deliver our food. Also keep in mind parking is limited. Expect to drive around a few blocks to search for a spot especially on weekends or at night.
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Aurianna B.

Yelp
Fast service, fresh food and innovative drinks. Stopped in over the weekend to try this place out. All 4 of us were able to find parking within the block and arrived just before 4 pm, that's probably why we lucked out. We got seated right away. There were servers coming around and you also have the option to place orders online. We ordered a little bit of everything and it was all amazing. Started with a charcuterie board, calamari, zucchini and the little gem caesar. The calamari and zucchini were pretty standard, nothing special there. The caesar was so good - it had a nice hint of spice from the Calabrian chili. The charcuterie was great with soft bread, a nice selection of cheese and meat but my fave was the apricot habanero jam. All the pizzas came out and looked (& tasted) great. I ordered the white riot and loved it. Also enjoyed the No Sleep till Brooklyn and the special Sausage with broccolini. Overall, we had a great time and I would be happy to stop in again for some crispy, thin crust pizza!
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Caitlin D.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try Sonny's Pizza for a while now, we got it delivered. The simple packaging was nice. Although I think they should get larger ranch containers because it was so small for two pizzas. I had high hopes after seeing amazing images and videos of it on Instagram. And was truly let down in person. These pizzas are what I find to be personal sized pizzas or can be shared between two people. They are not large. We ordered: - $18, Queen Margherita: The dough was not good and the crust was like playing tug a war with a rope and a dog. The "fresh" mozzarella did not get a chance to melt into the pizza... it was just a sliced log of mozz on top. The tomato sauce was ok, but lacked flavor. They did give some basil but it looked like they added some before it went into the oven as it was placed under the cheese rather than on-top -- not resulting in a vibrant basil. Which is totally fine, just a bit lackluster. No amount of ranch could fix the texture of this pizza. And I LOVE thin pizza, I think perhaps too much moisture + thin pizza dough = the very burnt bottom. And yes, wood fired oven pizzas you'll get a bit of char here and there. This was just overkill. - $20, Blitzkrieg Bop: They uses cup pepperonis that were well crispy and freshly grated Romano on top. This one was a little better, but still chewy (in a bad way). The crust was overly charred as all the air bubbles were blackened like it was too close to the flames, maybe taking the pizza and shifting it closer to the opening would have been best. We love wood fired, but not like this. (Apparently they have a gas and wood fired pizza oven!) My brother is usually really easy with pizzas so him not liking it is surprising. We don't like to waste, but this was really difficult to eat. I'm not sure if it had to do with the dough, the cooking temp, the 12 min drive over, etc. But today and future days to come, I'll be saying Let's NOT get Sonny's Pizza! Although, the interior and exterior design of the place looks spectacular...maybe in the very far future, I'd give it one more chance in person! I would like to see improvement with their rise, crust, and quality of pizza. Anyways, this was my experience with our *delivered* pizza. Who knows it could be diff! Give them a try, if you want (:
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Rhiza D.

Yelp
Solid neighborhood joint. It's a casual place with a good vibe. Has a large pizza oven inside and an upstairs. I'm so happy this place opened up! It's a fun atmosphere with yummy food and cocktails and I plan to come again. They have mocktails too. Everyone was friendly. We had the Classic American Supreme Pizza (RIP Costco Combo pizza) and two cocktails. Pizza is on the smaller size; one pizza is great for two people. There is a large patio (kid and dog friendly). Ended up being about 60ish bucks. Excited to try the burger next time.
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Heather B.

Yelp
My friends and I came here tonight and this place was great! We all loved our meals. I had the Pesto for the People pie and it was delicious! A couple had the rigatoni with penne, which I tasted and that was really good too. Forgot to snap photos of the rest, but the calzones and watermelon salad got great reviews as well. It's a great place for groups as you can order from the QR code or from the servers, making it easy to split checks if needed. The outdoor ambiance is so cute and cozy with lots of heaters too. I'd definitely return!
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Cody M.

Yelp
My girlfriend and I came in at a friend's suggestion, and really enjoyed our meal. First, the ambiance was outstanding. Great low light, and a very classy place. We particularly enjoyed the Italian and movie poster decorations. We got the Pineapple Express pizza. We asked to thank the chef, and Elias came over to chat. We enjoyed the conversation, and he came over to check on us again later on. Very hospitable. If you're interested in pizza of the highest quality, definitely check Sonny's out.
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Blaire E.

Yelp
Very tasty, thin crust pizza! Nice ambience and great service! Nice selection of pizzas, pastas, apps, cocktails, and beers. I wish they offered non-spicy salad dressing options. Fede was fantastic!
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Cirwan S.

Yelp
Man ! I think I found my new favorite pizza spot! Came there with some of my buddies and we wanted to try a little bit of everything. My favorite was the new your cheese pizza classic! It was amazing, you can taste quality in every bite. From the cheese to the dough to the sauce ! It was bomb ! We also got the pesto for the people which was also yummy. The fried calamari was some of the best I had. My 2nd favorite was their margarita pizza and it was amazing ! The sauce on there is something else ! We finished off with their vodka pasta made Fresh! The sauce you put on was super yummy. They have a full bar with an amazing patio ( dog friendly). Restaurant was clean and the service was amazing ! Definitely coming back here!
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Shana D.

Yelp
Wow this place is cute! Ambiance, music, sports on the tv in the back, dog friendly, has a nice outdoor with lots of tables/seating. You get this real pizzeria type experience, there's the big ol wood fired oven and the pizza was soo good. I tried the Pineapple Express and it hit the spot. I don't see that twist on a Hawaiian pizza often. Also the drinks were 10/10, that bartender really knows how to make em! The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because they don't have happy hour or any deals, a little on the pricey end.. but I can see it being a nice date night type of place
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Shaneena B.

Yelp
The pizzas are small, thin crust, don't have a lot of tomato sauce, but they taste great. We loved sitting outside and the place is a funky retro throwback, kind of a joint, and the cocktails were phenomenal. We loved it.
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Cerah N.

Yelp
The sign out front was welcoming and fun. We were sat outside as there were no tables available inside. We needed to order using a QR code and creating an account with toasttab which was a little frustrating since we had to close out with the server and not the app. We ordered 2 pizzas which took about 40 minutes to make. We were extremely hungry by the time the pizzas came. The toppings and cheese were minimal and there was not a lot of flavor. Apparently, they were short a pizza cook which likely contributed to the long wait and possibly the quality of the pizzas. I'd like to go back and have a better experience so the wait and food quality could be attributed to the lack of staffing.
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Emily D.

Yelp
We came around 5ish and the place was pretty empty with about 5 wait staff standing around. Immediately did not like the vibes, everyone felt like they had no interest in being there. Salad was watery and the dressing is not a Caesar by any means. Hard to mess that one up but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Pizza (pep and mozz) was flavorless but had good chew. Super small for the price. What really got my goat though was the $15 half pour of wine that had definitely been open too long. No prices on the wine list and the gal taking our order was too young to have ever had a glass of wine so was of no help with pairing. Listen, there's that saying about pizza that even when it's bad it's good. Which gives them the two stars. But give me a thimble of expensive crappy wine and now you're just trying to upset your customers!
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Krysta H.

Yelp
Food, beverages, ambience and staff 10/10! Our server was extra attentive to our 1 year old and made our dining experience that much better.
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Morgan B.

Yelp
The ambiance alone, drew us to this 80s pizza joint which also took me back to Portland Maine where you can find wood slated booths, plastic cups, and just good pizza! Honestly Sonny's is just that... my only qualm is the QR code ordering system. Although I know it's efficient- the staff could not be bothered. Extra napkins? Another fork? GET FUCKING LOST! The staff cannot be bothered with extra requests outside the QR generatoe.
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Chanelle L.

Yelp
Absolutely love this new spot in Normal Heights! Stumbled upon this vibey pizza joint, Sonny's, during a walk around the neighborhood and decided to give it a try. We were greeted upon entrance with friendly staff. It's an open seating place - find a seat and scan the QR code on your table number to order. We sat in the outdoor seating area in front of the tv. They put on the Padres game, which was perfect! My husband and I ordered 1 drink each, 1 appetizer, and 1 pizza. The drinks were delicious! Strong, but so good. We also got the calamari, which was also tasty. The winner of the night was the pizza. I would come back and order the pesto for the people pizza + add mushrooms + pepperoni again and again. I'd love to come back and try more of their menu. They have pasta too! A plus is they are very dog friendly! They even gave my dog a little treat.
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Dave D.

Yelp
Fede was fantastic - great service, good personality. very attentive! The food was awesome - love coming here.
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Jodi S.

Yelp
Had an incredible dinner on the patio and Fede was an amazing server!! The Pineapple Express pizza, a very elevated take on pineapple pizza. The pesto for the people was incredible! The sauce combination on this one is

Alani C.

Yelp
Food was very good Service was the same even with us being a large party of 20 The restaurant is very pretty as well
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Dustin J.

Yelp
Adjusting my prior review slightly. My first experience here was off the charts--pizza came out perfectly crisp, exactly how I like it. Second visit, even after noting "very well done" in the order, the pie came out floppy and undercooked--exactly the style I try to avoid. First time, the place wasn't busy; second time, it was packed, and I think that affected the quality. I get that some pizza spots worry about making it too well done, but if you compare the photos they are drastically different. That said, the staff was solid(ish). They double checked that it wasn't done enough, which I thought was weird and I felt a little pressured just to eat it, like maybe I was the issue. However I think it's cause they had to re fire a whole new pizza (which I understand is frustrating). All that to say the second one they brought out was spot-on--back to that perfect crisp I expect. I'm keeping my five stars. I'll keep coming back, but my only critique is consistency--three same orders, three very different results. All were requested "well done," and you can see the difference in the pics. Maybe third time will be the deciding factor on 4 vs 5 stars.

Brandon R.

Yelp
Amazing ambiance, disappointing food, hoping they turn it around. I really want to love this place. The atmosphere is beautiful, warm lighting, nice patio, great design, and a perfect neighborhood vibe. I also think the wait staff are pretty attentive, the QR ordering is not great though. It feels like the kind of spot you want to become a regular at. But the food just doesn't live up to the experience, especially for the price point. You can find great pizza all around University Heights and North Park, but unfortunately this one misses the mark...small portions, bland flavor, and one of the highest prices in San Diego for comparable restaurants. The calamari was honestly the worst I've had in decades....overcooked and flavorless. The one bright spot was the pasta from the kids' menu, which was surprisingly good. I'm writing this not to bash the place but as a genuine plea to the owners: please improve the food quality. You've nailed the ambiance and have the potential to be one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. But at nearly $100+ for a family meal, the value just isn't there right now. For now, we'll stick with spots like Gnarly Girl, Sisters Pizza, Pizza Cassette, or URBN, all of which deliver better pizza for a lower cost. I truly hope Sonny's can reach that same level soon, because the setting deserves it.
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Joseph D.

Yelp
Good vibes. Good pizza. Good cocktails. Great addition to our University Heights neighborhood. And thanks Facundo for the great service!
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Bruski N.

Yelp
Nice spacious space with outdoor seating. The decor is vibrant with colorful wall paintings. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They encourage you to order from their bar codes but you can also order from one of the working staff. Their pizzas are small, pricey but solid with nice crust. They also have gluten-free option. What turned me off was not only the high prices but that they nickel and dime you to death on any extras (sauces, cheeses, etc.) or side orders. For example, I ordered the Branzino fish dish. It comes with just the fish for $28. There were no sides or sauce. I had to order a side of potatoes for an extra $4. If I wanted some green or sauce, it would cost me another $4-$8 and my fish dish would be close to $40. I know that restaurants have been jacking up prices since COVID and cut down on service/staff but this is crazy!
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Loc T.

Yelp
Nice vibe with plenty of very cool seating indoor and out. I like the atmosphere amd glad they serve great drink selections. They have a horse shoe bar which was a plus. We ordered the Queen Mar and Pineapple express pizzas. If you like NY TJ in style then its good. Crisp not as saucy. QR code after sitting to order. No servers. Fast service but dont expect staff to check on you much. Id come here to drink pizza was ok.
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David S.

Yelp
The pizza was amazing! Fede is a really great server! I will definitely be coming back.
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Eily I.

Yelp
This place is cute for sure. They have a good selection of drinks and the cocktails were pretty good, especially their rendition of an old fashioned (Run DMC). While the people there seemed to be attentive and knowledgable, there were no waiters. You have to order at the counter or put in through a QR code, which works for smaller more casual places. For a place like this, where the menu and prices reflect a slightly more upscale pizza place, it wasn't the best fit. The pizza was good, but they should be considered personal pizzas. They're too small and light to feed two people. For reference, we got drinks, two appetizers and two pizzas for 4 people and it didn't seem to be enough. If you're hungry/eat more, you will definitely need more. Honestly, I think the pizza prices should be adjusted to reflect that.