Spirito's Italian Diner

I grew up going to Spirito’s in Elizabeth, NJ and was so sad to see it go. I made sure to drive the 45 minutes from our San Diego trip to see if it would taste the same, and I actually teared up while eating, lol! Nostalgia. Everything was 10/10 - the food, the service. We even got a free tiramisu from the staff due to sharing our Spirito’s story! We got the caprese salad with extra garlic dressing, veal parm special, eggplant parm, the “Third Ave” pizza, and of course the ravioli which is the reason of going. It was AMAZING. The best ravioli ever created. So happy I got the chance to have it again. Highly recommend!!!!

This is one of my friend's favorite spots in the area. After eating there, I understand why. Everything is delicious and authentic. Ordering is done at the counter and they bring your food to your table. The beverages are in a cooler and they have sodas and some seltzer drinks. Looking for an Italian restaurant with pizza style service. This is the place

Crossed off another triple D restaurant! This is a small mom and pop kind Italian diner. The space isn’t too big but enough for two big groups. We came after 1pm so we got to have almost the whole place to ourselves. We ordered and paid at the counter. The food came fairly fast. The portion was big for salad and pasta. The pizzas were thin crust and delicious. The price was reasonable for the amount of food that we got. The cashier/waiter was patient. He got us the food and checked in to make sure everything was ok. I would come back for a quick and reasonably priced Italian meal again.

I’ve been coming here for years ! It’s fresh and hot and just fantastic ! I bring friends here for lunch and direct people here all the time . I’ve never made it to dessert . Their portions are generous . These lunch salads satisfy every time .

Okay Carlsbad, I see this hidden gem that the locals been keeping a secret. Too bad, I have to share with everyone. Here ye here ye, Spiritos is amazing delicious too the point I felt bad for eating so much and so slowwwww. We got the mozzarella bread…..addictive, chicken parmigiana which will make you want another order to go, the margarita pizza which was Devine and the house salad was fresh as it was picked from the garden. All we could say is… nothing because we were either stuffing our faces or too full to say anything. The staff are welcoming and personable. The layout of the place is comfy, especially when you eat too much and you need to let your food settle. This place was 10 out of 10.

I ordered the spaghetti with clams, and although I'm accustomed to a creamy white sauce, they don't typically serve it that way. However, Jamie went above and beyond to create a creamy sauce for me! I have to say, this is the best spaghetti with clams I've had since the 80s when I worked as a waitress at a lovely Italian restaurant in my hometown. Thank you, Jamie and the team, for brightening my day! I should mention that the lasagna is divine too!

We came in after 9 hours at Legoland, famished and slightly cranky. 7 people in this small innocuous restaurant that was already pretty full. We saw that there was no room for us so we turned around to leave when an employee asked a patron to sit at one of the smaller tables. They obliged and we were able to get all of our family in one area. But that isn't the greatest thing. I walked in and smelled the garlic and the bread and the gravy. It wafted above and it felt like home. I have mixed feelings about my childhood but the one constant was good spaghetti and that usually meant it was going to be a good evening. This dinner did not disappoint. I was transported back to my now-deceased Papa's house, to good times and laughter and hearty meals that left you full of energy and life. Damn, the food is good here but so is the service. I haven't felt my Papa's presence in a while but at Spirito's, it was reassuring that good Italian food still does what it should do: bring family together.

Spirito’s Italian Diner in Carlsbad is a can’t-miss spot for us whenever we visit the Carlsbad and Oceanside area. It has become a beloved family tradition, and we've been enjoying their amazing food for over a decade. The restaurant offers a true slice of New Jersey right here in California, and every visit feels like a delightful culinary journey. The menu is filled with our favorites: the ravioli, Caprese sandwich, chicken Parmesan sandwich, chicken Parmesan dinner, spaghetti and meatballs, and, of course, the outstanding meatball sandwich. Each dish is prepared with a level of care and authenticity that transports you straight to an old-school Italian diner. The history of Spirito’s adds to its charm. Founded by Antonio Spirito in 1932 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, it has a rich heritage of Italian-American cuisine. Now, under the watchful eye of his descendants, Spirito’s in Carlsbad continues to uphold these traditions, offering dishes that are not only delicious but also steeped in history. The Chicken Parm is a standout, butterflied, breaded, fried, and served on a French bread roll with cheese — it’s easily one of the best we’ve had. The Meatball Sub, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, showcases their hand-rolled meatballs and is a must-try. The pasta dishes, including Spaghetti with Spirito’s original tomato gravy, are perfect for soaking up with their homemade garlic bread. Located off State Route 78 in the Carlsbad South Shopping Center, Spirito’s is worth the drive for anyone looking to taste authentic New Jersey culinary history. Spirito’s Italian Diner has become a family favorite for a reason. The combination of exceptional food, rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it our go-to spot whenever we’re in the area. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!