Buona Forchetta Reviews

Great food! I come once a month. Recommend it to anyone visiting for real, authentic italian food. Amazing

Yummy award winning pizza and entree. Good dessert. Super crowded. Parking can be a challenge. Reservations only available for party of 8 or more. Service was good and friendly even with the crowd. Nice neighborhood. Recommended.

Great Italian food with Italian staff. Lots of energy and terrific food. Been there several times and it never disappoints. Hidden in a neighborhood near Balboa Park and it's a great date night place.

We loved this restaurant. Visited the South Park location early on. Sunday night. We had reservations and were seated right away. I have never seen service like this. It was truly outstanding. We ordered a glass of wine and it literally arrived before our waiter even left the table. Our waiter helped us to navigate the extensive menu and every we ordered, pizzas and pastas were outstanding. Our food came so quick! The dessert was just ok but the rest of the meal was simply outstanding. Recommend for couple or families. You will not be disappointed.

I hesitate to write this review as this place is already so busy, but thats just being selfish. This place is hands down the best Italian food in town. I cant emphasize enough how great the food is. Our favorite pizza of late has been the Aldo. Seriously anything on the menu is pretty great. Make sure to check out the special board. It can be kind of loud in the restaurant and all the servers have Italian accents so its not always easy to hear the specials, but there are boards inside and out that lists the specials. There is always a wait so be prepared (I’d say minimum an hour especially around dinner time). But its completely worth the wait. Impeccable food with amazing service? What else could you ask for?

We came with a large group (11) after making a reservation a week or more earlier and still had to wait half an hour, that will tell you how busy this place is on a Saturday night. We had several appetizers including the octopus, bresoala, and polenta. The octopus was perfect as was the bresoala, not as impressed with the polenta, the mushroom sauce was spot on but the polenta was kind of tasteless. My wife had the Sofia pizza and I had the Sergio and we traded. This is why people come back and become loyal customers, fantastic pizza. Everything else is really good but it could be average and it wouldn't matter, it's that good!

It is always a pleasure to find a pizza worthy of its name and when I heard speaking Neapolitan in the kitchen I knew it had to be good and it was! The Margherita was just right and the Barbara was good though a bit too rich in cheeses.

I recently had lunch here because I heard great reviews but honestly I was so turned off by the staff. They are not willing to answer your questions nor are they willing to understand the fact that you are not Italian. And a bit expensive for what you get.

I am a pizza junkie and i am from New York and let me tell you this pizza is mouthwatering and delicious. If you are in San Diego, this is a must-go for couples, friends, and family. Get the fried pizza, trust me

We visited this restaurant early on a Saturday evening and were expecting a line up, which there was! We ended up only having to wait about 35 minutes as we accepted a seat along the outside bar which was fine. Our food was delicious and service was very attentive and friendly. Great night out and worth the wait! :) YUM!

This review is about the Buona Forchetta in Coronado; it does not seem to have a separate Tripadvisor listing. I love the look of the grocery store, coffee counter, bar, and inside of this restaurant. But in this time of Covid our group of 11 had to eat outdoors, for lunch. The outside is pretty grungy, with cars parked about a foot away from some tables. The tables and chairs are banged up metal. There is dead grass underfoot. How about some plants, grass (fake if it has to be), decent furniture? My "Very Good" is for indoor dining; atmosphere is part of restaurant dining. Our server Marco was excellent, although he had to work with 11 old women who were laughing most of the time and being indecisive about what they wanted to order. The food was mostly good but uneven. The calmari was underseasoned. The artichoke hearts sort of sat on a large plate looking small. The Burrata was delicious, but the tomatoes that went with them so-so. The baby arugula was really baby, instead of the bitter teenage stuff featured in other places. The people who ordered pizzas were very happy; the pasta people less so. Interestingly, the pizza size seems to have grown by about 50% since we last ordered there.

If you are looking for a real authentic Italian meal, this is the place to go to! Tasting their food will make you feel like you are back in Italy. The pizza chefs even come from Naples! The wine prices match just what you would expect to pay for a good bottle of wine in Italy (less than what we charge in the states). Absolutely a must!

If you are looking for amazing italian food, please don't miss this place it is simply amazing! try to get there early to skip the well worth line..

Once again underwhelmed by the selection, the service and overall dinner. I only come here because my daughter in law loves the Gluten free pizza. There are so many better choices in San Diego. The food is ok not bad but nothing special.

Had the ribeye and mushrooms. Very good and perfectly cooked. Cool vibe and was with a large group, service was great and friendly

Reading the reviews it seems that people love this place and I don't know why. Being from NYC I've had good Italian food and this ain't it. We've had 3 lunches there for a total of 6 meals, including pasta and pizza, which is a fair sampling. To say that none were standouts is being kind I think. The cannoli and tiramisu, however, were authentic and pretty tasty so there's that. In short, if you think the mediocre joints in Little Italy are good, you'll really enjoy Buona Forchetta.

I been to Italy, eaten real Italian food and if you want something close to it in the USA Forchetta in San Diego is it. Wonderful fun noisy restaurant full of spirit and soul. Service was excellent. Excellent Italian wine, wonderfully done Salmon Piccata, Tiramisu to die for. What else do you need. Homely, soulful, simple and tasty food which makes you happy. Make a reservation as they tend to be really busy for dinner. And keep your eyes on daily specials.

We went to this restaurant because it was rated highly. It was very busy (a good sign); the waitress was nice but somewhat inattentive (forgot my drink order) but why I'm writing this review is the food was very average. We ordered a pizza, chicken Marsala and pasta. The food was insipid. If you like Italian food I would pass on this restaurant.

Visited on a Sunday night with some friends! Took very long to get seated and very long for the waiter to arrive but it was all worth it! I guess Italians would take there time until they serve you but when they will, it will be the best service you could ever imagine

We stopped here for a late lunch and had some excellent Neopolitan pizza and a delicious salad. Good iced tea as well. If you like "wet" Neopolitan pizza this place is for you.

This is a popular neighborhood restaurant that has the gamut from pizza to serious entrees. You’ll find families, couples, babies in strollers, book clubs, et cetera. I recommend it for pizza and desserts. The menu includes delicious appetizers but it’s basically a pizza joint. Unless you want a nonstop stream of loud chatter from the kitchen ask for outdoor seating.

The best pizza in town, it feels like I am back in Italy. they were also able to find us a table last minute which was very appreciated. Can't wait to go back Davide

This is genuine Italian cuisine. The staff is Italian as are the owners. No red sauce here! I ordered a dish not on the menu...it arrived in a timely manner and was delicious just like I remembered it when we were in Rome last year. Very accommodating staff. No bar, but they do serve wine and beer. Truly an authentic restaurant operated by people who care about their clients.

Wow! We walked in at 6pm on a September Friday and were promptly seated in he large outdoor patio overlooking Beech Street, but there was a wait by the time we finished our hearty meals. I had the lobster special with a huge portion of linguini piled on top! Spouse had the wood fired Kira (sausage) calzone. Enjoyed a nice German Riesling, too. We were quite satisfied with the portions, so we split a trio of 3 home made cannoli beautifully presented. The waiters & waitresses enjoy their jobs and were quite lively with each other, but always attentive to each's job. Well done!! Call ahead if you have a large party! This totally ended a long warm day walking around he SD Zoo. Lots of public transit available, too.

Busy Sunday night, but we were able to be seated inside right away without a reservation. The service was very good, noisy ambiance, food was good except the foccacia rosemary with Himalayan pink salt was too salty. The metal chairs were so uncomfortable, we couldn't linger over dinner; maybe that's what the restaurant wants!

I went here with my 2 cousins because of rave reviews but sadly, that wasn’t my experience. We put our names down and since it was Saturday, we had an hour and a half wait. When we were finally seated they did take a while to take our order. I ended up getting a “ravioli special” they had that night that was on the pricier side. My choice was the wrong one- raviolis were tasteless, NOT what you would expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. To be fair, the lasagna and calzone that my cousins ordered weren’t bad. When we had finished we told the waiter the raviolis weren’t very good- he offered desert (which we had already gotten) and then offered some sort of desert drink/wine which none of us could drink because it was WAY TOO sweet. I really wanted to like it but I didn’t. Payed way too much for food that was lacking in taste.

We were visiting my Daughter and her husband that live in the area (South Park). They had never been here but said it looks popular. We decided to give it a try. It was like 4:30 pm on a Saturday and we walked right in without a reservation. A large portion of the staff at that time were Italian in decent complete with accents. We were presented with a long list of specials as well as a very extensive menu. Lots of different sauces and pastas to choose from. After we got a couple carafe's of wine started we made out selections. I went with my go to dish when evaluating a new Italian Restaurant, Lasagne. My wife went with her go to, Eggplant Parm. My lasagne was in my top three all time. Lots of layers of pasta with the prefect balance of meat, cheese and sauce. Properly presented in a bowl instead of on a plate. While cutting with my fork the layers stayed together perfectly, no sloughing or falling. Freash sauce was excellent. Their fresh made bread is out of this world and the perfect way to capture the last of the sauce in my bowl. My wife even begged them to sell her a loaf to take home but they said they needed all they had to support the restaurant. They did offer to accommodate us if we called a day ahead, good to know. Before we left the manager stopped by our table with a togo box with several pieces of bread in it, wishing us a safe trip home. A class move! My wife was equally as impressed with her eggplant. When we left at 6ish, the crowd waiting on the sidewalk far exceeded the available seating. If you are in the same timezone as South Park you need to eat here. Go and Enjoy!!!

I live in the neighborhood and have been to this restaurants several times and always enjoyed the food and service. The service is still great but the food is not....not a single one of the items we ordered was what it used to be. The salad was not fresh at all...tomatoes were going south. The pizza had burned/charred places in several places and the cheese was off...like not entirely cooked. The lasagna was probably the most disappointing...very dry and some sections were charred. It was so disappointing to have a San Diego favorite go south like this. Not sue I will try it again, especially with the price of restaurants these days.

This is one of the best pizza places in San diego. Now they have another location in Liberty station which is where we visit often. both locations are very busy, so if i was you i would make a reservation or if you have to wait so worth it anyway!! Gnocchi is also amazing. Lots of italian staff which adds to the ambiance - Great place for everyone

Without a doubt, the best pizza I ever had, it was the “ Stefania” Lasagna is also amazing, the sauce was delicious Service is excellent Price is very reasonable We will be back very soon

Nice pizza selection though I got a basic one. The service was very friendly. Had a lot of specials listed on the menu board. I sat near the kitchen prep entrance, crazy busy. I would definitely go back next visit.

Amazing Neopolitan pizza, family friendly atmosphere, extensive menu with risotto, antipasto, a bit of Italy in South Park neighborhood

The specials are by far the best!!! They change and run out early so beware if you decide to dine late - you'll have to take second choice. Enjoy the Pork Chop - thick tasty and tender but the Cioppino (Italian fish stew) is tasty - looks and taste like Santa Barbara Shrimp NOT at all fishy ---- just yummy!!! BUT - save room for the best tasting Tiramisu cake - so light and fresh, it melts in your mouth delicious.

Italian folks serving Italian pizza. Traditional and creative toppings and other food. Love the banter between the Italians and love their wood-fired oven.

We fled Little Italy on a Sunday afternoon to hunt the new Buona Forcetta down. Worth the short drive around the bay. Great food. Quick friendly service and a PARKING LOT!!!!! Buon appetito! Skip the Little Italy mess and find the Italy across the bay at Liberty!!

This is a very crowded happening place and the pizza looked very good. I should have gotten the pizza! I made the mistake of getting the Chicken Picatta and the chicken was dry and the sauce was too thick and over-salted. I wish that at least it was over pasta or mashed potatoes so that I could have spread out the saltiness. My husband had the chioppino and the flavor was good but the broth was more like a sauce..very thick. The calamari was nice and crispy but over salted. Service was a little slow and we had to request bread. The corkage fee was 15 dollars. My advice, go for the pizza and bring your own wine. Why didn't I get the pizza!? Why??

A great place to eat and share the wonderful offerings . You can have Italian classics like pasta several styles and sauces . Eggplant parm and lasagna . Pizza from cheese to new wave toppings of your choice . Best of all the pizza is from a coal fired oven and adds to the great taste . Wine selections are wide by the glass or bottle . Daily specials on the blackboard and knowledgeable staff are a good source to help navigate the menus.

I titled this review with "Little Italy" the reason for that is most of the service staff are Italian by descend and speak Italian language which makes any customer comfortable, it's an Italian restaurant after all. Located in middle of no where but customers came from everywhere. Genuine Italian taste, delicious food, well presented, huge portions, the service staff were professionals, helpful yet they forms a strong positive point for the restaurant. Mid to high price. Highly recommended

Here from Michigan, staying in a budget Airbnb nearby. What a treat! Bonafide Italian with style. Great pizza and other entrees as well. Waitstaff very attentive and authentic old country. Highly recommend!

I have been here multiple times and it never disappoints. The staff is mainly Italian for a very authentic experience! The menu is delicious and if there’s something you don’t see, the kitchen will almost always accommodate the request. FYI order the shrimp fettuccine. It’s AMAZING. 💜 The environment is very intimate, but casual. Expect a wait on most nights, but trust me when I say it’s work the wait! Andddddd order the panna cotta!! OR off-menu, you can always ask for the “house” dessert for a nice Italian surprise. From the pizzas, to the pastas, to the INCREDIBLE cheese plate, everything here is phenomenal! It’s great for a nice date night, too. :)

We enjoyed our dinner here last week while we were visiting San Diego for a conference. The place has a large enclosed patio but since the weather was colder than usual, we opted for a table indoors. The service was attentive and friendly. We had two delicious pizzas and shared a beet salad. The desserts (conolli and gelato were outstanding as well). I highly recommend this restaurant for a casual but excellent meal.

Portions are great. Had the meatballs and Polenta. Soooo great. Mushrooms and the cream sauce withe polenta was wonderful. Service was so fast. We went early as in 4:45pm. It crowds up. Pizza looked fantastic walking by.

We went after a huge rain day and phoned to put our name on the list. Left for restaurant a bit early and were seated right away. Only took ten minutes before food came - risotto with melt in your mouth tender beef with amazing flavor. Kira Calzone with fennel sausage and an unreal airy light crust that stretched when you cut it, fettuccine with buona forchetta sauce (cream & tomato) and tiramisu for dessert! Hubby and I had a drink and whole bill was $85. Only complaint was it was very loud but patio was closed in due to weather....however, a busy place is a sign of excellent food!!!

We chose Buona Forchetta based on a recommendation from a friend and we were not disappointed. Not only was the food wonderful, but the service was excellent. What made our experience even more enjoyable was the employees speaking Italian to one another. Angela pizza is a must and the Fattore salad was perfect!

We ate the Garage Buona Forchetta in Coronado Island at 1000 C Ave. They have adhere to all the safety mandates and have creatively place all their dining on the sidewalk and in the parking lot. We ate the most fantastic Sofia pizza and the calamari one day. It was so good we had to come back. The second time we had the octopus (EXCELLENT) and another pizza with spicy cure meat. The service (Hilaria, Caterina, Mata, and please forgive me for forgetting other names) was o point, very friendly Italians. They also have an Italian grocery store and bakery you can't help yourself but to try and get a few things. My husband and I highly recommend this establishment. Make sure you make reservations.

Visiting for San Diego for the first time we, mostly at random, picked an AirBnB in the South Park neighborhood and wandered into Buona Forchetta because it was walkable. We knew nothing about the restaurant but had a great experience beginning to end. Friendly, helpful service, outstanding wood-fired pizza, and ginormous portions suitable for sharing. Ok, my wife's gnocchi was a bit gloopy, but that's a nitpick as it still had good flavor. Is it world-class Italian food? No, but it is a solid neighborhood place, the kind of place everybody wishes they had within walking distance of their homes.

OMG! It’s the closest you can find to Italian pizza and the best so far I had in USA. The pizza has the same exact flavors and texture as you have when eating the pizza in Naples, Italy. The tomato sauce is incredibly good! We were here during Coronavirus, so it was not really easy to get a seat, but we made take away and it was really fast. Staff is really nice (there are real Italians working here). I will highly recommend this place. Just remember to call and make a reservation if you don’t want to have a long wait.

I’m visiting Encinitas and decided to get some to go pizza. This place had good ratings and I loved the oven they cooked the pizza in. I arrived to a friendly hostess and a man who might have been the owner or manager. Either way I was blown away by their hospitality and the pizza was amazing. Definitely authentic Neapolitan from the oven to the cheese and the crust. I’ll be back before I leave.

Love good food, love trying new places. I have no idea how this restaurant gets such high marks. The bread was good. The veal was greasy and chewy. How do you get chewy veal? The pasta could have come from any cheap chain restaurant. The pizza was delicious, however, my adult son (whom we were visiting) ordered the pizza and ordered gluten free crust. When he tasted it he did not think it was gluten free. My husband and I tasted it, and we also thought it was not gluten free. We wanted to ask the waiter to check that it was correct, but he never came close enough to get his attention. So, since the kitchen is open we just took the pizza to the kitchen and asked them if they could confirm it was gluten free. The guys in the kitchen barely glanced at it, and said it was. My son went ahead and ate a piece, but started feeling unwell and didn't eat any more. We were finally able to tell our waiter, and he actually argued with us. My son was sick all the next day. Again, how does this place get such good ratings? Aside from the problem with the pizza, the food was barely mediocre.

we had a reservation made in advance and still waited on the curb for over an hour for our table. jammed in the corner we had a fine meal. the staff had a lousy attitude and the place is too small. i think if we were outside it would have been better.

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. It felt like being back in Italy. As someone who has to eat gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and tomato free - most Italian restaurants are off the table - but not here! There were multiple items I could have made work to create a spectacular meal from pizza to pasta. The service was fast and friendly, they were willing to accommodate all of our requests and the food exceeded our expectations. I look forward to coming again next time we visit San Diego.

Had a great time here. Location is perfect for a date night. Great atmosphere. Food is very delicious and reasonably priced. The service was 5 stars. The hostess was nice enough to honor my request for a specific seating. Our waiter was so knowledgeable on the menu and made some great recommendations. The gentleman that was bringing out our food was so attentive and hard working. I forgot to get his name but he was a young Hispanic guy with a pony tail. Definitely deserves a raise. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Visiting San Diego, we dropped by for dinner. It was a Tuesday and people were standing in line to get in. The waiters spreading Italian feeling. The food was amazing, we had a pizza ( gorgeous crust and taste) and seafood gnocchi (huge plate with all kinds of seafood & delicious white wine sauce).

Because the last thing this place needs is more people flocking to it, but if I’m really honest with myself I’m surprised it’s not harder to get in. It is really, truly, THAT good. I’ve never had anything bad here, but my favorites are some of my favorite things to eat on the planet. The pizza is ridiculous. For several years I would just come and always get the same thing, the Regina Margherita, without hesitation or variation because it was such a treat. Recently I realized that you could get the crust FRIED and when I tasted it I almost CRIED. Bruschetta is great, mushroom Gorgonzola polenta delicious, other pizzas are really decent too (hubs likes the Jove). And if that weren’t enough to leave you incredibly full they have some really top notch desserts:cannoli was not my favorite,but tiramisu is solid and panacotta is one of the best I’ve ever tasted, and if you happen to be there on a day when they have the pistachio cake you are in for a treat. I love the atmosphere and the service, I think it’s charming and unpretentious. It can be a little loud ad there is always a wait, but it’s worth a little more than your normal joint

We went here on the recommendation from a guy at the hotel where we were staying. They have amazing, authentic Italian food, but the best part was the Neapolitan pizza baked in the wood fire oven. The whole place has a vibe just like a restaurant in Italy. I don’t believe they take reservations, so go early unless you want to wait. We will definitely go back!

They specialize in Pizza. They go through great length to explain that this is not your average American pizza. We were a group of 25. Amazing service for such a group. Great winelist and excellent pizzas. Very interesting appetizers as well.

Went here on a recommendation from the front desk. Not good, and will not return. We were seated quickly for a Friday night. It looked very busy. The place has an industrial ambiance. Looks pretty cool. Waitress greeted us and was very rude. We looked over the menus and ordered the spaghetti, pork chop, and lasagna. We asked for bread and was told that they ran out. What Italian restaurant runs out of bread? The waitress said, "yah you came late." The food arrived and it was not anything special. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't to die for either. Very average. The spaghetti was piping hot (and stayed hot throughout dinner), while the lasagna was cold. I sent the lasagna back to be reheated. When it returned, it was luke warm at best. Pretty disappointing. When the manager/owner came around to see how our dinner was, I told him what happened. He insisted on taking the dinner off the bill, but I told him it was not necessary. He still did the right thing and removed it from the bill. That I will say is customer service, and doing the right thing (hence the one star.) The bill, even with the lasagna, was very inexpensive for what you get. So food vs. money was very good in my opinion. Unfortunately, we would not recommend this place as there are so many other choices.

Good location away from downtown craziness, good size pizza, enough for two to share, excellent selection on menu for kids.Food takes a bit of time to prepare but it's expected (made to order) Service was great.

I dined here on a Saturday night. Worth the wait!! I had the pasta special, lobster linguine with a cherry tomato sauce and an order of focaccia bread. More food than I could eat! It was delicious. I highly recommend.

Had dinner with my wife last night. It was our second time. Both were top notch. Service was superb and food came out hot and delicious. Loved the gnocchi special with poricinis from Italy:)

Had a great lunch date with a friend of mine and we loved it. We visited during the day on a Thursday, so they weren’t very busy, and we were seated immediately. The staff took all of the COVID precautions, so we had no concerns. Our server was very friendly and outgoing. He answered all of our questions and we were able to order quickly. I ordered the ravioli and a pizza. The ravioli was delicious. The flavors were fantastic, nothing was overpowering. Let’s talk about the pizza.... YUM! Their pizza is Neapolitan style, so if you’ve never had it before, it’s different than conventional pizza that you’d get at most places. Neapolitan pizza is a little softer and that’s what makes it so delicious. To top off our meal, we got the cannoli. I think that might be my only complaint. No so much of a complaint, but I wasn’t a huge fan of it. The shell was a little too hard for me. Otherwise, everything was fantastic. The cost was reasonable for the amount of food, and the area. I will definitely be returning.

Lunch or dinner its hard to choose. Buona Forchetta in South Park is an inviting, friendly place with delicious Italian food. The restaurant has a very nice outdoor patio and also indoor seating. We enjoyed the Bruna Pizza which is topped generously with mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni and spicy salami. The pizza is mildly spicy. One pizza was plenty to share. We selected the Forona salad to accompany our pizza. Fresh, crisp mixed greens, tomato, crunchy walnuts, shaved parmesan and topped delicately with olive oil. Your palate will celebrate. This restaurant is a definite yes for repeat visits.

Great place in town! Food was amazing, the spaghetti bolognese was absolutely delicious, best we have tried. Also the pizza and the bruschettas. Personnel kind and always smiling. Very good rate price-food.

Years ago, when there was only one Buona Forchetta it was my favorite pizza in the whole world! It was absolutely fantastic in every way. It never disappointed and was always spectacular. That was THEN, and this is NOW!!!! Now that there are several branches of this restaurant, I have noticed over the past couple of years that the quality has dropped profoundly. Nothing as is as good as it was. It is now just average, ho-hum, run-of-the-mill pizza. Nothing special, and sadly after being disappointed so many times now, I just won’t go back. That troubles me greatly. In addition, when I was there the other evening, about 45 minutes before closing, I sat inside. The waiters and cooks were yelling, laughing, and talking so loudly that I thought I was at a frat house party. I couldn’t even hear across the table. It was just ridiculous. And it went on for the entire time we were there eating. So, I wish I could turn the clock back to when this was my favorite pizza restaurant, but I can’t. RIP Buona Forchetta.

They have by far the best gluten free pizza crust I have ever eaten. I had to check the bill to make sure the waiter heard the gluten free order. For once my wife did not have to suffer with cardboard crust for my sake, They have many types of creative pizzas. Ours, with spicy honey, was delicious. It was full early on a Monday night, so a reservation is definitely recommended.

No wait to get an outdoor T’s me on a Sat afternoon. Tables well spaced apart. Service attentive and the food is as good as usual. My only complaint and why not 5 stars is we ordered the special pizza which we were assured had not meet. It was more of a layered focaccia though with rolled meat on the side. My family is vegetarian and willing to eat with meat near by but that wouldn’t have gone well if they weren’t accommodating. It was a new waiter so this should resolve itself. Anyway- super fresh Napoli food in a great area-

I was traveling solo and got a nice spot at the hightop where I could people watch while I waited, which was not long at all. Great service - server was very thorough about the menu and making sure I got exactly what I was expecting. I ordered a simple pie with prosciutto added and it was divine. no trouble finding parking either.

Went to lunch with friends to Buona Forchetta. Good Italian Restaurant in South Park. With nice outside seating. Staff was nice and friendly.

Only pizza I have eaten in the States that made me think I was back in Italy. Even the waiter's accent; he was from where pizza is from. The team waiter concept worked well and the young lady who delivered drinks and sodas was way more than delightful.

Finally I made it here. Long overdue and enjoyable. My friend and I each ordered a pizza. There's a large selection, as apparently this is their specialty, and well deserved recognition for a VERY good pizza. Each of these 12" pizzas are about $18-19. Add a beer for about $9 and you have an expensive lunch. However, we each brought a slice home, so I guess the cost of the lunch sized pizza was only $14. There are so many pizzas I'd like to try, and so many pasta and other dishes to try, I know I'll be looking forward to returning.

The ambiance reminded me of Italy - close tables and lots of chatter. It was very busy but when we got seated the waiter was attentive and answered all of our questions. I loved the artichoke appetizer. I thought the bolognese with fettucine was too tomato-y for a traditional bolognese sauce but it was still very good. I recommend this restaurant.

We had an awesome experience at this restaurant. Service and food is top notch. There were 6 of us and we all tried something different. My favorites were the Eggplant Parm and Lasagna. The pesto was great as well. Good wine selection and lots of outdoor seating. Would definitely return !

We arrived at 8 for our reservation, were told by host that our table wasn’t ready, and that they had ‘to rush people out’. Finally sat, waiter was clearly rushing us (we were done in 50 minutes from start to finish), had to request heater to be turned on (booked what we thought was an indoor table) and waiter mocked how my partner pronounced a dish. This was my birthday meal, and left regretting that I chose this spot to celebrate.

Had 2 great dinners here while visiting San Diego and we may come back for a 3rd! We enjoyed a caprese salad and pizza ( husband had a margarita pizza and I opted for the special with ham arugula and burrata cheese). And we split a bottle of the house Chianti which was excellent. For our second visit we shared fried calamari and my husband chose gnocchi with crab and spicy tomato sauce. My risotto with asparagus, provolo cheese and pork osso buco was amazing! We decided to bring half of our meals home so we could indulge in dessert- my cannoli was crispy with a delicious ricotta filling and my husband enjoyed the chocolate mousse! The service was friendly, attentive and efficient! We felt very welcome and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.

I've been looking forward to coming back since we knew we were coming back to San Diego! Everything we've ever gotten here has been fabulous, from the appetizers (We like the meat tray with the assortment of salami, prosciuttos, etc), to the gigantic calzones to the pastas (my favorite is the gnocchi). I love the sidewalk cafe atmosphere. The staff is friendly and great in helping decide on what to order (since everything is delicious). The portion size for the price is good. Overall, fantastic atmosphere, good service and mouth watering food.

We went to La Buona Forchetta out of suggestion of friends from Bergamo, same city of Matteo, the owner. Incidentally, other friends met in San Diego had told us that this Italian restaurant is the best in town for pizza. They do not take reservations for small parties, but waiting time was reasonable, ca 45 mins. Matteo offered us a glass of Prosecco, and we ordered two pizzas and one pasta dish. Well I do not know if it is the best pizza on the West Coast, but it is like a pizza you can eat in the best pizzerias in Italy, enough said. My wife took a pasta dish so huge we had to ask for the doggy bag...all in all, an excellent and very lively place, highly recommended for Italians and Americans alike 😏 Ah, the tiramisù was also a true Italian one...

The food is delicious and portions are very very generous. The only thing we didn’t like was being sat inside, they fit too many people into a small space and with the business of the kitchen and maybe the acoustics the noise is awful. You are almost shouting at points to hear each other across the table. We would eat here again and request a table outside.

Friends and I, we shared four pasta dishes. "Lasagna", "Boscaiola", "Carbonara" and a cheese sauce. The lasagna was unusually greasy, though interesting in taste. The carbonara was a bit too greasy too, but enjoyable. Boscaiola was okay, but nothing special. The cheese sauce was nothing special either, but good though. Panna Cotta was boring. Tiramisu was good. I would not come again to this place.

Nothing but the best to say about all the food choices we made. Love the pizza crust and the toppings, of course. You could tell they're so fresh. The pizza oven is amazing. One thing that caught my eyes though - could be less messy inside. Boxes were stacked up next to the tables.....should really be out of the way. Other than that, amazing food and prices.

came here as a large party (8) seated within 1 hour, not bad for a last minute reservation. best food was the carbonara and gnocchi plus the spicy salami pizza. The apps were ok, the sauce on the pizza in a jar was legit, very tasty. good customer service all around.

Very good pizza, pasta and tiramisu and reasonably priced. Would recommend booking as could be a 45-60 minute wait otherwise. For such a busy place the staff were smiley, well mannered and very efficient. Definitely recommended by us all.

I spent a lovely lunch on their patio enjoying the egg plant parmesan and a glad of prosecco. Their pizza looked amazing as well as their other dishes. Staff were attentive, friendly and helpful. I would definitely check them out for lunch or dinner.

A group of us went out to dinner here. That was a horrible mistake, because we couldnt hear each other it was so damn loud in the place. Anyway, we all got different things. The classic pasta looked absolutely delicious. The veal I had was incredible as well, although I was slightly concerned it did not come with anything else. Just the veal, on a cutting board (how trendy *swoon*). Also, HOW CAN AN ITALIAN RESTAURANT NOT HOOK YOU UP WITH BREAD, OLIVE OIL, AND VINEGAR? Thats a sin. This was a rambling review. Overall, pretty good. Would not necessarily go back there though.

Amazing dining experience. Have been there a couple of times and always a winner. Of course the food is delicious and authentic. The vibe is very cool. Very much a family feel to it. A little like taking a trip to Italy with out all the expense and the hassle of a long uncomfortable plane ride.

We enjoy one of the best Neapolitan Pizzas in San Diego, the location is a city hotspot, service is friendly and prices are also correct ones.

I was dining with a group of seven people and we all loved our food. I had a simple house pasta dish that was delicious. The restaurant was packed on a Sunday night. We had drinks across the street at a cool restaurant called Kindred while waiting for our table. I don't think you can go wrong with anything you order here.

I can't say enough about the food and the service. The homemade pasta, pizza and appetizers are all delicious. They also have good wines by the glass. We are so happy there are two locations now, truly a gem in San Diego!

It doesn't get much better than this! Top quality food, excellent service, amazing house wine, reasonable prices. Parking can be tough.

My son and I discovered this amazing little neighborhood restaurant by chance. It is now our go to when I visit him in San Diego! Our favorite is the margherita pizza and pesto gnocchi! The wait staff are always friendly and attentive. And the restaurant itself is located in a cute little neighborhood with shops and a few bars and restaurants.

What a gem Buona Forchetta is! Authentic Italian, through and through. I enjoyed the best gluten free pizza crust I have ever tasted, and my hubby enjoyed the best US restaurant tiramisu that he has tasted in the US. He also enjoyed wonderful calzone. You definitely want to eat here if you are in San Diego. AND it’s at Liberty Station, another place you will want to visit and enjoy.

Came to this place by a family member invitation. Despite the venue was busy we were greeted by the hostess and seated promptly... After that, the dining experience was less than mediocre. From Il vino, bevande; antipasti, insalate, piatti forti, dolci e caffe...Everything disappointed us! 1) Unpolished wine glasses 2) La bottiglia D'Acqua Minerale was brought to the table without any glasses. After requesting them, IL Cameriere/waiter did not even open nor poured the sparkling water to any of the guests. 3)...

Best Italian food I’ve found outside of Italy. Worth mentioning that I lived in Italy for a few years—so when this place opened in my neighborhood I thought, “ok we will see!” Fast forward 6 years later & I still look forward to dining here. They have several locations but this location in South Park is my favorite because it’s so intimate. Pizza, pasta, risotto & filet mignon are amazing. For starters the polpettine (meat balls) & calamari are great starters. In the summer I look forward to their octopus carpaccio salad with lemon & arugula.

Wonderful authentic Italian. Mozzerrella sticks were great, carbonara was stellar, pizzas were fantastic. Tiramisu was tasty, especially for me as one who does not typically enjoy tiramisu.

Average at best. Napoletana style pizza and a few pasta choices. We ordered calamari fritti, margherita pizzas and their meatballs to start. Calamari was just OK - breading was plain and had little taste (even dipping in the marinara sauce). Pizza crust was good but the sauce was really plain. Meatballs were dry. We also ordered a number of their nightly pasta dishes and a calzone. Pasta was decent but again, the sauce is really underwhelming. Price point is high for pizza. Reasonably priced wine list.

Buona Forchetta always has great food, atmosphere and service at all their locations. The South Park location is more intimate and neighborhood friendly for me. The main restaurant with outdoor dining under the tent and a bar two doors down that reminds me of dining at a friend’s kitchen. However, parking is terrible. The pastas are fresh and have choices for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free lovers. They don’t have a full bar and offer a fixed menu of cocktails, beer, and wine. Their cocktails are made with soju which are 25% alcohol content and boy, do they sneak up on you! We got: -Venetian spritzer: Prosecco, club soda, orange vermouth - bubbly -Italian 76: gin, lemon, Prosecco - favorite! Refreshing -Menabrea rossa: Italian craft red beer - not many red beers on the market. I’m also not a beer drinker but this Italian beer was so smooth! For food, I stuck to vegetarian options. -Focaccia added garlic: huge 10 inch 6 slices -Built my own pasta with pesto pappardelle. -margherita pizza: same size as the focaccia bread We had a party of 11, celebrating 3 bdays and we received 2 focaccia on the house as well as 2 straccetti alla Nutella desserts on the house. The dessert are fried pizza dough strips with Nutella, fruits and powdered sugar. Reminded me of funnel cake. The menu said this serves 2 people, but we had more eaters and still had leftovers. Overall, great experience!

This restaurant is located in the San Diego neighborhood of Golden Hill. It's an older area of the city and the restaurant is in the middle of a residential area, so parking is difficult to find, especially after working hours. Despite this, Buona Forchetta will not disappoint you. Our reservation was for 7:30 PM on a weekday, but still, the place was packed! It was crazy loud, but service was fast and the food, very delicious. We had 3 different kinds of pizza and 2 kinds of salads. Next time, we'll try the other items on the menu. A must visit when in San Diego! If not for the issue with parking and very loud environment, I would've rated this place an easy 5-stars!

Visited Buena Forchetta with our family (two little kids) and it was fabulous. Only good things to say about the food, the atmosphere and the flexibility of the staff.

Nice place for group brunch. Good food with a nice casual beach vibe. Within walking distance from the Hotel del Coronado.

South Park San Diego , enjoy an authentic Italian meal , bring your Italian dictionary too , excellent food , reasonably priced and servers are mainly Italian , very friendly staff , the restaurant is concerned that you have a great meal and good time , try it ( ask for Simone )

The best meal I have ever had sitting on a plastic chair in a street side patio is at Buona Forchetta. The place has a great neighborhood family run vibe and every thing we ordered tasted amazing.

Had a really good italian experience from the service to the food we had some pastas and pizzas and everithying was full of taste

It doesn't get better than this!! Go early because there are no reservations, however, well worth the wait! Excellent, stellar Italian food! Friendly staff! It's like eating at a restaurant in Italy--You're not rushed in and out -- The atmosphere and ambience of the restaurant exudes warmth, people conversing--Just lovely! I liked the Chianti, however, the wines are good too--Located in South Park which is such a cool area--Great walking place--People are friendly and love their dogs too!

Had dinner here because we heard so much about the great pizza. If all we ordered was the pizza then I would say 5 stars, because the pie we ordered as an appetizer was awesome, we had just been to Italy this summer and this rivals the best of Italy. As for the main courses, I would say average at best. We had a steak and while it was very tender and perfectly cooked it lacked seasoning. The lasagna was ok, and my lobster with linguine could have been better. I would highly recommend to come here for the pizza and would come here just for that. I think they should sell more pizza and do less main courses to be honest and their wine list is a bit weak, even for a casual place.

This restaurant is in Liberty Station. They have outdoor seating- with heat lamps and plastic sides during cold weather. Bartender-Alex was terrific. He is Italian and our waiter was too. I'm not sure that all the wait staff was, but it sure was nice to have their knowledge of the food, etc. Service was excellent. Large selection of pizzas and they can be cooked in whatever style you like- thin crust, stretched more, with or with out edge.... more variety of toppings than I've typically seen. Their salads are generous and the pastas are delicious as well. Had the lemon pudding and it was smooth and tasty. Nice to see a wide variety of customers too- couples, families, groups of friends. I'm really glad I found this place! Will return!

Amazing place to get authentic Italian Pizza! Upon getting to the restaurant, the first thing you'll notice is how incredibly busy it is. The restaurant is packed inside, with every seat filled in the patio, and a crowd around the host's station. My girlfriend and I happened to make the mistake of trying to get a table around 8PM on a Saturday night. I definitely underestimated the popularity of this place. We ended up waiting just over 50 minutes, with the host originally quoting us at an hour wait. And to be honest, the wait wasn't that bad because of the system they have in place. They were able to take down our phone number and gave us a call when a table opened up. This allowed us the freedom to go to any of the bars across the street, or stroll around the nice surrounding neighborhoods. If you aren't in the mood to go anywhere, they place many seats just outside the patio for people to sit and wait. All of this makes it much easier to tolerate the longer wait times. Now to the food! The food is incredible! My girlfriend and I both kept it simple and ordered (2) Angela Pizzas, and a carafe of the Sangria. Angela Pizza ($15) - Right away, this pizza has the "look" of a true Italian Pizza: The crust is lightly charred, the tomato sauce is a vibrant red, and just the right amount of toppings and cheese. The crust is so light, the sauce has the perfect sweetness and tastes so fresh, and the cheese is so flavorful. This specific pizza had a spicy salame, which was really tasty, although it might've been just a touch too spicy for my girlfriend's tastes. Sangria Carafe ($22) - We had to make the crucial decision to go with the Carafe ($22) or get a glass of it ($6 Each), see we opted for the most economical option, and went with the carafe. We were able to get almost 6 total glasses between the two of us, so we definitely got our money's worth here. The sangria itself was really good. It had a good fruitiness to it, without being too sweet. All in all, I highly recommend this place! I can't wait to go back and order some of the Italian dishes that others have raved about! Side Note: - The parking can be a bit of a pain, so allow some time to circle around the neighborhood, or take Uber/Lyft if you don't have the patience. I ended up parking a few blocks away.

The food was very good and overall we enjoyed ourselves. With 6 people we got to try a lot of different items from entrees to pizza. Not a miss in the bunch. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful night. The only issue we had was the service. Everyone seemed very rushed and there was no personal touch. As someone in our group said about or very hard working, but overworked server..."he seems to be fighting for his life". We had to ask for utensils, water and the check. Not because he didn't care, but more than once we saw him on his way to our table only to be pulled somewhere else by another staff member.

Wonderful neighborhood gem to visit. I stayed at nearby airbnb with 2 families (4 adults, kids age 3-12) Feel like you're in a place outside the country, Italy. Service was great. Food was scrumptious. Huge calzones! yummy pizza for the kids. Would like to return when in town. Highly recommend you visit.

Buona Forchetta is a very popular italian restaurant right off the big food hall in Liberty Station. They have 2 big pizza oven so pizza is good. They have covered outdoor seating. Their service is good and so is the food. It is a good option if you find the food hall too crowded.

My mom and I had the opportunity to go to this amazing restaurant for dinner. We didn’t have a reservation (I would recommend procuring one for dinner), so we waited an hour to be seated (the line was out the door). However, they have this great wine bar next door and we had the chance to chill with a glass of wine and hang out before dinner. The bartenders were so nice and we had fun talking with them. We shared a salad and a pizza, which was absolutely delicious!! I am gluten-free. The pizza was so good I didn’t even feel like I was eating something gluten-free. I also was absolutely ecstatic to be able to eat pizza that didn’t have a cauliflower crust! I also had a dessert that was gluten-free, too! I highly recommend the chocolate mousse! Loved everything about this restaurant and I only wish I lived on this coast to be able to go back again and again!

Went with family. We are from NJ and know the best Italian in the country. Food was fresh, delicious and reasonably priced. Service is a little sloppy. Otherwise I would have given 5 stars.

The place is a gem in San Diego. Great Food and friendly service. They have many option for real Italian food. We have been there many times and it has been fabulous. I strongly recommend, lunch or dinner.. Pizzas are delicious and risottos are cooked to perfection. Good selection of wine too.

The food is always good to great, the service is authentic and passionate, the prices are unbelievable! Pizza, calamari, specials are always exceptional. The wait can be long, but well worth it. A little bit of Italy in San Diego. The South Park location is the real deal. Not a fan of the new place in Liberty Station - totally different.

Pizza was recommended. We got 2 take out pizzas. There was very sparse topping. Very disappointing. Would not recommend

WE were a crowd of 40 and the service was quick, efficient and the food was very good. We had an allergy member with us and the waitperson handled it beautifully and made sure everything was ok for the person to eat. I indulged in the Grilled Chicken Breast w Marsala mushroom sauce. Husband and sis in law had the Salmon and it looked excellent and that will be my next try.He tried one sauce she had the other with out hurting her diet. It had 2 choices of sauce. O yes their draft beer was very good.

This Italian gem is absolutely fantastic. My brother had been and knew Id love it as they do...he was right. Huge portions and REAL Italian food done right! Italian wait staff and Italian owners and cooks. Know for their excellent Neapolitan pizza done in an Italian high temp oven, bottom a little blistered...fabulous. Their sauces are to die for! And there aritson bread...free be sure to ask if you don’t receive, served with quality olive oil and balsamic. We shared salad pizza and wonderful pasta boglenese. Omg that sauce and that pasta...superb!! Wait staff friendly and good. They will explain any dish and help you decide between dishes you are looking at. My brother says their specials and everything else are also excellent. I highly recommend and I will be back next year.

Hands down the best Italian food in San Diego. And the prices are reasonable. All of the pizzas and pastas are unreal good. It’s tucked away in a nice neighborhood with some pubs and bars to enjoy before/after your meal. A must visit on any trip to San Diego. They have another location in Point Loma, but the original location has the best atmosphere.

Wife and I did first visit based on daughters recommendation. Called for reservation noncan do for party less than 6 but took our name anyway and seated us 15 min after arrival with busy Saturday crowd. Great start. Waitress Italian real deal and menu same. We had octopus carpaccio on bed of arugula. Top notch freshness with thin sliced tender octopus. We ordered Augusta pizza was not my favorite too veggie heavy on taste but our fault for going that route. We shared pasta bolognese sauce over penne pasta. Superb finish to sauce husky with right spice and depth. Two glasses Malbec wrapped it up. Only minor dent was bus helpers a bit too fast and aggressive but all in all one of finer Italian meals we've had

Everything is good! Love the pasta & pizza & tiramisu especially. Wish they had a full alcohol license in South Park. They do @ Liberty Station location.

OMG, the food here was really good. I went here for lunch with friends and we all opted for the eggplant Parmesan, despite the many menu options. Weird, I know, but that’s what appealed to us. The portion was a good size, albeit one of the portions was noticeably smaller than the others served. The ingredients tasted so fresh and unlike many places, the dish wasn’t at all oily. I have ordered this at other places so many times, only to have it ooze with olive oil. That was not the case. This wasn’t quite my grandmother’s eggplant, but very, very close. I was disappointed that the eggplant wasn’t accompanied by a small portion of pasta or a few roasted vegetables. I think having a little something served on the side would have enhanced the dish. I’m glad it wasn’t oily, but this was the first time I ordered eggplant at an Italian restaurant and only received eggplant. However, it was delicious and the service was wonderful.

We took our family that came to visit over the 4th weekend. The kids wanted pizza so we all shared and added calamari and salads. Will definitely be back!

We ate at the Garage location on Coronado Island. The evening was amazing. The tables are set up outside behind the restaurant and they have little touches such as string lights that really add to the ambience. The food was superb. The homemade focaccia bread is the best I’ve had. Make sure you order it because you will not be disappointed. Our group had a mix of pasta, pizza and chicken. EVERYTHING was A+. The quality of the pasta is sublime. We ended the meal with the plate of Italian donuts drizzles with hazelnut spread. It arrived with blueberries instead of the promised strawberries with no explanation so that was a bit strange. They were still very good but one in our party couldn’t eat them due to the blueberries. No a big deal and not enough to take away a star. Make a reservation though! This location is wildly busy and popular for a reason. Can’t wait to visit again the next time I’m in Coronado.

Very rare place that combines authentic Italian cuisine, great service and nice people. Be prepared to wait for a table, evenings especially. However - it's worth it.

I finally went to Buona Forchetta in South Park. I loved the vibe there. I felt like I could be in Italy. Service was great! I love listening to Italian waiters in Italian restaurants speak English with their lilting accents. I had the calamari as an appetizer and spaghetti bolognese as my main dish. The calamari was delicious - not as fried as it is in most restaurants so the flavor and texture of the calamari really came through. The spaghetti was very good, too. They recently opened another restaurant at Liberty Station. I also went there. The vibe is quite different - much more modern. There are some great Italian artifacts in the restaurant like a red Fiat, a Vespa and a couple of other items. The menu is a little different - no calamari, for example. The pizza was very good. They also have phone charging stations on the wall for IPhones and Android phones. I'd never seen that before. There was something on the menu I'd never heard of before and one of the owners brought me a bowl of it to try. I plan to go back to both places to try more items on the menu.

We arrived at 6:30 pm on a Thursday and the place was packed. They do not accept reservations for less than 6 so we decided to wait. We were told 30 minutes, but, it took almost an hour. The crowd is social so completing the meal does not mean they will vacate their table! We were seated a little before 7 pm and service came quickly which was a nice surprise! We order a couple of salads and the ingredients were of the highest quality. The Fattore with fresh walnuts and an great lemony dressing was incredible. The Sottoterra was even better with a fresh goat cheese and unusual warmed julienne mix of carrots, fennel, parsnips and onion. The entrees were average. My companion's cioppino was non-traditional and had a wealth of seafood, but, the broth (it is all about the broth anyway) was disappointedly brightly tomatoey with little development a depth. The special veal (specials are on gigantic chalkboards on the walls) with apricot was bland, but, I did enjoy the fresh veg and potato mix. The eggplant Parmesan was average and again the sauce was brightly tomato flavored. We'll be back to try the pizza and more salad! The service was really outstanding and our server was attentive and even in an incredibly busy and tight space tpouched oour table several times for water, pouring wine and check-ins.

A corner of Italy in South Park, San Diego. Very good pizza. Delicious and well made ciupino. Renato the Patron, courteous and very kind. Really good.

I'm from México. I think it is the most delicious and amazing italian restaurant in San Diego. Cant wait to vistit again.

If you know me, you know that I'm a fan of Italian food and having visited Italy previously, you should know I really love amazing Italian food. Originally, I had a different restaurant to visit in mind, however, our plans changed and my bf and I hopped on a couple of VeoRide scooters and zipped our way over to Buona Forchetta for an early dinner. I had called the previous evening to make a reservation but they were booked. The hostess said they do keep a few tables for walk-ins. I inquired about the best time to go and she said between 3:00 and 4:30 pm. We arrived shortly before 5 pm and were seated immediately at the outside patio. I ordered the passionfruit Bellini ($8) to start. It was refreshing and nice to have on the makeshift patio seating. The restaurant itself is fairly small and is literally a neighborhood gem. My bf and I decided to split a few things, mainly the Burrata Caprese ($14) salad and the Buona Forchetta pasta ($15) with fresh homemade egg pappardelle (+$1). The Buona Forchetta sauce consists of cream, egg, parmesan, spicy marinara, and black pepper. Once mixed, it's basically a pink sauce and boy did it go with the amazing homemade egg pappardelle. Look, I could eat pasta all day everyday if it didn't immediately go to my hips and thighs. This pasta, I'd eat as a last meal sort of thing. It's that good and I loved every bite. The caprese consisted of heirloom cherry tomatoes and slices of thick cut tomatoes, tossed in EVOO and balsamic glaze, surrounding this mound of burrata cheese. It was HEAVENLY and tasted so fresh. I forgot to mention, they brought us this complimentary bread that was fresh baked, along with some EVOO and balsamic vinegar. It was so good. For dessert, we ordered cannoli in a to-go box. I took a small bite and packed it up to go. It was okay. I've had cannoli in Rome and this could not compare. Our simple Italian dinner was not so basic after all. I'll definitely come back to try their pizzas sometime. It was delicious and probably our favorite spot of the weekend in San Diego. My friend had recommended it and so did a few other people so we were glad we had the opportunity to check it out. They also have vegetarian and vegan options for those with plant-based diets. If you're ever in the neighborhood, do check out Buona Forchetta for an amazing meal.

This place is amazing! It came highly recommended to my boyfriend and me and it did not disappoint! The food was incredible, we started with the meatball appetizer and the sauce and meatballs had so much flavor! Incredible. Then we both got pasta, I got the amitriciana over bucatini and my boyfriend got bolognese over pappardelle - INCREDIBLE. The food was fantastic, the service was great and best of all, since it was my boyfriend's birthday, they brought out a special dessert for him and the whole place sang happy birthday. It was awesome - would highly reccommend!!

Great service, fantastic food! Love the outdoor seating. The pizza is authentic and tastes great. A perfect spot for a good Italian meal.

Amazing quality, really tasty Italian food. We had two delicious pizzas which are very similar to the ones you have in Naples- very close! And it is not easy to find a Neapolitan pizza in San Diego so I really recommend this place to all Italian pizza lovers.

While we hate to share amazing local restaurants for our own selfish purposes , there is a reason this place has the ratings it so well deserves. Location, lovely. Staff, legit and knowledgeable. Food....just start at the top of the menu and order. Good luck ignoring the special menu, it’s magical . Today we got the artichoke app, the spicey meat pizza, the bufala lemon and taco app. THEN we got the cacio e pepe (get it ), halibut Mediterranean special, and the pork chop parmigiana special. I CANNOT w this place. While it was super hot today, the awning covered, fan fueled patio seating was perfection. They do not take reservations, so lunch is a safer bet for wait , but worth it nonetheless. GO!!!

Small & crowded. Great staff. Beer & wine only for cocktails. We had several dishes. Arrived at 5:30. Left at 7. Long line to get in. Pizzas are great, sea bass super, pasta taste, osso buco very good on bed of Italian rice, calamari very good.

The vibe here is bustling, hip and quality ingredients. This is one of my favorite Italian spots in the city. Came for dinner on a Tuesday and the place was busy. The appetizer of minestrone was exemplary a warm broth with the perfect accents giving that light warm flavor. Had pizza this visit, it featured a warm chewy dough, great sauce and ingredients. I’ll be back soon to this great example of neighborhood Italian fare in Southpark.

Make sure to call ahead on your way to put your name on the list, the lines never end because the food is SO good! Our waitress was super helpful with choosing what we wanted to eat, and the cannoli's were to die for. Absolutely must see when in San Diego!

After dining at Buona Forchetta, I can't imagine enjoying pizza and pasta anywhere else in San Diego. From the moment you step in, the warm and friendly staff make you feel like you're family. They're sociable, upbeat, and ready to make your meal a memorable one. Our dinner began with two different wines. I'm a wine enthusiast, and I didn't snap any photos or recall their names, but rest assured, their wine recommendations are spot-on. The Regina Margherita pizza was a revelation. With its incredibly flavorful thin crust and the heavenly sauce, it was a pizza-lover's dream come true. The Spaghetti in Due Pomodori was, hands down, the best pasta dish I've tasted in California. With a simple yet tantalizing blend of organic tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it was sheer perfection. The nightly special, Pollo Milanese, was another hit. The chicken was tender, brimming with flavor, and cooked to perfection. And then came the desserts. We indulged in every option on the menu, and each one was a delight. We didn't leave a crumb behind. I highly encourage you to channel your inner foodie and savor each one, just like we did!

This review is LONG overdue ! BF is by far the closest you can get to authentic Italian food here in the states ! The have an imported wood fired pizza oven when coupled with the finest ingredients, you get perfection pizza !!!!! My hubby and I love many of the pizzas and the carbonara was so fantastic it literally took me back to Italy for a minute ! Amazing !

Had the best dinner with AMAZING pizza. I lived in Italy for a year and have not had pizza like it this since Italy. Steve was a great waiter. We had such a great experience.

Unique ambiance and selection of food. Pizza definitely is a winner here. Amatriciana was a bit heavy on the sauce and the fact that they place onion in such a dish makes this a different dish but the pasta was al dente. Overall service is good.

The best food and atmosphere for truest Italian dining in San Diego. Service is beyond comparison and I try to go to the restaurant at least four times a year and recommend the restaurant to everyone.

We shared a pizza as an appetizer. Among the entrees ordered were the seafood pasta, gnocchi and the ravioli. all of the dishes ordered were from their specialities of the night written on their chalkboard menu. All were fabulous. The couple that took us there definitely recommended ordering items off of the special menu.

Delicious food! It's amazing how an excellent dining experience can be ruined by the staff. . I went at night with my partner. The waiter who served us, who seemed to have an Italian accent, served us VERY WELL! The delicious food. The cocktails, very normal. . Worst: See how a waiter took the prosciutto with his hands without washing them, put it on a pizza (or on some plate), which he passed to a waiter and they brought it to the table. This same guy, a certain "Cris", was the same one we asked about a lemon juice (in English probably not very well pronounced) and the only thing he said was, after making a 💩 face at us, "ask him" ( ask him), pointing to a waiter who did speak Spanish. . Tips: Better environment is outside. Inside there is the noise of the tables talking and sometimes it gets too loud.

Even though this place in South Park is highly rated, it still way passed our expectations! Incredible food, excellent service, warm comfortable atmosphere, and friendly staff! That should say quit all! It's the kind of place that has that extra special touch! The calzone is huge and out of this world! My wife's ravioli was so gooood! Wow!

We were recommended this restaurant by San Diego natives, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was very upbeat. The entire staff seemed to know everyone and were very friendly. The menu isn't extensive, but they had a very good selection of entrees to choose from. We're Italian so we are extremely picky when it comes to ordering authentic Italian dishes like gnocchi. I was shocked when my husband took the plunge and ordered himself a plate of the handmade pasta, and I was even more shocked when he told me how delicious it was. I was a doubter and tried it for myself. It was really good! I highly recommend ordering the gnocchi if you go there. Buon Appetito!

We visited my 2 sisters and their family in San Diego. They decided to take me and my daughter to this restaurant for dinner. My sister didn’t live too far away (1.5 miles) and the weather was super nice so we decided to walk there . You can see bright orange chairs with a crowd of guests already enjoying their dinner. We had reservations and waited about 10 minute for them to seat us. We sat outside so we can enjoy the beautiful weather and people watching. I wasn’t as hungry so my daughter and I shared a pizza . My daughter wanted her traditional pizza with pepperoni , bacon , etc ... but none of that since this is a fancier Italian restaurant (but dress code is casual). We ordered the Nicola (with prosciutto)pizza . My daughter didn’t like it and I didn’t think it was all that. It lacked seasoning . My sister also let me try her pasta with shrimp and mussels (not all that , a 3 out of 5 stars) . The version at Carabba’s was way tastier ! Food wise , the seasoning could have been better but the atmosphere was awesome!

Celebrated a milestone birthday here and I can’t say enough good things about the food and service. Despite Being really busy, our server went out of his way to make it special. They even fancied up a cake I brought in from the outside. Will return soon and I highly recommend you do to!

This restaurant seemed out of the way but did not disappoint Very authentic Italian food and great service. His place was hopping on a Monday night , it was definitely the place to be Better than little Italy

Went for dinner. It was packed and there was quite a wait. We took a seat at a side bar. Ordered 2 different kinds of pizza. Very good. Good service. Definitely would go back. Great atmosphere. Carolers were singing in front.

Family friendly Italian restaurant with relaxed and comfortable feel… attentive wait staff and wide variety of food choices… vegetarian friendly as well.

We had THE BEST LUNCH at Buona Forchetta in San Diego's adorable South Park neighborhood. The place is constantly packed, but we had hardly any wait when we dropped in for a late lunch on a Thursday. Everything was incredible. My wife had pasta, and I had pizza. We also ordered an appetizer special. We did this knowing we'd have leftovers, as the portion sizes are generous. The restaurant has a nice, big outdoor seating area set back from the sidewalk, which allows dogs. The staff is welcoming and well-informed. There's a reason this place is considered one of the best places for pizza in all of San Diego. We can't wait to go back!

Authentic Italian cuisine that includes pizza, pasta and much more. The food was very delicious and filling. Service was the little slow because they were very busy. They gave us complimentary dessert to make up for the wait time. The tiramisu dessert was lite and creamy and delicious. Definitely worth eating here.

Ok - so it is off the beaten path of the Gaslamp district but this is a restaurant that is a destination in itself. The food will remind you of the better restaurants in Italy with US style service (that I miss when I visit Italy). Expect long waits as you get to the weekend - and it can get a touch uncomfortable (specially for lunch) on very hot days in San Diego. But if your intent is to celebrate Italian food, look no further.

Really great Pizza. The sausage was awesome, mild to spicy, but still afforded the taste to resonate very well. The crust is real, true Italian and right out of a fired oven.

After so many restaurants trying to copy the dishes of Italian cuisine, finally here is really Italy. The pizza and pasta delicious! Come devono davvero essere! The pizza even better than the one prepared in many Italian pizzerias! Recommended by an athlete of the Italian national team met by chance in Los Angeles, we went there and felt really at home! Nice idea to add, only as topping on request, the ingredients that in Italy are not used but in America are depopulated, such as mushrooms on Bolognese sauce!

This place was wonderful! Great service and the food is delicious! Everything from the cioppino to the bolognese to the pizzas are top notch! Love the atmosphere too! I would definitely come back here when in San Diego. If you have to wait for a table, go grab a quick beer at South Park Brewing just a couple doors down. They only take reservations for groups of six or more.

Whole family went for birthday celebrations. We all had a great time and our server was exceptional. We had 12-14 people and everything about the dinner was great. No mistakes and great service and food. First time for family except for 1 daughter who recently went here for dinner and had the same great experience we had tonight. Everybody had different dishes and all said very good. We ate outside on patio. Great experience, Thank you. First time there but certainly not the last.

This place is not fancy or very expensive, but the food is really good. The people how works there are all Italians, and also the food looks like a real Italian food. Pizza is special. Go early - the place usually is crowded.

On multiple visits, we found pizza excellent, entrees mediocre. Disappointed my daily special pizza cost $10 more than average menu pizza (personal/plate sized pizza). Seats are very close together. Not my favorite Italian experience in San Diego.

It is undoubtedly the best Italian restaurant in all of San Diego and perhaps throughout the state the service is as if it were in your favorite aunt's house pure family and the food is spectacular and homemade and very original Romana is a jewel

If you are looking for an authentic Italian restaurant in San Diego, this place is a must. Pizza is one of the best Napoli style pizza I’ve ever had out of Italy. This restaurant could easily compete to be a good restaurant in any Italian city.

atmosphere was excellent, seated on an enclosed outside terrace with heat. you could tell it was a real family business, with lots of people running around talking in italian. our server was very happy to offer suggestions. pizza was excellent, as was the pasta special (ravioli carbonara). house red wine is very good.

Two San Diego natives recommended Buona Forchetta to us, and it did not disappoint! It is truly a neighborhood gem. We found street parking and had a wonderful dinner on the outside patio. Even on a Monday night, the restaurant was completely full, so be sure to make reservations. We had the Fattore salad and brussels sprouts to start, followed by 3 of the pasta dishes, including lasagna. Everything was so delicious! We highly recommend Buona Forchetta for excellent Italian food. Enjoy!

Delicious food, great service, and a wonderful atmosphere make for a wonderful experience! The wait is definitely worth it! We had the Bruschetta, pizzas, and salad- all incredibly delicious. We even found a bottle of vino from the Tuscany area we recently visited in Italy.

We visit family in San Diego about once a year. Buona Forchetta is our absolute favorite place in San Diego. The food is fabulous, the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are attentive and friendly. All of our dishes on this trip were so tasty. Gnocchis with Fennel Sausage, marinara sauce with olives and bell peppers. Shrimp and onion Ravioli with Saffron sauce, Rib eye with spaghetti and pork chop Parmesan with fingerling potatoes. And not to forget the artichoke heart appetizer with fresh bread. Enjoyed a carafe of red sangria and now it’s nap time.

It is located in a neighborhood of San Diego. I ate outside, which was very nice since the weather was warm. Our server was a very nica Italian guy. My pizza was very good...high quality ingredients

My new favorite restaurant in San Diego. Casual yet delicious Italian. Prices decent. Best ravioli I ever had! Awesome tiramisu. Outdoor seating is dog friendly.