I visited Buona Forchetta for the first time on Friday evening. I was with a group of 20 women celebrating a birthday. We had our own private room which was not only cozy but provided the perfect ambiance for our lively group! The food was very high quality and provided excellent value for the customer. Service was above and beyond expectations! Attention to detail and flexibility to each person's needs did not go unnoticed. Thank you for an absolutely fantastic dining experience!! We will be back!!! read more

Love this little gem! You feel like your dining in Italy, the staff is Italian or at least most of them, the food is fresh and cooked to perfection ! We had a seafood special and a pizza both were amazing, I also loved the Italian wine list!! 5 stars for sure :) read more

Delicious pizza and, if you save room, the desserts were amazing. My large group waited an hour to be seated but it was absolutely worth the wait. Kira the hostess out front was delightful as she managed everyone's expectations with a positive attitude. Our server was also terrific (sorry did not catch his name). I'm planning to bring visiting family over the holidays. read more

Real Italian pizza. Incredible. Cute place; buzzing with good energy. Amazing wine. Enjoy!

This place was recommended to us by a friend and since we've been in search of a great Italian restaurant in San Diego for many years now, we decided to give it a try. It was nothing short of amazingly delicious! The pizza was so good; the ingredients were fresh and the crust was out of this world! We tried a few of their pasta choices as well and we loved them all! So much depth of flavor across the board! We'll definitely be coming back again and again and again and again.... read more

Best pasta in north county! I've been almost everywhere around here and no one has come close. Little Italy flare in Encinitas, finally! Went last night for dinner for first time and will definitely be back. Most other Italian restaurants have been one and done for me besides little Italy. This hit the spot, it is a little small and tight, so probably makes sense to make reservations, walk in will be tough. Great service, but most of all the pasta was amazing! read more

I wish I could give zero stars. The hostess was an absolute nightmare. I arrived three minutes before my family. I asked for a table, and as they were approaching the restaurant she said to me "okay honey" and in the same breath gave our table to another party and told us the wait would be 45 minutes. Then told us over and over how she cannot hold tables when my family was literally steps away. Totally snobby attitude, acted like she is too good for customers when she is the one working front desk! I don't recommend anyone going here unless you want a horrendous experience at the front and a crowded, loud dinner inside with minimal ambiance and over priced food. read more

Great food and amazing service. My wife and I don't go out too much with young kids at home, so it is nice to be provided a positive and memorable experience when we do. I would definitely recommend BF for a date night! read more

Thank you for a wonderful date night with my husband that didn't totally break the bank! The food and the staff were lovely and I'm still dreaming of the mushroom, pappardelle truffle pasta you made for me on a whim. WE'll be back! read more

2 stars for service and soggy pizza. Made a reservation for 4 on Sunday at 1:30. Seated promptly, and water was given. Waitress came by we ordered 2 appetizers and drinks. Slow to get one appetizer. Before one of our appetizers came we ordered our meals (2 pizzas, a chicken special and lasagna). While we were waiting for our second appetizer to appear another party of 4 was seated behind us. Water was never refilled, second round of drinks was never asked of us. The first appetizer I am told was very good, fried calamari. I did not have any I was waiting for the 2nd appetizer. No spoon was served to put the tomato sauce over it. A little thing but when sharing appetizer it makes sense to serve a spoon so sauce can be put on individual plates. After a bit and still waiting for the second appetizer the lasagna and chicken was served, OK my husband and I said to our guest go ahead and start. After 5 minutes they decided to start, finally I see 2 pizzas and 2 calzones coming out of the kitchen, wait what the pizzas are not ours but the table that sat down next to us, how is that possible we order before they were here. I am stunned. Trying not to be upset I gave it a few more minutes. Nothing - I had to walk in the place and look for someone. I asked where are our pizzas, the response, don't worry they are coming. Great. Another 5 minutes and they arrived. Mean while our guest are almost done. They were eating very slowly to be polite and here we are with our pizza. Starved, I had my pizza and was extremely disappointed how soggy it was, that taste was fantastic but it was wet and not at all crispy. Some brick oven cooking this. Not sure what went wrong but soggy pizza and HORRIBLE service is not worth coming back here again. This was our 4th visit to this location since we live in Encinitas. Service was always not great but today took the cake. From now on we will drive to the San Marcos location where their service is fantastic and the ambience is much better. By the way we never received our second appetizer and were charged for it but decided not to bring it up since it would have been another 10 to 20 minutes to fix it. It took 10 minutes to get the check after we asked for it. Another 10 minutes to get it back to pay. As for the amount of servers, there seemed to be plenty of help. I guess there is no oversight or management walking around to see how their guests are doing. I am for enjoyment and not rushing a meal but this was unacceptable. Literally over a 2 hour lunch waiting for service. We got there at 1:25 and left at 3:50. My recommendation, go for good tasting food, expect slow and terrible service, if you are ordering pizza don't be surprised if it is not cooked evenly and may be soggy or try another location. You may be surprised it is better. read more

I adore this restaurant - the food is divine, the wine list exceptional (they have a wonderful selection of Italian white wines beyond the usual Pinot Grigio only) and dining on the patio is so chill. I've been there 4 times in the last 6 weeks and can't wait to return read more

First time here. well worth getting here before they open (no reservations). Every thing was outstanding. Service was sublime. I got sea bass with Riosotto which was a fab + 2 the next day with their generous portions. We (party of 10) shared most of our dishes. Everyone was so happy with what they ordered (ie you cannot go wrong). I am not a dessert person but the cheese cake was shockingly the best I have ever had Now thinking this place could be an addiction read more

absolutely incredible service and food!!!!! So affordable, especially the wine. We were very impressed!!

Wow!!! Love this place! I'm a huge pizza fan and my husband is a huge carbonara lover. He lived in Italy and said this place was the closest to Italy he has found. read more

Great atmosphere and amazing gf pizza! My only complaint is that the Gelato desert at $9 is a little too high.

We ordered takeout on a Saturday night. Food was excellent. Felt the Italian authenticity. They have the best pizza in town if you like Italian style, fresh tasting ingredients and perfect dough. Glad I don't live closer or I would gain 20lbs eating here every night. read more

This is my favorite place for a Neapolitan pizza and great pasta and house-made pasta specials. Aka pizza cooked in a 485°+ wood fired oven that is tender, soft, elastic, and fragrant when cooked. For those complaining this pizza wasn't "crisp" but soggy in the middle...*eye-roll* As if! This is Naples style pizza, go get your dry, cracker-thin, bs gluten-free pizza elsewhere. Please! We won't have to wait as long without your unappreciative ass holding us up! Also, all the pastas on the menu are very delicious and consistent but ALWAYS ask about the specials, if there's a standout, your server will be sure to tell you, even if you're doing takeout which I'll do as much as dining in. Salads are fresh and nicely balanced and the cannolis shouldn't be missed if you're into something sweet. Ps If it's the weekend, bring a bottle of Champagne, a blanket, and walk to the beach overlook just two blocks West and look like a badass date, or go for a short walk South to a charming and iconic dive bar, Captain Keno's for a cocktail before you sup( they'll call you when your table is about ready,) and you'll look like a local "smooth operator". You're welcome. read more

From the friendliness of the staff, to the quality of the food, hands down a wonderful experience. Expect to wait - it's worth it.

This is my first time dining here after stumbling upon it. The service was excellent. The food even more so! Fresh, authentic, delicious, and beautifully presented. This place gets busy so come early. It is definitely worth the wait. Even with the quality of food, the price was quite reasonable as well. Pizza was incredible, salad fresh and simple, and cannoli wonderful. Definitely recommend. read more

Great pizza from their imported pizza oven. Salad and pasta is also really good. Better get here early or you'll be waiting about an hour. Inside is really small and crammed in. read more

Great food, even better service! If you are anywhere nearby, I strongly recommend coming here. The wait was short, the staff were friendly, and the food was downright incredible. read more

Great dinner with the family at Buona Forchetta. We had dinner family style sharing the pizza , ravioli , fettuccine in a cream sauce and eggplant parmigiana! Food was fantastic! Dessert was excellent too, tirimisu was really tasty! read more

The food was so good I want to move in next door so I can come every day. Never had better margarita pizza - including Bianco's.

Had to wait for 2 hours on a Saturday nite for a table but worth it. Staff was great and food fresh with some great specials. Place is small and loud but good bustling atmosphere. read more

3.5 but we didn't like the cacie de Pepe nor did we love the bosciaola sauce but the pizzas were authentic with all fresh toppings. Reasonably oriced. I had the spaghetti special with seafood that was one of the best I've had. Will go back because they have a bunch of appetizers I'd love to order. All at good proces read more

I love love love this place... I love it especially for a late lazy afternoon lunch or a right before close takeout for more intimate ambiance. They are also very accommodating for vegetarians, allowing substitutions. It smells, feels and tastes very authentic! Another very special local eatery. Truly grateful to have such cozy, delicious, and friendly atmosphere in the area. read more

My family and I love Buona Forchetta, we've been to the other 2 locations and hands down is the best pizza I've ever had. We were in the area and passed by this one, we were surprised to see they have their Buona Forchetta sauce for pasta (Point Loma does not have it). This one by far is the best location, service was excellent and the food tasted better than the first time I've had it. read more

This is by far our favorite pizzeria in the San Diego area. My husband is from Naples, Italy, and he always feels like he's eating at home. Not only are the pizzas authentic and flavorful, but other favorites include arancini and polpette on the appetizer menu. Inaddition to the high quality food, the service is truly Italian: warm, inviting, friendly. Just plan ahead for a wait because this place is like being transported into a Neapolitan pizzeria, people, pizza and all! read more

Nice ambiance outside and basement pub feels real euro. Too much stuff in basement tho. While they look cool, the fireplace and video game are not practical. Could be nice with the right number of people and informal atmosphere where u can sit at tables as part of the bar. Food was good. Loved the carmelized onion pizza. Carbonara was super smoky and good. Salad w root veg was good. Wait staff was excellent- down to earth and friendly read more

Some of the best authentic Italian food that I've had outside of Italy. Reasonably priced for excellent quality. I have an extensive list of severe food allergies and they were extremely accommodating. The service was excellent. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable. The wine list is impressive and the food is incredible. My one complaint is the host situation. I've been hosting for several years, and I felt like it could be a little more organized. There were two hosts, one was seating others, while the other just kind of stared at us and didn't even greet us. It seemed like the hosts couldn't keep track of what tables were open, but we ended up getting seated quickly. Other than that, the experience was perfect. I will absolutely come back. read more

Totally lived up to the hype. The pizza was amazing (we are pizza snobs and this was the best - MUCH better than Blue Ribbon) and my picky kids loved the pesto pasta. read more

WORTH THE WAIT!!! This place is incredible in every way. I'm just sad it opened weeks before I was moving. I requested as much as I could before I left. I tried so many things and EVERYTHING is amazing!! Anytime I come back to Encinitas to visit Buona Forchetta will be my place to go! Ambiance and service are as good as the food. read more

I've now been here at least 4 times and just can't get enough. This is the best italian restaurant I've been to in the US. The pasta is incredible. Perfectly cooked. You can't go wrong with any of the sauces. The pizzas are divine. The crust is perfect and not burnt like many places who cook in a pizza oven often do. The wait is always there. Even at 8:45 pm on a Thursday there was a 35 min wait time, but wait it out! It is totally worth it! read more

Absolutely amazing service! The food is to die for, and the wine was also very good. Fair prices and great atmosphere. I would definitely go back read more

Fabulous food and excellent service - thank you. Cheese board was wonderful and pizza outstanding. We had a wonderful evening.

We found this Italian Gem while visiting from Atlanta. We loved it so much cake back again during our week long trip. I'd eat here every night if I could. Everything we had was phenomenal. Margherite pizza, calzone with prosciutto, arancino, eggplant appetizer, lasagna and pesto linguine. PHENOMENAL. The 1 hour wait both times was worth it! The manager and owner are both very hands on and involved with the guests experience. Highly recommend! read more

I've visited Buona Forchetta before and had an awesome experience. The most notable menu item and the reason I returned was the amazing thin sliced prosciutto. Yesterday I came to the restaurant to grab lunch with my boyfriend and ordered the calamari, which they refused to serve us because they were "saving it for the new years eve dinner rush", and the Alessandro pizza specifically because of the prosciutto element. I was extremely disappointed when I was served something that looked like soggy canadian bacon - It would be no exaggeration to say this meat looks like it came straight out of a lunchable. This was NOT even in the same universe as the prosciutto I'd been served during my first visit. I was disappointed but assumed that they just served a different version of 'prosciutto' on their pizzas...until today. I was watching a video on '10 restaurants worth visiting in San Diego County and was shocked that this girl was raving about the pizza at Buona Forchetta - until she showed the picture of her Alessandro pizza with amazing looking thin sliced true prosciutto. Are. you. kidding. me. I should have complained at the restaurant, I paid almost $20 for a pizza with prosciutto and got shitty lunchables ham. But hey, maybe they were saving the real prosciutto for the NYE dinner rush too. Extremely disappointed in the food and the second class treatment all around. read more

Really great Napoli style pizza. Exactly what Encinitas needed! Staff is so helpful and the atmosphere is busy and filled with good attitudes. My friend had the gluten free beet pasta and enjoyed it. read more

This was the best pizza ever. Was a great Sunday afternoon late lunch, starting with a salad and delicious ALESSANDRO - sausage, porcini, prosciutto cotto pizza to share. We're already planning our next dinner at Encinitas location. read more

As good as advertised! Amazing pizza and other authentic Italian food along with great service. Welcome to the neighborhood!