I know there are several reviews including the Spicy Rigatoni, but I still felt the need to do it as it was AMAZING! Truly the best Rigatoni Vodka dish I have had. The sauce was so cream and flavorful and the pasta was cooked perfectly. I added meatballs for a little added protein and that was the perfect addition. We definitely found our new favorite Italian spot! As for the service, I was to highlight a gentleman named Jose. From the moment we walked in he was so sweet and he was great with our toddler. He brought some bread out right away for her, was talking to her, playing hide and go seek and was so friendly when he brought her pasta out (which was also SO tasty!!). He also was so kind to us and helped us throughout the meal to make sure it was a great experience. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience, the restaurant was clean, quiet, and well decorated. I truly enjoyed this restaurant and know we will be back very soon. read more

Trattoria Da Sofia - Spicy Rigatoni Vodka - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Celebrated a birthday here last weekend and had an absolute fantastic experience. The vibes of the restaurant were right on point and the service was on par with everything. Our server was Ercules and he took care of us start to finish. The restaurant was full of energy and just what we were looking for. We had a round of drinks and everyone loved them all start to finish. I particularly loved The Sofia. Appetizers we had the tomatoes and burrata, the artichokes and truffle fries. All of them very good. With a large party it felt like we ordered almost every pasta dish. The portion sizes are big so feel free to bring your appetite. I had what I think was the star of the night. A delicious piece of seabass that was so perfectly cooked that I think about it at least once a week. I'll be back in SD soon and it will be round 2 at this place. read more

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I've been meaning to write this review for quite some time. I had made a reservation for my partner and me, but upon arrival, there was already a line of guests with reservations, and we were asked to wait an additional 30 minutes past our scheduled time. That was a bit disappointing, especially with a reservation in place. Once seated, we received our menus and placed our order. The food did take a while to arrive, but given how busy the restaurant was, that part was understandable. When the dishes finally came out, we were eager to try everything. Unfortunately, my rigatoni pasta was undercooked, very firm and quite chewy. Along with other pastas. The flavor itself was actually very good, which made it even more disappointing that the texture wasn't right. On a positive note, the ambiance is absolutely lovely. The restaurant has a beautiful theme and atmosphere that really enhances the dining experience. I also want to highlight the customer service, the staff were kind, attentive, and clearly working hard to take care of everyone despite how busy it was. Overall, while the setting and service were enjoyable, the timing around reservations and the execution of the food left room for improvement. read more

Came here for dinner finally, with its ideal location on Adams Ave in the heart of Kensington. Service was good on a not so busy day, with our needs met and the seating and serving of the food in an efficient manner. We had the polpette/meatballs, which was soft and covered with a tomato based sauce. Flavorful but I wouldn't say it's the best or cheapest that I've had. I also had the carbonara, which was a filling dish and they did not hold back on the meat, cheese, or pepper sprinkled on top. The meat was not the meatiest that I've had, and I would've preferred the pasta to be less soft and a bit more al dente. My friend had the bolognese which was a hearty and flavorful dish. Overall, not a bad experience, not my exact cup of tea but it was definitely worth the try! read more

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We are on a continuous journey of trying the best Italian places in SD - especially if it's outside of Little Italy - and Trattoria Da Sofia was a good choice for date night. We had a reservation for a Friday night early dinner (around 5:30-6 PM) so we were able to find parking and be seated right away. We had a couple of cocktails, the Insalata Estiva for our salad, Spinacini with Guanciale, and Sugo Pittinicchi. The salad was SO good and flavorful that we had to remake it at home. The Spinacini was good but the Sugo Pittinicchi was alright and a bit too overwhelming for us - will definitely not order again in the future. Our meal also came with complimentary bread. Service was solid and there are both indoors and outdoors seating. The ambiance reminds me very much of being in Italy. Parking will be tough though as this is a busy area, so I would plan accordingly. read more

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I've had this on my list for a while and finally got to make it out here for dinner! I was blown away by the experience! When you walk in, you're immersed into Italy itself. The decor is so cute and cozy. They have indoor seating and also outdoor patio seating. The food is really out of this world. The pasta is made fresh and you can taste the difference by the texture of the pasta. It was perfectly cooked al dente with a nice chewiness to it. All the dishes were perfectly seasoned. My favorite dish was the Ravioli Carne! That dish is so good! I would come back just for that. There's short rib in the ravioli and on top. It's so soft and it's got this butter cream sauce that pairs perfectly well with it. I also got the spicy rigatoni and added chicken to it. The sauce is so good and has a suttle little kick to it. I wanted more of that sauce lol The Alfredo was nice and light. It wasn't too rich or creamy which is how I like it. The Caesar was really good too. It's not too fishy or overpowering. It had more of a light creaminess to it. If you like Italian, you have to try this place. It'll keep you coming back! read more

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Foods were amazing good. We ordered Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Pistacchiosa, the pastas were so good that I'm still craving for more. Services were a little slow. But overall it was the best dinner! read more

This place was cute, has seating both indoor and outdoor-- twas a bit chilly so my party opted for indoor. As pictured on their menu, they have a clothesline with actual clothes strung on the ceiling for a quaint feel. Our server was great and really knowledgeable on the dishes. They were very mindful of all our dietary restrictions and allergies which was great as we didn't realize pine nuts were mixed in a few of their appetizers. All our food came out in a timely manner. Appetizers were delicious-- artichoke was done well and the eggplant was cold and refreshing. Bread was incredibly fresh and so yummy with the pesto. I loved my ravioli and devoured the entire plate. My companions agreed the appetizers were delicious. The serving sizes are large, especially for the Sugo Pittinicchi. The meat in that dish was done really well, but the sauce was missing a little something. We ate very well and were bummed that we couldn't hang on a bit longer for dessert. We might just have to come back just to get the tableside tiramisu read more

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We made reservations for a table of 4 for 6pm on a Saturday and glad we did bc it was very busy. It was a little tight walking through the dining room as our table was against the back wall. Our server was good, checked on us often. The appetizers and cannolis were the star of the show. The entrees were good but not memorable. See breakdown below. Crispy burrata - 5/5 light and crispy, love the pesto and mortadella Bruschettone - 5/5 if you like the combination of prosciutto and figs this one is a must Sugo Pittinicchi - 3/5 per husband one note, just pasta with red sauce and a lot of meat. Good portion if you're hungry Pesce Arrosto - 4/5 Sea Bass was cooked well but under flavored. It needed a stronger sauce. Cannolis - 5/5 each order comes with 2 small cannolis with the crispest shells and the most delicious filling read more

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A gem of a date spot in Kensington! The Italian food scene in SD sets the bar super high and Trattoria Da Sofia is holding its own. Everything from the branding to the decor feels intentionally curated and made with love. + Complimentary Focaccia & Marinara (5/5) Adored their complimentary bread basket! The focaccia was warm, light, and fluffy. It paired perfectly with the zesty marinara sauce. + Caprese Sofia (4/5) We love a caprese salad! This one was super fresh and herbaceous. The basil was so fragrant! Bonus points for their use of heirloom tomatoes. + Sugo Pittinicchi (4.5/5) One of their most popular pasta dishes! It features pork ribs and sausage slowly cooked in fresh pomodoro sauce on a bed of tagliatelle. Fresh and light yet savory and filling. No notes! + Spicy Rigatoni Vodka (5/5) This might be the best rendition of spicy rigatoni vodka I've ever had! It was soooo creamy with notes of tomato and a pang of spice. So well done. Many snaps. You have to come try it for yourself! Pro-tip: Their portion sizes are generous! Get some dishes to share! read more

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Came here for Christmas dinner. Hidden gem for Italian food outside of Little Italy. They had a pre-fix menu which came with appetizer and dessert. Inside of the restaurant is very cute and looks like the streets of Italy! Everyone is super nice and customer service was on point. We ordered the short ribs, risotto, and sea bass. The short rib was tender, risotto had lots of sea food, and the sea bass was super flaky. Recommend making reservation beforehand. read more

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Spur of the moment dropped in for dinner. Great service by Hercules! Delicious Bolognese and the tasty Grilled Artichoke. Thank you to our gem of a neighborhood Italian restaurant. read more

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Excellent food, and the portions are perfect for a full meal. The waiters and waitresses were amazing and provided great service. The place has a cozy, lively atmosphere even when crowded. We celebrated our family Mother's Day dinner here and had a wonderful experience. read more

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My friends and I came here on Saturday for dinner! Parking in the area is pretty easy to find. Lots of parking in the residential area. We were seated right away and made reservations on open table. Oh my goodness this place was delicious! The decor in the restaurant is cute and feels so cozy. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu. I recommend to anyone looking to try a new Italian restaurant! Food/drink review: Espresso martini: (5/5) I'm not a coffee person, but these were sooo tasty! My friend ended up ordering two. Pinot Grigio: (5/5) Refreshing and delicious! Caesar salad: (4/5) This was delicious! The dressing was fresh. I could've eaten the entire thing myself. Fiori di zucca: (5/5) I've never tried these before so I was hesitant, but I'm so happy we ordered it! Delicious flavor, texture, and the sauce on top had a hint of sweetness, which balanced the dish. Meatballs: (5/5) These were my favorite. They're super tender and flavorful. The sauce was delicious!!! Bruschettone: (5/5) So fresh and delicious! Perfect app to share. The flavors all blended so well together. Spicy rigatoni vodka: (5/5) YUMMM. The pasta was so fresh and the sauce was perfection. It wasn't spicy in my opinion. Sugo Pittinichi: (4/5) The noodles were so fresh! The meat (ribs and sausage) on top were cooked perfectly and literally fell off the bone. Great flavor! Not my favorite dish though. read more

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11/22/2025 Another visit here to have dinner! Service was great ! Just have to say we had another amazing dinner and gotta have to say cibo davvero delizioso !!! Ordered the Bruschettone served with Burrata cheese, prosciutto, figs in balsamic reduction sauce !!! Barbabietola Salad served with arugula, beets, tangerine, fennel, feta cheese and citrus orange vinaigrette! Fiori Di Zucca served with battered 3 fried zucchini blossoms filled with basil ricotta mixture and drizzled with apricot jam! Polpette served with meatballs in pomodoro sauce topped with Parmesan fondue. Carbonara pasta served with spaghetti and guanciale ( pork jowl) egg yolk plus pecorino ( salty cheese) Ravioli Di Carne served with Short Ribs stuffed ravioli topped with braised short ribs in butter cream sauce! Caprese Sofia (the belle of them all) served with buffalo mozzarella ball surrounded with heirloom sliced red & yellow tomatoes , basil leaves then drizzled with balsamic reduction sauce! read more

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Trattoria da Sofia is my new favorite Italian food in San Diego. The hospitality was exceptional, welcomed in warmly and seated with in mins of arrival. Perfect night to enjoy the warm weather, the heater's out side made everything more comfortable. Recommendations sounded great but I was craving carbonara. That's an absolute must. Apps were out standing to share, carbonara so good and the chicken parmesan so good. read more

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Tonite we had a reservation for 6pm on open table for 3 The hostess sat us right way she ask inside or patio. We preferred inside It was early on Friday nite and right off exit Adams From the 15 fwy. It took us less than 15mins. But parking is street parking there is small free parking lots it was busy but we got lucky and parked across the street. Table was high it felt like we had the table at our face. Services was excellent our waiter he was great I forgot his name but everyone was so wonderful and smiled as they came to our table We ordered we shared 3 appetizers I enjoyed crispy Burrata good Eggplant was thin and good sauce! Fried squash was a little too much oil. sauces, ricotta was good. fried was heavy Carbonara was excellent with guanciale now that's my favorite dish And had Norma The noddles were al dente it was good But the Carbonara stoled the show tonite. Inside it's very bright and welcoming read more

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3.5 stars. Much better than the previous Italian place at this location. I tried the garlic bread with three dipping sauces. The Gorgonzola was very unique but not my fave. Marina was solid. Garlic bread had a bit too much pesto-y quality for me. I also tried the penne à la vodka with added sausage. The portion size was huge! I enjoyed the sauce but the noodles were a bit overcooked. I can't comment on service or ambiance because I got delivery. I will try them again in person sometime. read more

5 star experience from start to end! The customer service is superb and very friendly. We asked our waiter the recommendations and ordered exactly what he suggested - Polpette with garlic bread for appetizer and the vodka pasta and sugo for dinner. Everything was 5/5 delicious. I also like the added touch with the photographer! We ended up buying a framed photo that she took. Amazing date night experience. read more

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Easy to reserve on OpenTable and this is a cute Italian spot in Kensington with patio and inside seating. There's also a bar. We came for a weeknight dinner and the food was hot and fresh. Service was slammed but they did their best to take care of us. The pasta was the highlight for me with the spinach ravioli with pesto. Street parking only from what we saw. read more

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This has become my all time favorite Italian spot in San Diego thus far!! I have been here about 4x since moving here and have brought someone new with me each time and they love everything just as much as I do!!! The food quality is consistently delicious and the service is top tier!!! They make their pasta from scratch, which... come on... doesn't get better than that! Their flavors are on point and it's the most authentic Italian restaurant I have had here! I highly recommend making a reservation if you intend on dining there for dinner time, especially if it's a weekend, because they do get pretty busy. But it is so worth it read more

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I've been here twice and the second time was better! My first visit was in April of last year, so not sure how things are now. We got a mocktail and cocktail to start with. The drinks were very refreshing. For apps, we shared the bruscettone, which had burrata, proscuitto, and figs on top. It was a nice balance of sweet and salty. There was another app that contained squash and toast bread. This one was okay. For our entrees, we got gnocchi with pesto sauce and a pasta dish with ham. They were both very hearty. We ordered a couple of glasses of wine to pair with the pasta as well. For dessert, we opted for the tiramisu! They even gave us complimentary limoncello at the end of our meal. The decor here is pretty cute. I like the clothesline that spreads across a part of the restaurant. The outdoor patio is nice as well. read more

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So my sister's birthday rolled around, wanted Italian, and chose this hidden gem via word of mouth, I believe. And oh my (in my best George Takei), were we pleasantly surprised! Our server was excellent. I forget his name, slim on size, but robust in hospitality! I love the interior looking like an Italian side street or alley, down to the clothes hanging across the ceiling. They did a Night at the Roxbury! It was more spacious inside than it looks from the outside (yes, like the TARDIS). A+ for theme originality! The food, the whole point of this review! I had the Ravioli di Carne. And sis ordered the Carbonara. Both were delicious! My dish had no chance. No leftovers here! The tiramisu is made from scratch! In front of your very eyes! Bravissimo! Molto delizioso! *sorry, my Italian is rusty. Most assuredly going back to this cozy spot! read more

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Pro tip- get out there early as parking is very difficult. Walked in Friday night dinner with no reservation but seated promptly around 5p. They're so friendly and sat us outside with heater. Hubs had osso bucco with delicious mash. I had filet that was cooked perfectly. Portions are perfect and our appetizer was so colorful and delicious. 10/10 returning. read more

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Service was very good. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Pretty much answered all our questions. Ambiance was quiet and comfortable. Felt like sitting in a patio just outside grandmas kitchen with all the decorations seemingly open windows, balconies, plants and even hanging clothes on wires. I would assume a common site in Italy. Food was great. Every dish we ordered was unique in its flavor and had grandmas personal touch in all of them. A little pricey for the portions but I look at quality more important than quantity. Enjoyed a beautiful dining experience with my family. Would like to come back and try more of their menu. read more

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this restaurant really blew me away! everything we ate was so so good and tasted very authentic to what i've had in italy. i recommend getting the calamari, carbonara and the spicy vodka rigatoni. save room for dessert because the lemon cake was a great way to end the meal. the service was also lovely. will be back! read more

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I've been so excited to try this place, and I'm kicking myself for not going sooner. It's our new favorite spot in Kensington. Nino was the best waiter--wonderful service, PERFECT recommendations, and just actually totally charming. My wife and I met a friend there, and all of us were so delighted with the entire experience. We heart Nino forever. I need to find out exactly what that amazing Sicilian wine is he chose for me... again, perfect. read more

We loved this place . From the decor that looks like a little plaza in Italy , the excellent service , incredible food and good value . It's so nice to see a great overall restaurant without all the drama that surrounds some of the very popular posted places in town . Amazing restaurant!! Will be back read more

We came here on a Monday around 7:30PM and were able to get seated right away. It is such a cute restaurant with a fountain and lots of decoration that makes the place feel cozy. There is street parking and places to park in the neighborhood next door - I can see it getting a little crowded especially during the weekend. Our server was super attentive and we ordered the Cacio e Pepe and the Rigatoni Vodka. Both were so good!! Such a cute place to get pasta and totally recommend if you're in the area. read more

Trattoria Da Sofia - Rigatoni Vodka - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I stopped by back in mid-December while visiting from Monterey, CA to celebrate my birthday, and this place turned out to be a great find. The ambience was warm and welcoming, with décor that felt comfortable and lively and had a nice touch of Italy. The service was excellent!!t Thank you to Brandon, who helped us with our order and made the experience unforgettable and enjoyable. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive. The food was delicious and the portions were more than generous. We ordered the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Tartufosa, and Garlic Bread, and everything was well prepared and flavorful. The drinks were also well crafted. I had a mezcal cocktail, and my partner ordered a tequila drink; both were veryyy good. For dessert, I had the cannoli, which was a great way to end the meal. It's unfortunate that I live eight hours away, Highly recommend and I can't wait to come back soon!! read more

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My family and I had a good dinner experience at this lovely restaurant. It's in the wonderful Kensington neighborhood. Decor-fun interior with clothes hanging from the ceiling. Outdoor seating and bright interior. Service-nice friendly service. Food-nice size portions and hand made pastas. I had the seafood ravioli and it was well prepared and had plenty of flavor. Nice place. As a bonus, it's next to a great ice cream shop. read more

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Came here for my birthday, read the reviews ahead of time and was very excited as I live near by. Place is nice and initial service was great. When the food came out, mu husband's plate had a hair in his pasta. My pasta had good flavor, but the pasta itself was chewy and tasted overcooked. I ordered my son from the kids menu which was a breaded chicken breast with fries. The chicken was dry and breading was burnt. After we returned the pasta because of the hair, nobody stopped by to check on the service or see if we needed anything else. Such a disappointment. read more

Trattoria Da Sofia - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quick service. Decent variety in wines. The pasta was tasty and hit the spot. If you want a little bit of kick, go with the spicy rigatoni vodka read more

Trattoria Da Sofia - Outside - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is cute! It's tucked in Kensington, parking can be a little tricky but the food is worth the hunt. The staff are friendly and welcoming. We ordered bread, calamari, truffle fries, vodka pasta and sea bass. Everything was delicious. I would return for another delicious dinner. read more

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Absolutely loved our night here. First things first: the espresso martini is unreal - easily one of the best I've had in San Diego. Perfectly balanced, smooth, and dangerous in the best way. The service deserves a major shoutout too. Our server Yuri was hilarious, genuinely warm, and made the whole experience feel fun and relaxed without ever dropping the ball. You can tell the staff actually enjoys being there, which makes such a difference. And the pasta... wow. Clearly handmade, clearly made with love, and cooked perfectly. Every bite tasted intentional and comforting in that classic Italian way that's hard to find. One small piece of constructive feedback on the appetizers, mostly from a shareability perspective: - The bruschetta comes out on one long piece of bread piled high with toppings, which makes it tricky to cut into even pieces without toppings sliding everywhere or having to touch the whole thing. - The caprese was delicious, but the mozzarella wasn't pre-sliced and the tomato slices were very large, so we found ourselves reaching across the table and cutting it up ourselves to share. Nothing that would stop us from coming back -- just a small tweak that would make sharing plates even better. Overall, fantastic food, incredible drinks, beautiful space, and some of the most entertaining service we've had in a while. Will absolutely be back (and ordering another espresso martini). read more

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Every neighborhood deserves a good Trattoria Da Sofia; it's a friendly, hectic, warm, cozy place with solid Italian food served with a consistency that scores of restaurants aspire to. I've been thrice now, once on a Saturday evening just after Happy Hour ended, and then again twice on Sunday nights. I wish I could remember that bartender's name from that Saturday night - or why I didn't take any pictures of any of the food I ordered - but Brandon, at least on the two occasions I revisited, is the shitz. That guy is hilarious - "Some people like hiking. I like to listen to sad music." - and he's warm and interesting and more than makes up for any inconsistencies in the food. The Saturday night I went it was, Mamma Mia, it was crazy. And the entire staff seemed to be running around barking orders or fighting over who-knows-what or asking questions or other servers accusatorily. But bless that bartender's heart. He was one cool cucumber, pumping out drinks with aplomb. His tiramisu cocktail was off-the-charts (and it was layered, too!). On that particular visit, I think I had squash bottoms, blossoms, something, the short ribs and the table side tiramisu.) I must say, that dessert many not be the prettiest thing to look at, but that was head and shoulders the BEST tiramisu I have ever eaten. And I have eaten a lot of Tiramisu. Props to the pastry chef(s). And the table side service? It wasn't whitewater rafting, but it was fun to watch the staff put it together, just the same. I've also eaten the cesare salad (they have anchovies!!), the spicy rigatoni alla vodka, and tried their limoncello cake. The pasta was terrific and cooked to sheer al dente perfection. Spicy? Not so much. It could probably use a degree or two more of heat. The limoncello cake was one sugary, lemony, zesty bite after another and I could have eaten six more slices before going into cardiac arrest. The next couple of visits were calmer so I had more of an opportunity to learn about the place, their vision, the sort of only-the-lonely kind of conversation that makes bartenders want to speed age. If you're looking for a good, more-than-affordable Italian spot - or even if you aren't - you could do a lot worse than Trattoria Da Sofia. I just wish that with all that talent, the menu were less ubiquitous. I mean if we're being honest here - and if we're not what's the point - I could have just as easily been staring at one of hundreds of Italian menus that dot San Diego. That's where it lost a star. But...I know they have it in them, and, besides, it still won't keep me from visiting Brandon on Sunday nights. Let's go, Brandon! read more

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When you walk through the front dogs you are greeted by everyone. The atmosphere is uplifting and the staff are incredible welcoming and helpful. Nino was SPECTACULAR. Let him pick your wine and you must order the carbonara! I cannot wait to go back as it feels like a neighborhood gem where everyone is treated like they are family. read more

This was the cutest italian restaurant I've been to!! The decor makes you feel like you're in Italy, there are clotheslines hanging above you with little shirt and trinkets, and everything was just LOVELY. The woman who greeted me at the host stand was SOO nice and helped me choose where to sit. Lyza served me and she was so sweet. Her recommendations were delicious! Now the food- Cesare: DELICIOUS. Dressing made in house and you can tell Bruschettone: WOW WOW WOW. Showstopping. It was one of the best dishes I've had in a while Tartufo: perfectly al dente, creamy, and the mushrooms weren't overpowering! Picatto: so lemony, buttery and the chicken was cooked perfectly! Tiramisu: im a snob about tiramisu and generally don't love a table side one, but wow this was AMAZING. the cookie crunches on the top were a great touch! I'll be back, thank you all for having me tonight!! read more

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Delicious, fresh, relaxed atmosphere, top notch service! Our waiter was Mario, he was quick, friendly and knowledgeable about the dishes and other Italian restaurants (we eat a lot of Italian food so we compare) 2nd best bolognese I've ever had. Huge portion (I finished it cause I was really hungry). My wife had the Spicy Vodka pasta which she really liked. This was the perfect restaurant for my California mom's birthday. We will definitely be back! Table side tiramisu a must! read more