Two words: lobster ravioli. It's exactly what I was craving and this dish delivered. The ravioli are handmade and generously filled with sweet lobster tail meat. They're nestled in a saffron cream sauce that glows a deep golden orange and is slightly aromatic. The tomatoes add just enough acidity to brighten each bite. Pair it with a glass of white wine and the soft ocean breeze, and it becomes the kind of evening that feels quietly perfect. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This family-run restaurant has been around since 2000, with a cozy and romantic interior that feels like a true trattoria but I always choose to sit outside to soak in that incredible Cali weather most of the year.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is classic Italian and very comforting. The location is just a few blocks from the beach with plenty of free street parking right out front. Service is warm and flows naturally. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Ravioli all' Aragosta ~ with lobster in saffron sauce. - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

We had a party of 7 this time around and we got a couple of orders of the burrata bellina. It was delicious....not only was the burrata delish, but the spinach and tomatoes that came with it, along with the fresh ground pepper they added to it, really enhanced the dish. IMO, the best burrata dish I've ever had. For my main I had the Rigatoni w/ sausage this time around; I have to say that I thought the Linguini with Shrimp [that I ordered last time] was much better. However, my friend also had the rigatoni w/ sausage and he raved about how good it was. So, YMMV depending on your tastebuds. :) read more

Was in the area for the flea market and needed a spot with a variety of food for different palates and landed on Trattoria I Trulli and we were blown away! A variety of seafood and meat dishes in delicious sauces and we were even able to order a nice size side dish of pasta for our littlest guest, but she def enjoyed some bites of salmon and pasta off the larger plates. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful outdoor patio seating for lunch or a large dining room to choose from.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was so wonderful and accommodating to children, I definitely can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu, maybe even some wine. read more

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Not realizing they opened at 2pm we came right when they opened. Nice June day we decided to still sit inside. We had our pick of seat and choose the back wall out of the way with a stroller. The waiter was a doll. He was kind, attentive and offered his feedback on the menu questions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was smaller with high ceilings. The acoustics would make for a loud full house. The vibe was old Italian stucco and paintings. Up beat Italian music pumped through the speakers[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. A basket of bread and red sauce is brougt out to share. The specials of the week looked good but when I asked the waiter what he had last he said Farfalle alla Vodka con Salmone. Farfalle pasta in a Vodka tomato cream with diced salmon. When they share their favorites you go with it. My date got the Ravioli all Aragosta. House made lobster tail meat ravioli in saffron sauce with chopped tomatoes. My mouth is watering thinking about these. I actually started with the lobster Ravioli. My eyes rolled up into my head in the first bite. I started the happy food dance on my next bite. Slowly savoring the bite as the sauce. We switched meals halfway. The salmone was fantastic. Another eyes closed moment as the salmon melted in my mouth. We were well kept. The water was never empty and we enjoyed the entire time. I now know why this is my sister in laws favorite Italian restaurant. read more

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Cool rainy weather calls for Italian food! Lasagna and Tiramisu with a glass of red wine. The lasagna was great with a hearty red sauce. Really hit the spot. To finish off any Italian meal it ends with tiramisu for this patron. Very fine meal. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Wow, what a find! We briefly had the place to ourselves until others arrived. I don't recall the last time I've really tried to analyze and savor the complex flavors of each item I put into my mouth -- everything was absolutely DELICIOUS! Starting with the complimentary bread with its unlike-any-marinara-I've-tasted, having a surprising subtle spiciness; to my Tricolori Insalate ($13), -- attractive presentation, textures, and perfectly dressed in their amazing house dressing -- and hubby's Zuppa Fagioli (off the Specials Menu, $12) -- with comforting savory flavors; to my (and I rarely yearn to order) Cioppino alla Pugliese ($30) -- chock full of plump, bite-sized chunks of fish, mussels, clams, and firm-&-chewy calamari rings in a uniquely savory tomato broth -- and hubby's Gnocchi al Marsala (Specials Menu, $25) -- satisfyingly silky and savory. Hubby was not ecstatic about dining right off S. Coast Highway 101; however, dining was very peaceful shortly after opening, offering ample and enjoyable people-&-dog-watching opportunities. Clearly, we've found our FAVORITE Italian food destination, willing to drive 58 miles to return! Molto delizioso! read more

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Very good Italian food with decent wine by the glass. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute ambiance outside but inside had weird music and some screaming kids so glad we were outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plus there's that fun people watching element outside that feels like Italy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So I'd recommend outside. Menu was pretty red sauce. Waiter said it had a Sorrento influence. I guess sort of. Was there last year and it's more of an American interpretation but still very good. A little garlic heavy and esp with the complimentary bread and marinara. Bread was classic Italian and bland which is how it is there. The sauce would have been great but it was loaded with raw garlic. Couldn't eat it. Calamari fritti app has big calamari rings which were chewy and dry. There are way better places for it in Encinitas. But.... the main courses were great! One of the better bolognese pastas I've ever had. A very delectable linguine and clams with a ton of tender clams and a gorgeous white wine sauce but.... pasta was about a minute past al dente and that should not happen at an Italian restaurant. No room for dessert. Overall staff was great, mostly the bussing staff. Our waiter was aloof and never checked up on us or asked us how the meal was or thanked us when we paid the bill. Noticed in general, the service was lagging for everyone. Will likely return but now know to sit outside, ignore the marinara and be prepared for the less than attentive service. Yet, anticipate some delicious main courses. read more

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Absolutely incredibly Delicious! I had the Ravioli Classici-house made ricotta cheese & spinach ravioli in a creamy tomato sauce, Bob had the Filet to Al Gorgonzola (med. Rare), Filet in a Brandy. Mushrooms. & Gorgonzola sauce served with vegetables ...We Love this restaurant, everyone there is wonderful read more

To start the service was good they were all so sweet and the staff is great! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is also cute this place is definitely more lowkey and on the quieter side which was pleasant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However the food was very mediocre but this is simply based on my taste. I ordered the primavera with seasonal vegetables and it lacked flavor no salt whatsoever and the vegetable to noodle ratio was definitely 50/50 i'm more of a noodle girl but I also don't know if this is just how the italians do it. We also ordered the lasagne which was much better flavor wise but insanely acidic. In addition the sauce to slice of lasagne ratio was off because the slice itself was quite literally in a soup of sauce drowned would be the best description in my opinion. Overall mediocre food but the service was alright. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Fettuccine Primavera, Lasagne Classica - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

Staff is friendly, outside seating is available and nicer than inside. It's a small restaurant. I believe it's specially is pasta. Both pasta orders were great. Beef lasagna is slightly salty to me. I really like the meat sauce (the second item on the top of the back of the menu). Pasta texture is great. A bit bouncy/chewy. The Sarah red wine I got is decent but I wouldn't get it again. Just not up to my standard but tasted good. Very tasty bread served with tomato sauce. I don't think the bread is sourdough (I can't say that for sure just the taste feels more like regular bread w commercial yeast). Bread itself is soft but with the tomato sauce tastes awesome. Overall a cute place to stop by and try out. I have other restaurants in the area that I like a bit better so not sure when I will visit again. Still think it's a good restaurant read more

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Our very favorite restaurant on the coast. We are here Saturday night and sat outside. The service was exceptional as always - very personal and someone always asking if you need anything. The dinner was fabulous. We split a salad then I had the capelini and it was delicious. I love this place. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Capelini - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

I was looking for a quick bite to eat and it ended up being a deliciously tasteful and flavor filled out of body experience. I believe this is the first 5 review I've written. I have absolutely no complaints. I walked into this establishment hangry and walked out happy and full. The. Staff were patient with me as it took me over 20 mins to decide what I wanted. When i needed them they were attentive and helpful providing details that assisted me in my wine selection ( both delicious and crispy white wines). The ambiance was perfection considering I had walked up and down the stripe looking for a suitable place to eat. I had originally decided on a sushi bar however after standing at the entrance for more than 5 minutes and not being acknowledged I decided to take my business elsewhere. I happened to had stopped at a corner to look in Yelp to find near by restaurants and I looked up to my left and saw their sign. I immediately looked up the restaurant. I walked across the street to get a feel for the vibe and I'd was nice. Bottles of wine adorned the walls, the host kindly greeted at the door and told me that I could sit anywhere. The restaurant had just opened and I was in heaven because I knew I could enjoy my meal in peace and have to fight over a table or deal with loud obnoxious conversations. I ordered to meals, one was the filet mignon, topped with sautéed mushrooms with fresh vegetables and the other was the lobster tail stuffed ravioli. Everything was immaculate. from the aroma, to the flavors, and impeccable plating . I absolutely loved and needed this experience. It was truly a pleasure and set the tone for the rest of my day. I would love to thank the staff, special thanks and appreciation to the chef and kitchen team. I highly recommend slowing down and enjoying a meal at this amazing and traditional Italian restaurant. read more

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Ivan at the bar was lovely. As vegetarians I wish there was more main dishes outside of pasta but the pasta was delicious!!! My partner and I shared the salad and pasta and they put it in two dishes for everything for us to split and it was delicious. Amazing service, great portions and reasonably priced. read more

We really like the restaurant and it is one of our favorites. They serve hearty and comforting country style bread. I got the lobster ravioli, Lobster Ravioli Mezze Lune all' Aragosta. The saffron sauce is creamy and buttery and delicious. My boyfriend got the seafood paella dish full of calamari, shrimp, mussels, clams, fish and good flavors. He had no complaints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This restaurant is right on the S Coast Highway, and is open to the street. You will see people walking along the sidewalk, and cars driving by. It is not quiet, just the opposite. It is bustling with people![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Enjoy! read more

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My favorite Cioppino--bursting with fresh, delicious seafood in every bite. Everything on the menu shines. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Small, warm, homey vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I love this Italian restaurant!! Their homemade soup and Genovese pasta are delicious. They also had incredible Strawberry Napoleon (I'm not usually a dessert person but this is so good). [[HIGHLIGHT]]They also have a great Italian wine selection, and atmosphere![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

My husband and I revisited this restaurant for Valentine's Day, and it did not disappoint! I've been coming here since the early 2000s, and it's always been a favorite. As a vegan, I am absolutely obsessed with the Veggie Primavera with tomato sauce...it's hearty, flavorful, and packed with a wonderful mix of fresh vegetables. My husband went for the sausage rigatoni and loved every bite. The staff are always so kind and attentive, which makes the experience even better. We both left with full plates and happy hearts and definitely a meal/night to remember. We will be back. read more

Best Italian food in the area. Great service, always fresh well prepared and tasty meals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Best ambiance, quiet, relaxing, and outdoor seating opportunities.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I would come back here over and over again just for the strawberry napoleon dessert.... omg. It's just delicious!! Also ordered the capellini alla checca which was tasty! But.... The dessert is absolutely the star of the show here I would like to make that clear... you must try it... (strawberry napoleon) read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Strawberry Napoleon - must try!! Also got the cheesecake which was fine but not mind blowing - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Amazing Italian restaurant. Best one in Encinitas and I've been to all them. Must try for a great experience and amazing staff!

Veal chop parmigiana $44 on top of spaghetti was very good, super tender. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Friday night 7pm packed, loud, parked down the street.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service ok. Tiramisu too. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] , the server was good , the food delicious , the manager Luka very disappointed. The place was empty doesn't wanna let us to choose the table , very unprofessional read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

My new go to Italian spot in San Diego! I came for the first time earlier this week & immediately booked another reservations for a few days later. Both times I have come, Mallory has provided above & beyond service, warm & welcoming. The cozy & relaxed ambiance provides the perfect setting for a get together with friends, family dinner or date night. And the food is exquisite. Calamari is the best I've had & their pastas highlight how fresh the ingredients are. I cannot recommend this place enough, truly some of the best Italian food in the area. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience was not too formal[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and servers were very nice and attending. Food took a little while to arrive but tasted good. read more

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Ran into Polly when I was out at work yesterday and she wanted me to swing by and try out some there food again so I did, A-list service, delicious food, and Polly was wonderful, I'm so glad I got to meet you! read more

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Great little place in Encinitas. The pasta is so light and fresh! I tried the Ossobuco this time and it was falling from the bones. Delicious! Friendly staff and great expresso and strawberry Napoleon. :) read more

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Flavor: The Bruschetta was not very good, heavy onion flavor. I ordered the margherita pizza. The flavors were good but the basil was small and a bit much. I prefer the larger basil. Presentation: The presentation of the food and ambience was nice. The tables where a little to close together where we sat and off balance. If you order a pizza unless you are hungry you can share it with another person. Price: Pricing was ok except for the bruschetta was toasted bread and a side that looked like pico de gallo wouldnt recommend for the price. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Margherita Pizza! Delicious! - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

I have always wanted to try this sweet little Italian place from the moment I first walked by. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a charming, old school, real deal place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]My husband and I sat outside and had the most wonderful dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was fantastic, the food was really great! I had the pasta with Spicy Arribbiata sauce and chicken. They were happy to add fresh mozzarella and basil to the order for me. We learned that they just celebrated their 25th year anniversary. That says it all I can't wait to go back!!! I loved it so much. read more

This place is located in a cute little downtown area in Encinitas. I was enticed but the amazing aroma as I was walking towards the restaurant. The service and ambiance was great, and the food was fresh, but I wish it had a little more flavor. read more

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This is another example of a restaurant with delicious food, but bad service that ruined the evening... I remember meeting the original owners of this restaurant when they first opened in July of 2002. They were excited about their new trattoria, and I walked by it for over 20 years without ever going in, because it always looked small, loud, and understaffed. However, with the sidewalk seating since COVID, we thought we would give it a shot to enjoy the outdoor ambiance in the summertime. Things got off to a rough start when we called to make reservations. The hostess Natasha even admitted that it was so loud in the restaurant, that she couldn't hear us on the phone, even though we were speaking as loud as possible into the phone in order for us to be heard. We showed up on time for our reservations, but then we were asked to wait for an additional 20 minutes, despite the fact that there were 4 open tables outside. Although we were a party of 2, they were saving the tables that seated 4. However, no one showed up to use those tables for the remainder of the night. It was not a good look... When we were finally seated, a young man walked up to the table and made some sounds, but said nothing. It was rather bizarre, because the sounds had a fluctuating pitch, as if he was trying to communicate with those sounds. We thought that he was potentially mute, but we later realized that he could in fact speak, he just chose not to when he brought our waters. The bread and marinara sauce were cold, and the bread was stale. We were not impressed... Then, the Tricolori Insalate that we ordered as an appetizer was split in half and served on two separate plates. I don't know if they did this in order to save on the portion size, but it was definitely not substantial in the least bit... Therefore, we ordered another appetizer from the menu. The Salsiccia Da Vinci was phenomenal! This was by far the best dish of the night. The Italian sausage, mushrooms, and polenta was cooked to perfection in a gorgonzola sauce. Then, we ordered the Penne Arlecchino with Chicken and the Nonino with Fettuccine. However, the Nonino came out with Penne. We made it clear to our server Mallory that we wanted fettuccine, but somehow that didn't get communicated to the back of the house. The Arlecchino was creamy and savory, while the Nonino lacked flavor. After adding sufficient black pepper and parmesan cheese, then the flavor came out of the dish. These are simple additions that can easily elevate the flavor of a dish to being palatable and in fact delicious. Thankfully, they offered these accoutrements. However, despite the fact that we had a conversation with our server Mallory specifically about the timing of when the restaurant closes, she didn't get the hint. We specifically brought up the topic, because we didn't want to be rushed out of the restaurant. We arrived nearly an hour & a half before closing time for that very reason. We wanted to respect the closing time of the restaurant without any awkwardness... However, Mallory didn't seem to get it, because even though there were several other tables being served by other servers, she decided that she wanted to eat dinner at the restaurant. So, She proceeded to rush us out the door and tried to hurry up and collect her tip. We were very much offended by her selfish display, especially after we tried to mitigate any such situation. It simply went way over her head, and she took the selfish route. When we turned around to see her eating a full Italian meal at the bar, we were livid! As a Restrateur whose family owned Italian restaurants all over San Diego, we encouraged our employees to eat AT HOME before their shift or after their shift. They can always order food to go at the end of their shift at a substantial discount, and TAKE IT HOME with them to eat. Not to eat in front of customers whom they are serving... It's tacky and unprofessional. Also, if they're really hungry and they haven't eaten, then they can snack during their 10-minute break in the back of the house. However, rushing customers out the door, so that you can sit down and eat a full meal in front of customers at the bar is downright unprofessional. This is beneath the wait staff Trattoria I Trulli... It demonstrates that the staff comes before the customers, and that is not a recipe for repeat business. If it wasn't for the quality of the food, I would have given this experience only 2 stars. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but a $100 bill for only 2 people requires at least the basic protocols of restaurant service to be implemented. This experience was extremely disappointing, and the restaurant needs to do something to make it right! read more

We are always looking to try various Italian restaurants in our area. This is not one we are looking to return to because [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant was so loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was pretty good but we honestly did not really enjoy our food because we just wanted to eat and get out. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I could never take my parents here who wear hearing aids.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was full and there were a few loud kids that added to the noise but I think the tile floor and vaulted ceilings are not conducive for a busy restaurant when your looking for nice ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even when leaving we thought the inside noise carried out to the sidewalk that eating outside didn't seem like it would be an option for us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Waitress was friendly, food was good but unfortunately would not come back. read more

Lori and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant in N. County... Trattoria i Trulli. We typically get an early (5pm) outside table to celebrate our b-days. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Yesterday we got a table at 7pm. Not going to do that again... it was too loud and there was too much foot traffic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] None of this is the restaurant's fault but it taught us that earlier is better. The food was spectacular as usual and the service was awesome as always. Use this as a bit of guidance for an optimal dining experience in downtown Encinitas... earlier is better! read more

One of our favorite Italian places in San Diego and my favorite lasagna anywhere! Very light and the perfect blend of cheese and meat. No sausage or fennel in their lasagna We also enjoy their bread and "Italian salsa". read more

Love this place! First time here, and definitely not the last. Food was so delicious, fresh, so much flavor, especially garlic , and perfect size portions. Great customer service and loved meeting Gus. Lots of parking too. This place is a MUST try if you are looking for great homemade Italian food. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Best tiramisu ever! - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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My family and I have been coming here for decades- yep really. It is a sweet lovely place with big flavor and a charming staff and feel. The food is satisfying and you can go all in for a really nice night. I like to sit on the patio because twinkle lights and enjoy the hand painted artwork alongside your heaping pile of fresh pasta. read more

Great food. Big portion , decent price. I was my first time over here and everything was perfectly cooked and high portions. Definitely will be back read more

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We loved our visit to Trattoria I Trulli. We booked for my birthday and the seating outdoor was perfect with the heaters on. Our server (Mallory maybe) was friendly and helpful with suggestions. We got the carpaccio, lobster ravioli, and rack of lamb. Everything was delicious but the star was the lobster ravioli in saffron sauce so delicious. The strawberry napoleon for dessert was divine as well. We will definitely be back to try more items that looked great. read more

Trattoria I Trulli - Lobster ravioli in saffron sauce-you have to get it - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

Great dinner in Encinitas. We recently went to I Truli in Encinitas for dinner during the week. This has been our go-to Italian restaurant. Prices are really fair and portions are generous. Service is very friendly. The past two times we've been there, we ordered the Cioppino. For $30 (check Cioppino prices elsewhere) you get a dish loaded with fish. They don't skimp. Comes in a tomato broth (which I ask them to spicy it up). So good and filling. My wife brought half of hers home. Our waitress, Paulie, was the best! P.S. The complimentary bread with chunky tomato sauce for dipping is a great treat. read more

The food is so authentic and so yummy. Traditional Italian food through and through, [[HIGHLIGHT]]amazing atmosphere, feels like you're eating in a local spot in Italy[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Food is authentic and well prepared and never disappoints. Service is very good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice ambience, and location is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more