Top Best Italian Restaurants in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"Buona Forchetta is all about pizza—Neapolitan-style, specifically—with blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil (Italian-born owner Matteo Cattaneo hails from a line of olive oil producers, and ships in his family's liquid gold by the barrel). Pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and the much-beloved spicy salami to shine. Grab a seat on their oft-packed patio, illuminated by string lights and filled with leafy trees, and soak in the warm California night while you wait."

"Next up is South Park's Buona Forchetta, at 3001 Beech St. (between 30th and Fern streets). With 4.5 stars out of 2,315 reviews on Yelp, the Italian spot, which offers pizza and more, has proven to be a local favorite."

"I was recently in Italy intent on eating my way through Rome, Florence, and Venice. Along the way I found incredible food unlike anything I have ever tasted in San Diego. That is, until I discovered Bouna Forchetta."

"This cozy Tuscanesque cafe is as popular a hangout for surfers as it is with the more senior members of La Jolla society. Terra-cotta tiled floors, bottles of chianti, and a Roman fountain all contribute to the setting for an authentic Italian menu. Highlights include gourmet wood oven-fired pizzas, Saffron Pappardelle and House-Made Ricotta-Spinach Basil Ravioli."

"For starters the calamari was undercooked and way overpriced for the portion. Our entrees were much better portion and flavor. I’m only giving three star..."

"When the craving for comfort food strikes, there’s almost nothing better than a trip to Whisknladel. This decade-old stalwart elevates classics like buttermilk fried chicken with gourmet mac and cheese and a side of pancetta braised green beans, and a menu that sources almost entirely from local farms. Charred bone marrow gets cozy with lemon and capers, while local market fish takes a swim in lemon butter sauce and the pork chop basks in a peach vinaigrette."

"This farm-to-table restaurant located in the village serves breakfast 7 days a week from 9:30 am – 3:00 pm. It features open-air windows, a small outdoor patio, and the servers are friendly and attentive. The menu is ever-changing to reflect what the executive chef can get from local farms and purveyors, and everything is made from scratch."

"With a farm-to-table approach, Whisknladle succeeds in making simple food taste extraordinary. The menu changes with the season and is void of fuss. Everything is made from scratch, including the tonics and purees for the artisanal cocktails."

"Ocean Beach’s Ulivo has an extensive menu of pasta dishes but is best known for their version of linguine alla vongole."

"Lemon Grove is home to Giardino, which is a quaint neighborhood Italian restaurant serving classic dishes alongside other creations from Italian chef and owner Marco Provino."

"The first solo restaurant from popular chef Accursio Lota has been well-received by locals as well as the international culinary community. The year-old North Park eatery, where the chef celebrates his Sicilian heritage, was recently awarded “new opening of the year” by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine."

"EncinitasSan Diegans can once again experience the cuisine of Executive Chef Claudette Zepeda, whose former restaurant in Liberty Station, El Jardín, was included on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list in 2019, at VAGA Restaurant and Bar, newly opened at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. Boasting expansive ocean views and a dramatic open kitchen, Chef Zepeda fuses diverse cultures with local ingredients from places like Chino Farms and Cyclops Farms in dishes such as heirloom bean soup, brisket buns, and Baja sea bass on a seasonal menu. The beverage program, led by Alexander Gregg, features rotating signature cocktails, local microbrews, and a dynamic wine list incorporating natural wines utilizing grapes from low-intervention/biodynamic vineyards.How to book: Reservations are recommended and can be made online via SevenRooms."

"The buzz:The Puffer/Malarkey Collective’s finally reopens with a dynamic new culinary director.The food: Now under the helm of acclaimed chef Tara Monsod, it has a lighter, more Southeast Asian focused menu. Sip a Chai Paloma (tequila, coconut chai, cinnamon, grapefruit) alongside savory uni shrimp toast or sweet and sour cauliflower. Then explore the sake menu while you indulge in A5 Wagyu, Shanghai crab noodles with snap peas, garlic chili butter, and cilantro, or Kare Kare Short Ribs with green beans, and eggplant.The cost: Hot and cold starters are $7-22, entrees go for $24-69, cocktails are $14-19, beer and wine by the glass are $8-25, and sake flights run $25.How to book: Make reservations for indoor dining via OpenTable."

"Make dinner a truly grand affair at San Diego's "it" restaurant, Animae. The 5.5 million dollar pan-Asian restaurant sprawls across 9,300 square feet and the ambiance is opulent and seductive. If you go on Valentine's Day, they offer a four-course menu for $95/person."

"You might not know this, but they have a not so secret menu!!. A few must tries from the “secret” menu are animal style fries (french fries with grilled onions, melted cheese and their famous sauce), animal style burger, and a grilled cheese. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one, because it truly is the one of the best cheap eats in Carlsbad!"

"With 300 locations, In-N-Out is a family owned business, featuring fresh ingredients and great customer service. Building there company on the belief "quality you can taste" this California favorite is a must have."

"This has been they best quality of In and Out I've had in California. Also fastest but could be because I..."

"If you love Chinese food, you have to visit Panda Country Restaurant, which serves a variety of food items on their menu for lunch and dinner. Most people start with their appetisers and soups. They also serve specialties, like their deep-fried shrimp or chicken, sizzlers, soft noodles with chicken and kung pao san yan with shrimp or chicken."

"With a reputation of making some of the best bread in San Diego, Con Pane also serves up breakfast and lunch favorites in addition to baked goods. The lunch menu is small, but it will be hard to fight the urge to pair a sandwich with a chocolate croissant, cookie or similar. Pets are welcome on the patio outside and kids order favorites like peanut butter and jelly that literally oozes out the sides."

"Next up is Midway District's Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe, at 2750 Dewey Road. With 4.5 stars out of 1,291 reviews on Yelp, the bakery, which also offers coffee, tea, sandwiches and more, has proven to be a local favorite."