Buona Forchetta

Reviews

• Romika C.

  star star star star star 28 May 2026

  My husband and I were visiting San Diego for our 1 year wedding anniversary and one of the locals recommended this Italian Restaurant.
  
  I am so thankful he did! This place is so amazing. Their is definitely a long wait, but well worth it. At first they said it was going to be about an hour and half, but it actually only took about 30-35 minutes. Not to bad for an authentic Italian restaurant on a Saturday night.
  
  The servers were very patient and polite. Since this was our first time here they gave us a few different recommendations to chose from. We ordered the  Fettuccine Alfredo and it was the best pasta I have ever had in my entire life! The pasta-and sauce was very fresh, you can just taste the fresh herbs and you can also tell it was freshly made.
  
  We also ordered the Margarita Pizza and that was also to die for! So authentic, the pizza dough was thin and it didn't make you feel nasty or full after eating a couple of slices. They have extremely good selections for wine to pair with your food. The server recommended a glass of Barbera with the type of Pasta we were eating and it paired well with our entrees.
  
  If you're  ever looking for an authentic Italian Restaurant in San Diego, you will want to try the food here! I promise you won't be disappointed. I know if I ever go back to visit, I will definitely come back to try some more wine and maybe some different appetizers this time :)

• Darryl G.

  star star star star star_border 25 May 2026

  I felt like I was transposed and reappeared in Italy.  The ambiance is casual and laid back.  The food is spectacular.  The staff is authentic, helpful and attentive.  They have a super pizza over that is worth checking out.
  
  What we enjoyed:
  - Caterina pizza, with smoked salmon, grape tomatoes, brie cheese
  - Gnocci special of the day
  - Insalata Di Mare salad - a generous mix of marinated seafood
  
  There is a new Buona Forchetta in Encinitas. Looking to go there next.

• Diana R.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Buona Forchetta is a slice of heaven on earth.
  The reviews on yelp had amazing things to say abiut their pizza.
  I am a lover of ZA and had to check it out. Nick and I arrived to a long line. WE checked in and were told it was going to be an 1 hour wait. NIck was hesitant but i convinced him that we needed to try. He was receptive. To kill time we went for a drink and to check out the scene at the bar across the street. After the hour wait we were seated and greeted by our waitress. We ordered the Nicola pizza and the Rebecca. The Nicola had mozzarella, mushroom, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil. The Rebecca had mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, mushroom. The service was surprisingly  fast. We were sat next to a window that overlooked the cooks in the kitchen. It was pretty cool listening to them speak in italian but even better seeing how everyone works together. It was a very authentic mom and pop ambiance. Pizza was incredible. Nick and I had left overs at the end of the night. I would definitely recommend !

• Jenna G.

  star star star star star_border 17 May 2026

  I had heard great things about this place, so I was super excited when my friend picked it for her birthday dinner. We got to try quite a few things, which was really nice. We started with the arancini which was really good, but kind of cold by the time it came out. We also got the buratta and caprese plates. The buratta was really good but super random that it came with spinach and not bread or crostini or something. The caprese was fine, but not overly amazing.
  
  For my main dish, I first ordered the cacio e pepe which is my all time favorite pasta. It came out and literally looked like bad mac and cheese. The cheese wasn't even fully melted. I took one bite and had to return it. It just wasn't good. Instead I got the margherita pizza which was really good. Definitely just like Italy. My friend got the bolognese which I tried and was really good (better than the cacio e pepe) and a huge portion size.
  
  Overall, cute restaurant and I definitely want to come back for the pizza and maybe try some other appetizers.

• Brad B.

  star star star star star 6 May 2026

  As someone who lived around the corner from Buona Forchetta for a few years, I must say that it's a piece of the neighborhood that I miss greatly. The food, the staff, the vibe... all things that you want in your favorite neighborhood restaurant.
  
  Dave the manager was quick to greet us last night and ensured that our meal was going smoothly. The bottles of house wine did a great job of setting up my appetite and the friends gathered around the table made for great conversation as we waited for our food to arrive, which didn't take long at all.
  
  My pork osso bucco was stellar. I mean, why wouldn't it be? Every time that I come here I order it as my main and I tend to pick off of other's plates to get a sample of what else the kitchen is kicking out. Everything is always on point but it's so hard for me to break free from my staple. The risotto is alway the perfect consistency and the pulling the bones out of the pork shank to mix the meat into it is definitely my favorite part, besides consuming it.
  
  So, will I see you at Buona Forchetta? I'll be easy to find. The guy with three empty bottles of wine and a big ol' plate of pork osso bucco.