Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

585 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Neighborhood gem
Gluten-free-friendly
Great for fine wines

Buona Forchetta Encinitas, our third location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in Encinitas, this location boasts a indoor seating as well as an outside patio and a small room for private events. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entree dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo brought the Italian warehouse-style eatery to life.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Pizza Bar, Wine Bar
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 704-8070
Website
https://buonaforchettasd.com/buona-forchetta-encinitas/
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
250 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-3260
Neighborhood
Encinitas
Cross street
at Marcheta St
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Burrata Caprese$17.00
Organic tomatoes, burrata, evoo, balsamic glaze
Montanara$10.00
Fried pizza bites, chef's creation
Artichokes$16.00
Artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, evoo
Calamari Fritti$18.00
Fried calamari, marinara
Eggplant Tortino$13.00
Eggplant, marinara, stracciata
Polpettine$13.00
Beef and pork meatballs, tomato sauce, parmigiano, breadcrumbs
Bruschettone$13.00
Chef's creation
Tagliere Misto$20.00
Serves 2 people. Combination of artisanal cheeses and meats
Focaccia$6.00
Rosemary, himalayan pink salt
Zuppa del Giorno$8.00

Insalate

Add Prosciutto $5, Chicken $4, Shrimp $8, Smoked Salmon $8, Burrata $6, Vegan Mozzarella $3

Fattore$10.00
Mixed greens, grape tomatoes, walnuts, shaved parmigiano
Sottoterra$13.00
Carrots, fennel, parsnip, onions, mixed greens, goat cheese
Toscana$14.00
Chicken breast, pine nuts, goat cheese, spinach
Polipo$19.00
Chef's Creation
Beet Salad$13.00
Organic mixed greens, beets, lentils, goat cheese, parmigiano, balsamic
Radiccihio$14.00
Radicchio and cauliflower salad, salumi picante, pine nuts, basil, ricotta salata, currant vinaigrette

Specialty Pasta

Lasagna Bolognese$20.00
Lasagna Vegeteriana$20.00
Ravioli of the Day
- M/P
Eggplant Parmigiana$19.00
Risotto of the Day
- M/P

Pasta

Fettuccine
Fresh Homemade Egg Pasta +$1
Pappardelle
Fresh Homemade Egg Pasta +$1
Penne
Durum Wheat Semolina. Gluten Free Pasta +$3
Rigatoni
Durum Wheat Semolina. Gluten Free Pasta +$3
Spaghetti
Durum Wheat Semolina. Gluten Free Pasta +$3
Bucatini
Durum Wheat Semolina. Gluten Free Pasta +$3
Gnocchi
+$3
Gnocchi (Gluten Free)
+$4

Sauces

Amatriciana$18.00
Organic tomatoes, guanciale, onions, pecorino cheese
Bolognese$19.00
Ground Angus beef, tomatoes
Carbonara$19.00
Egg, pecorino, guanciale
Due Pomodori$17.00
Oragnic tomatoes, garlic, basil
Pesto$19.00
24 month aged parmigiano, evoo, basil, pinenuts. Contains nuts
Buona Forchetta$17.00
Cream, egg, parmigano, spicy marinara, black pepper
Cacio e Pepe$17.00
Pecorino cheese, black pepper

Toppings

Sausage$4.00
Chicken$4.00
Polpette
- 2 Pieces$6.00
Shrimp
- 3 Pieces$8.00
Italian Porcini$6.00
Seasonal Veggie$5.00
Burrata Cheese$6.00
Ricotta$3.00
Fresh Mozzarella$3.00

Cucina Vegana

See our vegan and vegetarian section under pizza

Insalata Vegana$13.00
Organic baby spinach, chickpeas, cranberry, quinoa, Italian balsamic dressing
Tagliere Vegano$18.00
Serves 2-3 people. Grilled organic vegetables, marinated artichokes, mixed imported olives, vegan nduja confit tomatoes
Rigatoni al Pesto$18.00
Penne ai Funghi$18.00

Pizza

Make Gluten Free +$3, Vegan Mozzarella +$2

Classiche Napoletane STG

Margherita$13.00
San marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, evoo
Marinara$11.00
San marzano tomatoes, oregano, garlic, grape tomatoes
Regina Margherita$16.00
Mozzarella di bufala, grape tomatoes, basil, parmigiano
Puttanesca$15.00
Mozzarella, capers, anchovies, olives, San marzano tomatoes
Pacchiatella$19.00
Piennolo tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, evoo, basil

Vegana and Vegetarian

$17. Your choice of mozzarella or vegan cheese, and / or tomato sauce

Piera
Pesto, grape tomatoes, caramelized onions, mushrooms
Gabriele
Spinach, porcini, grape tomatoes
Guido
Potatoes, mushrooms, zucchini
Vittoria
Zucchini, grape tomatoes, artichokes, pesto
Jackson
Artichokes, arugula, grape tomato, onion, olive
Enzo
Rapini, olives, potato, onion

Rosse

Sofia$17.00
Mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms
Sergio$19.00
Mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano
Augusta$17.00
Mozzarella, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, grape tomatoes
Nicola$19.00
Mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil
Daniela$17.00
Mozzarella di bufala, brie, smoked prosciutto
Angela$15.00
Mozzarella, spicy salame calabrese
Bruna$19.00
Mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, spicy salame
Martina$19.00
Mozzarella, pepperoni, red onion, oregano, crushed red pepper, arugula, truffle oil, parmesan
Juna$19.00
Mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, spicy honey
Giulia$18.00
Mozzarella, spicy salami, onion, sausage, bell pepper, spicy honey

Calzoni

Gluten free not available

India$16.00
Prosciutto cotto, ricotta, mozzarella, grape tomatoes
Kira$17.00
Mozzarella, fennel sausage, ricotta, tomato sauce
Ezio$19.00
Mozzrella, brie, prosciutto, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano
Darrell$17.00
Prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, fried
Ascanio$17.00
Mozzarella, ricotta, pancetta, provola, fried

Le Bianche

No Sauce

Andrea$17.00
Provola, roasted potatoes, sausage, parmigiano
Levi$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto di parma, cherry tomatoes
Marisa$18.00
Mozzarella, pesto, ricotta, grape tomatoes, pine nuts
Barbara$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, provola, gorgonzola, parmigiano
Isabella$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, sundried tomatoes, onions, goat cheese
Michelle$17.00
Caramelized onions, gorgonzola, speck, mozzarella
Caterina$18.00
Brie, smoked salmon, grape tomatoes, mozzarella
Gemma$15.00
Mozzerlla di bufala, ricotta, shrimp, grape tomatoes
Alexa$18.00
Provola, fennel sausage, rapini
Aldo$19.00
Provola, pancetta, egg, truffle oil
Teepoo$17.00
Mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms, ricotta
Lina$19.00
Pepperoni, nduja, mozzarella, stracciata, spicy honey

Le Fritte Fried Pizza

$17. Gluten free not available

Amanda
Provola, ricotta, prosciutto di parma
Rebecca
Mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, mushrooms
Jeff
Provola, pancetta, cherry tomato, baby arugula

Pizza Gourmet

$22. No Sauce

Alessandro
Provola, sausage, prosciutto cotto, porcini
Luigina
Porcini, provola, prosciutto, truffle oil
Giuseppe
Mozzarella, porcini, spicy salame, calabrese, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano
Claudia
Pancetta, brie, arugula, provola, truffle oil
Jim
Smoked salmon, provola, olives, capers, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes
Agnese
Gorgonzola, smoked prosciutto, parmesan, walnuts, arugula, spicy honey

Sides

Rapini with Roasted Garlic$6.00
Roasted Baby Potatoes$6.00
Sauteed Mushrooms$6.00

Housemade Dolci

Tiramisu$10.00
Delizia di Bosco$10.00
Gelato Housemade$10.00
Panna Cotta$10.00
Cannoli$10.00
Chocolate Mousse$10.00
Straccetti Dolci$10.00
Millefoglie della Nonna$10.00

Beer

Draft

Buona Forchetta, Blonde
Buona Forchetta, West Coast IPA
Rotating Micro Brewed Handles
Ask your server about our local selection

Bottles

Peroni, Pilsner$7.00
Mastri Birrai Umbri (Blonde or Red) Italian Craft Beer$9.00

Bellinis

Bellinis
- Glass$10.00

Featured Wine

House Red Wine$9.00
House White Wine$8.00

Dessert Wine

Tawny Port Taylor 10 Year, Portugal$13.00
Ruby Port Fonseca LBV, Portugal$11.00
Moscato d'Asti Fontanafredda, Piedmont$10.00

Non-Alcoholic

Coffee$3.00
Mocha$4.00
Espresso$3.50
Cappuccino$4.00
Latte$4.00
Iced Tea$3.00
Hot Tea$3.00
Can Soda$3.00
Aranciata$4.00
Limonata$4.00
Mexican Coke$4.00
Panna$6.00
San Pellegrino$6.00

Organic Italian Soda

Cola
Lemonade
Pomegranate
Blood Orange
Ginger Beer
Ginger Ale

Vino

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco - Zonin - Veneto$10.00
Rose Prosecco - Torresella - Veneto$11.00
Italian Sparkling - Ferrari - Trento$55.00
Franciacorta - Ca' Del Bosco - Lombardy$65.00

White Wine

Pinot Grigio - Santa Margherita - Alto Adige$58.00
Pinot Grigio - Santi - Valdadige, Veneto$10.00
Gavi - Banfi "Principessa" Piedmont$10.00
Vermentino - Rocca di Montemassi - Tuscany$10.00
Falanghina - Villa Matilde - Campania$11.00
Chardonnay - Raeburn - Russian River$12.00
Chardonnay - Sonoma Cutrer - Sonoma$47.00
Sauvignon Blanc - DAOU - Paso Robles$11.00
Rose - Bieler "Sabine" Provence, France$10.00
Riesling - Bex - Nahe, Germany$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc - Babich - Marlborough, New Zealand$39.00

Red Wine

Valpolicella - Masi "Bonacosta" Veneto$10.00
Amarone - Cesari - Veneto$92.00
Barbera - Fontanafredda "Briccotondo" Piedmont$10.00
Barbera - Michele Chiarlo "Cipressi" Piedmont$51.00
Nebbiolo d'Alba - Bruno Giacosa - Piedmont$75.00
Barolo - Fontanafredda "Serralunga" Piedmont$85.00
Barbaresco - Batasiolo - Piedmont$85.00
Super Tuscan - Tenuta Sette Cieli "Yantra" Tuscany$52.00
Super Tuscan - Le Volte by Ornellaia - Tuscany$59.00
Super Tuscan - Ornellaia - Bolgheri, Tuscany$350.00
Super Tuscan - Biserno "Insoglio del Cinghiale" Tuscany$75.00
Super Tuscan - Sassicaia - Bolgheri, Tuscany$390.00
Brunello Di Montalcino - Val di Suga - Tuscany$99.00
Chianti Classico - Castello d'Albola - Tuscany$12.00
Chianti Riserva - Tenuta di Nozzole - Tuscany$52.00
Sangiovese - San Polo "Rubio" Tuscany$11.00
Montepulciano - Masciarelli - Abruzzo$10.00
Primitivo - Masseria Altemura - Puglia$38.00
Nero d'Avola - Planeta - Sicily$36.00
Pinot Noir - Walt "La Brisa" Sonoma$72.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - St. Francis - Sonoma$46.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - Sequoia Grove - Napa$86.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - Substance "Elemental" Washington$12.00
Merlot - Spellbound - California$10.00
Zinfandel - Artezin - Mendocino$35.00
Red Blend "Pessimist" by DAOU - Paso Robles$13.00
Pinot Noir - Sokol Blosser "Evolution" Oregon$11.00
Malbec - Ben Marco - Mendoza, Argentina$11.00
Tempranillo - El Coto - Rioja, Spain$35.00

What 585 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

North San Diego
Healthy
North San Diego
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Buona Forchetta Encinitas offers "outstanding" Italian cuisine with a focus on authentic flavors and "excellent gluten-free options." Patrons rave about their "great service" and "delicious pizzas and pasta." While some find it noisy, the lively atmosphere adds charm. Perfect for special occasions or casual dining, it's a beloved local gem.

585 Reviews

k
kim
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
food and service are always great. It Is winter in southern California, so wear a sweater. Great spot! There is a reason that they are able to add more locations. always great specials and wine specials as well.
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N
Nick
San Diego
36 reviews
vip
5.0
36 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As usual, the outside seating was comfy, quiet, warmed by heaters and pleasant. Service was fine. We have always loved Buona Forchetta both on 30th and more recently in Encinitas. Last night our pizza came out cool, with the cheese not fully heated up to temp. We ate the first couple pieces, and they were ok, but not hot. When we asked for the rest of to be heated up, the waiter said he could not because it would fall apart. So we warmed it as well as we could in the hot iron pan our broccolini came in. So if you get a pizza that is not truly hot when you get it, I’d recommend saying something right away to the waiter before eating the first piece. I’m sorry we didn’t ask right away.
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A
Amber
Los Angeles
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’m a regular here and always thoroughly enjoy the experience as much as the food. Highly recommend!
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J
Jennifer
Raleigh
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Super nice owner from Italy!!! The artichokes on the appetizers are to do die for!! Great homemade pasta, fantastic wines and good heaters to still be able to enjoy the outside!
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K
Kristen
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great romantic spot that is kid friendly. The food was amazing and had a lot of dairy free options
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C
Carolyn
Phoenix
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We are never disappointed in the food quality and exceptional authentic Italian cuisine.
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L
Lorin
San Diego
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a favorite! Look forward to great ambience and delicious food.
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B
Bella
San Diego
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Review for Buona Forchetta We went to Buona Forchetta to celebrate my sister’s birthday, excited for a special dinner, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a truly horrible experience. From the start, service was lacking. It took far too long just to get water after being seated, and the bread they brought was stale. Things went downhill from there. We ordered the Brussels sprouts, only to find two long hairs wrapped in them. There was no apology from the staff, and when they brought a replacement, they were just as bad—undercooked and tasted overwhelmingly like boiled vinegar. It literally looked like a cup of boiled vinegar. I cannot believe anyone would serve that. The prosciutto was soggy and raw-looking, making it completely inedible. My sister ordered the carbonara, and it was a disaster—it tasted awful and looked unappetizing. I requested a side of hot oil, but it never arrived. To top it off, not a single staff member checked on our table to ask how the food was. When it came time for dessert, the wait for menus was so long that we had to pull up the menu on our phones. The Nutella dessert was chewy and disgusting. There was a tiny dab of Nutella and a couple pieces of fruit. It made the dish dry and left a lot to be desired. Again, not one person. Getting the check was just as painful—it took over 20 minutes. The attitude of our server was awful. We were smiley and friendly and he was grumpy from the moment we sat down. Maybe he is having a bad day, but it isn't right to take it out on paying customers that are there to celebrate a special occasion. We’ve been regulars at this location since it opened, but after this shockingly bad experience with both the food and service, we won’t be returning. A deeply disappointing evening for what should have been a special occasion.
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J
Jason
Cincinnati
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Gluten-free pasta was delicious as well as chocolate mousse. Only complaint, steel seats or wood benches: no cushions. Back was a little soar after dinner. Otherwise great!
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B
Bruce
Dallas
178 reviews
5.0
178 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and atmosphere. Hostess and waitress were top notch!
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FAQs

Buona Forchetta Encinitas offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (760) 704-8070.

Buona Forchetta Encinitas is rated 4.7 stars by 585 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Buona Forchetta Encinitas

250 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024-3260

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
at Marcheta St
Neighborhood
Encinitas
Hours of operation
Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Pizza Bar, Wine Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://buonaforchettasd.com/buona-forchetta-encinitas/
Phone number
(760) 704-8070

Buona Forchetta Encinitas

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Pappardelle

Spaghetti

Marinara

Antipasti

Burrata Caprese$17.00

Montanara$10.00

Artichokes$16.00

Calamari Fritti$18.00

Eggplant Tortino$13.00

Polpettine$13.00

Bruschettone$13.00

Tagliere Misto$20.00

Focaccia$6.00

Zuppa del Giorno$8.00

Insalate

Fattore$10.00

Sottoterra$13.00

Toscana$14.00

Polipo$19.00

Beet Salad$13.00

Radiccihio$14.00

Specialty Pasta

Lasagna Bolognese$20.00

Lasagna Vegeteriana$20.00

Ravioli of the Day

Eggplant Parmigiana$19.00

Risotto of the Day

Pasta

Fettuccine

Pappardelle

Penne

Rigatoni

Spaghetti

Bucatini

Gnocchi

Gnocchi (Gluten Free)

Sauces

Amatriciana$18.00

Bolognese$19.00

Carbonara$19.00

Due Pomodori$17.00

Pesto$19.00

Buona Forchetta$17.00

Cacio e Pepe$17.00

Toppings

Sausage$4.00

Chicken$4.00

Polpette

Shrimp

Italian Porcini$6.00

Seasonal Veggie$5.00

Burrata Cheese$6.00

Ricotta$3.00

Fresh Mozzarella$3.00

Cucina Vegana

Insalata Vegana$13.00

Tagliere Vegano$18.00

Rigatoni al Pesto$18.00

Penne ai Funghi$18.00

Pizza

Classiche Napoletane STG

Margherita$13.00

Marinara$11.00

Regina Margherita$16.00

Puttanesca$15.00

Pacchiatella$19.00

Vegana and Vegetarian

Piera

Gabriele

Guido

Vittoria

Jackson

Enzo

Rosse

Sofia$17.00