Buona Forchetta Encinitas

4.7

587 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

21 Dec 2024

21:30

Booked 42 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Gluten-free-friendly

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
Area
Encinitas
Cross Street
at Marcheta St
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Vegan

Popular dishes

Burrata CapreseUS$17.00
Organic tomatoes, burrata, evoo, balsamic glaze
MontanaraUS$10.00
Fried pizza bites, chef's creation
ArtichokesUS$16.00
Artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, evoo
Calamari FrittiUS$18.00
Fried calamari, marinara
Eggplant TortinoUS$13.00
Eggplant, marinara, stracciata
PolpettineUS$13.00
Beef and pork meatballs, tomato sauce, parmigiano, breadcrumbs
BruschettoneUS$13.00
Chef's creation
Tagliere MistoUS$20.00
Serves 2 people. Combination of artisanal cheeses and meats
FocacciaUS$6.00
Rosemary, himalayan pink salt
Zuppa del GiornoUS$8.00

Insalate

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

FattoreUS$10.00
Mixed greens, grape tomatoes, walnuts, shaved parmigiano
SottoterraUS$13.00
Carrots, fennel, parsnip, onions, mixed greens, goat cheese
ToscanaUS$14.00
Chicken breast, pine nuts, goat cheese, spinach
PolipoUS$19.00
Chef's Creation
Beet SaladUS$13.00
Organic mixed greens, beets, lentils, goat cheese, parmigiano, balsamic
RadiccihioUS$14.00
Radicchio and cauliflower salad, salumi picante, pine nuts, basil, ricotta salata, currant vinaigrette

Specialty Pasta

Lasagna BologneseUS$20.00
Lasagna VegeterianaUS$20.00
Ravioli of the Day
- M/P
Eggplant ParmigianaUS$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

AmatricianaUS$18.00
Organic tomatoes, guanciale, onions, pecorino cheese
BologneseUS$19.00
Ground Angus beef, tomatoes
CarbonaraUS$19.00
Egg, pecorino, guanciale
Due PomodoriUS$17.00
Oragnic tomatoes, garlic, basil
PestoUS$19.00
24 month aged parmigiano, evoo, basil, pinenuts. Contains nuts
Buona ForchettaUS$17.00
Cream, egg, parmigano, spicy marinara, black pepper
Cacio e PepeUS$17.00
Pecorino cheese, black pepper

Toppings

SausageUS$4.00
ChickenUS$4.00
Polpette
- 2 PiecesUS$6.00
Shrimp
- 3 PiecesUS$8.00
Italian PorciniUS$6.00
Seasonal VeggieUS$5.00
Burrata CheeseUS$6.00
RicottaUS$3.00
Fresh MozzarellaUS$3.00

Cucina Vegana

See our vegan and vegetarian section under pizza

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

Pizza

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

Classiche Napoletane STG

MargheritaUS$13.00
San marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, evoo
MarinaraUS$11.00
San marzano tomatoes, oregano, garlic, grape tomatoes
Regina MargheritaUS$16.00
Mozzarella di bufala, grape tomatoes, basil, parmigiano
PuttanescaUS$15.00
Mozzarella, capers, anchovies, olives, San marzano tomatoes
PacchiatellaUS$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

SofiaUS$17.00
Mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms
SergioUS$19.00
Mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano
AugustaUS$17.00
Mozzarella, eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, grape tomatoes
NicolaUS$19.00
Mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma, truffle oil
DanielaUS$17.00
Mozzarella di bufala, brie, smoked prosciutto
AngelaUS$15.00
Mozzarella, spicy salame calabrese
BrunaUS$19.00
Mozzarella, sausage, pepperoni, spicy salame
MartinaUS$19.00
Mozzarella, pepperoni, red onion, oregano, crushed red pepper, arugula, truffle oil, parmesan
JunaUS$19.00
Mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, spicy honey
GiuliaUS$18.00
Mozzarella, spicy salami, onion, sausage, bell pepper, spicy honey

Calzoni

Gluten free not available

IndiaUS$16.00
Prosciutto cotto, ricotta, mozzarella, grape tomatoes
KiraUS$17.00
Mozzarella, fennel sausage, ricotta, tomato sauce
EzioUS$19.00
Mozzrella, brie, prosciutto, baby arugula, shaved parmigiano
DarrellUS$17.00
Prosciutto cotto, mushrooms, ricotta cheese, fried
AscanioUS$17.00
Mozzarella, ricotta, pancetta, provola, fried

Le Bianche

No Sauce

AndreaUS$17.00
Provola, roasted potatoes, sausage, parmigiano
LeviUS$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, prosciutto di parma, cherry tomatoes
MarisaUS$18.00
Mozzarella, pesto, ricotta, grape tomatoes, pine nuts
BarbaraUS$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, provola, gorgonzola, parmigiano
IsabellaUS$18.00
Mozzarella di bufala, sundried tomatoes, onions, goat cheese
MichelleUS$17.00
Caramelized onions, gorgonzola, speck, mozzarella
CaterinaUS$18.00
Brie, smoked salmon, grape tomatoes, mozzarella
GemmaUS$15.00
Mozzerlla di bufala, ricotta, shrimp, grape tomatoes
AlexaUS$18.00
Provola, fennel sausage, rapini
AldoUS$19.00
Provola, pancetta, egg, truffle oil
TeepooUS$17.00
Mozzarella, prosciutto cotto, artichokes, mushrooms, ricotta
LinaUS$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 GarlicUS$6.00
Roasted Baby PotatoesUS$6.00
Sauteed MushroomsUS$6.00

Housemade Dolci

TiramisuUS$10.00
Delizia di BoscoUS$10.00
Gelato HousemadeUS$10.00
Panna CottaUS$10.00
CannoliUS$10.00
Chocolate MousseUS$10.00
Straccetti DolciUS$10.00
Millefoglie della NonnaUS$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, PilsnerUS$7.00
Mastri Birrai Umbri (Blonde or Red) Italian Craft BeerUS$9.00

Bellinis

Bellinis
- GlassUS$10.00

Featured Wine

House Red WineUS$9.00
House White WineUS$8.00

Dessert Wine

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

Non-Alcoholic

CoffeeUS$3.00
MochaUS$4.00
EspressoUS$3.50
CappuccinoUS$4.00
LatteUS$4.00
Iced TeaUS$3.00
Hot TeaUS$3.00
Can SodaUS$3.00
AranciataUS$4.00
LimonataUS$4.00
Mexican CokeUS$4.00
PannaUS$6.00
San PellegrinoUS$6.00

Organic Italian Soda

Cola
Lemonade
Pomegranate
Blood Orange
Ginger Beer
Ginger Ale

Vino

Sparkling Wine

Prosecco - Zonin - VenetoUS$10.00
Rose Prosecco - Torresella - VenetoUS$11.00
Italian Sparkling - Ferrari - TrentoUS$55.00
Franciacorta - Ca' Del Bosco - LombardyUS$65.00

White Wine

Pinot Grigio - Santa Margherita - Alto AdigeUS$58.00
Pinot Grigio - Santi - Valdadige, VenetoUS$10.00
Gavi - Banfi "Principessa" PiedmontUS$10.00
Vermentino - Rocca di Montemassi - TuscanyUS$10.00
Falanghina - Villa Matilde - CampaniaUS$11.00
Chardonnay - Raeburn - Russian RiverUS$12.00
Chardonnay - Sonoma Cutrer - SonomaUS$47.00
Sauvignon Blanc - DAOU - Paso RoblesUS$11.00
Rose - Bieler "Sabine" Provence, FranceUS$10.00
Riesling - Bex - Nahe, GermanyUS$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc - Babich - Marlborough, New ZealandUS$39.00

Red Wine

Valpolicella - Masi "Bonacosta" VenetoUS$10.00
Amarone - Cesari - VenetoUS$92.00
Barbera - Fontanafredda "Briccotondo" PiedmontUS$10.00
Barbera - Michele Chiarlo "Cipressi" PiedmontUS$51.00
Nebbiolo d'Alba - Bruno Giacosa - PiedmontUS$75.00
Barolo - Fontanafredda "Serralunga" PiedmontUS$85.00
Barbaresco - Batasiolo - PiedmontUS$85.00
Super Tuscan - Tenuta Sette Cieli "Yantra" TuscanyUS$52.00
Super Tuscan - Le Volte by Ornellaia - TuscanyUS$59.00
Super Tuscan - Ornellaia - Bolgheri, TuscanyUS$350.00
Super Tuscan - Biserno "Insoglio del Cinghiale" TuscanyUS$75.00
Super Tuscan - Sassicaia - Bolgheri, TuscanyUS$390.00
Brunello Di Montalcino - Val di Suga - TuscanyUS$99.00
Chianti Classico - Castello d'Albola - TuscanyUS$12.00
Chianti Riserva - Tenuta di Nozzole - TuscanyUS$52.00
Sangiovese - San Polo "Rubio" TuscanyUS$11.00
Montepulciano - Masciarelli - AbruzzoUS$10.00
Primitivo - Masseria Altemura - PugliaUS$38.00
Nero d'Avola - Planeta - SicilyUS$36.00
Pinot Noir - Walt "La Brisa" SonomaUS$72.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - St. Francis - SonomaUS$46.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - Sequoia Grove - NapaUS$86.00
Cabernet Sauvignon - Substance "Elemental" WashingtonUS$12.00
Merlot - Spellbound - CaliforniaUS$10.00
Zinfandel - Artezin - MendocinoUS$35.00
Red Blend "Pessimist" by DAOU - Paso RoblesUS$13.00
Pinot Noir - Sokol Blosser "Evolution" OregonUS$11.00
Malbec - Ben Marco - Mendoza, ArgentinaUS$11.00
Tempranillo - El Coto - Rioja, SpainUS$35.00

What 587 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

Diners' Choice Awards

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.

587 Reviews

K
Kathleen
VIP
San Diego
173 reviews
5.0
173 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful as always…….but, the restaurant needs new chairs and more comfortable seating period.
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E
Ericka
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food, wine and service. Intimate dining inside and out. Tables are close together but not on top of each other. Heaters outside so patio dining was really nice.
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k
kim
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 11 December 2024
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
VIP
San Diego
37 reviews
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
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
VIP
Los Angeles
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
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
VIP
Raleigh
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 2 December 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 1 December 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
VIP
Phoenix
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 1 December 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
VIP
San Diego
60 reviews
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on 23 November 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 17 November 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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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 587 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

21 Dec 2024

21:30

Booked 42 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
Area
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
Vegan

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

Buona Forchetta Encinitas

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Pappardelle

Spaghetti

Marinara

Antipasti

Burrata CapreseUS$17.00

MontanaraUS$10.00

ArtichokesUS$16.00

Calamari FrittiUS$18.00

Eggplant TortinoUS$13.00

PolpettineUS$13.00

BruschettoneUS$13.00

Tagliere MistoUS$20.00

FocacciaUS$6.00

Zuppa del GiornoUS$8.00

Insalate

FattoreUS$10.00

SottoterraUS$13.00

ToscanaUS$14.00

PolipoUS$19.00

Beet SaladUS$13.00

RadiccihioUS$14.00

Specialty Pasta

Lasagna BologneseUS$20.00

Lasagna VegeterianaUS$20.00

Ravioli of the Day

Eggplant ParmigianaUS$19.00

Risotto of the Day

Pasta

Fettuccine

Pappardelle

Penne

Rigatoni

Spaghetti

Bucatini

Gnocchi

Gnocchi (Gluten Free)

Sauces

AmatricianaUS$18.00

BologneseUS$19.00

CarbonaraUS$19.00

Due PomodoriUS$17.00

PestoUS$19.00

Buona ForchettaUS$17.00

Cacio e PepeUS$17.00

Toppings

SausageUS$4.00

ChickenUS$4.00

Polpette

Shrimp

Italian PorciniUS$6.00

Seasonal VeggieUS$5.00

Burrata CheeseUS$6.00

RicottaUS$3.00

Fresh MozzarellaUS$3.00

Cucina Vegana

Insalata VeganaUS$13.00

Tagliere VeganoUS$18.00

Rigatoni al PestoUS$18.00

Penne ai FunghiUS$18.00

Pizza

Classiche Napoletane STG

MargheritaUS$13.00

MarinaraUS$11.00

Regina MargheritaUS$16.00

PuttanescaUS$15.00

PacchiatellaUS$19.00

Vegana and Vegetarian

Piera

Gabriele

Guido

Vittoria

Jackson

Enzo

Rosse

SofiaUS$17.00