Best Italian Restaurants in Vista

Price: Moderate (49)Price: Expensive (20)Price: Very Expensive (10)

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giaola Italian Kitchen restaurant

1. Giaola Italian Kitchen

4.5

Awesome(437)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 3 times today

Known for its premium Italian cuisine, Giaola Italian Kitchen has been lauded by patrons for its outstanding service, generous portions, and authentic recipes. Rave reviews highlight the broad menu, noted for dishes ranging from classic polenta with meatballs to the unique Scarface pizza, as well as delectable drinks like the lavender martini. The restaurant's careful consideration of special dietary needs was praised, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available. Moreover, the establishment's ability to create a comfortable, lively environment with regular live music has also been admired. Finally, the welcoming and accommodating staff, particularly for patrons with special needs, underscores the restaurant's commitment to remarkable service.

A photo of Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse restaurant

2. Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(4497)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 51 times today

Vigilucci's Seafood & Steakhouse is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine, boasting fresh seafood dishes, and a vast wine selection. Reviewers praise it highly, lauding the seafood risotto, Italian white wines, and Chicken Parmigiano as must-try items. They also applaud the "exceptional service", "successful business" operation, and the many non-pasta options. Its prime steaks, traditional Italian recipes, and perfectly prepared fish have earned it a reputation as a "first-class experience". The guests feel the owners are dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences, with several customers looking forward to returning. Moreover, the impressive ocean view and the "5-star service" make Vigilucci's a top Italian restaurant selection.

3. 264 Fresco

4.6

Exceptional(2560)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 33 times today

264 Fresco has consistently been praised for its exemplary Italian cuisine, set near the beach in Carlsbad. Many reviewers have raved about the high-quality ingredients used in their dishes, which include classics like lasagna, fettuccine con pollo and a variety of pizzas. There are also mentions of the restaurant’s fantastic service and pleasant atmosphere, with one reviewer noting the exceptional efforts of Gaetano, an Italian waiter. Other highlights from the reviews include the flavorful rigatoni and the wood-fired oven pizzas. The restaurant’s wine list is extensive, featuring a range of selections from Italy and beyond. To sum up, 264 Fresco is a gem worth visiting for an authentic Italian dining experience.

A photo of Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana restaurant

4. Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana

4.7

Exceptional(2688)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 6 times today

Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana, located in Carlsbad, offers an exceptional dining experience, making it a well-loved spot for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine. As noted in the numerous glowing reviews from satisfied customers, Vigilucci's maintains a high standard of quality in all aspects, mastering both traditional and modern Italian fare. The excellent service and attentive staff ensure a pleasant experience for diners, with many describing it as the best Italian restaurant they've visited. Delighting regulars and visitors alike with its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, Vigilucci's earns its high reputation through unwavering dedication to outstanding service and culinary excellence.

A photo of Buona Forchetta - San Marcos restaurant

5. Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

4.5

Awesome(424)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • San Marcos

Booked 6 times today

Buona Forchetta - San Marcos, located in San Diego County, has forged a sterling reputation for delivering authentic Italian cuisine. Rave reviews underscore the restaurant's remarkable expertise in balancing seasonings and presenting fresh, flavorful dishes that satiate both classic and modern palates. Praised as likely the "best Italian food in the county," the menu's standouts include buratta, pesto gnocchi, and risotto with Osso Bucco. Guests commend the extensive selection of Italian wines and the knowledgeable, exceptional service. This dining experience is further enhanced by accommodating vegan and gluten-free options. Indeed, Buona Forchetta - San Marcos is an Italian delight in North County San Diego.

A photo of Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana restaurant

6. Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana

4.7

Exceptional(1315)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Encinitas

Booked 3 times today

Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana in North County has been praised as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area by many reviewers. With its talented team led by chef Pierre, Vigilucci's Trattoria serves creative, authentic, and delicious Italian dishes. From pastas, ribs, chicken and lamb—every dish is cooked to perfection. Their excellent servers also greatly enhance the overall dining experience. As one reviewer said, "Food was nothing short of amazing, service was outstanding, and the ambiance was great!” Another said, “The service is excellent, the whole staff acts as a team to ensure your satisfaction. The food was excellent.” Several reviewers have left the eatery with "great food memory and happily full", praising it as a "fabulous local gem". With these glowing reviews, it's clear that Vigilucci's Trattoria Italiana is a beloved Italian restaurant in the community.

7. Blade 1936

4.5

Awesome(895)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Oceanside

Booked 12 times today

Blade 1936 is an exceptional Italian restaurant praised for its excellent food, impeccable service, and welcoming ambience. Whether it's traditional pasta dishes, brick oven pizza, or a variety of seafood specialties, the restaurant consistently surpasses expectations with its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine. Renowned for menu favorites like the Linguine Pesto, Regina Margherita pizza, and Pappardelle Al Funghi, each dish is a testament to a profound culinary tradition, with reviews lauding the dishes as "phenomenal" and "the best ever tasted." Patrons are also delighted by the owner's personal involvement, ensuring each diner's experience is flawless, and offering unique, hard-to-find wine selections. Blade 1936 consistently satisfies and impresses, solidifying its reputation as one of the best Italian, if not overall, dining establishments in Oceanside.

8. Fresco Grill

4.5

Awesome(469)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bonsall

Booked 1 time today

Fresco Grill, located in the picturesque town of Bonsall, is celebrated as an excellent Italian restaurant. The restaurant's commitment to authentic Italian cuisine has been lauded consistently by patrons, with dishes such as ravioli fungi and Gamberoni all Nostromo earning high praise for their exquisite flavors. Reviewers rave about the real Italian taste and feel of the food, complemented by an impressive Italian wine list. The service is also consistently praised, with the attentive staff, including the ever-present owner, ensuring a perfect dining experience. Notably, the restaurant accommodates reservations and serves special off-the-menu items like long-stemmed baby artichokes, epitomizing the unique and personalized dining experience that Fresco Grill offers.

A photo of Buca di Beppo - Carlsbad restaurant

9. Buca di Beppo - Carlsbad

3.0

Good(448)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Carlsbad

Booked 2 times today

Buca di Beppo in Carlsbad has proven itself as a restaurant of exceptional Italian cuisine. Reviewers praise the authenticity of the dishes and the fun, Italian-decorated ambiance. Furthermore, customers rave about the quality service, with special mentions for servers Nick, Garrett, Patrick from Ireland, and Mariana. The food is regarded as excellent, with the spaghetti and meatballs and antipasta being standouts. One reviewer highlighted the shrimp scampi as "heavenly delicious". The restaurant's portions are noted for being good value for the price. While some customers suggest improvements in music and pricing, overall, they continue to enjoy their dining experience at Buca di Beppo.

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