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Buona Forchetta - San Marcos, San Marcos, CA

Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

4.5
4.5
354 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
Buona Forchetta San Marcos, our fifth location, blends award winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space. Located in San Marcos’ North City; a cosmopolitan center, that sparks a strong sense of place and pride among the people who call it home. This location boasts beautiful indoor seating, built for comfort with a luxurious touch, as well as a large, shaded patio. Inside, a gilded oven churns out classic creations, while the main kitchen serves up chef-driven pastas and entrée dishes. Owner Matteo Cattaneo bringing yet another Italian eatery to life for North County residents and visitor

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 9 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizza Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Lunch Tue 11:30 am–2:45 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–5:30 pm Lunch/Dinner Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (442) 515-3147
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

What 354 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • North San Diego

    Healthy

354 Reviews
  1. ShawnG

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, excellent service. I had one of the pizza's on special and the crust was perfect and pizza was very tasty. Next time I'll try to be more aware of how many glasses of wine I ordered...pricey per glass.

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  2. ThorE

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every time we come here it’s excellent.Service is consistently great.All of the food is delicious.One of our favorite restaurants

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  3. VickyB

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    We found parking in the garage and had a table outside on the patio. The food was just so-so and we decided we would go elsewhere next time.

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  4. maestro

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and the wine choices were, again, excellent. We have been to Buona Forchetta numerous times and have never been disappointed. Ask for Francesco.

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  5. Aaron

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    The food did not disappoint. However the service was not good. They we very slow checking on us to order. When the food came out everyone got their food except 2 in our group of 7. We had to ask and it came out about 10 min later. No Parmesan was offered for the pasta. We had to ask. When we were finished with dinner no one checked on us to get the plates. We had to ask for to go containers and ask for the check. The person who brought over the check stood over me the whole time I wrote the tip down. It was weird. The Encinitas location is much better as far as staff goes.

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  6. LilBuc

    San Diego

    77 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    We ate outside because the inside was noisy. A little disappointed in the food, ribeye didn’t have any flavor and the sauce on top had canned mushrooms which did nothing for the flavor either. My husband had the lasagna which was ok but not historic. The salad was a nice size to share. Our friends had the pizza which they enjoyed and the seafood dish which they must have enjoyed because they ate it all!

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful food and service! Love the wine selection, would be nice to have a few more cocktail options. Outside Tables were a little too close together but team was willing to scoot tables around to make sure all were comfortable. We will definitely be back!

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  8. Mitch

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was delicious! Nice vibe and ambiance. No complaints. Looking forward to going back.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love Buona Forchetta! The food is absolutely delicious!

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  10. tsss

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Another great meal, this time at the San Marcos Buona Forchetta. The staff did a good job keeping the original Buona Forchetta's menu, food and quality at the same level as the original in South Park.

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  11. JuanitaB

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food3service5ambience4
    Had top notch service with waitress and hostess . Food was just ok. My shrimp looked nothing like the IG pictures of same salad and shrimp much paler and smaller. I just wasn't impressed with food for what we paid.

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  12. NICOLEP

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is always wonderful, gluten free pizza and gnocchi was wonderful.

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  13. HoussamJ

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Been to this location atleast 5 times and the last 2 times the food was disappointing. Not sure if it's just this location. Service was a slow.

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  14. DanielA

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    We each ate pasta dishes that were good but not great. The wine was expensive and subpar. While the server tried to be helpful, he failed to check on us after the food arrived. Could be better and other locations have been in the past.

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  15. Anonymous

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Pizza was unusual to me, but very tasty. Chewy but also soft crust. My companions loved their various pastas.

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  16. KarlS

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    First time and I was pleased with the entire experience

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  17. napatraveler

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    Have dined at Buona Forchetta many times, this time was underwhelmed. Pasta was undercooked and not flavorful, food was not as hot as i like it. Didn’t bother to send back.

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  18. Paulyg1206

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been here a number of times - great service, great food. Could leave a longer review but everything is excellent....'nuff said!!!

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  19. JEREMYW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Comfortable place to have a conversion or meet up with friends. Very good service! Authentic pizza experience.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very enjoyable experience. Great food and service!

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  21. BonnieN

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, portions good for sharing and service perfect

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous dinner! Excellent Italian cuisine and amazing service! Thank you again we will definitely be back!

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  23. Codejones

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4
    I was very disappointed with the food. The quality seems to have gone down, but the cost has gone way up. I will not be going back after this last experience.

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  24. SanMarcosResident

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Normally enjoy the meal. No A/C, lots of flies due to open roll up doors and food was not great this time. Risotto was swimming in oil. First time out of 5 visits was just not great. Sorry.

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  25. NelZ

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our most favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant! We frequent this place at least every other weekend and the staff, service and food is always the best!!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    Waitress lagged. No refills. Waited for boxes and check. By that time, wanted to go and didn’t care for dessert.

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  27. JoAnnB

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you’re looking for a quiet spot - this might not be for you. But if you’re looking for delicious food, attentive service & generous servings..this is IT! Patio is not as noisy as inside, BTW.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were celebrating my daughters 30th Birthday. Everything from time we were greeted by the hostess to our amazing waiter and great food. It made for a perfect celebration.

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  29. Scott

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was an outstanding meal. The salad (fattore) was especially tasty, dressing not too heavy or too light. The service was impeccable -- very swift, got everything right and pleasant as usual.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love all the gluten free and vegan options. As well as accommodation of our large party

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Zach was our server and hit it out of the park. He made it such a great night.

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  32. karen

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food was fantastic and our waiter was great in describing the different dishes.

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  33. WineLover11

    Phoenix

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is the best rating I've given in awhile! They really nailed the cuisine, the options, the flavors, and the California style freshness! The buratta is outstanding, maybe the best I've had. It is beautifully presented, perfectly chilled, and has the optimal level of creaminess. The herbs & seasonings in the food are so well balanced, and very satisfying. Great selection of Italian wines!

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  34. annen

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience5
    My family and I have been to the one in SD and Encinitas, We decided to try this location because its closer to home. Food and service was underwhelming. There was only one server in the patio and ordering, asking for something, and paying took longer which was frustrating, we felt bad for her too. She was very busy. In regards to the food, the flavor was just not there. My kids ordered their usual chicken alfredo and I ordered shrimp on aglio e olio pasta. It was underwhelming, I would give points for the fresh pasta. We enjoyed the appetizers. We ordered calamari and bruschetta. Overall, with the tab of $145 I would make that extra drive to SD and Encinitas.

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  35. DanW

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We love Buona Forchetta having gone there several times. The food is always great with good sized portions. Wine list very good as well. Our previous 2 trips here were very disappointing service wise but Friday night was much better. One negative was we had ordered a bottle of wine and after the initial pour by our server we had to refill our glasses, same with the refilling of our water. The server should be doing this. We did have amazing attention from the back staff keeping our table tidy and resetting where needed. Nicolette in particular was very attentive and accommodating.

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  36. James

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our grandpa's 100th birthday here. Server and staff were very helpful and made it a joyous and easy experience! Food/Drinks were excellent!

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  37. HolliS

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great new place for authentic Italian food. I’ll go back again and again!

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    Food was delicious and it never misses! The only thing that bothered me a little was when we asked to be seated outside, the server told us he’ll check and let us know and never came back and sent a different server to take care of us! Definitely I’ll be back here but I want that outdoor seating lol

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience5
    The special pizza with mozzarella ricotta and arugula came without any tomatoes on it as described on the Specials menu. . When we asked the waiter she said the cooks must have forgotten. So she came back with sliced cherry tomatoes in a cup. They weren’t cooked and did not do anything for the pizza. The pizza was a special for the evening and at $25 it was not good at all. Luckily she agreed to take it off the bill. Basically had to come home and have dinner.

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  40. WayneW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great evening dinner with friends. Appreciate the service and fantastic food.

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FAQs

Buona Forchetta - San Marcos is rated 4.5 stars by 354 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Buona Forchetta - San Marcos

250 N City Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078-4409

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    San Marcos
  • Hours of operation
    Tue 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Lunch Tue 11:30 am–2:45 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–5:30 pm Lunch/Dinner Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Pizza Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Beer, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wine
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