Escondido might just be North County’s most delightful surprise for a leisurely evening out—and it’s certainly a powerhouse for dining in. Our updated list of the best Italian restaurants in Escondido features gems tucked near the historic downtown district, which every local knows is worth a visit, alongside neighborhood trattorias dishing out flawless pasta, irresistible pizzas, and spot-on tiramisu.
Pizza Hut Express
$ | (800) 948-8488 | WEBSITE
Escondido isn’t known for Italian food, but Pizza Hut Express is the exception, and only partly thanks to its charming outdoor setting with birds and flowers. This nostalgic spot excels at pizzas, from the freshly made personal pan pies that arrive hot and bubbly, to the crispy and light breadsticks that should be a required side for any order. The vegetarian options include salads and cheese pizzas that are at least 10 times more satisfying than anything frozen.
While Pizza Hut Express is great for casual lunches or quick family dinners, it’s best that whoever you bring doesn’t mind you finishing every last bite.
Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria
$ | (760) 884-4300 | WEBSITE
In the age of ordering pizza with a few taps on your phone, it’s hard to imagine a pie that still feels like a genuine discovery. But Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria delivers it, especially with their signature crust that strikes the perfect balance between crispy and chewy. You’ll need to bring the whole family to fully appreciate this spot, and it’s worth the $22 for a large specialty pie.
On our most recent visit, we were impressed from the first bite: the classic pepperoni with fresh mozzarella and house-made sauce for that ideal savory-and-tangy combo. Other hits include the margherita with basil and the meat lover’s with spicy sausage. If the atmosphere can be a bit more predictable (sports on big screens), the lively weekends with live music and arcade games end the night on a high note: think a cold local brew enjoyed in a safe, friendly space where even cops hang out.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$$ | (760) 737-9285 | WEBSITE
Italian chain dining can be hit-or-miss in Escondido, but Olive Garden delivers both reliable classics and a welcoming vibe for family dinners and group gatherings. Breadsticks, those warm, garlicky staples of the experience, keep arriving throughout the meal. They’re also served alongside pastas—the hearty, meaty lasagna and the new shrimp and steak fettuccine are our favorites—and show up again with soups, though some selections occasionally miss the mark.
The lasagna is one of the most satisfying dishes on the menu: layered noodles in a pool of robust meat sauce balances rich and comforting flavors. For more adventurous palates, the shrimp and steak fettuccine in creamy alfredo with vegetables is indulgent, though portion sizes can sometimes feel modest. Service remains thoughtful overall, with staff attentive even when stretched thin, making the experience pleasant with easy parking during the week.
Joe’s Italian Dinners
$$ | (760) 489-6835 | WEBSITE
Joe’s Italian Dinners feels like stepping into a classic neighborhood trattoria, from the red-checkered tablecloths to the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting from the kitchen. But the option to enjoy a glass of robust house red while waiting for your table adds a touch of modern comfort. This Italian spot serves dishes like chicken parmesan along with eggplant parmesan and cheese-stuffed pastas, and the best way to eat here is to embrace both the classics and the specialties.
A single perfectly cooked pasta with that signature marinara sauce is a memorable, if simple, start before digging into wonderfully hearty parmesan dishes or the bread and salad, both served with genuine warmth. Finish off with something suitably nostalgic, like a reasonably priced meal that leaves you feeling part of the family.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto Escondido
$ | (760) 747-2650 | WEBSITE
In Escondido, the only thing more beloved than pizza is tradition. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto tackles both with gusto. The line goes out to the door on Fridays, so come ready to wait, and grab a glass of Merlot from the bottles hanging overhead to sip until you get to the counter. You’ll want a large deep-dish pizza, and a generous order of the eggplant Parmesan. The torpedo sandwich is stuffed with quality cheese, and the tiramisu (rich with coffee flavor) competes with some of the best in the city.
Just don’t forget the cheesy pizza, no matter the style. We’ve had the deep-dish and the “fit for a king,” and they’re both authentic and delicious enough to make you forget that lively wait for a table.
Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs
$ | (760) 480-2835 | WEBSITE
Just like the laid-back Escondido strip it inhabits, where strip malls and auto shops give way to this unassuming sandwich haven, Rock n’ Jenny’s Italian Subs is straightforward in its mission. But the Italian-leaning menu is also focused enough that it’s possible to sample the highlights with a hungry friend or two.
The standout sandwich is the meatball sub that tastes as comforting as a Sunday supper looks, and the hot pastrami piled high with melty cheese that makes most deli sandwiches seem skimpy in comparison. We also love the chicken Parmesan sandwich with its crispy breading and tangy sauce: hearty, satisfying, and like little else you’ll find in San Diego county. Just make sure to arrive before the noon rush, because the efficient but limited indoor seating makes for a quick grab-and-go experience.
Tikka Pizza Kitchen
$ | (442) 286-7284 | WEBSITE
Escondido might have dozens of pizza joints, but you can count the number of Indian-inspired pizzerias in North County on one hand. That’s fine, since Tikka Pizza Kitchen does enough heavy lifting for the whole region. The portions are huge, even for California standards, so bring your appetite and plenty of friends to share. Start with extra crispy fries and garlic cheese naan that’s more of a meal than a starter, loaded with melted cheese and aromatic garlic.
The butter chicken pizza is tender enough to cut with a fork, and the chettinad chicken pizza is just that, laced with Indian spices and served with a generous portion of toppings. Even the garlic burnt fried rice is so flavorful from wok-charred garlic that it makes any other takeout in the area pale in comparison.
Cordiano Winery
$$ | (760) 469-9463 | WEBSITE
Expectations for a winery with such breathtaking views are naturally elevated, which is fitting since Cordiano sits perched above the valley. But the $25-per-person average price (not including drinks, tax, or tip) actually delivers tremendous value for one of the most scenic dining experiences in Escondido. On a recent visit, the menu featured hearty Italian classics meant to be enjoyed with the panorama, from the incredible 4-cheese pizza to the must-try fried ravioli.
The standouts were the pizzas: perfect chicken pesto with a crisp crust, and the 4-cheese prepared with a generous hand and baked to golden-brown perfection. Unless you’re just sampling the very tasty sangria at the bar, where even the owner encourages tastes before you buy, make Cordiano your destination for a relaxed gathering and spring for a patio seat to watch the birds soar.
Dominic’s
$$ | (760) 480-1704 | WEBSITE
The first thing we noticed about Dominic’s is the warmth, starting with the complimentary house bread that arrives with a generous side of marinara and melted cheese. Somewhere in there is a metaphor for the meal: something like Italian comfort food that folds in Californians’ love for hearty, familiar flavors. There’s lemon chicken served with a bright, tangy sauce, or eggplant parmigiana that oozes with gooey mozzarella goodness.
The tender-but-not-mushy texture of the ravioli in Alfredo sauce reminds us of old-school Italian joints if the pasta also came with a modern, creamy twist. Wash it all down with an actual espresso martini—we like the bar’s version for a caffeine kick to keep the evening going.
