- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Antica Trattoria
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
5654 Lake Murray Blvd(between Aztec Dr & Baltimore Dr)
La Mesa, CA 91942
Neighborhood: La Mesa
(619) 463-9919
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 4:30 pm - 9 pm
Tue-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Fri-Sat 4:30 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
173 reviews for Antica Trattoria
Review Highlights
-
"The food was good and wine selection was great too." In 8 reviews -
"My wife always gets the lobster ravioli." In 7 reviews -
"This is authentic Italian food, amazing quality, and superb..." In 6 reviews
Loading...
173 reviews in English
-
Review from Misty W.
La Mesa, CA
Used our Groupon!!
Our favorite clams and mussels and the best in town! They are sauteed with garlic, roasted red bell pepper in a champagne saffron broth....Ohhh Yeahh!! The short ribs were topped with a yummy brown sauce and it came with polenta and veggies. The sea bass was topped with mushrooms and shrimp, definitely a show stopper.
Check In on Yelp and get a free tiramisu!
The prices here are very reasonable, the most expensive entree is $24. Perfect place to use a Groupon!!Listed in: La Mesa
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/4/2011
It's all about what you order. The pasta was average, the steak was exceptional!
We went in on a… Read more »
-
-
Review from Sarah V.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2012
We stopped in for lunch last week (15 minutes before it was over) and had the entire place to ourselves. I apologized to the server since I remember the feeling of having customers show up just when you're ready to punch the time card. He was really nice and still took great care of us.
We shared the calamari/shrimp/artichoke appetizer (very good but the dipping sauce was really salty) and ceasar salad (basic, and good). I had the chicken parmesan and my husband had the lasagna. Both were good, but not great. They serve grilled red and green peppers with the chicken parm, which I personally don't like. The sauce was pretty thin (which might be more traditional...not sure), and again it was good but not great. My husband thought his meal was okay.
The highlight here was definitely the service. We will definitely try it again and order some other options. -
Review from Eve L.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
The restaurant has very nice decor and the wait staff is exceptional.
however my food was o.k. I ordered the gnocchi with short rib and the dish was chewy and it was not lacking any short rib grease. galore!
My boyfriend got the shrimp ravioli he said his was good and bruschetta for appetizer that was good as well.
I used the yelp offer for a free tiramisu, at least that was delicious. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Murrieta, CA
5/14/2012
Saw an offer on Groupon $15 for $30 so I decided to purchase it. Since my boyfriend and I probably would not try it otherwise. Ambiance is nice, it's really intimate. Ordered a Cosmopolitan, which was on the strong side, but okay. For our entrees I ordered the Mushroom Risotto and my boyfriend ordered a Chicken dish with Prosciutto on top served with mashed potatoes, carrots and asparagus. The bread they serve is really good, especially with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Servers were nice, and the wait for refills wasn't long. I'd love to come back here, but maybe for special occasion since the prices are pretty steep. I'd recommend this place, especially as a date spot!
-
Review from Emily R.
La Mesa, CA
4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
To start with, the warm bread they bring out with the mixture of oil and vinegar, definitely a plus right off the bat. I heard about this place through YELP and noticed it got good reviews, so why not try it out. Brought the hubby with me after we picked up my car from getting fixed, that review is next.
The place is small and quaint, but spacious. I noticed the bar area when we were seated, thinking we will have to try it out next time we go. Hubby got the lasagna and I decided on the halibut which was one of the specials the waiter had suggested. Both were good and I took half of mine to go. Also if you "check" in here, you get a comp tiarmasu, I also took that to go as well. All in all nice little Italian restaraunt in La Mesa, check it out. -
Review from Joseph L.
La Mesa, CA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
My family and I went here for my first birthday dinner this past January. (I say first because my girlfriend took me out to Oceanaire on a separate occasion.) I was excited to try it since I had heard a lot about it and how La Mesa, where I live, had this great Italian place. I am trying to remember the best I can but it seems that since I cannot remember everything all that well, it affirms my decision that it was not that great. The decor was nice and the ambiance was comforting as well. The bread they served was okay, nothing special, but they at least give oil and vinegar with it, with is always a HUGE plus in my book. We tried a couple appetizers; the "Bruschetta Galosa" and the "Cozze E Vongole." Both were just average. Bruschetta can be amazing but it all depends on the bread and the ratios to which they are topped. They tasted good but were not legendary by any means. The latter, which were steamed mussels and clams was good but that is due to my love of shellfish. It too was not very memorable, but still prepared properly and with sufficient taste. As for my entree I had the "Malfatti Alle Noci", spinach ricotta ravioli in a walnut dream sauce. The sauce was too overbearing for the ravioli. Ricotta and spinach are light flavors for a filling, and the walnut dream sauce was just too powerful and should not have been based on the filling. There was also too much of it I would say. Pasta should never be swimming in sauce, unless that is gnocchi which needs the added flavor. It still tasted good, but not great by any means. I did try my girlfriend's entree which was the "Branzino Alla Mediterannea." It was sea bass topped with zucchini, roasted tomato, and a parmesan citrus sauce. It was okay, but we both love sea bass and had much higher expectations. It was prepared differently than we are used to, but I feel that they did not use that great of fish and that it was still overpriced. We had a free tiramisu for dessert that was like most tiramisus I have had, again nothing special. Overall it was just an average dining experience. There was nothing exceptional, nothing that wowed me, and nothing that I can even remember too vividly. I probably would not go here for the money knowing I could spend the same amount at Arrividerci in Hillcrest or somewhere else.
-
Review from Special K.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 5/21/2012
I would never come here with a coupon. Cloth napkins and tablecloths are not coupon-worthy. I know they attract customers, but I just can't do it. Coupons are for car washes and Wal*Mart. This place is so delicious and the service so fantastic, in my book, coupons are just not in order. I hope this great place can still get by on word-of-mouth and quality. I love this place!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/4/2012
My family and I have been eating here for several years. We are always treated well by the… Read more »
-
-
Review from George S.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012
Superb. Sublime. We just got back from 3 years in Naples and didn't have a meal this good the whole time. Spinach ravioli in walnut sauce? Delicate, excellent. Tower of shrimp and avocado? Wonderful. My wife had the pear and walnut salad and short rib gnocchi. Heavy, but you'd expect that. Delicious. Good tiramisu at the end and perfect cappuccinos. There was a large party being served while we were there and other diners. Service was attentive without being annoying. Just fine. We'll be back soon.
-
Review from P M.
San Diego, CA
4/19/2012
We went on a Living Social deal that Antica Trattoria offered. The "fine print" on the Living Social voucher clearly stated the terms -- dine-in only, no holidays -- so we went on a non-holiday, mid-week day for lunch and dined in. The waiter informed us, after we'd finished our meals, that our voucher was not good for lunch, but only for dinner. I carefully went over the "fine print" on the voucher showing him line by line, that nowhere did it state "dinner only."
He was impertinent and rude and refused to back down. He said the terms on the voucher were incorrect and he would contact Living Social to have it corrected for future customers with vouchers. We were holding a voucher that clearly stated the terms, and if they were wrong, it wasn't our fault.
Any respectable merchant would not have argued openly with a patron about what was written in black and white on the terms of a deal that they themselves submitted for publication. I would feel fairly confident in saying that the Living Social team probably makes sure the terms of a deal are well covered with the merchant for accuracy and are proofed before they publish the deal.
Bottom line -- the voucher should have been honored as it was printed. As we made the effort to comply with the terms listed on the voucher by dining in and not on a holiday, we expected the restaurant to comply with the terms as written, too. We were appalled at the waiter's combative, arrogant and surly attitude and ended up being stuck paying out of pocket for a $50+ lunch bill and walked away feeling angry, insulted, and holding a useless voucher. We'll never go back and will never recommend this restaurant favorably to anyone. There are a lot of places in town where you can find decent Italian food and where the management is gracious and courteous -- this is not one of them. -
Review from Christopher C.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2012
Don't let the location fool you. (It's in a strip mall that had an Outback Steakhouse as an anchor.)
Inside, the restaurant is beautiful, and, more important, it has exceptionally good, authentic Italian food.
The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. It's a great place to bring a date, and the New Year's Eve dinner there never disappoints. -
Review from Andrew B.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2012
We had a wonderful dinner for two, 5 PM on a Sunday. I must concur with all the positive reviews. We received great service (granted, we were there during a slow day/time) and wonderful food. The atmosphere is completely unexpected given the location and generic strip mall storefront. You really need to find this place and check it out!
The waiter brought out fresh bread to the table, which was warm and yummy. We had a bruschetta appetizer, split a salad, and two entrees (gnocchi in red sauce with a little braised short ribs thrown in, and the daily special: mushroom-filled pasta with shrimp in a saffron sauce). Everything was just great, and the portion sizes weren't too small or too large. With two drinks, the bill came to $70.
We'll definitely go back. It's hard to find good Italian food in this city. -
Review from Gina C.
San Diego, CA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Antica is the Best! The food is fresh, homemade and delicious! The Staff is so friendly and helpful, the atmosphere warm.... I could eat here every night! Thank you Francesco!!!
-
Review from Michele J.
Alpine, CA
4/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went to Antica Trattoria last night and had a wonderful dinner experience. It was my second time and it was just as good as the first. The food is fresh and delicious. A wonderful menu to pick from. The service was excellent, very friendly, warm and they were able to seat us quickly even though we didn't have reservations and it was a Friday night during spring break! Though it is better to have reservations because it is very popular and not very large. It has a lovely romantic atmosphere even though it is in a strip mall. I believe the best Italian Restuarants are very often in strip malls. Great Wine selection too!
-
Review from Jason T.
La Mesa, CA
2/16/2012
My wife and I tried this place for the first time on Valentine's day. I thought the food was so good I had to write the chef/owner and email to tell him about my experience. Below is the email I sent to him. I strongly recommend you try this place. We had a 1 bottle of wine, 1 bisque, 1 salad, 1 app, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert for $130 which is a great deal considering all were amazing and the service was good to. If I had the same meal Downtown, La Jolla, Del Mar etc. it would hae easily been $200+. Chef Francesco has great passion and can throw it down in the kitchen and it is very apparent when you taste his food. I may have gone a little overboard in my email below but I will say for sure that he made the best pork chop I've ever had. All around the exerience was better than I would have expected to have in the gaslamp let alone a strip mall in La Mesa.
Dear Chef Basile
I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for an absolutely AMAZING meal on valentines day. My wife and I had no plans for the evening and decided last minute to roll the dice and see if we could get a table somewhere. After some discussion she suggested we try Antica Trattoria because she recently enjoyed a catered lunch at her work and was curious to visit the restaurant. I honestly expected a very modest mom and pop italian restaurant with mediocre food and so so service, WOW I was so wrong.
As I walked by the front window of the dining room I realized immediately I was in for a treat. Your restaurants decor and charm made me feel like an idiot for wearing jeans, converse, a t-shirt, and beanie so I respectfully removed my cap before entering your establishment. Please except my apology now for my extremely casual dress, I can assure you if I knew how AMAZING your restaurant is and how great the food is I would have dressed appropriately. To my surprise we were able to be sat immediately due to reservation cancellations, CHA CHING!
Before being sat I took a moment to read some of the articles you have posted at the entrance of your restaurant which made me realize I was going to be enjoying an experience and not a meal. I consider myself to be a foodie and also a solid "novice" chef so I tend to get really excited to eat food prepared by such a talent as yourself.
My wife and I enjoyed a bottle of wine and started with the portobello ripieno, artichoke & shrimp bisque, and insalata venere. All of which were completely outstanding. The first thing to arrive at our table was the mushroom and I said to our waiter David, "if that is any indication of how the rest of our meal is going to be I'm already impressed". The bisque had a delicious briney flavor with what almost tasted like a small smokey undertone, soooo good. The only thing that could have made it a step above the perfection that it already was would be a few little bits of shrimp to add that nice tender texture. But please do not take that as a complaint because I assure you I thoroughly enjoyed the bisque and polished off every bit of it by scraping the bowl with the house bread.
I had the Lombo Di Maiale and my wife ordered the Ravioli Di Cuore. Sir, I do not know how you did it but I almost had an out of body experience when I took my first bite of the pork chop. Seriously that was one of the best things I have eatin in a while. The savory sauce that smothered the chop was incredible. What's more is I was also jealous of my wife's dish after tasting it.
I apologize for the ramble but I had to write you this email after such an amazing dinner. The service was great, not rushed and very polite. David's recommendation to order the pork chop was a slam dunk! The restaurant has a very charming, calm, upscale feel which literally made me feel as though I was dining in downtown or little italy. My wife and I spent about 2 hours at your establishment and we both agreed it was one of the most pleasant and TASTY dining experiences we've ever had.
Thank you very much chef. We will most definitely be visiting you again soon. Your culinary talent and passion are very well represented in your artwork (food) and I seriously can't wait to come back to try something new. Kudos to you. -
Review from Gigi C.
San Diego, CA
2/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been visiting this place off and on for years.
But lately, its different.
It is much better.
In fact, we are becoming regulars.
Lovely food and fine service.
A great place for families to gather and celebrate. -
Review from Corey H.
Updated - 1/24/2012
I noticed that it has been over two years since my first review of this place and I went here the other night for the first time in about a year.
The place is still awesome. I like that I always have the same waiter. He is really nice and funny. He usually somewhat remembers me and knows the kinds of wine I like. The place had slightly been remodeled since the last time I was there but the style is still the same. I love it. The food is still some of the best Italian food I have ever had.
I wish I could afford to come more often cause this place is awesome.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/11/2009
I took the advice from everyone else and I tried this place out. I went in having high expectations… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jhoana C.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2012
Probably the best restaurant in La Mesa. Staff is helpful and accommodating. Excellent pasta dishes. Keep an eye out for Groupons, and check out this neighborhood gem.
-
Review from Tessa M.
El Cajon, CA
3/8/2012
This place is amazing! I went with my mother using a groupon certificate. I had heard great things about this place & when I saw the deal I jumped on it. I had the Fettucine Gorgonzola. It is sooo good! I have looked for a pear & walnut pasta at other italian restaurants & have never found one. This dish is great. Simply one of the best things youll ever put into your mouth. It makes all other food seem so bland & watered down. The only bad thing about this place is once youve had something so amazing its like pulling teeth to try a different item on the menu. I look forward to trying their filet appetizer & pork entree next time =)
-
Review from Steffanie C.
New York, NY
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Came here with my family for our last dinner together before I left. Found this place here on yelp. My dad was a little apprehensive, he couldn't read the menu lol. So I said just read the description. I had the Chicken Picatta. My mom had the Filet, sister had the Gnochi, dad went for the lobster Rav in vodka sauce. My uncle had the steak special and my aunt had the calamari and shrimp. Service was amazing and on point. Our tab was under $300 for 6 people, including tip and a bottle of wine, coffee and dessert. We will all be coming back. It is way better than any place in Little Italy.
-
Review from Sheryl V.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I dined here with some friends that lived nearby for our first time. I ordered the linguini pescatore (seafood) which was pretty darn good and the portion was just right. They didn't skimp on the clams and fish but I think I only got one piece of shrimp. No big deal though because there was enough of everything else to make up for it. Their wine and beer selection wasn't too bad either and the prices for both food and drinks was about right for what they offered. The great part about this visit is they were offering a free piece of their tiramisu for checking in via Yelp. The piece was just enough for the four of us to split and it was moist and not too sweet which I enjoyed.
-
Review from Mary H.
San Diego, CA
11/21/2011 5 photos
Family brought me here for my birthday dinner in August 2011. We were a party of 4 adults and had a wonderful time.
The food is excellent as is the service. We had the Chef's mix antipasti (fried calamari, grilled veggies, salame, etc. Good starter since it offers something for everyone. Also worth having as a starer is the risotto al funghi. Awesome.
Main courses were delicious: Maiale alla Piemontese ...Roasted pork loin with fresh herbs, merlot reduction served on whipped potatoes with beans and carrots, lasagna, and two orders of lamb osso buco atop risotto. To finish everything off:
tasty tiramisu.
This is a wonderful place and since my favorite Santee restaurant has closed we'll be putting Antica Trattoria into the rotation for events outside of birthday dinners. -
Review from Gary J.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
I don't really write negative reviews, but our experiience warrants it. My wife and walked in recently and took a seat at the bar. Ten minutes later no one had even addressed our presence. At least three staff members saw us walk in, but not a peep out of any of them. On the way out, I looked at two more staff members and not so much as a pulse. It is rare to roll into a restaurant and be completely ignored. This place is tiny, so it's not like we were invisible.
On the plus side, we rolled down the street to the Vine Cottage Bistro for a very romantic dinner. We had never been there either but were blown away by the ambience, food and service. -
Review from Jenni H.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2012
Way better than you'd think looking at the place. We were greeted by a very personable host with an incredibly authentic mustache. The bread wAss awesome, we ordered the chef's choice sampler (perfect!!), I had some brilliantly prepared ravioli with spinach and ricotta, Nick had some freaking deliciousness. The wine list was pleasing, all around a good experience!
-
Review from Barbara L.
Moraga, CA
3/4/2012
My husband and I have gone here many, many times and it has been excellent every time! This is our go-to Italian restaurant. It doesn't look like much on the outside, as it is located in a La Mesa strip mall, but give it a chance and you won't be disappointed. The food here rivals the best Italian I had while in Italy.
My favorite used to be the seafood risotto, although since I stopped eating seafood, I usually get the mushroom risotto or whatever vegetarian/vegan special they have that day. I think my husband has tried nearly every item on the menu and hasn't really ever complained. His absolute favorite is the Frittura Mista -- he often gets it as an entree rather than an appetizer. (The fried artichokes are amazing!)
The bread is tasty and hot, and they have a really nice olive oil/vinegar/herb blend to dip it in. We usually eat the entire basket, and have to resist a second to save room for our entrees.
The waitstaff is attentive without being overbearing, the bread is plentiful, and the water glasses are always filled without asking. If you ever need something, you never have to wait long for someone to pass by or come by and ask if you need anything.
Four stars only because it gets really loud when the place is full. I suggest eating at off-peak hours if you don't a lot of like noise from other diners.
If this place were located in Little Italy, it would be packed every night. But, I'm glad it's out in La Mesa since you never have to struggle to find parking, and can generally get a reservation whenever you want. -
Review from Lucia V.
La Mesa, CA
4/15/2012
I was told multiple times to try this spot in our neighborhood. The food was good but the service was lacking, might have been because there was a big party getting a lot of attention. Beautiful setup, and clean appearance. Overall my favorite was the mojito and fresh baked bread.
-
Review from Neil B.
9/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love this place. We don't have many places to eat in East County so having a restaurant like Antica is a delight. I usually ignore the menu and get the specials. The place looks fancy but it's good for families with kids. We usually just ask them to make penne pasta with butter for the kids and they tend to eat it up. What I like most is that the marinara they serve with the calamari is really good. I believe that if you make a delicious staple like marinara then most of the other food is going to be good.
They just make good food here. Try it if you live in East County and can appreciate good food. -
Review from Vitali L.
Irving, TX
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great little place. I mostly enjoyed the atmosphere. My wife kept telling me that we should paint our walls the same color as theirs :D It has a nice Italian place feel to it, which is nice. The food was reasonably fast and tasty, probably not the best i've had but it's up there
-
Review from David L.
La Mesa, CA
1/19/2012
This is almost certainly the best restaurant in La Mesa, and probably the best Italian restaurant in San Diego County. My wife and I went again tonight and it was just as good as the first time. The caprese, the salads, the linguine pescatore, the pistachio crusted salmon, and the chocolate souffle were all exceptional. Even the little things like the wine selection, the fresh bread and olive oil, service, friendliness were all there. It is elegant and relaxed at the same time. I normally don't tip more than 20% no matter what, but I had no qualms about tipping 25% here. These guys earn it!!!
This is probably one of the best kept secrets in all of San Diego, I have no idea why this place isn't completely booked every night. Perhaps the location isn't doing it justice. -
Review from Susan P.
El Cajon, CA
6/30/2011
We don't eat Italian much, but when we do, we want it to be authentic. My husband and I stopped in for an early lunch after reading the Yelps. It lived up to its reputation.
I ordered ravioli and he got chicken parmesan. Had a nice glass of red wine. The service was impeccable, and my ultimate test - the bread test - passed with flying colors. It was dense and crisp.
Would definitely go back. Maybe today... -
Review from Kayla L.
San Diego, CA
2/16/2012
My boyfriend took me here and I was in awe. It was very nice inside... it's real cozzy and mellow. Everyone is very nice and polite. They make sure your doing fine frequently, and always have a smile. I don't recall what I've had, but even at that.. it's all real good. Prices are very convenient and not pricey at all. Selection of wine is awesome! Ever since the first time, we always come here for italian food.
-
Review from Brittany B.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I recently moved to San Diego and am always eager to try new local favorites. My boyfriend's family are regulars at this wonderful authentic italian hideaway. We walked in for dinner and I was surprised at how beautiful the inside of the restaurant is. From the outside, it looks very unassuming, as it is in a small strip mall. However, once you are inside, it is as if you were whisked away to Tuscany for an evening.
We started the evening with a delicious lobster bisque. It was so creamy and evenly balanced, we all almost licked our bowls. The salads are the perfect sized and dressed to perfection!
I was excited to see that they offer a good selection of gluten free pasta options because my boyfriend's mother can't have it and it made her happy to have so many choices.
Everything here is top notch. The service, excellent. The wine selection, stellar. The timing between courses, unmatchable. We will definitely be going back for years to come! -
Review from Adam B.
La Mesa, CA
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
So my wife and I went here after hearing lots of good things about the place. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door and seated. Since we had never been here before we decided to try a few things. So we ordered Frittura Mista, Carpaccio Alla Rossini, Insalata Antica, Gnocchi with Spare Ribs and two glasses of wine. As soon as we ordered or meal we immediately received some bread with olive oil and vinegar. The bread and the dip were great. We had to stop ourselves from eating the entire basket.
The next thing to come was Carpaccio Alla Rossini thin sliced filet mignon topped with arugula, shaved parmesan cheese, capers and truffle oil. This is one of our favorite dishes at other restaurants and we were really looking forward to eating this here. When the plate came out is smelt like stinky feet from the truffle oil. The parmesan cheese on the dish didn't have much of a flavor to it and the truffle oil overwhelmed the flavors of everything on the plate. We thought it was ok, but we wouldn't order it again.
After that we received the Frittura Mista Shrimp, calamari and artichoke flash-fried and served with creamy garlic sauce. As soon as we got it we asked to get the spicy marinara sauce and had thought they forgot about it when the waiter came over and let us know they were cooking the sauce and it would be out in a little bit. We started to eat it waiting for the marinara sauce and couldn't figure out what creamy garlic sauce really was. It didn't seem to have much flavor. So we ate the overcooked artichoke while we were waiting. The artichoke pieces where dark brown and over fried. I started to eat the shrimp and the calamari tentacles. The shrimp was awesome and I wish I had a whole plate of them. Although one of them wasn't cleaned properly and still had the legs on part of it. While we were eating these the marinara came. So we start to eat the rest of the calamari. The calamari was over cooked and chewy. We didn't eat any of the calamari and no one seemed to notice for about 10 min when we asked one of the bus boys to take it away. We let him know the calamari was overcooked and chewy. My wife actually told him that it was "horrible." He said ok and we never got a sorry from him or our waiter. After this we waited 20 minutes before we received or salad.
Then we finally got the Insalata Antica Organic spinach, hearts of palm, fresh mozzarella cheese, avocado, house vinaigrette. My wife really like the salad and I thought it was ok. It just seemed like it was missing something.
Our main course came 15 minutes after we finished the salad. We split the Gnocchi with Short Ribs which was pretty plain and didn't have too much flavor except for the rosemary garnish that we weren't expecting. The best part of the dish was the short ribs. The entire dinner service took about 2 hours from start to finish. We paid 80 dollars for our meal and felt like we could have had a way better meal somewhere else for the same price.
Due to the nice atmosphere, prices of the food and all the wonderful things we heard about this place we had high hopes that the food was going to be great. In all the food was ok and nothing special. The bread, salad and shrimp were the best parts of the meal. The only thing in the whole meal that I really liked was the fried shrimp. The waiter never asked how we liked any of our food throughout the entire dinner service and after being there for 2 hours we just wanted to go home. We probably will not be going back to here for dinner. I wouldn't consider this fine Italian dining. The atmosphere and price is what I would expect for fine Italian dining, but the food was not. Nice try at Italian food. It just fell short all around. -
Review from Greg W.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 1/25/2012
Went here on our anniversary and had another fantastic experience. We were seated in the back most towards the kitchen. I liked being away from the rest of the diners. The food was again amazing and the chef came to wish us a happy anniversary.
Love this place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/3/2010
This was one of my favorite San Diego dining experiences. Gorgeous high-ceiling interior that is… Read more »
-
-
Review from Dorian V.
Carlsbad, CA
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was pleasantly surprised with this restaurant...it is inconspicuous in a strip mall. We went on a Thursday evening and it was pretty busy so you know people are there as repeat customers. The owner was very nice in offering to order a specia wine for my husband. The food was delicious and we would definitely go back again!
-
Review from Daniel C.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/22/2011
Alright everyone, so you've seen the response and I am speechless at this point. How can the manager purport that my wife had written a review under my name? I am honestly insulted because the fact is that I, Daniel Chang, wrote this review and not my wife. How can the management label something vindicative when this is how strongly I feel as well as two separate individuals who had one dining experience. I am a reasonable person and I didn't want to waste the food because so in fact I ate everything. That still won't change my opinion of this restaurant.
To management: you can stay by your conviction of the freshness and quality, but with all sincerity, the food will sooner than later speak for itself if you don't take an honest look. I can almost guarantee that if this trend continues, business will start slacking and diminishing. Youll be asking yourself why?
Ok maybe it was because you were so busy or it was just our dishes, but you still can't excuse yourself for the quality of food at the prices your were charging. Plus my wife and I weren't the only ones who posted about the quality of the food on valentines day 2011, there is another review that clearly states the sub par quality.
I'm done, never coming back here and never recommending this place to anyone!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/14/2011
Probably the worst Italian restaurant I've experienced. I'd rather eat at the Olive Garden than… Read more »
Comment from Francesco B. of Antica Trattoria 2/21/2011
I will direct my response to Mimi, since that is who I spoke… More » -
-
Review from Erin G.
La Mesa, CA
1/29/2012
I have been here twice, both times the food was excellent. I love how everything is fresh and the atmosphere is a little elegant without being stuffy. We ate here for Valetine's Day last year and I had the heart shaped ravioli, yummy and festive. Also bought a Groupon last fall and had equally good service and food. They have a special for half priced bottles of wine on Mondays and Tuesdays that I definitely want to check out. Great addition to La Mesa, will definitely be back!
-
Review from Kara D.
San Diego, CA
2/12/2011
Decided to try it based on positive Yelp reviews. Called to place a takeout order, was hung up on. Called back, placed order. Got there, and was told they didn't have an order for us -- literally, had no record of the order. They brought someone else up front, who said they did have a record of it, but gave it to another customer. No apology, just laughing about it. Asked if they'd be giving us a discount or throw something in, and I quote their reply, "Why would we?"
Never. Going. Back. -
Review from Emily R.
La Mesa, CA
Updated - 2/27/2011
Let me start off by saying this review is looooooong overdue. Apologies. I chose Antica Trattoria for my graduation party in May 2010. I contacted Francesco, and asked if it would be possible to have a luncheon beginning at 1:30pm, even though the restaurant isn't open for lunch on the weekends. He told me not only would it be possible, but he would be happy to accomodate my request.
We chose several courses, and our guests raved about the food and the impeccable service. We asked if we could bring in a cake from our favorite local bakery, and again Francesco was more than agreeable. (check out my review for M & M Patisserie)
The party went off without a hitch. I truly enjoyed myself, as did my guests, which is all anyone can hope for when hosting.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
10/24/2009
We went here again last night. Arrived around 8pm and we were the last to leave. Even though they… Read more »
-
-
Review from Coreena M.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 3/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I just can't rave enough about how much I enjoy this restaurant and everything it has to offer!
My fiance and I visited last night to celebrate our recent engagement. We booked a reservation for 6:30pm (I recommend you make reservations on the weekends). Upon arriving we were immediately seated and served the best rolls this side of the Mississippi with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (Think rustic country bread with a thick crunchy crust and a warm soft center.) I ordered a glass of 2006 Hawk Crest Cabernet Sauvignon and was ready to dig into the menu.
I noticed a few new dishes and was immediately excited to pick one that paired perfectly with my wine, and I found one. Fettuccine with sliced pears, walnuts and a mascarpone/gorgonzola sauce. Add chicken and it's perfection on a plate.
We ordered the stuffed portobello mushroom as an appetizer and it took everything in me to not devour it. (I wanted to save room for dinner.)
My fiance ordered the regular chicken parmesan which never disappoints! We ended dinner with tiramisu. Perfection.
The food is wonderful, the wine selection is perfect, the service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is unpretentious.
It feels like coming into someone's home to dine on a home-cooked meal, but better!
Thank you Chef Francesco for giving us a place that keeps us coming back again and again!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/26/2010
Antica Trattoria is hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego. My boyfriend found a… Read more »
-
-
Review from Vanessa J.
La Mesa, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
We came to this restaurant to celebrate a recent promotion. It was absolutely delicious we started with a stuffed mushroom with lobster. I had the Capellini Fiesole that included angel hair pasta with shrimp, shitake mushroom and tomato in a Pinot Grigio sauce I added some sun dried tomatoes--and it was absolutely delicious. My husband ordered the Linguine Pescatore that included mussels, clams, calamari, shrimp, fresh herbs in light tomato sauce. Everything was cooked perfectly to order and the service was terrific. We will definitely be returning -hopefully on a Tuesday again to get 50% off a bottle of wine!
