Etna Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner, Late Night
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
13 reviews
Neighborhood: Downtown
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41 Reviews for Etna Restaurant
Totally worth going in and eating. They deliver until 2 am and I love this about them. I haven't eaten here in over a year. Everything they have is great.
The pizza is damn good! Inexpensive food and lovely atmosphere. Never really too crowded and fast service.
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My first time eating here was as a SDSU grad student in 98. The food at that time was simply awful.
Recently, I was visited by a former college buddy wanted to get something to eat after a late night out. He recalled that they were open after hours and gave them a call. They took our order and delivered out to Little Italy at 3:30 am!
I ordered a salmon Caesar salad and he got a calzone. Both were really good. If you are a chip aficionado, you must try their Italian chips.
I was surprised when I walked in. It's kinda cute!
A mix of small tables and cushy red vinyl seats along the window side. There's a small soup and salad bar at the far end. The place isn't very big. Very cozy and friendly feeling.
I was in an unusual mood for classic spaghetti and meatballs which was what got me here in the first place. I like bolognese with meat almost charred to a crumbly crisp and the sauce highly reduced. Etna's version of this classic was a tad watery but not bad. The portion was definitely big, it's probably just not their specialty.
I'll be back for the PIZZA I keep hearing about!
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Good pizza with crazy amount of cheese. They also deliver until 2am which adds a star for me. Etna's actually just won 2nd place in the best tasting pizza contest on the Mikey Show [Rock 105.3]. Check 'em out...
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NOTE--ONLY EXPERIENCE THERE WAS DELIVERED PIZZA
It's been a couple years since I lived in the 'hood and ordered pizza from here, so I'll give them a generous couple stars on the assumption that they must be able to make some kind of other food better. However, I have NEVER HAD A GOOD PIZZA FROM THERE. Yes, they deliver til 3am, but you can never count on HOW LONG it would take.
And when it finally showed up, pizza was always undercooked and "doughy" in the middle. Nothing cures your pizza craving faster than a big bite of raw bread dough! Usually it would also be oversauced, under-topped, and/or cold as well.
Just saw a review of this place and was reminded. There may not be anyplace else delivering that late but really...at that point you're better off walking to the 7-11 for a Hot Pocket!!!
I've went here a few a times and the food is pretty good and the service is excellent as it's not usually crowded. You also can get a salad and soup bar that is included with most orders. The decor inside is quite comely with murals of Venice adorning the walls. You almost forget you're in City Heights for a moment They have a decent selction of wines to choose from as well.
The best part about this restaurant is the pizza. Whether you dine in or get it delivered in the early hours of the morning, you have to try the pizza. They have a ton of toppings to choose from and it is simply delicious after a night of partying. Delivery is pretty quick for me since I live just down the street.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in all of San Diego!
ATMOSPHERE: I'm not going to lie - Etna's is located in a shady part of town. It doesn't look like much from the front. But, when you walk inside, it's like you've left El Cajon Blvd. and entered a quaint little restaurant somewhere downtown. There are beautiful murals painted on the walls that transport you out of the ghetto into someplace like Venice. There is usually music from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or Ella Fitzgerald playing lightly in the background.
SERVICE: We usually go late at night, when Henry is there. This man is the bomb! I'm not kidding. He's funny. You can tell him what you're kind of in the mood for (shrimp, pasta, something spicy...) and he will know exactly what you want. Sometimes, I don't even order at all - I just tell him to bring me something good. He's a little intense, but definitely entertaining. He's actually one of the reasons why we like it there so much.
FOOD: WOW! Pizza is amazing, obviously. If you like the pizza, get a calzone - it will blow your mind! I recommend calamari diablo and caprese salad as appetizers. For salad, they have a really wonderful pesto vinaigrette - I've not been able to find anything like it anywhere else. ANY pasta dish will be delicious. Add chicken or shrimp - the chicken has always been moist, and the shrimp always flavorful. And desserts - they make handmade cannoli and tiramisu which are both fabulous - save room!
PRICE: They have really great delivery / pick-up prices. The prices if you eat inside the restaurant, though, are a bit higher. For the quality of food you get, it is worth it. If this restaurant were located downtown (or anywhere not in the ghetto), they could easily charge $25 a plate. So, I'm just glad that they ARE in the ghetto so I can afford to dine so well!
PRO: Open late.
CON: Did I mention the location?
i've eaten here many times as this is one of my friends favorite spots. i've never been fond of the pizza (dont care for their crust, or sauce) but i do like their calzones. ive liked it enough that it sent me on a calzone kick for a few months trying other restaurants calzones. i havent found any that i like as much.
Hands down, the BEST pizza I've had in San Diego (Although I still have to try Lefty's so my this opinion is open to change)!!
Wanted pizza late at night...Woodstocks near my house sucks, so we figured we'd give Etna's pizza a try. Dined in once before and weren't too impressed, so it was sort of a desperate, late night decision.
I had a coupon for a $12.99 large pizza with 2 toppings. I opted for spinach and ricotta as my toppings and paid an extra $1 something for tomatoes as well.
Yes, the crust was a bit sweet, but the rest of the flavors on the pizza went together perfectly and the sauce was divine! The toppings were very generous, perfect hint of garlic in the sauce. They include FRESH grated parmesan on the side! Only (minor) complaint is that they could tone down the amount of mozzarella.
Easily the best $20 (including tip and delivery) I've ever spent on a pizza!
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The pizza here is the bomb!!!! This is one of my favorite pizza places in SD. I really like the crust they make. If I could say one bad thing is that I did not really like the sasg they put on the pizza very much. I have tried the lasagna and their bread is also excellent. Out of all the places I could go to eat Pizza this ranks very high up on my list. Side note another downside is you have to go to El Cajon Blvd, aka Red Light District of San Diego. Tooties everywhere. Still worth having to look at chics with cellulite hanging out of their jeans. LOL, so funny and so true.
" Man this food taste too authentic ! " says my buddy. Meaning he doesnt like it.
I almost reached across the table to slap him. What the hell is that supposed to mean , too authentic ?
You want it to taste generic, watered down, americanized, white washed ? I dont understand.
I shouldve dropped him off at Little Caesars or Olive Garden.
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Sorry, this place STINKS!!! I ordered a "The Works" pizza for delivery. After 1 hour 15 min. I called to now about my pizza and they told me the driver should be here at any moment. Waited another 30 min.to get my pizza but I got a chicken whatever instead of the works. Called the restaurant again and they told me it would take another hour to get another pizza but I could keep the wrong pizza. OK... 90 min latter the driver shows up with the Right order and the BILL for BOTH pizzas and 2 delivery charges!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Called the restaurant again but the nasty man who answered did not wanted to tell his name and told me if I didn't wanted to pay I shouldn't have kept the chicken pizza! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I vote Etna's as 2nd best pizza in town to Lefty's Chicago. But Etna's is #1 in town for delivery, especially because the go til 3am(weekends only maybe). It's not cheap, but try their meat lovers or works. It's definately worth it. If you have a papa johns or little caesars palate, don't waste your time. In fact stop reading this and take a hike. I don't know what they put in their dough to make it sweet, but they definately have a secret recipe. If you're lucky enough to be in their delivery area, enjoy. Just make sure you call and order before you leave the bar, because it takes about 45min-1hr.
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The only late-night Italian joint I know of in San Diego, so that for one earns Etna's some street cred. Our waiter was way chatty and friendly and recommended some tasty smooth red wine for us. I had a four-cheese pasta, and, WOW- that'll do it! My sister had a lasagna that was also exceptional. The bread was fantastic also. A smidge pricey (i.e., this is sit-down, not fast-food), but pretty great food.
This pizza didn't work for me. The cheese was good, but the sauce and crust I didn't care for. Not for me - I'm new to 92116 and still looking for the perfect local pizza place for me.
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Mmmm tasty morsels.
Ettttnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I love your pizza. I love that waiter you have that always gives me great service and makes me laugh with his East coast charm, Henry!
Plus Etna, you are always open late, even if my friend Amy just got into town from Manhattan and we need fried cheese, there you are being so lovely and offering up Henry and fried cheese, Oh Etna I love you.
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i will be honest, I have driven by Etnas a few times. Once I even decided to look at the menu online. But Etnas has stolen my heart as number one pizza in san diego that is delivered for the fact that they deliver until 3am. There was a point where I couldn't even sign for my pizza once I was so drunk at someones party.
I have only had the veggie and the cheese pizza. And its my favorite cheese pizza in san diego because its seriously an inch thick. And super greasy and just soooo good. Dip that baby in some ranch and its like heaven.
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Open til 3am and awesome pizza, brought to your table by Henry (who resembles a character right out of a Scorsese film).
What more could you ask for?
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Here's what you need to know about Etna, don't order anything but the pizza. Otherwise it will be overpriced, like way, and taste just ok. The secret here? Get the special on the pizza, which you have to ask for. It's a large 2 topping for $14.99 and can't be beat. Huge, smothered in cheese (I happen to like that fact) and TASTY.
My personal favorite thing to get on the pizza here is eggplant and ricotta. It's the crispy fried eggplant you'd get in eggplant parmasean and oh so good. Don't think about your heart health, just enjoy it.
My brother is absolutely obsessed with the pizza here. I owe him a huge thanks for introducing me to this wonderful late night Italian place (they're open until 2am most nights, and 3am during the weekends!).
Henry, the only server here, is awesome. I love him. He remembers each and every person who comes through their doors, and tries to make your experience here a great one. There's always some trick he has up his sleeve to keep you and your company entertained.
Not only is he an amazing person, he also is a great waiter. He will add any personal request to a dish that you want without complaints, isn't afraid to tell you his recommendations, and treats you like an old family friend. You won't be finding that type of service at any chain restaurant, let me tell you.
While the pizza is good (especially if you're a person who likes slightly sweeter crusts burried beneath heaping amounts of cheese and other toppings), I got to say I come here for their crispy calamari, cheesy garlic bread, and tequila lime chicken and shrimp. I swear, If I lived closer I would definitely be in trouble.
Yea, the neighborhood is kind of shady, but don't let that scare you away. Great food and company awaits.
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Based solely on the quality of food, I would give them three stars. One extra star since they are open and deliver until 3AM. The pizza is good. It's thick and heavy, but the flavor is nice. Portions are decent, but it is a bit pricey for the quality. I usually get take out or delivery, but the service there is usually friendly.
I've been eating Etna's pizza on and off for the last 20 years or so, when my family lived a few blocks away. Now I'll drive from next to Helix HS to pick it up. It's definitely a "craving" pizza, not one for weekly consumption. My fav is their Spicy Italian and Salami (make sure you order "Spicy"). Pasta is pretty good too, but I wasn't impressed with a "to go" plate. Sit down if you want anything other than pizza. And what is up with the sourdough garlic bread? Not a fan of that at all.
I'm not sure of the other waiters they have now (if any), but Henry is awesome when he works there. Awesome host, but don't expect hand and foot service the whole night. Water usually stays full, and the plates leave relatively quickly. If you sit down for dinner, order a pizza just to have a slice and take the rest home. I love going in just for a weeknight dinner.
Although my hubby and I live down the street from this Italian joint, we still call for delivery ;). When you're comfortable at home, it makes it so much easier for them to just deliver to you and that's what makes them great.
We would normally order the specials that they offered in their advertisements which came in reasonably sized portions that would stuff you silly. It's good stuff for sure!
I have never been inside the actual joint. We see it all the time whenever we pass by on the street and they seem to be doing quite well with business. Maybe next time we'll eat inside ;)
I first got into Etna pizza when I lived over in the 'hood. Etna's would get four stars based on the quality of the pizza. I really love the slightly sweet dough, and the generous amount of mozzarella. My fave is the spinach artichoke pizza, which includes jalapeno slices, making it unique and spicy. And I do have to give them props for delivering all the way in Mission Valley.
However, the service leaves something to be desired. The other night my friend placed an order for delivery via phone, and in addition to our pizza, we wanted the spinach salad with no bacon. So my friend stumbled over his words a bit when ordering, and the guy taking the order made a big point of correcting him on his ordering skills: "Sir, I need you to order correctly or then I have to go back and cancel out the order and start over... What you should say is 'Spinach salad no bacon.' " WTF?! Why are you telling us how to order? This is not customer service!
An hour and fifteen minutes later, our order finally arrives. But instead of the spinach salad, for which we paid $10, there was a teeny little side salad. We called to complain, and the driver had left the real salad back at the restaurant. So about 40 minutes later we got our salad... which of course we didn't really want salad anymore, because we had chowed down on pizza since we were starving after waiting so long to get it in the first place.
I'll probably give them another chance. Just one. That's how much I like the pizza.
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Pros:
-The Athenian Delight (feta, kalamata olives, tomatoes, onions, garlic & olive oil instead of marinara)
-amount of cheese
-delivery in hillcrest, despite the distance (city heights-ish)
-the late hours
Cons:
-if i order anything other than the athenian i am not impressed
-at least one thing goes wrong with my order every single time (e.g. if i say no onion, it is either forgotten or ignored)
-they argue about whether my house is east of 163 or not (it is, but there is a $3 charge if it's west of it.)
-they always forget my parmesan
-the prices are wicked high
-the manager from back in the day, like 5 years ago, is gone
-their staff is constantly changing
additional Pro: I still can't resist, even if my list of cons is longer
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Although a little pricey, I quickly forgot my expenditure as I experienced the edibles evaporating before me as people evolved from early to late night eatery expectations. Guess what? They deliver. Both in the food preparation and to your house! Do I have to cook if Etna is close enough to me? Carbonara is a tester dish for me when I try a new Italian restaurant. They got it smack on! LOVERLY. I was pleased with the skills shown in the sensationally savory sauces spilled onto the spaghettis served. Save room for a little tiramisu, but know that you only need this pick me up because you will have passed out from the delight of the food. Mama Mia!
I love Etna's. Though yeah the prices have been climing a little, where else can you get a real italian dinner at 2am on a random night? Thats why Etna's gets 4 stars. Its yet another option ( a damn good one) to Denny's (who is still the standard in late night eateries)
I love their eggplant parmigiana, and the canoli's are homemade.
Comfort food late at night, what can be better?
My chunky butt loooooves to eat and I eat ONLY good food. If the food is bad, my taste buds won't allow another bite, so you know this place must be good. Whenever I visit San Diego, my old San Diego friends know exactly where we're going to eat: ETNAS!!! It seems like everyone finds their favorite dish and stick with it each and every time they visit.
Please keep in mind that I am a vegetarian! My favorite dishes are the Cinque Formaggi Pizza (5 cheese pizza, which consist of cheeses like gouda cheese and other yummy cheeses that I can't remember the names of) and the A La Vodka paste on linguinni. Mmmm...everything is full of flavor. Full meals come with a visit to the salad bar. If you're a fan of their yummy, bready, sweet, pizzas, they have some sort of lunch deal...something like two mediums for $20.
My meat lover friends ALWAYS share the Meat Lovers pizza, and one of them orders the Lobster Ravioli every time.
I forgot to mention that HENRY, the waiter is awesome! HI HENRY!
He's very helpful and if you're not sure what you want, he'll help you make the perfect choice. He's the one who introduced the Cinque Formaggi pizza to me ...and actually the A La Vodka pasta too, and I am soooo hooked.
Street parking sucks, but you'll manage.
The pesto salad dressing is delicious.
Their pizza can only be described as an enigma.I used to order it back in the day.Everyone who would try it for the first time would say "best pizza ever"but after the first time I would get it and something about it would not be as good,It's almost like a honeymoon stage but for pizza.After about the 6th time,people would not eat any of it.This is over a dozen people I would share with,not just one or two.Wierd stuff.I went to dine in there one time and it was miserable,and expensive.It was kinda like a gangster movie,on the inside.Never ate it again.
Etna's Restaurant is a great place for a family eat out, a date with your spouse or take out its been in our niegborhood for as long as I can remember GREAT Italian food
I've been looking all over San Diego for a pizza place that I really like. I think I may have found it in Etna's. Now I'll admit that when I finally made it to Etna's after having read a few reviews that sounded promising, I wasn't in the soberest state. While that may have contributed to my attitude about the place, there is no denying that the pizza is pretty awesome. While the crust is a little doughier than I generally like, the sauce and cheese sealed our love affair. That pizza is like crack. My only regret was leaving the last slice behind. Given that we were dining with a new friend I didn't want to wow/repulse her with my pizza eating capability. While Etna's and I may be forging a lifelong relationship, I think I may be relegated to ordering take out. $42 for a pizza, three beers and some garlic bread is a bit rich for my blood. For that price I can stay home, drink a 12 pack, and order some pay per view porn or something.
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My brother always brings this pie over for our mom's birthday every year and while I thought it was good, I never felt the need to rave about it. I never had it delivered fresh and piping hot to my door until we moved into the area. NOW I know what he ranted and raved about all those times!
Gadzooks, their pizza rocks my socks! Cheesy to the nth degree. We've been trying all different combos and every one of them has been fantabuloso!
Haven't tried any of their pastas yet but you can bet your bottom bippy it's coming time to.
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Prices are a bit steep, but they make some of the best pizzas around (with a great, slightly sweet crust). They deliver late night. Nothing like a cheesy spinach and tomato pizza at 1 am. They also have Half and Half where you can choose 2 baked dishes and they put them together in one dish... oh yeah.
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Etnas has really ramped up their prices in the last couple of years, trying to be more upscale like its brethren, Vesuvios. And that cost it a star because the Etnas of lore was a great way to satisfy those late night "I can't be driving anywhere" munchies on the cheap. They're open until something like 3am, with delivery. They can be a little quick and rude on the phone, but I guess they're pretty busy with their deliveries and such. Still, no excuse. Trust me, you'll get the order right the first time if you stop and listen.
The food is OK. Definitely hits the spot when a little looped, but this wouldn't be my first choice to take a date for Italian food. I like the lasagna and used to be a big fan of the meatballs until their price nearly double while their size shrunk about 50%. Their pizza is very unique and a nice alternative to NY style, which I prefer most of the time.
It was a good run, Etnas, but you've jumped the shark with the price changes. I implore you to reconsider this.
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I'll give them three stars because they deliver to my house and are open quite late. In a city where they roll up the sidewalks at 10pm that's worth something. Judging them strictly on the food, though, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Everything sounds good, but just... isn't. Pastas are consistently overcooked, sauces are lumpen or have odd flavors, and the salads look forlorn. It's too expensive for what it is. I think they're trying for a slightly upscale ambience but it just has an air of seediness. Beats Denny's for late night dining though.
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I love Italian food and Etna's always hits. the. spot. Locale is a little off-putting, but the food (and service) is worth the trip. Lobster ravioli, lasagna, seafood fettucini...all great dishes. Our server always keeps the glass full - a maaajor plus in my book. And the desserts. Let's just say that I've been known to order dinner and dessert - box the dinner to go (untouched) and dig right into dessert. I am a huge fan of the choco cake! *sigh*
Mario Batali quality, Della Reese portions, Average Joe prices. You can't go wrong here.
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Good place. It's amazing how this little Italian place in a run-down area of SD has done so well.
The parking is a little bit of a problem. They don't have a lot of their own so you have to chance it on the street. But once you're inside, you're taken care of. Henry, our waiter, was super helpful and very personable. We had a large group and he helped us dish up our pizza slices and constantly checked on us.
The atmosphere was a little dry since they didn't have any music playing. I was surprised by that. You could hear my group chatting and the other patrons talking low but other than that, not many other noises going on other than the roar of El Cajon Blvd.
The pizza was good but not great. They have tons of other dishes that look and sound good but I haven't tried them yet. But I do plan on going back and enjoying this place again.
best pizza ever, my boyfriend is a huge pizza fan and he has never fallen this hard, he loves it. the wings are great too.
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I love the pizza here. The crust is simply amazing. Although Etna belongs to a restaurant group called Tasty of Italy Inc., all the other restaurants (Taste of Italy Hillcrest) prepares their pizza differently.
They also have a lunch buffet.
A downside to this place is that it is in a dodgy part of town. I know because I used to live nearby.
Once upon a time in college it was 1:00am and I had had a few beers(15). As many of you are aware, drunk kids like to eat from one of three food groups Mexican, Jack in the Box, or Pizza. Opting for group pizza, I fumbled with my phone and called Etna's because their magnet on the refrigerator came with the house. The guy answered the phone and asked me what I would like to have. I responded by asking what kinds of meats they had as toppings. After he gave me a long list which I immediately forgot, I slurred " I would like an everything meat pizza". He asked for clarification so I explained that I wanted every kind of meat that they had on the pizza. I'm sure there was a name for that but it has since been known to my friends and I as an everything meat pizza. When it arrived around 2am, I discovered that my inebriation had fostered brilliance. Thank you Etna's, you have the most delicious pizza in San Diego.
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