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Pino's Cucina Italiana - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
967 S Coast Hwy 101Encinitas, CA 92024
Neighborhood: Encinitas
(760) 632-1901
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
9 reviews for Pino's Cucina Italiana
9 reviews in English
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Review from Tabitha K.
Columbus, OH
8/20/2008
I came to this restaurant in a party of six. We were unable to get reservations at other nearby restaurants on a short notice, and decided to try Pino's based on the other positive Yelp reviews. We came on a weeknight.
Basically everything was perfect.
Bread served before the meal was very good, service was very good (polite and personable, prompt, attentive).
Prices were fair and cheaper than many comparable Italian restaurants in the area.
It was a peaceful atmosphere where we were able to enjoy a meal in relative quiet, surrounded by portraits of notable Italian celebrities. There were other customers but the tables were spaced far enough apart to give each party room to breathe.
We started with two appetizers, the caprese (tomato + basil + mozzarella) and the carpaccio (thinly sliced raw filet mignon with arugula and capers). They were fresh and light and tasty but not as amazing as the meals to come.
My sister and I split two specials, a filet mignon and a Chilean sea bass, and they were both very good. The steak was perfectly cooked and smothered in a delicious Gorgonzola sauce, and the fish was light and fresh with lemony caper tomato sauce. They were served with spinach which was delicious and perfect with the bowl of fresh parmesan cheese which was offered around our table.
Our party also tried the lobster ravioli and a couple of other pasta dishes, all of which were very good. We were offered dessert but were too full of our scrumptious food to partake!!!
Go here.
{ This review was penned by my sister. } -
Review from Jay D.
Updated - 4/9/2009
Lunchtime run then I saw - SHOCKING?!- Pino's closed !!!
I sincerely hope Pino retired rather than be a victim of the economy.
Godspeed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/27/2008
One of the best and most friendly Italian places I've been. We tend to have large work… Read more »
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Review from Julie G.
Berkeley, CA
11/13/2006 1 photo
A really nice Italian restaurant with a Hollywood flair. Family friendly and warm-spirited, this downtown Encinitas is one of the original Italian eateries and has lasted for a reason. -- people like it and they like owner and master chef, Pino Bottalico.
Adorning the walls are photos of Italian-American actors in their various roles and on the tables white linens and flowers. The style overall is reminiscent of his Nonna's (grandmother) Italian home.
They serve dishes from all over Italy using only fresh and local ingredients and there will surely be something to please everyone. -
Review from Pavel T.
Carlsbad, CA
5/6/2008
Before I get to the food, a word about the name. Pino's? Seriously? If I tell anyone about my Pino's review, they'll tell me to get my mind out of the gutter.
I'm not completely sold on the quality of the food, but the service and the decor alone make this place memorable. Especially for the fans of Sofia Loren. -
Review from Carolyn L.
San Diego, CA
5/4/2008
This is the best Italian place in the San Diego area, way better than any restaurant in Little Italy. The waiters there are exceptionally nice also, very welcoming. I have tried most of the appetizers, and they were all very good. My favorite dish there is the pollo caprese. All their food is not too greasy, and I guarantee you'll walk away happily fed. It gets really busy on Fridays and Saturdays, so if you want better, quicker service, try out a week night.
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Review from Barbara B.
Encinitas, CA
7/1/2009
Sadly, Pino's has closed. Pino is now working at Tuscan Restaurant in Carlsbad, CA.
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Review from Daniel B.
Provo, UT
11/14/2008
1) The interior of this establishment is shabby. We're talkin holey carpet, dark, and random random wall hangings everywhere. I'm not saying it's dirty or anything. Just very shabby.
2) The service was fine.
3) Our appetizer sampler, was to say the least, less than appetizing. Picture if you will, opening cans of: marinated peppers, olives, mushrooms, etc., pouring them on a plate, then allowing that plate to sit, and then serving it.
4) Followed by: linguini vongole, made by boiling noodles, whipping out the can opener for the 5th time (cranking wrist getting tired yet?) and cracking some foul clams and heaping them on said noodles. Garnished by 2 actual clams.
5) enough said. right? until the busboy offers dessert in the most overzealous rendering of an Italian accent I have ever heard. Should have waited the 20 min for the restaurant across the street. -
Review from belle y.
Coronado, CA
10/2/2009
Pinos was the best- sorry its gone- The best Canolloni on the planet
The best- food, service , atmospher. Pino come back or send me the recipe! -
Review from D G.
San Diego, CA
4/19/2007
Been dining at Pino's for 12 years (when it was still called Tomasos). Pino has owned the restaurant for the last 11 years. Great food, awesome ambiance, excellent prices. A true sign of a good restaurant, is how long the staff stay - the waiters here never leave (including Credencio who has been there 11 years). Its our favorite restaurant in North County. Sadly, I often get the same items: caprese salad, Raviole Cardinate and tiramisu.
