My wife and I had an incredible first experience at Anila's Cucina Rustica, and it definitely won't be our last. We even had the pleasure of meeting Chef Anila herself, which made the evening feel even more special. We started with the burrata and caponata with eggplant appetizer fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. I had the braised short rib and the zuppa di pesce, both outstanding. The short rib was tender and rich, and the seafood in the zuppa was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. My wife ordered the penne alla vodka and loved every bite. What really sets this place apart is the feeling. Chef Anila has such a warm, homey presence like a mother cooking with love for her family. You can taste that care in every dish. From the fresh bread and butter to the attentive and friendly service, everything was thoughtful and welcoming. From the moment they took my name down to the time we finished our meal, we felt genuinely taken care of. Highly recommend. A true gem. read more

See all

Tucked away in the back of the kitchen at Pala Casino, Anila's Cucina Rustica offers one of the most unique dining experiences in North County. The setting itself is part of the charm -- an intimate, behind-the-scenes space that feels almost like a secret supper club where you're invited into the chef's creative world. The menu is intentionally limited, built around an Italian theme that highlights both tradition and imagination. Each dish shows off the chef's creativity, from bold flavor combinations to artful presentation. The food is exceptionally tasty, rich with fresh ingredients and thoughtful execution. While the portions aren't oversized, they're generous enough to leave you fully satisfied, and the value matches the quality -- expect prices on the higher side, but for what you get, it feels justified. The cozy, exclusive setting amplifies the experience, making dinner here feel like a special occasion even if it's just a regular night out. If you enjoy discovering hidden gems and appreciate Italian cuisine done with flair and heart, Anila's Cucina Rustica is absolutely worth a visit. It's a one-of-a-kind spot that delivers on flavor, creativity, and ambience -- a place that truly hits the spot. Enjoy! read more

See all

An absolute must, please, just go! Hidden in the back of the bar and grill restaurant at the Pala casino, is this absolute gem! You have to walk through the kitchen, past the dish washers to get to a hidden room in the kitchen, right next to the station the chef is cooking up fantastic food! It's an experience like no other, so quaint, intimate and classy. I absolutely recommend a stop! We allowed the chef to pick appetizers for the table - a cheese and meat plate, fresh bread with a pine nut, sun dried tomato and parsley spread (absolutely Devine), with pickled veggies. For dinner the chef recommended the Wild New Zealand John Dorey - a delicate flaky white fish with roasted fennel and charred broccolini. It was absolutely the best dish of the night! Service was absolutely outstanding! With the chef herself making recommendations on menu items. Definitely worth the drive for a fun night at the casino and dinner! Pro tip: arrive early (5 pm) to get seats. They only have a few tables! Or make reservations ahead. read more

See all

I'm so glad that we had dinner tonight at Anila's Cucina Rustica. The food is amazing! We ate every morsels, from the bread basket to the fried zucchini blossom appetizers, Wagyu hanger steak and Penne alla Vodka. Everything was cooked to perfection! Chef Anila was so sweet and friendly. She came and chat with us. We were too full to eat another bite and yet she insisted that we have a crème brûlée on the house to celebrate my husband's birthday. That crème brûlée was just as impressive. It was a classic dessert done exceptionally well. I almost forgot to mention that the service was also impeccable. The young waiter was attentive without being intrusive and made our evening perfect. read more

First off, Pala does a terrible job marketing this restaurant, but seriously that is the only complaint. Just looking at the menu or even the display at Pala marquees, it's hard to tell that the entire restaurant is a chef's table experience. It was so cool being walked through the back of the kitchen at Grill Meets Bar and then taken to this hidden gem. We were greeted by Chef Anila and sat with an amazing view of the kitchen. Chef Anila came out and spoke to us before returning to the kitchen to start preparing our meal. There were only 7 or 8 tables which was nice and allowed a very personal feel to the meal. The food was beautifully presented and tasted pretty good, but it was just such a cool experience that we would absolutely come back. Also, the prices were actually quite reasonable especially considering the experience. Highly recommend! read more

See all

If you can... splurge on the special chef's dinner where you can sit in the back kitchen area. We sat in the center under the large chandelier and felt like special guests! Chef Anila came to our table and suggested delicious dishes. It was a such a treat: the food, the ambience and service was great. Restaurant is in Pala casino. I will be back. read more

See all

This is the best kept secret in Temecula. A chef's table experience behind a very nice restaurant, small and intimate with a great view of the chef cooking. I would recommend reservations. The chef is super friendly and accommodating. There is a regular menu and weekly specials. There are plenty of gluten free options. The food is delicious and the sommelier is knowledgeable and friendly. I definitely recommend the chefs table! read more

See all

This is such a lovely experience! The food is fantastic and the service is amazing. They do everything to WOW you, and they deliver! read more

See all

Absolutely delicious and beautifully presented! Our server Chase was so attentive and made the evening perfect. What an exquisite experience! A hidden gem you must try. The flavors were divine, the staff went above and beyond, the atmosphere was amazing. Chief Anila thank you so such for an amazing experience true authentic food. read more

Anila’s Cucina Rustica - Appetizers and Octopus salad the sauce to drizzle on the bread was delicious and amazing in flavor. - Italian Near Me - Pala, California

Anila is a wonderful and compassionate chef!!! Her love shines thru as she works her magic in the kitchen before you, and STILL manages to find time to come out and visit with her guests!! This place is truly NEXT LEVEL!! And the service was impeccable!!! As if ambiance and service weren't enough, each course of the meal is meticulously planned and hand crafted in a beautiful array!!! Anila covers ALL The Bases!!!! And you will leave here refreshed, encouraged, and satisfied!!! Do your self and your loved one a SUPER, and One-Up your usual Luxury Dinner!!! Who knows... maybe you'll also get the Heart Shaped Cucumbers on the fresh Salmon Crudo! Mmmuah!!! Magnifiqué! read more

See all

If you want intimate, less people, casual, friendly, and chef in house cooking in front of you right there just like in your own home. And not to mention, excellent Italian FOODS! ( to me ) My first time there.... It's very interesting when host guide you into the Anila's hidden restaurant. I can't tell you such an experience. You have to be there experience to for yourself. Anila's is sound fancy, right!!!! Wait until you have their foods. You can't stop eating!!! I tried to take pictures before I eat but ended up ate half of the foods and realized I forgot to take pictures before. Not to mention Anila's restaurant is open only 3 days a week, from Thursday to Saturday and reservation is recommended because only five tables. By the way, I don't give unless really good in my opinion. Well recommended!!!! read more

See all

Let me just say Thank you to the staff and the most amazing chef that I had the pleasure to experience her food and watch her cook with so much love. She also visits your table and is very humble and kind. I have to say for me and my husband, this has been the best meal we ever had. read more

Anila’s Cucina Rustica - Italian Near Me - Pala, California

You gotta get in on this. If I give you too many details I will give away the surprise. This is a dining experience like you have never seen. The food that was prepared was custom for our taste and not on any menu. The atmosphere will be nothing like you've had. And the service was impeccable. First Class !! Get in here and try this. You will be very satisfied. read more

Amazing! Anila and Steven were great, the food was mouth watering and the service was fantastic. Hands down one of the best experiences and dinners we have ever had, to be in the back as she cooks you her creations was great. Anila was kind and came to the table to say hi and speak to us a bit. If you're looking for a one of a kind experience this is it. Highly recommend read more

Anila’s Cucina Rustica - Anila gave us her business card for any visits in the future - Italian Near Me - Pala, California

The food was super great. Everything was amazing. Definitely coming back. The chef she was amazing. Everyone very friendly. read more

See all

Dinner was fabulous at Anila's Cucina Rustica! I just love how the hostess walks us back into the kitchen and we're greeted by everyone. We started with bruschetta and boy was it amazing! Every dish we tried was a home run. My lobster ravioli topped with blue crab was some of best I've ever had. Service was on point. Love the ambiance. We watched Anila preparing all our dishes. You can just tell she loves what she's doing. Can't wait to go back again!! read more

See all

From the time you are greeted by the host and walked back to the kitchen, you begin your special journey. Your culinary journey starts when you are greeted by Chef Anila's warm smile and her telling of the wonderful dishes she has crafted, like a sundried tomato & ricotta spread for the grilled bread, Surf & Turf Ravioli (short rib & lobster), Chilean Sea Bass puttanesca style, lobster stuffed with lobster and shrimp, or a melange of seafood. The salad Trevisana is delicious, too, and don't forget the delicious profiteroles. The menu is crafted, but Chef Anila is more than willing to suit your tastes and dishes. The service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is simple yet elegant. read more

See all

Well, well. What can I say. This had a cool Vegas old school vibe. My mom and I were escorted to the back kitchen of the restaurant. There was an exclusive, small dining area. There was nostalgic Italian music playing, and the kitchen was feet away. The head chef Anila. Greeted us warmly and told us she would be our personal chef. She recommended the charcuterie board as an appetizer. We also ordered the sea bass and crab squid pasta. All was excellent and tasted like a 5 star restaurant. All the while, my mom and I got to talk and enjoy the ambiance. Anila came and recommend a crème brûlée. Which she made personally. I will say this. For a casino in Oceanside, pala amazed and wowed me with this experience. My mom and I considered this an extended Mother's Day dinner :) Blessings to Anila and the waiter who was an incredible gentleman. Come here if you want to be treated like royalty read more

See all

Where delicious Italian food, ambiance and fantastic service intersect! Chef Anila makes you feel as if you are a long lost family friend. The calamari, Don salad, and pastas are amazing. The tiramisu is on a level all on its own. If you are looking for an experience, you must visit the chef's kitchen! Come in as a stranger, leave a friend. read more

Anila’s Cucina Rustica - Italian Near Me - Pala, California

Dinner was sensational had new York steak shrimp pasta,salad, dessert everything was made to perfection definitely recommend it and will be back read more

See all

When we arrived the host was very rude and unaccompanied she offered us to dine at Bar Meets grill we instead and told her that we wanted to try Anila's! .What a great find, this place now is my must stop place at Pala . I was glad to hear Chef's Anila"s weekly specials . Our server was Stephen friendly and witty . Chef Anila stopped by our table and described various dishes and answered questions while telling mini stories of each dish . Her approach was very welcoming . From my table I could see and overhear her patiently making recommendations to other customers nearby as well.Each guest received her undivided attention. Everything was spot on. I can't wait to come back and enjoy this delicious food read more

See all

Such a fun and delicious meal. The chef stayed late so we could eat after our concert. She was so sweet. All of the food was so good. It's a fun, intimate setting with a cool speakeasy vibe. You have to try it! read more

Anila is an amazing chef! This place is a hidden gem. Everything we had was AMAZING! We had the chicken entree and penne with jumbo shrimp and both were the best meals we've had in a very long time. You cannot go wrong coming here. read more

I went with my friends to celebrate my birthday at Anila's last night and were incredibly impressed. Made me feel as if I was in Mediterranean coast of Italy , authentic Italian cuisine. I was stunned by the warmth and the expertise of the Chef Anila. Loved her special appetizer caponata Siciliana with agrodolce sauce served with crostini and her pinwheel lasagna with sausage ragu and robiola cheese. We had several dishes from the menu and there was a stand out item on each of this . Service was excellent, perfectly timed coursed with subtle presence of our server Stephen. Will definitely be back, was a beautiful experience. read more

A hidden gem! Who knew you could find such incredible, unique and decadent Italian dishes in this "speak easy"style restaurant tucked away in Pala casino. Chef Anila is so warm and welcoming, you truly feel like you are a guest in her home kitchen. Make your reservation soon this niche restaurant only seats about six tables, which only adds to the charm. read more

Super experience.went w chef recommended dishes and every one's plate was clean. Service perfect as well.

HIDDEN GEM! Some of the best Italian food I've had. Great dining experience and Chef Anila was amazing. If Anila recommends it, get it!!

Anila's Cucina Rustica is an intimate, cozy spot. You can really taste the care that goes into each ingredient. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure you have an amazing experience. Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates authentic flavor, quality, and a personal touch. read more

Wowww what an amazing experience. I walked in with my mom and did not know what to expect. The food was amazing, service was perfect. This evening made for a beautiful memory with my mom. Thank you to Chef Anila for her hospitality. read more

This lady knows what's up. We were sat in the back of the kitchen where Anila worked he magic. The intimate interactions with the servers and Anila was a great experience...eating at the back of the kitchen felt like we were guests invited by the mafia where they plan their next job....can't wait to return to fill my belly with fresh delicious food created by Anila and feel the power of being the guests of the mafia family... read more

What a great experience! Delicious food, well presented, and attentive staff. Enjoyed being in a private area with my dinner companions, free to laugh and be a little loud. read more

Anila's Cucina Rustica is an experience of a lifetime!!! Starting with a superb customer service by Chef Anila herself. Explaining the menu, how she meticulously prepares every ingredients and carefully cooks the dishes in her open concept kitchen. You can see her dedication and passion in her food. We've been here twice now and it's always a hit! Will definitely recommend for everyone to try read more

I enjoyed a wonderful experience at Anila's. The chef Anila was welcoming along with the hostess Livi. The chef specials all sounded amazing. We started with a charcuterie board and the presentation was outstanding. Along with varieties of cheeses, meats, olives and the large crispy grapes. Simply delicious. All at my table ordered the lobster ravioli topped with crab. A beautifully plated delightful dinner. The sauce was amazing. I highly recommend this special place. You will feel special to have this experience. read more

Anila’s Cucina Rustica - Charcuterie board - Italian Near Me - Pala, California

See all

Where to start?! First, Chef/Owner Anila was amazing! We had the privelage to dine in the back kitchen area. A small and intimate spot where you are given the opportunity sit and watch first hand Chef and her team work their magic. We started off with the Antipasto all'Italiana and Uncle Freddy's Calamari Saltati. Both light and flavorful! For entrees we chose the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Chilean Sea Bass Puttanesca and the Penna Alla Vodka. All fantastic recommendations and selections! And then the delicious dessert! Crème Brûlée, Profiteroles, and an off menu Chocolate Mousse. All decadent to the tee! Couldn't have asked for a better meal by such a kind hearted Chef. read more

We had our first visit to Anila's on Sat., May 30th. The food, service & ambiance blew us away! We had never been to a chef's table experience before, and this by far exceeded our expectations. Anila and Stephen were so attentive, and the timing of our dining was perfect. I won't provide more details as the surprise of it all is key. We are looking forward to our return. read more

This is now on my list of best meals ever. The food was trmendous and the very warm welcome and conversation with Anila herself made this an absilutely unforgetable experiance. Charming place with a secret entrance. Just absolutely wonderful. read more

What a delicious and fun experience! We were surprised to be escorted into the kitchen, where we met Anila and watched her prepare our meal. Our meal was delicious, I had the best pasta I've had east of Boston and my husband loved his pork chops! The portions were large. We also enjoyed the artichoke appetizer and a delicious salad. The service was attentive and we enjoyed chatting with our server. We'll be back!! read more

This was one of the most amazing dining experiences. Anila puts so much care, love, and attention to every dish. The service is top, ambiance spectacular. You can't miss this experience. GO HERE! read more

Had dinner there last night. The food was delicious, Anila, the chef did an outstanding job, with an array of different choices. Service was equally outstanding. The location for the restaurant was also fun, behind the kitchen, providing a fun ambiance. I highly recommend Anila's. read more

First of all! The service is exceptional, the authenticity, the flavor, the taste, the environment, everything phenomenal. Top tier food, super recommended. The best Italian food ever!!! read more