It's a small business, and for a weekend night we were able to be seated outside pretty quickly in La Jolla. I ordered the carbonara & my bf ordered the risotto. I would say it was good pasta for sure. He said it was very good, and he enjoyed the bread. It was a romantic small feel of a place. read more

Bistro Pazzo - Rissoto & carbonara - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

Quiet little classic Italian place. The owner is funny once he warms up. The food is the traditional version of each dish. Nothing fusion or experimental. All of it done very well. read more

What a find! My friend and I were just popping around La Jolla one day and before we knew it we were ready for dinner. We stopped in and we're able to get a nice table outside. We enjoyed a glass of wine, I ordered lasagna, and my friend ordered the penna al pollo. We started with the bread they bring and wow it delicious! I could easily just order a few of those and fill up. My friend's dish was good, but not to my preferences. My lasagna though was excellent! I almost never order lasagna because I dont enjoy it most places, but my random hankering was a lucky one as this was definitely a winner and so craveable. I will definitely be back. read more

Highly recommend Bistro Pazzo. Owner Seto is amazing and respectable! He really cares and the service here is superb. Fresh and intentional dishes, great quality ingredients. Intimate and comfortable ambiance... Deserves a lot of recognition! Yum!! read more

Amazing. Great service great food great vibe. Would come again. Food was unbelievable

We just ate at Bistro Pazzo and had such a great experience. The food was delicious and felt really fresh, but what made it even better was how kind and welcoming the owner was. You can tell he really cares about the restaurant and the people who come in. It felt warm, cozy, and personal, exactly the kind of place you want to find in La Jolla. We'll definitely be back! read more

I like everything about this place. The owner is always on site and the cuisine is authentic Italian. His bolognese pasta is outstanding. Love his Caesar salad and my favorite is the ciopino. This is a neighborhood treasure and at an affordable price point read more

Had chicken parm. It was excellent. The server and cook/owner were awesome. Feels like a small town vibe in otherwise busy La Jolla.

We felt like a good cup of coffee and dessert after our Japanese rolls around the corner and dropped in at Pazzo.... a bit late but the owner was friendly and helped us out. Cappuccino, Macchiato and a chunk of chocolate walnut cake which was delicious. Coffee was not bitter which is always a nice surprise for coffee snobs like us. We'll be back when there's another Athenaeum event close by so we can explore other menu options. 10/10. read more

Bistro Pazzo - two plates of dessert and a cup of coffee - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

The food is amazing!!!! Everything we ordered was sooooo tasty. When you walk in, you can smell the sauce and fresh bread. They bring you fresh bread with pesto olive oil. We all ordered something different and shared. The chocolate walnut cake a la mode with coffee was the way to end the night. You gotta go read more

This is a fine example of a great Chef, after opening restaurant after restaurant for others, than restaurants of his own, settling into the village of La Jolla to cook for the locals & tourists, but I see him catering more to the locals. I am told it gets busy on the weekends, so make a reservation or go earlier in the week, like I did! When I came back from a trip to Italy, the first thing I noticed is that we have Italian 'Style' Restaurants. (That's a restaurant adjusting the food and flavor profiles to accommodate Americans). Geez. I wish I had known about this authentic Italian Restaurant then! The art hanging on the walls brings you right back to Italy! So does the food. I do hundreds of Restaurant Reviews usually with 8-12 people from San Diego Foodies and Carlsbad Foodies on meetup, where I ask everyone what their favorite dish was, so that you know what to order. Since this was a sneak peak, I went alone and here's what I want you to know. If there's anything you want special or different, you can call Chef Seto. My simple request a week before is: Can you do some roasted garlic and bread for me to start? I can't tell you how many times I have ordered roasted garlic and it just isn't cooked all the way through. He drizzle olive oil over it, serves it with crispy thin slightly charred ciabatta slices and I eat it throughout the meal. So good. I also pair some Prosecco with a delicious Lobster Bisque, with chunks of nice lobster and the clams and mussels that follows (Vongole e Cozze) is amazing. I add spaghetti to the dish and boy is that something! The Chef is nailing every single dish that comes out of his kitchen. I add a glass of Vermentino (great white Italian wine from Tuscany). As we move into Eggplant - Melanzane Parmigiana and Salsiccie (Sausage, Onions and Peppers), I move on to a Primitivo from Puglia. It's a nice red. And it's like I'm back in New York again.... Little Italy quality of some of my favorite dishes. Or we can compare it to Il Fornaio ... but this is better, fresher and cheaper! I try two of his desserts (I take bites and take the rest home). First, a Limoncello Mascarpone Cake which really measures up to any expectations. And then I taste his Chocolate Walnut Cake, and finish my red wine with it. So good. This, in fact is the perfect meal. I've had my roasted garlic, lobster bisque, seafood with pasta, eggplant parmigiana, sausage, onions and peppers and dessert. Of course I don't eat it all. I take tastings of everything, because that's what I do and take the rest for lunch the next day. Two meals for one price, eating sensibly to boot! The service and wine is equally and especially good. It's great to support a local chef, and a very local (to La Jolla) Restaurant. I highly recommend this treat! Let's go again! read more

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Loved the fresh, warm bread and pesto and Insalata Pazza! We had the lasagna, pollo piccata, and the penne al vodka with salmon. All wonderful! And, the outdoor seating with market lighting and the friendly, prompt service was perfect on this summer night. Highly recommend! read more

Meandered our way here on a Friday night, tired and hungry. Got a table with no wait, immediately greeted with bread and water, and it only got better from there. Calamari was fresh and cooked perfectly, the carpaccio was excellent, and the service was outstanding. We went with the four cheese rigatoni and the seafood Alfredo and both dishes were excellent. Huge slice of tiramisu to finish us off. Would highly recommend to friends and 5/5 stars for the meal. read more

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This was a fantastic food and delightfully, fun experience. This neighborhood spot pleased an outsider from Colorado.

First time coming to this restaurant. So cute and quaint, away from all the other tourist-filled restaurants in La Jolla. Loved the place. The food was soo delish! forgot to take a picture of the yummy Caesar salad, the fresh bread and pesto, and the mussels we ordered. The chef was amazing!! I ordered the Penne Al Pollo it was soo good. My friend ordered the mushroom risotto and my cousin the Spaghetti. All so fresh, so good. Chef was amazing!! read more

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Great service. I really appreciated the effort that they put in, in order to make us feel welcome and like a valued customer. I came with a large group on a Saturday around 5:30pm and the restaurant was empty so they were able to seat us right away. We started with the Calamari which was tasty but a tad chewy. The complimentary bread with pesto sauce was a nice touch. The 4 cheese rigatoni was delicious, if you like cheese and cream sauce, this is for you. My go to at any italian restaurant is a chicken parmesan and since I didn't see one on the menu I asked if they could do it and they said of course. In retrospect, maybe I should have picked something off the menu because it wasn't great, but I appreciate the attempt. Chicken was over cooked and it was a single breast, which doesn't justify the $31 dollars it costs. They also don't serve it with a side of pasta, only vegetables, but that was my fault for not reading the fine print I would definitely return for the great atmosphere and the excellent service, but I would definitely get something different. read more

Frutti di mare is soo good, fresh pasta and seafood, and so reasonably priced! We've been on the hunt for our go to Italian place in SD and this one checks all the boxes. The owner is charming and personable, he's been in the restaurant industry for decades, his experience and passion for this industry is evident! read more

Bistro Pazzo - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

The food is amazing and so is the service. We eat here as often as we can and recommend it to everyone we know. I also love the fact they don't charge you for using your credit card like many restaurants are these days. read more

Bistro Pazzo is tucked away on a relatively quiet street in La Jolla Village, yet it's a bistro that's definitely worth the detour. I stopped here for lunch last Friday, and I was quite impressed with what they had to offer. I admit it: I'm a sucker for eggplant parmigiana. So when I saw it on the menu, I had to try it. It came with side orders of al dente rigatoni and steamed vegetables. My rigatoni was quite al dente, and I guess that worked out for the better, since I can now see how sitting in the tomato sauce for a while can make the pasta soggy. The veggies were also on the firm side, but I didn't have any trouble biting into them. Pazzo also provided complimentary focaccia, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, and that made for another nice touch. As for the actual eggplant parm - It was beyond delicious! The texture was perfectly soft and chewy without being too soggy. The layers of eggplant and cheese were prerfectly balanced. And to make it even better, the tomato sauce that that perfect balance of sweet, tart, zest, and umami that kept me wanting more. For drinks, Pazzo has a solid wine and beer list. I tried a Paso Robles Rosé, and I was quite happy with this selection. It was aromatic and had nice berry notes without being too dry. All in all, I was very happy with my lunch at Bistro Pazzo, and I look forward to another meal here soon. read more

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Fantastic in every way! Pleasant owner,food is great! Very quiet and just plain very nice experience!

Very good neighborhood spot in La Jolla. My favorite was the pesto they served with warm bread, so full of flavor. Lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs were also delicious. Friendly and funny owner. read more

Delicious food. Prompt and pleasant service with warm and simple ambiance. It's a lovely, low key restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with someone special. read more

Real Northern Italian food.. Bolognese pasta was good quality meat and great flavor. I know my Bologna pasta since I visit often for a convention. The bread is freshly baked w awesome pesto sauce. Was very pleased! Owner spent a lot of time in Northern Italy Parma area and really gets the real deal Northern Italian food. The lobster ravioli looked really fresh and authentic as well. Will return. Omg just tried the in house homemade Trimaasu desert and it's perfecto... read more

Bistro Pazzo - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

I Love this Place !! Im a Real Italian Goomba & The food is Da Best! The Ba fung Goo owner and Operator "SETO" is Legit.. OH .. And the Bread is From Jersey!!! Make sure you Dip the bread in Parsley pesto dip on the Table. Give it a try & you'll thank me later with a Kiss !!! read more

Bistro Pazzo - Italian Food !! - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

Service was good, food not so much. Appetizers were just ok, carpaccio was cut too thick, fresh mozzarella wasn't tasty. Main course, fish wasn't fresh, pasta was under cooked and just ok taste. Plus was way overpriced. read more

Phenomenal food! If you are looking for NY style Italian- it's the go to spot. We tried a few others in La Jolla and by far, this is the best. Chef does a phenomenal job! Portions are a good size but not too big and they will serve at your pace. read more

Very good service & food was amazing ! The restaurant was very peaceful and the staff was very attentive. Me & my boyfriend will definitely be returning. read more

Bistro Pazzo - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

Unbelievably great upscale Italian food. Carpaccio is so delicate with a symphony of flavor. Lasagna pazza is exquisite and something special. Quiet, clean and cozy. Insalate is also outstanding. I don't believe there's a stinker on the menu read more

Bistro Pazzo - Carpaccio, bread, pesto - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

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My husband and I really wanted Italian food on a Monday night and Bistro Pazzo is one of the few in La Jolla that is actually open on a Monday! We ordered the prosciutto e melone, zuppa d'aragosta, penne al pollo, and raviloi aurora (with an addition of meatballs). Our takeout order was packaged nicely and even came with a lot of bread (like a half loaf) and pesto sauce. Everything was delicious and the pasta dishes were a generous portion. We had enough for leftovers the next day. My husband usually likes tomato based pastas and he opted for the ravioli because of the aurora sauce. He's had a different pasta from Bistro Pazzo before with this sauce and needed to have the sauce again; it was that good! With the addition of meatballs, it was very filling. The staff was very friendly when picking up the food and it really didn't take too long. They do have a little area in front of the restaurant for outdoor seating as well. I definitely recommend Bistro Pazzo if you're looking for Italian food (especially on a Monday)! Street parking only. read more

We stumbled upon this place by accident and let me tell you, it was sooooo good. We ordered the Veal Tortelini and the Sausage Rigatoni with a couple salads and I was so pleased. I am from the Los Angeles area and we have a lot of great Italian Food and this place was one of the best I've had. read more

Bistro Pazzo - Veal Tortellini and Sausage Rigatoni. 100%! - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

The mushroom appetizer was ok. Had an aftertaste that i am not used to. But the pasta was amazing. The sauce was flavorsome read more

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The food was awesome. First, the home made pesto that came with the bread was to die for. Had the calamari which was great, and the Rodfather (yes, spelled correctly) meat ball spaghetti was perfectly spicy, and the marinara sauce superb. First time at a spot which is now a local one, so definitely not the last! read more

Food was good and service was kind. The risotto had great flavors and pasta was delicious. I ended up eating out in their empty front patio. The server came with no mask and no social distance talking about specials and drinks right on top of you. I had to put my mask on to feel comfortable. The female server did have a mask but only when coming out. Inside her mask was off. Overall good food but disappoint experience in the middle of a pandemic. read more

Bistro Pazzo - No mask. No social distance. - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

My husband and I happened to walk by this place and thought it looked like a good spot- we were met with the most amazing service and even more magnificent food! This is hands down the best Italian food I've had. We were both so impressed, the owner was welcoming, kind, and funny. This will definitely be a regular spot for us. read more

Bistro Pazzo - Eggplant Parmesan - Italian Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Bistro Pazzo is the best local spot for Italian food in La Jolla. The Rigatoni Al 4 Formaggi and the Rodfather's Meat-a-Balls are two favorites. The pastas come with bread and fresh pesto sauce which is such a unique and delicious touch. Great wine selection as well. Can't wait to come back! read more

the prices on line aren't even close to the actual higher prices at the restaurant. The owner/waiter is abrupt and intimidating. I would never go back with all the other Italian restaurants choices we have in San Diego. read more

Food is very good. The guy who runs the place is super friendly in a way that even my introverted self can appreciate. The place feels very authentic pulled straight out of Italy. Not super busy even on a Friday. Superb date spot. read more

I came here for happy hour and was not disappointed. You feel like you are sitting in Italy in a families house as they are laughing, cooking, and enjoying their lives. A couple people stopped in just to visit with the staff, it's one of the special few places left that have this feel. We ordered the spaghetti with meatballs, mushroom risotto, and wine. They had a decent wine selection, and they brought out bread while we waited for the rest of our food. The spaghetti came out and the sauce was perfection, a balanced blend of bold flavor, but not too sour. Also, the meatballs melt in your mouth. The risotto was also a great choice, the sauce on the dish was tasty and we used our extra bread to get every last bit. We will definitely come back again! read more

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We had one of the best Italian meals we've ever had! Great food, service & ambiance! Can't wait to come back!!

This place is incredible!! Any kind of celebration or date night anniversary's birthday is this is our place. There's not one thing on the menu that isn't amazing. Especially Italian food it's all about the sauce and the sauce is sublime. read more