I am in town on business with my wife and another couple, and we came across Del Lusso from the other reviews on Yelp - and we're not disappointed at all. Our first experience was when the owner Walter came over (with our wonderful waitress) and introduced himself and explained the Mediterranean style of the Italian cooking. The food was fantastic, and the service was also fantastic - Caesar salad with anchovies on the side, meatball starter, and a couple different pizzas at the table - and a bottle of a great Pinot Noir. Great food, great hospitality, and great friends made for a great evening!! read more

The food was incrediblely delicious the owner is very kind. Definitely recommend this place from the pizza to the main courses everything was spot on. read more

Great food, great service, and great ambiance. If you're looking for good Italian food, this is the place.

Came in for dinner, expecting to find some basic pizza, but my expectations were blown out of the water. I got the Gelucci pizza which was amazing, perfect dough with a perfect sauce to cheese ratio, all of the meats were clearly high quality. My server Gavin also made my meal a great experience, with unmatched hospitality (always filling the waters) and great recommendations from the menu. Ambiance as well was great, good vibes sat next to the fire pit which was nice in for a chilly evening. 10/10 meal will come back! read more

My wife and I are in from Boston, staying at Omni Resort in Carlsbad. I found Del Lusso from Yelp reviews, and we and another couple headed there. Our awesome experience started with being greeted and welcomed by the owner Walter and our wonderful waitress. Walter explained the Sicilian style of the cooking, flour is imported from Italy, and all ingredients and food are freshly prepared - nothing is pre-prepared/supplied frozen. On our table we had: a fabulous ceasar salad with anchovies (yum!) and dressing on the side; metballs appetizer, fetucini alfredo, and two 12" pizza pies, and a bottle of Pinot Noir. EVERYTHING was awesome!! That was finished with some homemade gelato. If you are in this area, don't miss Del Lusso for top notch food in a casual dining atmosphere!! And please say hello to Walter!! read more

If Del Lusso cooked their pizza the way they cook their excuses, this would've been a great meal. Unfortunately, the excuses were the only thing fully done. Prices were ~20% higher than their website. I pointed it out immediately. The response: "We haven't updated the website, I guess we should." Happy Hour menu clearly says "Half Off Bottles & Glasses" -- but they refused to honor it. Manager said it's "only Wednesdays," then added "it depends how you read it." "Cheesy" flatbread had almost no cheese. L'Americano pizza tasted good but was undercooked -- pale dough, flat pepperoni, cheese not fully melted. When I pointed it out, I was told "that's the way they do it in Naples." I've eaten plenty of pizza in Naples -- that's not how they do it. When boxing the leftovers, my server even joked, "Maybe when you reheat it you can cook it the rest of the way." Seating was visibly dirty -- stained upholstery and worn fabric. Server was great; management was not. I left after one glass and had a much better drink next door. Not recommended until they fix the basics. read more

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This review is for a private party we attended last night. Del Lusso's restaurant space may seem a little on the smaller side, but don't be mistaken, we had a party of 40 and there was plenty of room (all inside). And they didn't have to shut down the restaurant either. The party host was allowed to come in and decorate the place settings as well as bring in a mic and speaker for entertainment and speaking. It was a wonderful set up. As a party guest I was greeted just as if I was there for a private dinner. Each of us were asked what we'd like to drink and throughout the dinner the staff made sure to refill all of our drinks. I got an Arnold Palmer and hubby got a beer. Both were refilled at least once - mine maybe twice (strangely I can't remember - shows how seamlessly it happened). Even serving 40 people, basically at the same time, our dinners came out quickly and they were absolutely delicious. Everybody raved at how good the food was. I saw a lot of Chicken Parmesan, various pizzas and Pasta Fettuccine, etc. The servers were happy to help and make sure everyone had everything they needed. And as soon as people started finishing, they were boxing up leftovers and even placed them off to the side for us to pick up later. That made a big difference. It's the little things. The host brought a cake in for the birthday boy and allowed counterspace to cut and serve it as well. I'm telling you it was such a good experience. You really get personalized service and help here. The attitude of the staff was upbeat and hospitable. I never sensed stress or irritation, which really made a difference. The food was top-notch. The service was amazing and the place was comfortable. Why haven't I had a party here before? Haha read more

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Not sure what took us so long to try this place out but very happy we finally did! The gluten free pizza was outstanding! It was definitely NOT the prefab rice cracker crust most places offer! Apparently the meatball sandwich was outstanding as well! The service was also excellent! They have outdoor seating and are dog friendly! Also another plus read more

Del Lusso - Gluten free sausage mushroom pizza! yum! - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We come here often. The food and service both are great. You're always greeted with a friendly "Hello" by their staff or often the owner, Walter. My son loves their pizza. The dough is always light, soft and crunchy all at the same time. They have amazing pastas and refreshing salads. Wine list is delicious too. Coming here always feels like you're home being taken cared by Uncle Walter. The Spaghetti all Francisco and fettuccine ai Gamberri Rosso are my fav. Del Lusso never disappoints. read more

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Immediately amazing vibes as soon as my friends and I arrived. The owner, Walter, greeted and sat us. He told us a bit about himself and the food and asked us questions. He was so friendly and informative. Our waiter was also really nice! The food was phenomenal. You must try the flat bread and dip, it's the best I've ever had! We also got the slow roasted pork poutine, that was super good. The pastas we ordered was so good, we got the : Fettuccine ai Gamberi Rosso, Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, and Chicken Saltimbocca. Would get them all again! read more

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Pizza is amazing! Tried 3 different kinds, with meat and veggie and all were delicious! Beautiful charred crust! (IYKYK) Customer service is on point! read more

Update to my original review: It's been quite some time since I've last been here, as I've moved about an hour away. Per usual, the dough is PERFECT. Aside from the food, my favorite part about this restaurant is that it does NOT matter who's in the kitchen, the food is consistent and tastes great! We do vary from time to time, but my staples are still the L'Americano pizza (add ricotta), Amatriciana spaghetti, and OF COURSE: stacked caprese to start. Just as before, you'll likely have the chance to meet the owner at the restaurant. He's a great guy that clearly takes pride in the quality of food as well as the service you receive! If this place is on your radar, it's time you check it out! read more

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Service is fast and friendly and great for kids. There is a courtyard where kids can run around while you wait for food. Pizza is really good and you can tell they have a great dough and the pizza stove puts a nice crust on it. Pasta is cooked al dente and sauces are great. Casual place that can be enjoyed by anyone. Would recommend read more

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We've been hearing about Del Lusso for a while. Tonight we tried it. We got takeout. I normally don't like to review a restaurant until I've dined in a couple of times, but I feel like commenting tonight. We have family visiting from England, and more family visiting from Vista. Full house today. We didn't have enough cars to take everyone there, so we ordered a lot of food delivered. We were drawn to Del Lusso because of their extensive set of gluten-free offerings. One adult here today is seriously allergic to gluten (for real) so we ordered some gluten-free and regular versions of the same pasta dishes. And we ordered several pizzas. We were thrilled with all of the pasta dishes. Wonderful, both in regular and gluten-free versions. The standouts were Spaghetti Bolognese and Penne with Meatballs. Big-time winners. None of our group finished eating their pizza. Including me. It was OK, and they were very generous with toppings, but the crust was blah and it just didn't seem to be worth the calories. That might be caused in part by how long it took the delivery driver to get here, so I need to try Del Lusso pizza a couple more times before I write it off and keep searching. If I change my opinion I'll update this review. But tonight the green Carlsbad compost bins got about 40% of our pizza. read more

The reviews for Del Lusso great so we opted in. We came in on a rainy Friday evening. We were seated immediately by the very nice server. I got a glass of Barbara from their wine list. Unfortunately, upon leaving, I noticed they had a sign up advertising bottles of wine on sale for $15 from $45. I wish we had been made aware of the special before I ordered a $14 glass of wine. We would've definitely shared a bottle. The indoor space is on the dark side with seemingly opposing vibes - colored orb lights on tables, brick walls, and retro 70s era chairs. Mediterranean Salad - I enjoyed the ample amount of olives, and the flavor of the olive oil in the dressing tasted quality. The dressing was evenly distributed and the large chunks of feta were a nice touch. The regular size was perfect for 2 people sharing. Diavola Pizza (gluten free crust) - The San Marzano red sauce was light and flavorful, pairing well with the little chunks of Fior di Latte cheese spread around the pizza. They didn't skimp on the Napoli salami. The gluten free crust was pretty good, but quite soft. It was a thinner and chewy crust. The pizza could've used an extra minute or two in the oven to brown up a little more. The gf crust was an additional $8, which is on the higher end that I've seen. I meant to ask if they make it in house. Like the salad, the pizza was a good size to share between 2 people. Gelato - We were enticed by the Italian Pistachio, but they were out that day, so we opted for one scoop of Banana Dulce de Leche and one of Espresso. The banana dulce was SO flavorful with goopy chunks of dulce de leche throughout. The espresso was very good - not too sweet and packed a nice coffee-flavored punch. read more

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There are meals you enjoy, and then there are meals that recalibrate your expectations. Del Lusso Pizza firmly belongs in the latter. Having experienced pizza in Naples--where restraint, balance, and technique define the canon of true Margherita--I approach wood-fired pizza with a high bar and a fair amount of skepticism. Too often, restaurants chase char over structure, novelty over discipline. Del Lusso does neither. What distinguishes their pizza is not just execution, but intention. The crust is the centerpiece: a rare achievement that marries the airy chew of a traditional Neapolitan with a more developed, almost architectural density. It has presence--substantial without being heavy, elastic without being underbaked. The fermentation is evident in both flavor and texture, delivering a depth that most wood-fired pizzas simply lack. The balance of the pie is equally precise. The sauce is restrained, allowing the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomato to complement rather than dominate. The cheese is applied with discipline, melting seamlessly into the structure without collapsing it. Every element feels considered, purposeful. But what elevates Del Lusso beyond technique is something harder to manufacture: soul. The owner Walter moves through the dining room not as a figurehead, but as a host--shaking hands, making eye contact, creating a sense of place. His wife Patricia taking orders reinforces that this isn't just a restaurant; it's a craft, a family, a lived-in passion. In an era of polished concepts and detached service models, that authenticity resonates. It's easy to compare great pizza to Pizza Rock or even back to Naples itself--but Del Lusso doesn't feel like it's imitating anything. It feels like it understands the tradition deeply enough to interpret it. This isn't just one of the best pizzas I've had in California--it's one of the few that genuinely belongs in the broader conversation. read more

Del Lusso - Mushrooms were not sliced but cut in half. Sausage made in house - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

My wife and I were in town on a kid-free getaway and we ate here for dinner last night - split a pizza and salad. Huge portions, SUPER FRESH food, clean and a cool vibe with plenty of outdoor seating. It was so good we had to come back for a late lunch today. Definitely worth a visit. Service was amazing, friendly and well paced... they all took their time with us to make sure our experience was fantastic. The owner (Walter) is the real deal and we could tell he loves what he does and is very personable. Thanks, Del Lusso! FIVE STARS. read more

Del Lusso - Perfect place for a date. Walter (owner - left) is the best! - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

What a great spot -- Walter (forever Albert in my mind) has an amazing team and such great hospitality with Med & Italian food that is outstanding! Gluten free folks, the home made gluten free crust is so lunch better than what you get anywhere else. If you're not gluten freed well -- the pizza and pasta are amazing! Worth a visit or takeout! read more

Sausage & pepperoni Neapolitan perfection and service that feels like Sunday dinner at a relative's house, that's what keeps bringing me back to Walter's place. I don't usually have the time to leave reviews but this place is special. From the moment you walk in, Walter is at the front, greeting you by name, asking how your day is going, and remembering little details about past visits. He doesn't just take your order; he makes recommendations like he's cooking for his own family, checking in at just the right times and genuinely caring that everything hits the table hot and exactly how you like it. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and unpretentious, the kind of spot where you instantly feel like a regular, even if it's your first time. The sausage and pepperoni pizza is a textbook example of how Neapolitan style should be done. Soft, airy crust with beautiful leopard spotting around the edges, light crisp on the outside, and that tender chew in the center. What really sets this place apart is how consistently everything comes out at this level, thoughtfully crafted pizza, comfort classics done right, and a host who clearly takes pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen.  If you're looking for a place where the crust is blistered just right, the chicken parm is unforgettable, and the owner treats you like family, this is it. read more

Del Lusso - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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I want to give a 1 star for the food but the service and people helping out were so nice... But just take a look at my margarita pizza vs the others posted. Barely any sauce or cheese. Way too much basil. Couldn't taste anything else. I was looking forward to the food but it was just so disappointing. It was empty when I went so idk what the excuse is but I really hope you guys don't serve pizza like this again. read more

Del Lusso - No sauce or cheese in the margarita pizza. Way too much basil. - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This is my favorite Italian place to eat at in North County. Everything I've had in the menu so far has been nothing short of delicious. The portions are so big they last me 3 meals. Ingredients are always fresh, the food is perfectly cooked and seasoned. I love adding their breaded chicken to most of their pasta dishes. It's one of my favorite things in the menu. The pizza dough is light & the crust is thin so you can enjoy a few pieces without feeling like you're overstuffed. They have a great wine selection and have some killer specials during the week. The service is really great as well! Highly recommend this place read more

We normally go next door to eureka and tonight we decided to go here instead and it is the best decision we have made all week. By far the best service we have ever had a restaurant, Gavin gave great recommendations, interacted with the kids, and was always easily available. The owner came by the table to see how we were doing. The food was great, the wine was great. We will definitely be making this place a regular dinner spot. read more

After a long day at Legoland, Del Lusso has been our family's standard stop. Taking a break from the Legoland passes this year, we were in the area again and had to make another visit to Del Lusso. As luck would have it, I met Walter for the first time, and was very interested to hear about his journey from the tech industry (lots of good conversation and shared contacts) to an Italian restaurant in Carlsbad. I've never had a bad thing on the menu. I usually go for a pizza and salad. My kids love the pasta here. My wife was blown away by the taste of the flatbread (on the house, courtesy of Walter). Grateful to have really connected, and we'll be sure to visit again in the near future! read more

Del Lusso has become our absolute family favorite! Walter, Tricia, and the entire team have a way of making you feel like you're dining in their own home. ​The food is just as incredible as the service. When we're craving pizza, L'Americano is a must--the hot honey adds the perfect sweet kick to the savory pepperoni. Their pasta dishes are consistently fresh and bursting with flavor; while you truly can't go wrong with any of them, the spaghetti is my personal gold standard. read more

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If you're looking for a generic, cookie-cutter Italian spot, keep driving. But if you want the best pasta in the United States, you need to head to a business park in Carlsbad and look for Del Lusso. I'm visiting Carlsbad for the first time, and I still can't believe I stumbled upon this absolute treasure. Here is why you need to drop everything and go: * The Vibe: Don't let the business park location fool you. The second you walk in, you're family. * The Hospitality: Walter, the owner, is a legend. He welcomed me with such genuine warmth that I felt like a regular who'd been coming for twenty years. * The Food: I took Walter's recommendation and ordered the Fettuccine ai Gamberi Rosso. My goodness. It was phenomenal--perfectly balanced, incredibly fresh, and hands down the most delicious pasta I have ever had stateside. * The Service: The entire waitstaff was so kind, attentive, and genuinely helpful. They clearly take pride in what they do. It's rare to find a place where the food and the people are equally spectacular. Del Lusso is a true diamond in the rough. Whether you live here or are just passing through like me, do yourself a favor and pay Walter a visit! read more

Del Lusso - You'd never believe this terrific restaurant is in a business park. - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love family nights at Del Lusso. Delicious pasta & pizza, great service, and a fun outdoor patio with an amazing fire pit. Servers and staff are wonderful too. read more

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Great little lunch place with friendly staff and good food. I had the meatballs apps and the sausage and peppers. Delicious and genuinely prepared as healthy as one could do. We will be back. read more

Del Lusso - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

A Carlsbad Gem That Only Gets Better With Every Visit Del Lusso has officially become our home away from home; we make it a point to visit every single time we are in the San Diego area. It is a must-visit in Carlsbad for anyone who loves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a chic, modern twist. Whether you are out for a family dinner or a cozy date night, the atmosphere makes you feel like you're dining with family. The Food: Bold, Generous, and Addictive The menu strikes a perfect balance between comfort and vibrant, crafted flavors. The portions are incredibly generous--this is quality dining that doesn't shy away from indulgence. Appetizers: On our first trip, the Roasted Pork Poutine was rich and tender. This time, we tried the Shrimp Appetizer, which was spectacular in its simplicity, bathed in a fragrant sauce of oregano, lemon, and sea salt. The Mains: The Chicken Saltimbocca is a standout, but the pastas are the real stars. The Spaghetti all'Amatriciana (definitely add the meatballs!) and the Fettuccine ai Gamberi Rosso are packed with flavor. The sauces are so addictive we actually used our pizza crusts to sop up every last drop. Pizza: Their Napoletana-style pizza is a hit for all ages. The crust is thin and crispy, and they are not shy with the toppings--the Pepperoni and the Sausage & Mushroom are both highly recommended. The Wine Experience What truly elevates Del Lusso is their phenomenal, curated wine list. These aren't your standard bottles from a big-box store. Since we weren't familiar with many of the labels, the staff incredibly brought out tastes of nearly half the menu to help us decide. It's a level of service and discovery you rarely find. Final Verdict & Hospitality What truly sets this place apart is the heart behind it. The owner, Walter, is incredibly warm and welcoming; he makes it a point to stop by each guest's table to share a kind word and ensure everything is perfect. Between the clean, inviting ambiance and Walter's genuine hospitality, you'll leave not only full but truly satisfied. We already can't wait for our next visit! read more

Del Lusso - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We have been coming here for a few years now and it's really refreshing to see a place navigate through the challenging times restaurants face these days. Owners Walter and Tricia are extremely warm and welcoming and they always take such great care of us. My husband is obsessed with the roasted pork sandwich! My daughter and I usually share a salad and a pasta. Pizzas are Neapolitan style and the dough is delicious! Always enjoyable, and portions are ample so we almost always have leftovers to take home :) Huge BTG wine selection which is a plus for me! :)))) The servers are really sweet and genuinely care about your experience! We will continue to come support you guys! read more

A friend and I met for lunch at Del Lusso's in Carlsbad. It was our first visit to this excellent restaurant. We shared a sausage and mushroom pizza and a margherita pizza. They came out hot from the oven and smelled delicious. The crust is Neapolitan style (thin) and had a little char. The margherita pizza was light and fresh and tasted really great. The owner stopped by to tell us how he prepared the pizzas with San Marzano tomatoes and you could taste the freshness. While that was very tasty, the sausage and mushroom was my favorite! The owner said he makes the pork sausage in house, the mushrooms were plentiful and delicious and it had just the right amount of heat as it comes with some Calabrian chili flakes. The crust had just the right amount of chew. All in all, this place is a home run. Great outdoor seating (they have indoor as well). Our server was very nice and friendly as well as attentive, she took care of us very well. Definitely going back but taking my family as they will enjoy it as much as I did. Stop by and give them a go, you'll be happy you did. read more

Del Lusso - Sausage and Mushroom Pizza and Margherita Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Del Lusso in Carlsbad is the most inviting spot around. The food is outstanding, and the company is even better. It's truly a fabulous place to be. Five stars all day Cheers to Walter and Trish! And Hanna is always the hostess with the mostess!! read more

We tried to go here for my birthday around 5 PM on Saturday, but there was literally nobody working the front of the house to seat us or take our orders. To make matters worse, it's in a horrible location, smushed between multiple restaurants, and what I can only describe as a mini playground for little kids to run around burn off some energy. I just wanted to have some pizza and a relaxing dinner, but the environment was noisy and mildly chaotic, so we left. I wouldn't recommend going here unless you have some children that you want to unleash and give yourself a break from parenting. They might have good pizza, but I'll probably just go somewhere else next time. read more

Hosting a 24-person grad dinner on a Sunday evening is no small feat, but Del Lusso handled our group flawlessly! Walter and his staff were absolutely amazing. Before ordering, we asked about specific food allergies, and Walter personally reassured us and guided our choices, ensuring every guest felt safe and cared for. The authentic, wood-fired food made the experience even better. If you are hosting a special event or just craving authentic Italian, we can't recommend them enough. read more

We have been to Del Lusso twice now. The food was so amazing the first time, we knew we had to come back again. Because of the great food and service, this place will be one of our regulars. We had the meatball appetizer, Fettucine ai Gamberi Rosso, and Spaghetti all Francisco. All of them were excellent with really fresh and robust flavors. The only thing that topped that was the tiramisu dessert. It was so good, save room for that. Go Blue! 〽 read more

Meatballs, pizza, and dessert was amazing! Service was great too! I would definitely come back.

We were in earlier tonight. As others have stated the roll up window is open and there is no heat going inside. On the 54 degree night tonight we were freezing our butts off. We ordered a meatball starter and flatbread. The flatbread arrived hot and the dipping sauce was really good. The meatballs were lukewarm. They were good but I bet they would have been better if they were hot. Our entrees arrived...fettuccine Alfredo and pasta bolognese. The Alfredo was hot and the flavor was good but there was little sauce on it. I asked for extra sauce. The bolognese was lukewarm and did not have much sauce. We asked for more sauce for that as well. The extra sauce for the fettuccine was warm. The extra sauce for the bolognese was lukewarm. At this point we were so cold we just needed to leave. We boxed up our food to do so. The table next to us that was just seated got up to leave saying it was just too cold in there. As we were signing our bill I told the server about several of our items not being hot. He said he would speak to the kitchen. I saw him walk back to speak to the chef. He started shrugging and putting his hands up. There was no misunderstanding that he couldn't have cared less. Here's the thing...when it's in the 50's inside your restaurant you should at least serve hot food. That's why you should have temperature gauges on you...to make sure the food temp is good before you send it out. Hot food should be hot. Period. Also, when it's in the 50's inside your restaurant perhaps you should be thinking about ways to make it a more comfortable temp inside for your guests. Not to mention the prices are very high for that sort of restaurant. We will not return. read more

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The Del Lusso basil garlic dip is a gem! And that pizza dough... muah! Customer service is on point. A great conversation with owner, Walter, was a lovely reminder that the plates before us is a serving not just of food but of stories about the people that made that plate possible. Thanks you Walter & Trisha for all you have done for the community over the years. The space was relaxing,, modern and clean. Definitely felt like a place to chill and enjoy food and/or company without being rushed. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu but Del Lusso basil garlic dip will be on repeat for us! read more

Del Lusso - Very cool sign - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We had a delicioussssss potato pizza here--super good. We also had the chopped salad and poutine and they were delicious as well. We were here for Happy Hour and it was perfect. The outdoor tables were awesome. The owner is very friendly. Will return! read more

This place was a great find! Not only did we enjoy the yummy, farm to table creations of Walter and his team but we also felt like we found friends who we can visit when we're in Carlsbad. We'd highly recommend this restaurant ! read more

Del Lusso - With our hospitable host, Walter... - Pizza Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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The food, service and ambiance are all top tier at Del Lusso. I had the best Italian Chop salad I've ever had and I loved the coconut & espresso gelato. The flatbread came with the most flavorful herb infused garlic oil on the side and the wine & cappuccino made me feel like I was dining in Italy. The owner, Walter, was so kind and welcoming & the vibe on the patio was amazing as well. If you haven't tried this place, you must!! It is perfect for lunch, a date night or a get together with friends. read more

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