Garage Buona Forchetta, or as I'd like to call it, the gritty cousin of Buona Forchetta, is equally delicious but with a more laid back, grounded vibe. Handmade pasta and sauces need to feel homey and fresh to really call them italian, and GBF doesn't disappoint in that regard. Every single thing we ordered was delicious. Their specialties menu is great, but the star of any good italian place has to be their pasta. I love having the option to create my own by offering multiple options of ingredients. So don't be shy and order that pasta bowl you've been thinking about all week! read more

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Three Stars. I hate that I have to review this in such a way. The food is Amazing. I made a reservation and waited as walk- in's were seated over and over while my family waited. When the hostess was asked she said the table must be set up and gave serious attitude. That being said, the set of the place is interesting with tables in cars and even outdoors. The food makes up for it all! read more

The pasta here was pretty yummy, and I really enjoyed their focaccia bread it was very fluffy and fresh. I also liked that they add fresh cheese to your pasta or pizza. I had a taste of their Italian soda (I believe it was blood orange), and it was super yummy. I definitely recommend it. The only thing I would mention is that there was quite a wait to get our food, even though it wasn't very packed when we went. If you plan to come here I suggest coming with time. Also note: it does get loud inside. Overall it was still a pretty good experience. The staff members were polite and if I'm not mistaken the manager was walking around checking in and making sure everything was okay. I understand why they do that, but it was a bit disappointing they share tip. We felt like are waiter deserved the whole tip. read more

Soooo good. We ate off the specials menu and all three items were amazing. Beef cheek paparedelle, Gnocci and Zuccini soup. Super yummy. Service was also perfect. read more

This is one of my favorite dinner spots on Coronado! The gluten free pizza is so fluffy and chewy. They also do a gluten free garlic bread on pizza crust and have gluten free pasta! Servers are always friendly and attentive. Cute industrial vibe. Be sure to check it out around Halloween - they put up tons of decorations! read more

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It's been about 4 years since I last reviewed this location. We recently dined here 2 times within 2 days last week: 11/09/25 and 11/11/25. The first visit was to meet up with family that was visiting for the weekend. The second visit was to celebrate my daughter's birthday. We have been here at least 3 times per year since the last review. The place never disappoints us. My daughter had her HS Graduation dinner and her birthday dinner here in 2023. Needless to say, Garage Buona Forchetta is our fave location. On the 11/09/25 visit I ordered the Juna Pizza: Pepperoni, Sausage, drizzled with honey. It was ABSOLUTELY delicious as usual. The service was good and we sat at a clean table in the restaurant. On the 11/11/25 visit for my daughter's birthday we had an Open Table reservation. We were immediately seated after arriving. The place was pretty packed on this Veterans Day night. We ordered: 1 table appetizer of Focaccia Bread, 2 Chef's Special Roasted Pork Loin Shank in a red bolognese sauce and Pappardelle Noodles, Shrimp Gnocchi Pasta in Quattro Formaggi (4 Cheese) Sauce, 1 Lentil Soup, 1 Side of Broccolini with Prosciutto, and 1 Side of Brussels Sprouts glazed with balsamic reduction, and 1 regular menu item of Pappardelle Pesto Pasta. Our beverages were Blood Orange Italian soda in a glass bottle, 1 IPA Beer, and 1 Peroni Italian Beer. My daughter was served a mascarpone dessert with a sparkler for her birthday. Our server was very customer service oriented and friendly. He checked on us frequently and we appreciated this. We always come here because the food is great, the servers and staff are wonderful, and the Buona Forchetta brand uses really good and authentic ingredients in their food. Overall, another set of 5 star dining experiences within 2 days. read more

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My first time visiting this location. I came with a friend and we started with the Eggplant Tortino (3/5). It was good, but I would have preferred a bit more flavor, and the bread tasted like it could have been fresher. We also shared a side of broccolini (4/5). The flavor was nice, though I personally prefer my broccolini cooked a little less. For my main dish, I ordered the Bolognese with spaghetti (3/5). The portion was satisfying, but it was slightly too salty and oily for my taste. read more

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I ordered a pizza to go from the little walk up window and it only took 10 minutes to prepare The Giulia was so tasty. I loved the hot honey on the side, it really made the pizza . It's a great option for grab and go in Coronado read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Giulia pizza - so yummy - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

The Garage Buona Forchetta is a charming Italian restaurant located on Coronado Island. I spent one Saturday evening there, and it was just the vibe I was looking for This restaurant has plenty of seating, but it's such a popular spot that you may end up waiting for a table. There's exterior patio seating that's perfect for date nights or for people watching out front. There's also the main dining area (inside) that offers a lively atmosphere. There is also a backyard patio (covered). We sat in the backyard, and it felt like a lovely little outdoor dinner party. The entire restaurant is beautifully decorated. I like really appreciated the small Italian cars placed as decor. This is a converted garage/car repair shop, so, it seems fitting. But as someone who gardens, one of my favorite things was seeing the hanging planters out front (on the fences) that had both flowers and produce growing like pepper plants. This made me think they most likely compost, and I love restaurants that compost The menu offers a variety of Italian delicacies (antipasti, insalate, pizza, etc). There a vegetarian options as well. There is a beer, wine, and cocktail menu. There are also non-alcoholic options. I got the Sicilian mule, and the cup was neat, but it was really just a Moscow mule with a touch of grapefruit I like to think of myself as a pizza connoisseur, and I would recommend this one. It's Neapolitan style, lightly charred on the crust, thin, and flavorful. The base/bottom of the dough was slightly soft, but it was delicious. The carbonara was rich and tasty. With the pasta dishes you can choose which pasta you prefer which is a nice touch. We also had the calamari, which was fresh, but it had more of a fishy smell than I wanted lingering at the table. Still delicious Some tips: They do take reservations, and this spot is a popular destination, especially on the weekends. There's quaint market inside the restaurant and you can purchase groceries (mostly Italian), and these are components you might not find in a typical market or grocery store. They also have an extensive selection of wine that you can purchase and either take home or you can enjoy there (with a corking fee/up charge) Cheers!! read more

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Love the buona forchetta pasta! I switch the spicy marinara for regular marinara and get the fettuccine. Next time, I might ask for the marinara on the side :) read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Buona forchetta pasta with fettuccine - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

We came to the restaurant around 8:30 and were seated around 9. Street parking is very limited. The hostesses were lovely and really accommodating to our baby. They also welcomed our walk-in party of seven with a baby. One hostess even brought my baby a piece of bread after we ordered, which was so thoughtful. Unfortunately, our server did not match that level of service. He seemed rushed, didn't smile, didn't offer any suggestions, and didn't upsell. It felt odd because we were polite and attentive customers. My husband ordered the fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp, which he found very bland. The sauce barely stuck to the noodles and had a heavy milky flavor with almost no seasoning. Although it's not listed on the menu, our server said don't worry, we can make it! We now understand why this isn't on the menu permanently. The pizzas were authentic Italian style but also quite bland. We tried the fried pizza bites, but they weren't impressive. The frying didn't stand out and the sauces were over the top. Overall, the hostesses made a great impression, but the food and service from our server left us disappointed. We won't be returning. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Fried Pizza Bites - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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It is an expensive restaurant, requires advanced reservations, the large patio is table to table. The menu is extensive though they do not give you a lot of time to look at it. We ordered quite a few appetizers- and I would highly recommend making a meal from that alone. We returned the pizza - half cooked and soggy, rather spoiled the mood. The wine list is extensive and very good. Through the blasting speakers of the live music, with everyone having to shout over in one plastic covered patio, kinda of snaked the evening. I understand the other location on mainland is better read more

Waited for 15 minutes inside the restaurant after a 30 minute wait outside and walked out since service was so bad. Wanted to give this place a try but didn't have the chance to. Hostess was nice but that was the only experience we had. Complete waste of time read more

Delicious spot. Visited with my family for dinner and we got a lot of different dishes to try, and honestly everything was so good. No complaints at all. The lasagna was what I ordered and it was probably one of the best I've ever had. Super fresh, very flavorful, and the sauce had lots of meat. Normally lasagna leans more cheesy, but this one was rich and hearty and absolutely amazing. The Margherita pizza was really good, and the BYO pasta was solid too. We got the penne with cacio e pepe, which was simple and well done. Great meal overall and a place I'd definitely come back to again. read more

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Delicious food & great service. We ordered a pizza and the ingredients were so fresh. Highly recommend!

Great food and pretty large spot! We were shocked with how much space there was in and out of the restaurant! Service was great and friendly. We ordered the calamari, burrata, focaccia/cheesy bread, mushroom truffle prosciutto pizza, bolognese, and lamb risotto. Calamari - 5/5 - I liked it a lot! It was light and crispy, perfect for sharing. Burrata - 4/5 - I love burrata! I wish that there was something more to this dish. Focaccia/cheesy bread - 4/5 - tasty, pretty cheesy. The kids loved it! Pizza - 4/5 - tasty! This was probably my husband's favorite. Bolognese - 4/5 - loved the fresh noodles! The kids liked this one too. Lamb risotto - 4/5 - this was highly recommended by the staff. The meat fell off the bones and the risotto was delicious. I wish that it was a little more flavorful though. Overall, a great spot to meet up with friends and family! read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Mushroom, truffle, prosciutto pizza - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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I came tonight with my family, we were a big group- probably 14 people. This is not my first time here at this location or their other locations. Tonight, the service was a little slow. Although our waitress, Was very nice. And they were clearly very busy due to Christmas events. Everyone agreed the food was yummy. Chicken is always cooked perfectly, my brussel sprouts were amazing, I feel like my pasta sauce lacked the same consistency it usually has but It was still great. My mom had a couple margaritas and was on a good one. We had a vegan, and a vegetarian, in our family and they had great options for both, and everyone really enjoyed their meal. Their menu is VERY inclusive, Nobody felt left out read more

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My family's new FAVORITE MUST EAT AT spot in Coronado. All 7 of us came on a busy friday night, the service was fantastic, and our experience was amazing. We started off with Calamari and Brussel sprouts. Best calamari we have ever had, the batter was light and the rings were great. The Brussels were great too. Two of us got the Ciopinno (loaded with fish/Shrimp), Two others got the pasta with burrata, one pesto (very very good) and the gluten free pizza (also was a stand out). The espresso martini and mule were the favorite drinks. Can't wait to come back and try more! read more

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Loved the vibes, it felt like a nicer restaurant but in an old auto repair shop. The menu was expansive and I would have ordered so much from it. My sister and I shared the Martina pizza as well as the burrata caprese. Only things I would critique is the pizza had wayyy to much arugula on it and we wound up pulling a bunch off, felt like we had a salad on the pizza. I also felt like the outer crust was cooked nicely, but because of how hot the cook is it seems like they pull it out of the oven so the edges don't burn but the bottom of the pizza is left really floppy and moist. Flavors were delicious though. and I think once the summer tomatoes come in that caprese is going to be unreal. our server was wonderfully nice, and so was everyone that came and stopped by our table. read more

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The food and service are wonderful. I love their pasta. The atmosphere is fun and they have authentic Italian pasta for sale.

Visiting San Diego and this place had amazing pasta. We ordered fresh pappardelle pasta with their signature buona forchetta sauce made w cream & egg yolk & parmigiano, amazing! The wood fired pepperoni pizza was very good, and the garlic focaccia was excellent! My kids loved the food here, reservations are probably a good idea. We came a few minutes before they open for dinner on a Tuesday night and there were people waiting, but we got a table within 10min. after they opened. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Pappardelle w buona forchetta sauce, we could've kept eating this dish all night - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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Very good thin crust pizza! Service was awesome! Very cool automotive repair shop vibe! read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Seating area - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

Best pizza in Coronado! We love the Nicola pizza, but the Garage Buona Forchetta also has incredible breakfast too. We love getting coffee and chai tea at the cafe in the morning and pizza to go in the evenings. They make the best Chai Tea! We love the takeout window with the Cafe attached. The service is fast and kind and the ambiance is very Italian. This is definitely our go to pizza place in Coronado! read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Nicola - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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There is a walk up cafe where you can order coffee and desserts. We visited for a sweet treat. Ordered a cheese cake slice with strawberries on top and a lemon bar for $13. The desserts were not too sweet. The cheesecake could have had more of a crust to it for our liking. The lemon bar has a nice fresh lemon taste and was not too tart. There is a main restaurant and a market place attached. We just didn't make our way into the other spaces. Selections looked great for all ages and casual. read more

This was my first time at this location! I've been to the one in south park a couple of years ago. Came here for a friends goodbye dinner and the food was good/average. I got a risotto dish and we all shared a bit of our dishes with eachother. Pizza, pasta, risotto, salad and dessert. The place is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting! Our service was great! Our waiter knew everything about the menu and was helpful. Overall, it's nice spot and a night out with great friends! read more

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We were disappointed by the service we received last night. This is our go to date night spot. We had a reservation, showed up 10 minutes early. The hostesses were rude and not welcoming at all straight off the bat. We got sat a table in the middle of the isle of where you shop when there were many open tables. Our waiter was good when he showed up definitely didn't check in with us very much. The food was amazing as always. Just disappointed with the service and hope there's improvement next time we go. read more

The best Italian food on the island! We ordered the Regina Margherita pizza, the Sergio pizza, and an order of the Buona Forchetta Pasta. Delicious!! Loved the creamy pasta combined with the marinara on top and the Margherita was to die for. Portions are very generous-- 3 of us split these dishes and we still had leftovers. Complimentary bread service is always a plus! Garage Buona Forchetta is a great option on Coronado for a nice Italian dinner for families or date nights. The ambience is lovely with dim lighting and the decor is really cool. There's even a shop inside the restaurant where you can buy groceries and other products from Italy. Waitstaff was friendly! There are locations all over SD and a couple in OC, but this one's my favorite :) read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Regina Margherita pizza, Sergio pizza, and Buona Forchetta Pasta - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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Baked lasagne was over cooked and greasy. Beet salad had a white vinegar sour dressing. Almost inedible. Sadly, we ordered three of them and no one liked theirs. read more

Oh Garage, how much I love your gluten friendly calamari and gluten friendly pizza crust. I was excited to come back and enjoy a meal with family here this 4th of July holiday. Service was great and I love sitting in the outdoor area because the weather is amazing. Looking forward to next year! read more

Every time I go to garage I leave wanting more. The minute you step in, you feel like you're in Italy. The vibe of the place is so welcoming, with a cute little shop at the front. The service is amazing and food is so good and comes out quickly. Pictured is just one of my many meals I've had here, and as always I keep coming back for more. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Fettuccini with bueno forchetta sauce - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

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I loved this place a ton! The service, the food, the place itself and they're soooo dog friendly! I have nothing but positive reviews for this place. Located in Coronado, Garage Buona Forchetta has lots to offer. It's not far from the Del and the Beach. Parking isn't the greatest but it's not bad! There's a good amount of street parking everywhere. There's also a lot next to it, wasn't sure if you have to pay for it though. The restaurant itself is super spacious and clean. They have plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, and their little market is also very clean and organized too. Service was really good as well. I had no issues with anyone. The hostesses were super kind and they were even super kind to my dog. I'm not sure if she was a manager or not, but the woman who took our order was so kind and it seemed like she was trying to get to know her customers. She also recognized us because we've been to the Liberty Station location as well! I liked that the servers were even personable with the customers as well! Food was delicious! We had calamari and focaccia for appetizers. Calamari was flavorful and not too oily. Portion was generous! Focaccia was really yummy. It was freshly baked and flavorful. We had the eggplant parm, a pizza, carbonara and a pear salad for entree and all were delicious as well. I really liked the carbonara the best! The Panna cotta was delicious and my favorite! It wasn't too sweet and it left me wanting more. People may think that this is on the pricier inside, but I think you get what you pay for. The food is good and the service is good, I honestly think this place is worth it. And as of right now, I can say this is probably my top spot for some good Italian food in Coronado! read more

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Went last Monday night and although Yelp shows open they were not. Also while out front looking in the window for a sign of life, two separate people asks if we were also there to pick up orders they had paid for and confirmed in app. We said no but seemed odd no note or hours listed on door even though it clearly showed open on Yelp. read more

I could've eaten here multiple times since they have a very dietary restriction friendly menu. I enjoyed a gluten and dairy free pizza that was fantastic and there's crust was so crispy. Also got the artichokes which were fantastic. Service was great and fast! Our server was very friendly and attentive. They open at 1130 and just their coffee shop open at 11a. All of us were a little confused and came by at 11 but had to wait. The rest of my party loved their lasagna and pizza. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Gluten free dairy free pizza - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

First time dining at Garage. This place was recommended by a friend. Love trying new places. This place did not disappoint!! The vibe is magical. This restaurant was a car repair place long ago. The decor of the restaurant is amazing. Now for the food. The garlic bread is delicious. The special seafood pasta with shrimp and all other goodies was tasty. Now the pizza I decided to try a gluten free pizza just to compare the rate of a regular dough pizza and it was amazing!!! There was an up charge for gluten free but if you need to order this type of pizza it's tasty and delicious. There is a corkage fee of $20 if you decide to bring your own bottle of wine. Definitely give this place a try and the service is great. Junior and Anna was friendly and willing to answer our questions about the restaurant. read more

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The outdoor seating here is lovely and the times we've come on a Saturday for lunch and for dinner we only waited 5-10 minutes for a table for 4. The garage theme is so fun and there are lots of great details to notice, including a table for two inside of a little red car in the middle of the garage. The Nicola I can still remember the taste of a month later because it was so good. Perfect amount of salty prosciutto, mushrooms and cheese. The pizza dough here is so soft and it cooks so quickly you only wait about 5-10 minutes for your food. Delicious. Lina is a bit spicy but with the right amount of honey to cut through it with sweetness. Another great option. Everything we've purchased at the front store has been excellent - especially the fig jam and bruschetta mix. read more

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Really cool spot! There's a little Italian grocery section at the front of the restaurant. There's also plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The ambiance inside is very nice, and the patio has some coverage and also heaters. Regarding the food, I absolutely loved that they had clearly labeled vegan options (several). It was all around a great experience, with friendly and fast service. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Vegan bolognese, made with TVP - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California

The food is delicious. The owner, Marco, was so helpful. Nick was great and a happy server. The food arrived quickly and tasted so authentic Italian. Overall, highly recommend!! read more

Phenomenal spot. Came in for a large birthday dinner off of a friend's recommendation and loved it. Drinks, food, and service were all fantastic! I don't think we'll ever come back to the island without coming here. read more

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I'm so sad I don't live closer to this restaurant. Although, I just found out they have multiple locations. Yay! I dined here recently with my sister-in-law, who is quite difficult to impress, and we were both blown away. The pizza came out looking incredible, and it tasted even better! You can build your own pasta dish. Fresh pasta! I can't wait to bring my daughter, who is vegan/vegetarian. Their menu is very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Also, the prices are actually reasonable. The service was stellar. Our server was very polite and helpful. He was quick and efficient without making us feel rushed. read more

Easy place to eat at with groups. Parking is limited though, but you're in Coronado, so it's kind of expected. Service is friendly and polite. Food came out fairly quick and all at once. Lasagna was delicious! I've also had their pizza and it was good too! I would come back again. read more

Garage Buona Forchetta - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Coronado, California