First time here tonight! We started with the pomegranate and arugula salad and the pear and arugula salad. Both were really good but I preferred the pear salad. It had a really nice raspberry smear on it that sweetened it up. Then we had the rigatoni gamberi alla vodka pasta (got the gluten feee option) and my hubby had the chicken al limone. We both would get them again. (Although I forgot to ask for low sodium. Next time I will) Then we got the dessert flight. Really good choice. We liked the tiramisu the best. And the nice touch I'd like to mention is that they really use nice cutlery. It makes a difference read more

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I wish I could say I was more impressed as the staff and service here was genuinely super nice and great. We came here on a wim as I knew most restaurants would be packed on a Friday evening. There were plenty of tables available for our party of 4. Decor and vibe were nice. I can imagine hosting a brunch or something in their outside patio. Carpaccio was good as was the Greca salad. We had the formaggio Pizette as well but my kids didnt like it bc the cheese was too fancy lol, but I thought it was good was the honey drizzle. The tagliatelle bolognese had a good sauce but was disappointed it wasn't tagliatelle pasta. They used linguine. I was mega excited to see Uni linguini on the menu but it was a bit too fishy for my liking. I prefer my uni linguini to be a bit more creamy. Overall, it was good. Might have to try their brunch but I think it was different twist of Italian food than I'm used to. But again, loved the entire staff. Everyone was nice and helpful!!! Which makes it worth coming back as you don't get that kinda service most places anymore. read more

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Came here on a Saturday for lunch. It was quite slow, which is totally unjustifiable considering how good everything was. The ambience was great and our server was very kind. Not only that, but I ordered a cappuccino, and it was clearly made by a pro, milk art and all. Both of our dishes tasted great (see photos) and everything arrived quickly. Hopefully this place is super busy for dinner but lunch here is definitely something I recommend. read more

Osteria Tavi - POLPETTE (MEATBALLS) - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Came here for a double date not long after they opened, and it was a nice experience! We sat on the patio which was decorated nicely but was unfortunately loud with the 101 and train tracks close by. Our server was friendly and knew the menu pretty well. We ordered garlic focaccia to share, the prosciutto e ruccola pizza, the calabrese pizza, the gnocchi alla sorrentina, and the aglio olio peperoncino pasta. All were decent tasting! The pizzas were a good size. They were out of a lot of the tap list, which was a bummer but we found other drinks to order. Overall with the abundance of other Italian restaurants in the area, I'm not sure I'll be back. But I'm glad I tried it! read more

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We were looking for a restaurant in the area and wanted to go local, so we found this through Yelp. We absolutely loved everything we ordered! I thought the hostess and our waiter were both super friendly. We did the trio gnocchi which I'd recommend doing. I was obsessed with the Gorgonzola cream sauce. We also enjoyed the chicken saltimbocca. The margarita pizza was good and a unique experience with the burrata being cut and spread table side, but I could probably go without this next time. They are also pet friendly on the outdoor patio! read more

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What a pleasure it is to finally have a reasonably upscale Italian restaurant in North County Coastal. Although there are an ample number of ristorantes in the region, they always managed to generally disappoint. As my nona would have said, it has been "mangiare male". Not so Osteria Tavi. The menu is eclectic and while it has a number of standards, there are also a number of dishes that are an interesting mix of regional fare and Pacific Rim touches. The food was surprisingly light and attractively plated. Even heavier dishes display delicacy of flavor. Heck, they do passable espresso drinks! I should also add that our first meal here included first rate service. Street noise from the 101 and the occasional train can make for loud dining if you are in their sizable outdoor seating area, but the restaurant itself offers very pleasant surroundings. And although there was one small hiccup not worth mentioning, I was both pleased and relieved to find a chef that seems to know his business. The highest praise I can give Osteria Tavi is this: it could reasonably compete with Italian eateries in San Francisco and New York. Andiamo! read more

It's a bummer we really wanted to love or even like this place - but couldn't get past the disappointment with the food and the astronomical prices for at best a mediocre meal. Service was very attentive and gracious, despite a few odd comments. He said he'd offer dessert but our table looked complicated and rough (because we had some plates with food leftover?) It was a chilly night and they only offered outdoor seating although it appeared as though there was plenty of indoor seating upstairs, maybe it was closed. They did have heat lamps and offered blankets, which was nice. Appetizers were fine, plain toasted bread 'focaccia' and a ball of burrata with a few tomatoes. The salads were also decent, one with lemon and the other with a hearty helping of goat cheese, which they split, also appreciated. The entrees though, couldn't get past. The gnocchi was practically inedible, solid oversized heaps of potato pasta in a garlicky sauce that was supposed to be cream Gorgonzola and truffle for $35. Two of our diners who discussed with the waiter they were vegetarian ordered a Calbrese pizza by accident instead of a Caprese. Yes they made a mistake but after an extensive conversation about being vegetarian the waiter still put in the pizza which was essentially a meat lover's special. They picked off the pepperoni and it was fine, but still a bit strange. The pizza crust was thick but seemed fresh enough. The other pasta dishes came out so fast I wondered if they were already made. Dinner for 3 pasta entrees, 1 appetizer, 2 personal pizzas, 2 salads, bread and a bottle of wine was over $350, with a fixed 20% gratuity for 6 (4 adults, 2 kids). Even if that was the best meal I'd eaten I would say it was a splurge. But unfortunately, this was a miss. We won't be going back. Rough and complicated indeed. read more

The name of the restaurant was the best part for me. It says Italian right off the bat. Service was nice and I got positive vibes. I asked for a table outside and he was happy to let me have it, so no drama. The pasta was good and the house red went well with the pasta. Expect to here the trains ruin the zen every 15-20 minutes! Get ready to spend about 120-150 for two people. read more

This place was amazing. The service and the food was good. So fresh! It's kinda hidden but glad I found this place to celebrate my sister birthday read more

Osteria Tavi - Wow this place is a hidden gem it was soo good!! Service was excellent. Food was so fresh and very tasty! - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

I am also really surprised by all of the good reviews. This place is newer and I personally didn't care for it. The pappardelle with mushroom and scallops was not good. It was fishy tasting and the pasta had almost a gluey consistency. There was also an avocado toast which it doesn't look like they have anymore and it was ok. Maybe other items are better but with so many good restaurants in San Diego I am probably not going to try this place again. read more

Wow! We found a hidden gem. Beautiful space and quaint place to hang out with friends but even better is the food and service. Everything we ordered was delicious. The highlights were the truffle pizza and pappardelle. If I'm ever back in SD, I'll be coming to try their other dishes. read more

MAKE THE RESERVATION. Discovered Osteria Tavi during Taste of Leucadia and was instantly intrigued. We had to return for dinner! This is definitely authentic Italian food done right. The service was flawless. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and just a pleasure. The chef made a personal appearance at our table, which we found delightful. The homemade pasta noodles were exceptional, and the halibut special was so delicious and perfectly cooked. And let's talk about the Tiramisu--it was hands down the best I've ever tasted! The ambiance is charming, with adorable decor and a wonderful vibe. Generous portions too. I definitely recommend it for your next brunch or special dinner outing. Plus we got a parking spot right out front, a rarity in Leucadia! read more

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Wow big shout out to Jacob, one man show on a Saturday night. The food and ambiance was perfection, cooked to our liking, we all left feeling happy and satisfied. Thank you again Jacob you truly did a stellar above and beyond job. We will be back on our next visit. read more

First and foremost, the food is Southern Italian with Rich gravy and great taste! One of the better Italian restaurants I've been to even taking San Diego into consideration. Food was excellent. The ambience was great. Service was on point. The bathroom on the outside of the restaurant which I don't particularly like, but that aside it's amazing. I met the chef he's incredible. Definitely going back!! read more

Service was spot on, meal came quickly and portion was large. Wine and dessert were lovely. Definitely coming back!

The Food is So fresh! Incredibly good, waitress was wonderful, and cute vibes too. We had 3 salads and the homemade bread is a dream.

The service here was decent, but the restaurant was pretty dead. Could also be because we went here fairly early in the evening. I ordered the cacio e pepe and it was mostly butter. The pasta itself was cooked perfectly, but the sauce had barely any pecorino Romano or pepper. There were also unnecessary microgreens topping the dish that didn't add anything. read more

I think I have eaten at most restaurants in Encinitas and the food at Osteria Tavi was definitely one of my favorites. The presentation is lovely We had a great server who was patient and attentive. It is honestly surprising to me that that it wasn't packed Apparently not enough people know about this restaurant. Take my advice- go! You won't regret it read more

Osteria Tavi - HEIRLOOM TOMATO BURRATA CAPRESE - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Service was great. The menu could use more protein forward items. The uni in my pasta was undetectable in the red sauce. Overall good experience. read more

Good meal on a Sunday night. Pretty sparse guests. Only one server and chef was cooking. All of the dishes we enjoyed were on point (caprese, goat cheese/beet salad, gnocchi sorrentina, lemon chicken, dessert medley). The house Chianti is serviceable. Server was attentive and gave good recommendations. Will return. They are a good addition. Pro tip, they have parking in the back alley behind the building. read more

Too bad, was looking forward to trying their food, but my order that they accepted on Uber Eats was cancelled because they claimed to be closed when the driver arrived. Now it's too late to find another place to deliver because they waited to tell the driver instead of cancelling or not accepting the order to begin with. Would not recommend ordering to go or delivery from this place and won't bother going in person since their service seems lacking. read more

What an absolutely amazing find! I happened to walk past and the establishment is very much attention grabbing. Once we sat down to eat we were confronted with amazing service. Our waiter was so knowledgeable about the menu and an all-around great person! In terms of the food it was 5-star. We've become accustomed to the great Italian food in Pacific Grove, but the food here is amazing! We had the truffle pizza, garlic focaccia, and the pasta bolognese which were all fantastic! In addition the orange wine and the rose were epic. Lastly, the ambience is fantastic. Do yourself a visit and pay this establishment a visit. If we did not live so far away we would be regulars! read more

Great Italian place in Encinitas! Food was great and excellent service. Super cute outdoor seating with great ambiance. read more

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Wow. What a rad place! Just came with a party and had apps and some pizzas but man was it GOOD! The pizza dough is so special. Has that fluffy crisp to it and it is DELICIOUS. I heard the fish is a must. read more

This is not your usual pizza and pasta joint. The pizza is gourmet and the Italian is as good as Vigilucci's. The staff are professional servers and the ambiance is super cool for a casual or elegant night. Very nice addition to the coastal community and super affordable! read more

The food was delicious! We ordered the quattro formaggio pizza and the pappardelle con porcini e capesante and they did not disappoint! Also, the Vermentino wine paired perfectly with both of these white sauce dishes. The servers were spectacular and super welcoming. Would definitely come back and recommend. read more

The Food was absolutely delicious, my party and I ordered the eggplant Parmesan and the heirloom tomato buratta caprese and the oysters for appetizers. They were all incredible good, the oysters were really fresh and the eggplant parm was very unique and super tasty. For entrees we got the calabrese pizza which was super good and unique. We also got the raviolone and the tagliatelle alla bolognese which were also very good. The bolognese was what I ordered and it reminded me of being back in Italy. Then finally we got the desert flight which let us try all the deserts. Our favorite was the tiramisu which was very different from a classic Tiramisu, much lighter and better in my opinion. Overall really good food, incredible service, and a very inviting atmosphere. Oh and good music! read more

Osteria Tavi - DESSERT FLIGHT - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Uhhh-mazing!!! NEW menu, fresh, delicious and chef-tastic!! Creativity, inspirational and felt like a relaxing speakeasy restaurant. The latte's are perfect and the authenticity of ingredients and service is outstanding. Highly recommend and we will be back! read more

We came here to celebrate my birthday and wow!! The food, service and vibe is awesome! We had a large group and all of them were impressed with the food and atmosphere. Must try the Montepulciano and oysters! So yummy and so happy to have this jem in Leucadia! read more

I dined in the restaurant, and would not recommend. It was very expensive for the portions. The Bolognese was tasty but small. The lemon chicken with pasta was flavorless and not worth it. They're outside. Dining area is cute with nice lighting. Although, I don't recommend this place. read more

Darling place!! Incredible food, creative menu and the service is delightful. I totally recommend and can't wait to come back!

Service was great. Food was underwhelming. Drink list was minimal. For some reason there was sage in everything.

5 stars! Came for the oyster happy hour. Menu was great, definitely need to come back to try the rest. Service was fantastic, chef came out and brought my daughter his special interpretation of an oyster Rockefeller to try for her for time and she loved it. The bar and decor are very nice too! read more

Osteria Tavi - Italian Near Me - Encinitas, California

Wow. Startled by the great reviews! The service, wine, and ambience were all totally fine. But the food was some of the worst Italian food I've had in a bit. The eggplant in the appetizer was cut crazy thick and barely cooked, and the mozzarella shreds weren't melted. The garlic foccacia was not actual foccacia but also had so much raw garlic we got ill halfway through eating it. The cacio e pepe was fine but more of a sauce than a traditional cacio. Our experience might have been totally different had we not ordered those appetizers but man. Those two. Woof. read more

Great service, fresh delicious food, nice ambiance. Prepare to spend approx $100 for 2 guests.

Our waiter was wonderful, which always makes such a positive difference. Ambiance is great. We live in Leucadia, so the train roaring past every now and then we don't mind. Others might. There were 4 of us - and each of us ordered a salad, entree and desert. We enjoyed our salad choices, so you can't go wrong. As for the entrees the Eggplant Parmesan received rave reviews. I had the A&O pasta, which was promising. It just needed a little more punch of flavor. Pasta was cooked perfectly and delicious. A pizza choice was also a big hit, along with the chicken dish. However - the best deal? The dessert flight. Get it. It's amazing. I'm not a big dessert gal, nor am I a big fan of chocolate. But oh my...each and every one of the 3 desserts offered were very good. With one of us claiming to "not like tiramisu" - even he said, "oh, that's good". All of us commented that this would be a great place to come back to for just a special later hour coffee & dessert. Food presentation was also well done. Definitely worth a return visit. MOST definitely on our list as a stop after an evening movie or theater for that dessert flight & latte. :-) read more

A very nice little restaurant on 101. Food was really good (especially the pappardelle with mushrooms & scallops) and the staff were super friendly read more

I went here for my birthday and we were a large party of 12. We ordered practically everything on the menu and everything was delicious. The vibe was AMAZING and the service was phenomenal. I will definitely be coming here again! read more

Top notch food and service. Excellent addition to Encinitas. I appreciate the neighborhood feel, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff has excellent knowledge of the food and wine. Nothing better than excellent food served without the pretentious that is too common in the restaurant scene these days. Service is a lost art and they nailed it! read more

The food is spectacular. Everything we ordered was amazing. I highly recommend this place. I'll be going back soon.